Surat Thani, Thailand 🇹🇭
#1843
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Surat Thani is a vibrant city in southern Thailand, known as a gateway to the Gulf of Thailand islands. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.030 USD; ATMs widely available, banks include Bangkok Bank and Krung Thai Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC are popular providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | K Plus app, Revolut, and TransferWise accepted at major locations. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but some places prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local real estate agents. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'U-Go Hostel' offer beds starting from 300 THB per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the Surat Thani Night Market and Phun Phin Railway Station. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Surat Thani offers good co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Suksa Thani Coworking Space, located near the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Factory Cafe, known for its fast Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at cafes and co-working spaces via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Surat Thani Expats Group on Facebook often organizes gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at various shops in the city; prices around 200-300 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Donsak Beach, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Thai Lion Air connects Surat Thani to Bangkok and other regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia offers flights to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Highway 41 connecting to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Surat Thani Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; local bus and songthaew fares are affordable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Surat Thani to nearby islands and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Surat Thani Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Surat is popular among locals and expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First offers great facilities, with memberships starting from 1,500 THB per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available near the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood deliver a variety of local cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Khao Soi, a Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Visit 'Chada' for excellent vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Cafe is known for its wide range of desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Surat Thani Night Market offers affordable local eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and Tesco Lotus offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Surat Thani Night Market is lively in the evenings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beer Thaï serves a selection of local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Connection offers a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls around the night market selling delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Indian options are available at restaurants like 'Italiano' and 'Saffron.' |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Surat Thani National Museum and Ratchaprapha Dam are worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Surat Thani Cultural Centre offers a glimpse into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, an ancient site with stunning architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Suan Mokkh, a serene meditation center, is open for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Surat Thani's Festival of Lights is celebrated in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Surat Thani is rich in culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances can be seen at various community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Surat Thani Night Market offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various live music venues can be found in the city, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in the downtown area showcase local artists' work. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with Khun Chai offers authentic Thai cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists showcase their work at the Surat Thani Art Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old town section features colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its rich cultural heritage reflecting influences from various Thai regions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Khao Sok National Park is about an hour's drive and offers beautiful landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Khao Sok National Park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Safe routes along the rivers and through urban parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Ratchaprapha Dam offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Khao Sok National Park is one of the best birdwatching spots in the region. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in national parks allow bonfires in specific locations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | International and local courier services like DHL and Thai Post are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various shops in the city offer mobile and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers and local gyms provide table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Thai language courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Surat Thani Provincial Library is a good study option. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Many community centers host events for expats and locals alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes around the city often include gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While casinos are not prevalent, gaming lounges offer alternatives. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 35,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,400,000 THB). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 25,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,000,000 THB). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 32,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,920,000 THB). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 22,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,320,000 THB). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 30,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,400,000 THB). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 20,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,600,000 THB). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation, tax treaties exist. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the government's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% transfer tax applies on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Thailand's tax-free threshold for foreigners allows for favorable conditions. |