👨👩👧👦 Family Guide
How to Relocate Your Family to Pattaya
A complete timeline and checklist for moving your family to Pattaya — from school enrollment to settling in.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Relocation Timeline
1
Research & Planning (6–12 months before)
- Decide on Pattaya area based on schools and lifestyle
- Research international schools and start applications
- Set realistic budget (฿60,000–150,000/month for family of 4)
- Join Facebook groups: 'Pattaya Families', 'Expats in Pattaya'
- Start visa research — dependent visas for spouse and children
2
Legal & Financial Setup (3–6 months)
- Apply for appropriate visa (retirement, business, ED, or dependent)
- Open Thai bank account (requires visa and passport)
- Arrange international health insurance or local plan
- Research pet import if applicable (requires 3+ months lead time)
- Get documents apostilled/notarized: birth certificates, marriage certificate, school records
3
Housing & Schools (2–4 months)
- Book a short-term rental for first 1-3 months (Airbnb or serviced apartment)
- Visit schools in person — most require an entrance assessment
- Secure long-term housing near chosen school
- Set up utilities and internet (True, AIS, or 3BB fiber)
- Research areas: East Pattaya for schools, Jomtien/Pratumnak for beach life
4
Arrival & Settling In (First month)
- 90-day reporting registration at immigration
- Get Thai phone number and set up mobile banking
- Register children at school — bring all original documents
- Find local pediatrician and dentist
- Explore neighborhood: supermarkets, pharmacies, parks
- Set up Grab, Foodpanda, and Lazada apps
5
Integration (Months 2–6)
- Connect with parent communities at school
- Find extracurricular activities for children
- Learn basic Thai phrases (even children pick it up fast)
- Establish daily routines — school runs, meal planning
- Explore weekends: islands, water parks, day trips
- Consider hiring a part-time helper/nanny (฿8,000–15,000/month)
Monthly Family Budget (Family of 4)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (3-bed condo/house) | ฿25,000–50,000 | ฿35,000–70,000 | ฿60,000–120,000 |
| International School (1 child) | ฿15,000–25,000 | ฿25,000–50,000 | ฿50,000–75,000 |
| Food & Groceries | ฿15,000–25,000 | ฿25,000–40,000 | ฿40,000–60,000 |
| Transport | ฿3,000–5,000 | ฿5,000–10,000 | ฿10,000–20,000 |
| Health Insurance | ฿3,000–5,000 | ฿5,000–10,000 | ฿10,000–25,000 |
| Activities & Entertainment | ฿5,000–10,000 | ฿10,000–20,000 | ฿20,000–40,000 |
| Total/month | ฿66,000–120,000 | ฿105,000–200,000 | ฿190,000–340,000 |
Pro Tips
Live near your children's school. Pattaya traffic can be unpredictable, and a short commute improves everyone's quality of life.
Don't ship furniture — fully furnished condos and houses are the norm in Pattaya. Shipping costs more than buying locally.
Consider a "trial run" — rent short-term for 3 months before committing to a school and long-term lease.
Related guides
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Reviewed by Pattaya Knowledge Editors