FAQ

Can foreigners buy property in Thailand? Yes, but with important restrictions under Thai law.

1. Condominiums

Yes foreigners can own condominiums (freehold).
* You can own your condo unit in your own name.
* But foreign ownership in any one condominium building must not exceed 49 % of the total floor area of all units

So you can own a condo, but there must be available quota for foreign buyers in that project.

 2. Houses & Land

Foreigners generally CANNOT own land outright in Thailand.
* Land ownership is restricted to Thai citizens or Thai majority owned companies.

What alternatives exist?

Long-term leasehold (Lease):
You can sign a lease for land (often up to 30 years), and this can be registered with the Thai Land Department. Many foreign buyers lease land on which they build or place a villa.

House ownership on leased land:
You may own the building/structure, but not the land it sits on, unless it’s via a registered lease.

If you need police help in Thailand?

Emergency police number: 191

Call 191 if you are in immediate danger or need urgent police assistance.

Tourist Police (Recommended for Tourists)

Thailand has a dedicated Tourist Police service to help foreign visitors.

Tourist Police number: 1155

When you get sick in Thailand. Where should you go?

Emergency Situations. Call 1669 for emergency medical services (nationwide).

Go to a private hospital or clinic.

Private hospitals in Thailand offer international-standard medical care, English-speaking staff, and short waiting times.

Best choice if you: Have travel insurance
Need fast and reliable care
Don’t speak Thai
Need specialist treatment
Examples: Bangkok Hospital, Bumrungrad International, Samitivej, Phyathai

Excellent care
Clean and modern facilities. English-speaking doctors

Pharmacies
Many minor issues can be treated directly at a pharmacy:

How can you travel around Thailand?

Thailand offers many easy, affordable, and safe ways to travel, both short and long distances.

Air Travel in Thailand: Major Airports

Bangkok

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Serves both domestic and        international flights
• Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) – Mainly for domestic and low-cost airlines

Provincial Airports

Such as Chiang Mai (CNX), Phuket (HKT), Krabi (KBV), Samui (USM), Hat Yai (HDY), and others.

Traveling by Public Bus in Thailand

Types of Buses

• Intercity Buses

Connect Bangkok with other provinces and operate routes between provinces.

• City Buses

Used for transportation within cities, such as public buses and songthaews (shared pickup trucks).

• Private and Coach Buses

Provide long-distance services, including standard and VIP options.

Major Bus Terminals

Bangkok

• Mo Chit Bus Terminal – Serves northern and northeastern routes
• Ekkamai Bus Terminal – Serves eastern routes
• Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) – Serves southern routes

Provincial Areas

Each province and district has its own bus terminal.

Travel Time (Examples)

• Bangkok – Pattaya: approximately 2–3 hours
• Bangkok – Chiang Mai: approximately 9–10 hours
• Bangkok – Phuket: approximately 12–14 hours