Six months in, many expats realise their money isn’t going as far as expected, not due to extravagance, but because of a set of recurring, often overlooked expenses.
Visa renewals, seasonal electricity bills, school admin, and the occasional indulgence at the import aisle aren’t headline figures, but they can quietly reshape a monthly budget. This article unpacks the less visible side of everyday spending in Thailand.
The Visa Loop
Long-term stays in Thailand come with regular paperwork. If you're here on a Non-Immigrant O-A visa (typically for retirees aged 50+), or another long-stay category, you’ll find that the “once-a-year” process is more involved than it seems.
There’s the THB 1,900 extension-of-stay fee, and if you leave the country and return, you’ll need a re-entry permit, THB 1,000 for single entry, or THB 3,800 for multiple. The 90-day report is free, unless it’s late. Then it’s a THB 2,000 fine, or THB 5,000 if immigration spots the delay first. A new re-entry stamp also restarts the 90-day countdown.
Those on newer Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas may report less often, but most people are still on the admin treadmill.
Some hire agents for convenience, particularly in Bangkok, where the service typically costs THB 3,500 to 15,000 depending on the visa and support level, roughly £80 to £330, if you’re still thinking in pounds.
Air-Con and Other Utility Surprises
Thailand’s climate is one of its draws, but it comes with its own line in the budget. Electricity costs can rise sharply during the hotter months, especially if you rely on air conditioning daily.
The 2025 residential electricity rate sits around THB 3.99 to 4.15 per kilowatt hour. A one-bedroom condo running A/C regularly can mean bills of THB 2,000 to 4,500 or more per month, depending on insulation and usage.
Water bills are easier to manage, typically THB 10 to 20 per cubic metre, but condos often add monthly building or maintenance fees. In Bangkok, these usually range from THB 50 to 70 per sqm. For a 60 sqm unit, that’s THB 3,000 to 4,200 per year, often paid in lump sums.
Internet remains good value. Fibre plans from AIS or True run from THB 500 to 1,200 per month, depending on speed.
And don’t overlook air conditioning servicing. A professional deep clean costs THB 600 to 1,500 per unit every few months, depending on size and service depth. It improves both air quality and efficiency.
The Imported Goods Trap
Imported goods carry a clear premium in Thailand, particularly groceries, personal care items, and household staples. While local alternatives are widely available, familiar brands have a way of creeping into the basket, especially in the early months.
Baby formula, pet food, vitamins, cleaning products, anything that’s travelled far tends to cost more. Shopping promotions at Villa Market or bulk buying at Makro helps, and many people adjust their preferences over time. But early habits can leave a noticeable dent in the budget.
Education Admin Fees
For families with children in international schools, tuition is just the beginning. A range of additional costs, from application fees to after-school activities, tend to appear throughout the academic year.
Take Bangkok Patana: the application fee is THB 4,000, and the entrance fee sits at THB 250,000. That’s before uniforms, term fees, building fund donations, and extras like music lessons or school trips. Over at NIST, the fee schedule separates out registration, campus development, and assessment tests.
Even bilingual or mid-tier private schools, while more affordable, have their own ecosystem of costs that tend to surface just when you think you’ve paid for everything.
Domestic Travel: Cheap Flights, Costly Weekends
Domestic flights in Thailand are easy to find, with base fares typically around THB 900 to 2,500 one-way. But those headline prices often exclude baggage, seat selection, and holiday surcharges. If you’re travelling during Songkran, Christmas, or even a random Monday after a long weekend, prepare to pay more.
Add in hotel bookings, airport taxis, meals out, and the inevitable “well, we’re here” excursions, and your weekend break can start to look more like a mini-holiday budget, especially if you're travelling with children or hosting friends.
The UK Still Wants a Slice
Out of sight doesn’t mean out of the UK tax system. For expats with UK ties, whether through property, income, or bank accounts, certain obligations remain.
Under the Statutory Residence Test, you might be considered non-resident, but UK-based income like rent often still requires a Self Assessment return.
If you own a home back in the UK, councils can apply empty-home premiums after 12 months of vacancy. And yes, even if you’re abroad, a TV Licence is technically still required for accessing live UK television or BBC iPlayer, even if geo-blocked.
Then there are the smaller costs: international bank transfer fees, exchange rate markups, or subscriptions you forgot to cancel. Services like Wise help reduce that friction — but only if you’re using them.
It’s Not About Panic, Just Awareness
These aren’t make-or-break costs, but they do reshape how far your budget goes. With a clearer view of what to expect, expats can avoid surprises and plan with more confidence. Thailand remains a good-value destination. It just rewards realistic planning.