Surat Thani, Thailand 🇹🇭
#1843
9.140413, 99.324134
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Surat Thani is a major city in southern Thailand, often considered the gateway to the Gulf Islands. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 130,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Thai Baht (THB). 1 EUR ≈ 37 THB, 1 USD ≈ 34 THB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove, offering 4G services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and Siam Commercial Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, hostels, and hotels. Airbnb also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept card payments, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'The 7th Place' for affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Space Surat Thani, a popular spot for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Amazon offers a good atmosphere for working with free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups can be found on Facebook groups like 'Surat Thani Expats.' |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups are organized at local bars and restaurants. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the best ride-hailing app in Surat Thani. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Locally rented scooters are available from many shops around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ao Nang Beach is approximately 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Asia operates flights to Bangkok and Phuket. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways offers international flights to various destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Route 41 connecting to Bangkok and southern regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Surat Thani Train Station serves as a key rail junction. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses and songthaews are available, but no specific passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Connects to nearby destinations via bus services and songthaews. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Surat Thani Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Surat Thani offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Surat Thani provides good gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, such as 'Laundromat Surat Thani.' |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kaeng Som (sour curry) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local markets offer vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Khanom Jeen dessert spots in the local area. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Surat Thani night market for budget food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Big C and Tesco Lotus offer online grocery shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nathon Road has several bars and nightlife venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Chao Phraya Brewery is a local beer producer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options, but 'Wine Connection' in Chaweng offers good choices. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls at the night market offering local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tony's Pizzeria for Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Surat Thani's City Pillar Shrine is a cultural landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Phumthang Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ratchaprapha Dam with historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is an important Buddhist temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Loy Krathong festival celebrated in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town area with shops and local eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No major theaters, but local community events occur frequently. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Surat Thani Night Market for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is often featured in local cafes and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available through local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art is featured in galleries along Rath Phakdi Bangkhun. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old government buildings in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural displays reflect the history of the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Khao Sok National Park offers stunning nature hikes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Khao Sok National Park is around 1.5 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Dedicated paths around the city and nearby parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at Ratchaprapha Dam overlook stunning landscapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Muduang Waterfall for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in national parks for campfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Thailand Post and private couriers like DHL available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech repair services; 'Surat Computer Service' recommended. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Thai language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Municipal Library provides a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural center hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes provide gaming facilities with PCs. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Surat Thani but available in nearby areas. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 45,000 THB per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 1,350,000 THB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 30,000 THB per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 900,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 50,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,000,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 35,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 2,100,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 45,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,600,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 30,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,400,000 THB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax rate is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based system for individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Thailand has CFC rules for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% transfer fee plus 1% stamp duty. |