Moving to Thailand | KIS International School, Bangkok

Thai Culture

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Before Arrival to Thailand

There are many things that you have to complete before you begin your journey to the airport! This is a stressful situation at the best of times, but COVID has really impacted any teacher trying to get into a new country.

The KIS HR team is very knowledgeable on what documents are required to get teachers into Thailand, but location of your departure may also require travelers to have additional paperwork.

With so many variables, it is best to directly reach out to the HR team to get answers.

Helpful Apps

Packing

We recommend that you bring a reasonable amount of cool, comfortable, and professional/presentable clothes and footwear. Linen and cotton are ideal materials. You won’t need to bring winter clothes but might want to bring some light sweaters or jackets for cool nights on the beach, while on air-conditioned buses, or if you travel to cooler climates.
The clothing – including underwear – sold in Thailand is generally smaller than clothing available in western countries, unless you buy international brands. For women, American size 8 is about the largest dress size you will find, but 6 is the norm. For men, the largest pant size is usually a 38. Women may purchase shoes up to size 8 or 8.5, but again, that is the largest and is less often available.
It is easy and quite cheap to have clothing made here. A wide-variety of material such as silk is available in shops, stalls and malls throughout the city. Finding a seamstress or tailor is not difficult. They can generally duplicate an item that you have or work from a picture.
The dimensions of Thai beds are slightly different, although they are similar to double, queen, and king sizes. Since you won’t know the size of your bed in your apartment, you might not want to bring bed sheets. KIS will provide you with 1 set of sheets and pillowcases for your arrival and it is easy to buy sheets in department stores, markets and supermarkets. However, top-sheets are not commonly sold here and you may want to bring a couple.
Overall most things are easy to find and buy or order in Bangkok. There are many substitutes imported from other countries that are often less expensive. If you are taking a specific brand of medication or contraceptives, you might want to bring at least a year’s supply.
Electricity in Thailand: 220V AC, 50 Hz, two pin plugs are standard.

Items from Home

We surveyed teachers about the things that fill their suitcases when they return from their home countries. While some teachers are perfectly happy with the products available in Thailand, others prefer bringing their favorite brands from home. Here is the list of items that are on various packing list:
1. Toiletries: Deodorant, femine hygiene products, make-up for darker complexions
2. Food items: chocolate, vegan products
3. Clothes: difficult to find sizes that fit for larger body types (16+), swimsuits, underwear (bras, etc)
Correspond with any KIS teacher if you want more specific information on what is available in Thailand, especially when it comes to teaching materials.

What to Wear

To be a teacher in Thailand is to be in a place of honor. Teachers are to live an exemplary life before their students, their parents and the community.
Although the offices and classrooms are air-conditioned, most teachers opt to wear short sleeves and comfortable clothes. Male teachers are required to wear shoes, pants, and shirts with collars. Shirts may have short sleeves and while not required, wearing ties is judged as professional by many in the community. PE teachers may wear sport shoes, T-shirts and shorts of a modest length.
T shirts, jeans, shorts and flip flops are not allowed unless indicated by school leadership. (ie: special events such as sports day or field trips where you will be outdoors for longer periods of time.)

Shipping Goods

People bringing their belongings into Thailand from different parts of the world have different stories to tell about their experiences. Most of these stories are positive. It is important to be aware that Thai Customs Offices may not operate in the same way as Customs Offices in other countries. Regulations in Thailand may, and do, change. Consequently it is best to consult with the company that will be shipping your items to Thailand as they will have the most up-to-date information.

An important point to remember is that once you have your Thai work permit, you will not need to pay import tax, which can be quite high. So if you can delay sending your goods until you have a work permit, you will be better off financially.

Importing Pets

Thailand makes it pretty easy on pet owners, relatively speaking. There is no quarantine for dogs, so as long as you have the right paperwork, you’re good to go. Before any of the below, check with your airlines to ensure that they allow pets. Some airlines will allow pets in cabin, as long as they meet certain size requirements.
1. Get dog’s rabies shot more than 40 days but less tan 6 month prior to arrival.
2. Health certificate verifying dogs health and breed
3. Above documents authenticated and endorsed by the USDA, or your home country’s Department of Agriculture.
4. Thai import permit.
Any of these steps and procedures are subject to change at any time. Please use the Thai embassy website for updates.

Recommendations

DO NOT put any food items whatsoever in your shipment (even if they’re non-perishable). It’s not worth the drama. Carry them in your suitcase.

If you can wait until you have your work visa before having your goods shipped to you, then do so.

Make sure your full name (including your middle name) is on all documentation. Whatever names are listed in your passport, include them.

Upon Arrival

Accomodation

There are many online housing agents, and you can often reach out to them through LINE to enquire about various properties that you see online.
There are many factors that influence the quality of life in Bangkok. One major aspect is the time spent traveling to and from work every day. Some teachers prefer to live in other areas of Bangkok (i.e. Sukhumvit / Thonglor) and are happy to have a longer commute, and some prefer to live close to school so that they do not have to deal with Bangkok’s traffic every day.
KIS offers daily transportation to and from the Thai Cultural Center or the Huay Kwang subway stations. These stations are only 3/4 stops away from the Sukhumvit (downtown) area. At Sukhumvit subway station you can transfer to the BTS (Sky Train).
It’s a common practice to work with multiple agents. Each property agent has access to different properties so it’s in your best interest to tour properties using a variety of agents.

Words of Wisdom: You’ll probably experience viewer’s fatigue. Take videos of each property so you can go back to review it when making your final decision.

These agents have been used recently by new KIS teachers:
- Ms. Diane (this is the most recommended!)
  - +66 82 655 4666
  - By far the best I’ve dealt with. Has listened to what I want and has been searching hard for me. Part of Thai property guide. Definitely on the more upscale side of things.
- Ms. Lana
  - +66 86-324-9694
  - Highly recommended for the downtown (Sukhumvit) area.
- Mr. Chan
  - LINE id: kunlachan2529
  - On the more local side. He has found cheaper places but not in the main areas. Not as professional looking, but has listened to what I would like and has been searching
- Ms. Muay
  - +66 98-394-1553
  - E-mail : Agent_GenZ368@gmail.com
  - Line: Nareesox.(หรือจิ้มลิ้งด้านล่างได้เลยค่ะ)
  - Link : https://line.me/ti/p/4Qn7dimSw8
  - Fanpage: AgenZ property
  - Not great English, but she has found a lot of places on the cheaper side that have fit my requirements, although many are “cheaper” places.
There are many online housing agents, and you can often reach out to them through LINE to enquire about various properties that you see online.
- Sense Property

Housing Options

There are plenty of options and in a wide variety of price ranges and quality. It is best to take your time and shop around and talk to various staff members about where they live and options that they may know about. Above all don’t rush into any decisions, as it can be hard (and sometimes impossible) to get your deposit back if you decide you don’t like your choice.
You will have to pay a one or two months deposit plus your first month’s rent when moving in and you’ll have to make arrangements to have those funds available. The HR staff are available to answer any questions you may have.
KIS surveyed faculty over the past few years to get detailed information on where they were living. Please use the link below to access that information.

Useful link: Currency converter www.xe.com

Kitchens in Thailand

A big difference to western style homes is often the kitchen, or lack thereof. Thai apartments and even houses may not have a “full kitchen” but a pantry with a work bench, sink and an electric hot plate or one or two gas rings. The gas is usually provided in a large tank that needs to be changed when empty.

Thai food is very affordable and many Thais (and foreigners living in Thailand) simply buy their meals at local restaurants or with street vendors. Traditional Thai dishes are prepared in a wok, hence the absence of a western styled kitchen in the majority of traditional Thai homes.

Apartments or houses with western style kitchens can be found but they tend to be more upscale, which translates to more expensive.

FAQs

Apartments vs condo? Apartments are investment properties managed by a property manager. Condos are owned by individuals.

Is there negotiation which occurs on rental? COVID has been tough on the economy, so yes, you can negotiate

What are the main areas we should be looking to rent in? (what are the cheaper / more expensive areas) Sukhumvit is the main expat, cosmopolitan area, but it is very expensive. The farther you move away from Sukhumvit, the more affordable it becomes.

Are website searches legit regarding asking price, availability, quality? Yes they are legitimate.

How to pay for rent and deposit if we have no bank account (or salary as of Sept 1). You can email HoS to ask for an interest-free rent to use for the deposit.

Is there a standard rental contract that we should be using? You can get a contract from the apartment or condo building. Your housing agent will help with this.

Can landlords ask for rent in USD? Rent can only be paid in THB

Settling Down

Do some homework before you come. Find out if your favorite items are available or not, there are plenty of people to ask at school and numerous websites to do research. You may be surprised that many things are available – but sometimes you may be out of luck.

As a school, we are well resourced, by all means bring your favorite books but there is no need to think too much about resources and teaching materials.

There are many new and exciting things to see and do. There are also many links to home should you feel a little homesick and need a “western boost”. Fast food chains, coffee shops, and recognized brands can be found everywhere.

Be aware of the heat and weather; bring clothes that are suitable not only for the weather but also for school. Of course you need your beach wear too.

The School Library has many books that you can borrow to help you get around Bangkok and to plan your weekends away and vacations too, use the service to get settled.

Remember relocating is stressful and at times frustrating; the culture is very different and takes time to understand and feel comfortable with. Give yourself time, remain open minded and flexible and above all smile you are in Thailand after all.

The following pages will provide you with information about your move and to help you settle in faster.

Communication

Mobile Operators: True, AIS, DTAC

You MAY need to use pre-paid plans until you get your work permit. A variety of plans are available in service centers.
Postpaid plans are less expensive

Home internet: depends on your accommodation. If you need to set up yourself, True and AIS shops can be found in Central Rama IX mall near KIS. They have English speaking staff who will help organise technicians to install for you.

Money & Banking

Local currency: The Thai currency is called Baht. The Thai Baht comes in 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20 notes and 10, 5, 2, 1 Baht, 50 and 25 Satang coins. 100 Satang make 1 Baht.

First salary payment: Your first salary will be paid at the end of August.

First Months Rent & Salary Advance: We understand that moving to a new country or city entails a few costs. Therefore we have tried to make the transition as easy as possible for you – housing allowances and other benefits related to settling in are outlined in your contract.

Opening a bank account in Thailand: School will arrange for you to open a bank account at Kᐩ Bank during the orientation program. The closest branch is within walking distance from school. Bank branches close at 3pm, but branches in malls can easily be found open until at least 7pm.

ATM machines: ATMs are widely available in Bangkok and we have an ATM machine for the Siam Bank at the main entrance to the school. Overseas bank cards with the usual Cirrus, Visa etc. signs do work in Thailand. You need to check with your own bank about the overseas transaction fees that would apply.

Transferring money home from Thailand: You can do this through the school’s finance office, by going to the bank by yourself or set up international transfers through online banking. The finance office staff are able to help with setting up the most convenient option for you.

Travel and Visa expenses: Please submit your documents and receipts to the HR department either through email or as soon as you arrive in Bangkok.

Culture & Traditions

The Thai are a proud nation of people with a long history and well-established, complex hierarchical structure of status. Starting with the Royal family and percolating down, everyone in Thailand knows and respects their place in society. A polite Thai – which is most of them – will usually immediately identify whether another is of higher status than them (usually deemed by age or wealth) and initiate the ‘wai’ – a graceful bringing together of the hands to the chest or beneath the nose.

Contrary to popular impression, Thais are quite conservative and expect visitors to dress appropriately in formal public places. They are also discreet about showing affection, especially in public.

While Westerners tend to pick up subtitles in tone of voice to indicate someone’s mood, Thais read more into your body language and approach. Emphasis is usually placed on passiveness and although they are used to foreigners being abrupt, it pays to smile constantly and go gently. Eye contact is a common and important method of placing strangers at ease and there is good reason why Thailand is known as ‘the land of smiles’. The Thai are incredibly patient and forgiving and are happy to accept things as they are. The best you can do as a foreigner is to offer a soft laugh in testing situations, and say ‘mai pen rai’ (never mind) – a frequently used excuse.

The Culture of Thailand is heavily influenced by Buddhism. Around 95% of the Thai population are Buddhist. About 4% of the population, mainly living in the south of Thailand, are Muslim. The remaining 1% are Confucians, Taoists, Christians, and Hindus. You can learn more about Buddhism at a number of monasteries and meditation centers that offer courses and events in English, some even with free room and board. Bangkok also has a number of mosques, churches, hindu temples and shrines.

Thais use their first names and usually do not use their family names. In line with this local custom, teachers are addressed by the first names, i.e. the head of school, Mr. Paul Johnson, is addressed as Mr. Paul and Primary school principal Ms. June van den Bos is called Ms. June. It may seem a little strange at first but you will quickly get used to it. Mr., Mrs. or Ms. means “khun” in Thai and outside of school you’ll be called “khun” followed by your first name.

Thai Language

Although you can mostly get by with English around Bangkok, you will soon encounter situations where you need to know at least some Thai phrases. Because English is the language that you will speak all day at school with your colleagues, students and their parents, you may have to go out of your way to learn some Thai. You could take conversational Thai language lessons, either by yourself or as a small group. A few teachers are rather fluent by immersing themselves in Thai culture, moving out of the expat-dominated areas to live among locals, and watching Thai TV shows and movies.

Thai people love when you speak even a little of their language and will be quick to praise you. You will see that any effort on your behalf to speak Thai language and understand local customs and traditions is very much appreciated.

Thailand for Visitors has a good explanation of the Thai language with other useful links for learning Thai phrases.

Health & Hospitals

During your orientation program you will be taken to a hospital for a medical check up to complete the medical certificate necessary for your work permit.

Bumrungrad and Samitivej are two of the most famous internationally accredited hospitals. Others are Rama IX Hospital, Bangkok Hospital and BNH.

Asking for local or Asian brands when buying medicine may save you a lot of money as the internationally known brands are often several times more expensive than locally produced medicine that may have a different name but contain the same ingredients. Check with your doctor before you come if you are on medication for availability here in Bangkok and also regarding vaccinations.

Dental Care

Dental work is relatively cheap in Thailand compared to other countries. The major hospitals listed above all have dental clinics. It is possible to “walk off the street” and see a doctor fairly quickly in the hospitals. However, booking ahead is advised for a dentist.

Staying Healthy-Some do’s and don’ts

While learning about a new country, it is better to be cautious while you’re settling in:

Do not drink the tap water. Bottled water can be easily delivered to your home.
April is the hottest month in Thailand, and it’s easy to become dehydrated.
Some bottled waters may have added fluoride, but many do not. Consult with your dentist about the appropriate fluoride treatment for your children.
Wash fruit and vegetables well. Consider soaking in a pesticide removing detergent.
If eating from a roadside stall, check the food is fresh and well cooked.
Many people live in Bangkok without ever seeing a snake, but they are common in some Moobaans (compounds with houses and gardens). Most are harmless, but some are poisonous. Teach your children to be careful when they play outside and use your common sense .
If it is possible, have a pest control company visit your home each month. This will also help keep cockroaches at bay.
Mosquito borne illnesses in Thailand include Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, the Zika virus and Dengue Fever. Thailand has both day (Aedes Aegypti, which carries the Dengue Fever virus) and night (Plasmodium species) biting mosquitoes. The best prevention for all of these is to wear light, long clothes and socks or to use mosquito repellents (such as DEET) on bare skin, especially at night or when near rivers, lakes or the coast. Use bed nets if necessary. Do not allow water to collect around your home, as stagnant water (water storage jars, flowerpots etc) is a favourite breeding ground of mosquitoes.
Running around in bare feet is not advised. Apart from the obvious risks of foot injuries, there are still some risks such as Leptospirosis (from rat urine) and, in rural areas, parasites such as hookworms. If you have walked through flood water you should thoroughly wash all feet and skin that has had direct contact with water.

Getting Around

Thailand has many exotic sites, tropical white sand beaches, lush and green country side and many national parks. One of the advantages of living in Bangkok is its proximity to beaches and national parks. Popular weekend getaways for KIS teachers are Hua Hin, Koh Samet, Kanchanaburi, Koh Chang, Khao Yai National Park to name only a few. We recommend buying one of the many good travel guides about Thailand. Traveling in Thailand is easy and convenient. You can go by car, bus, train, plane and even hire a taxi with driver. English is usually spoken at all tourist destinations. But when you get off the beaten track, you will find that speaking Thai or having a Thai speaking person with you comes in handy.

Apart from palaces, temples, delicious food and famous smiles, Bangkok is famous for its heavy traffic. There is only one way to describe it: unpredictable. What takes 20 minutes on most days, may take an hour or longer on other days. Bangkok’s bad traffic and the pollution that comes with it are the top two things most teachers don’t like about Bangkok, according to our staff survey. Fortunately Bangkok has two well working public transport systems, the sky train (BTS) and the subway (MRT). They certainly make getting around the city much easier, especially during rush hour.

Using the “Grab” app, will help you to always find taxi, car and motorcycle transportation options. You will never need to negotiate with the driver.

Another form of transportation are tuk-tuks as auto rickshaws are called in Thailand. Since they are open, you will have to tolerate the heat and exhaust fumes.

Another transportation option are motorcycle taxis. The drivers are experts in weaving through any kind of traffic, however, it’s not for the faint hearted. Motorcycle drivers are usually experts in the local area of their “station”. Unlike taxis and tuk-tuks, motorcycle drivers do not cruise around Bangkok looking for customers but wait in groups at their station. You have to negotiate the price for both tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis before your journey.

And last but by no means least, Thailand also has transportation by boat. There are klongs taxis that serve along Bangkok’s klongs (canals) and the Chao Phraya Express Boats that operate on the Chao Praya river between Bangkok and Nonthaburi, the province immediately to the north. Depending on where you live, this can make traveling around Bangkok quite fun.

Shopping

You can shop until you drop every day in Bangkok, and there is something for everyone. Locally, close to school and further afield. Here’s a map to explore the neighborhood.

View Things to do close to school in a larger map

Here are some good places to get you going:

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’.

Central Rama 9

The Central Plaza Grand Rama 9 is located in the Ratchadapisek area in Bangkok (see map above) It is the latest Mall built by Central. The building has 12 stories of shops, restaurants, a cinema and a skating rink. The Central Plaza Grand Rama 9 is easily reached by MRT.

Fortune Town

Fortune Town is located directly opposite the Central Rama 9 shopping Centre, (see Map). Fortune Town is famed for its IT and computer stores selling original and not so original movies, software, hardware and accessories. There is also a floor dedicated to all things “cell phone”. Attached to this building is a Tesco Lotus supermarket.

Air Quality Management Guidelines

Air pollution is a growing concern worldwide. Research indicates that exposure to air pollution can impact health. Studies on long-term health effects typically focus on individuals who are exposed to unhealthy air for an extended period, often many years. However, evidence also indicates that short term exposure can create health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. Young children are at increased risk of these health effects because they tend to be more physically active, their lungs are still growing, and they are more likely to have asthma or acute respiratory illnesses which can be aggravated when pollution levels are high. KIS routinely monitors particle pollution, specifically Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5). PM2.5 are fine particulates in the air, which can get into the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) was designed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is used to determine air quality. The EPA developed a series of levels (linked here)to help the public better understand the impact of air pollution and determine when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels. KIS has developed its practices in collaboration with other international schools in China, SE Asia, and the US, based on information from the EPA, World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Based on new studies and confusion around the complexity of AQI calculations, KIS has updated our Air Quality Guidelines to be based solely on PM2.5 levels, which is usually the most dangerous airborne particulates.

KIS Air Quality Management Guidelines