Expat Life in Thailand – Religion and Daily Life.

Expat life in Thailand for most is a life of incredible contradictions. Everyday life is governed by religion as well as cultural traditions. It’s quite a surprise for many how expat life in Thailand is so closely intertwined with Thai religion and culture. They are the corner stones of society and thus deeply embedded in everything that happens around you.

Thai Culture.

Its time to experience Thai culture now! It is a mix of traditions from China, Laos and its own Thai culture. Thai people are reported to have originated in China then migrated to Laos and then to Thailand about 1200 years ago.

The Thai culture revolves around their royal family and religion. Thailand was an absolute monarchy till the end of the 19th century where the king had absolute authority over life and death. The royal family are the head of religion in Thailand as I understand it guide it alongside daily cultural practices.

During any given year the King appears at a multitude of Buddhist religious ceremonies with duties from planting the first seeds of the growing season to washing the Buddha statue in the temple at the kings palace. His primary place of residence is in Bangkok known as Kroong Tep in the Thai language.

Expat life in Thailand Good & Bad Days.

Thai people are governed by their own calendar which specifies auspicious and non auspicious days. These are often on Thai calendar so to make your Expat life in Thailand easier I recommend you haven one hanging on the wall of your home.

Buy a New Car – Bike?

If your planning to buy a new car or build a home specific things MUST be done on auspicious or good days. These are all listed on a Thai calendar I mentioned previously. You can head into town any day you please to look with your partner. Select a shiny new car or motorbike and sign on the dotted line. Understand that if it’s not an auspicious day your Thai partner is probably not going to let you take it home yet.

Ownership.

Paperwork often takes a little while so once you have paid for the car, signed on the dotted line which only your THAI PARTNER can do you may be able to take your toy home. Expats as far as I know cannot buy cars on their own. If you know differently let me know in the comments. The dealership will likely tell you when you can pick the car. It could be today, in a few days or in a couple weeks.

Personal Experience.

When we purchased our car we had to wait about a week and a half before we could go and get it. So so frustrating especially when you don’t understand why you can’t take it home on the day. I’m sure there have been some confused expats scratching their heads and even making a scene because they what the car today. This is all part of expat life in Thailand. Everything must be blessed and it happens on good days.

Get Blessed & Bai Dang.

OK, the big day has now arrived and your the happiest expat in Thailand picking up your new car. Head to the dealership and no doubt be greeted warmly by the staff. You will probably notice a few cars ready to go with a ribbon on the bonnet. A quick photo oportunity for the yard then a guide around your car and your away.

Bai Dang.

A very big deal is having the red number plates organizing for your car or bike. These are a tradition and a bit of a status symbol to Thais. They are proud and want everyone to know they have a new car. You get your cars actual plates in about a month. The red number plates known as ‘Bai Dang” in Thai and are a status symbol. You return these when you get your correct plates.

Blessing.

It is very likely you will pass by a temple and see MONK (Pra) on the way home or the next day. The monk will bless your car to keep it safe from anything evil. Yep it’s a thing and it’s super important to Buddhist Thai’s.

They will walk around your car blessings them splash water on it. Then inside the car they use a white cream to put some dots and words above your head on the inside roof liner. The last item is wrapping string around your steering column. String is used in nearly all blessings. Now your fully blessed nothing will ever happen to you apparently.

Bless my House.

An important part of you expat life in Thailand I am sure you will want your own home. The whole buying process is a bit of a mystery I have to say. We met a recommended builder, drew some floor plans out and whalla it appeared some months later. We built on existing family block but it was legally sub divided. We have our own address. It was all organized while I was back in Australia working. Easy. My wife says very stressful.

She would get a panic call from the family when the builder wanted her to select roof tiles, pain colors, wall and floor tiles etc. Yes I had an easy time of it and my wife plus family did a great job of selecting everything. I have an awesome extended family I have to say. OK on we go!

Land Land Land.

The first task is land. Where do you buy? Land in a village or established town is probably very safe to purchase.

Note: Unless you have a special visa you cannot own land in Thailand yourself. It will be in your Thai partners name or a business name with Thai partners also I understand.

You have no say in what happens to this land and the home built on it should you leave your partner. There is no 50/50 rule on divorce that I know of. It’s gone! Know this now! An apartment is a different story. More on this soon.

Land Ownership.

It can be very convoluted if the land owner has died or their where about is unknown. I had this experience. It’s a big problem. Best avoided. This situation is fraught with danger and I would find another house or free block.

Ex Farm Land – Extreme Caution!

I see land that has been previously a farm block being sold quite often. If you see rice paddies all around your block that has been built up to road level you should hear some quiet alarm bells in your head!

“Danger Will Robinson.”

Caution here is prudent. A lot of expats and Thais in Thailand have purchased these blocks only to find out later they are government land and only for Thais to grow rice. On mountain sides in government forests are also examples of people building homes and resorts where they shouldn’t have. Lost the lot and no compensation.

Is There a Land Title?

You must ensure it has its own land title. Your family I am sure will know but you should ask for your piece of mind! I have seen big homes owned by expats pulled down with no compensation on the news. Don’t put yourself in this situation please.

Apartment Option a Safer Bet.

It is legal for expats in Thailand to buy apartments. These can be built anywhere and there are companies building new apartments aimed at Expats and more affluent Thais. These are often in resort areas as well as bigger towns and cities. Here provides some security with your ownership. You could possibly buy on your own before a partner has a say. Not sure how this works should you separate. Ask a lawyer!

Lifestyle Choices.

Where you live comes down to a lifestyle choice. Do you want to live with your partner and other westerners? Do you desire the seclusion of a small town or village with your partners family nearby. Thai people generally want to be near their families. Take the time to ask. Thai society is still super family orientated.

Hua Hin Appartment.

I know an Aussie friend who purchased in Hua Hin with his Aussie wife. They purchased sight unseen and It could have been off the plan. I would recommend you check out the companies background first. You could pay a deposit and be left high and dry. Their experience was good I understand. These apartments are more akin to a hotel with pools and gyms as part of the deal. There will be standard yearly costs for upkeep of the gardens, pool, amenities.

I’m Building a Home.

So you found land and decided to build. In keeping with Buddhist tradition you have to get the foundations blessed just before you pour the cement. This is done early morning by monks. Your Thai family will likely organise it all and once done its party time. Yes inevitably there is a little celebration before the building commences.

Build Time.

Your average home takes a few months to get built. It’s fun watching it grow. If your lucky enough to be there you can ensure your getting the best home possible.

The homes are most often cement foundations with cement support pillars. There are clay/cement bricks used to complete the walls and I see steel framed roofs with tiles most often.

Design Ideas.

The design can be of your own design, there are also companies with designs for you. Quite interestingly if your driving around and see a house you like it’s not a surprise to the owner if you visit and ask for a quick look. Thais are very proud of their homes. Always happy to show it off.

I know its done because the family and I did it visiting a home owned obviously by a westerner by its design. The wife happily showed us around.

Building Costs!

This is a dangerous are to be saying actual costs. I’m going to be very broad on costs because depending on when, where and who you build with will vary greatly.

Already having the land you should be able to build a 3 bedroom two bathroom home with one living area and a carport for 1.5 -2 Million Baht. That’s about $70,000 to 90,000 baht. Want a mansion then up to maybe 10 Million without furniture and curtains maybe. It’s a how long is a piece of string question. There is no definitive answers. It depends on what you want.

The House Warming.

Expats in Thailand are no different to anyone else and a new home needs a house warming. The big difference in Thailand is the home has to be blessed before anything or anyone can move in. Here you need again to consult the calendar for a good day! There is a very strict process and every house warming. I have been to a few and they are nearly identical. There is a template your Thai family will know. Just get your finances ready to pay for the big day.

House Warming Plan.

House warmings start with putting up tents, chairs and tables for guests. Collateral Store has all these available in most but not all villages. Book the monks for the early morning blessing. They require a donation and possibly new orange robes.

Book a DJ. The family will know the local one. Normally singers are also booked. These mostly are young ladies who are good singers who wear skimpy clothes. The drunk men and women put money in their cleavages. Yep they make quite a bit especially if endowed well. Yeah I know but it’s just what Thais do. No harm, no fowl!

Organize food to feed everyone. Normally a couple pigs plus vegetables and rice. Again the whole thing will be organized seamlessly without your input be assured. You will just need to pay for it.

Neighbours Help

In a village situation your neighbours often come help cook. All the kitchen ware, chairs, tables and tents are village property. Free to use and must be returned clean.

The men help fetch and set up the tents, tables and chairs plus kitchen area. There is normally an electrician who sets up fans from the community store as well as lights for the evening. Yes this goes till late so be rested. The first few are fun but they get draining after a while. Personal experience speaks here!

Drinks Plan

Drinks are important so order Ice and probably get big iceboxes from the community store. Buy lots of Chang beer as well as Hong Thong which is the Thai favorite spirit. Personally Sang Som is much better but it’s part of the format so go with it.

Have Fun and Enjoy!

Have an enjoyable and probably tiring day. You will meet and get to recognize the village drunks. Yes there are always a selection who drink well into excess. You will also meet some fantastic people.

More to Cover!

This is just the tip of the iceberg so I think it’s best to leave you lacking your wounds at this point. Want to know more about Expat life in Thailand, look through the posts for more information.

Author.

Brendon McAliece has travelled, lived and visited Thailand for about 40 years. He speaks fluent Thai, Neaua ( Norther Dialect) and some Lao. He currently lives with his Thai wife of 37 years in a small village out of Chiang Rai.

More Thai Posts:

• How to Survive a Hospital Stay in Thailand.
• How to Order Food Like a Native Speaker.
• How to Cook Thai Fried Rice and Make it Spectacular.
• Thailand Village Life – Expats Point of View.
• Expat Life in Thailand – Religion in Daily Life.
• How to get a Spouse Visa – Stay in Thailand.
• Thai Expat Guide to Culture and Daily Life.
• Thai Language Beginners Guide.
• Women in Thailand – What Are they Really Like.
• Thailand Life – Will You Go Crazy in the Village?
• Is Thailand Safe – Guide for Tourists.
• Thailand Land of Smiles!