เข้าใจ Resources
Thai paperwork, explained.
Short, sourced guides to the Thai documents expats deal with most: immigration forms, leases, bills and the words printed on them. Written by the team building Kao Jai.
How to translate a Thai document to English, and actually understand it
Photo of a Thai letter, bill or lease? Compare Google Translate, AI chat, a Thai friend and certified translation, and learn when a word-for-word translation isn't enough.
Read the guideTM30 explained
What TM30 means, who has to file it (usually your landlord, not you), the 24-hour rule, how to file online, the fine of up to ฿2,000, and why immigration asks for the receipt.
Read the guide90-day report (TM47)
Who must file the 90-day report, the 15-days-before to 7-days-after window, how to report online, by post or in person, the ฿2,000 late fine, and what changes if you travel.
Read the guideThai lease red flags
Renting in Thailand? The deposit, utility, rent-increase and early-exit clauses to check in a Thai or bilingual lease, what Thai consumer rules allow, and how to negotiate.
Read the guideThai electricity bill explained
What every line on a Thai PEA or MEA electricity bill means, the current per-unit rates and Ft charge, a worked example, and how to pay it at 7-Eleven or in your bank app.
Read the guideThai documents glossary
Plain-English meanings of the Thai words on leases, bills and government letters: TM30, TM47, TM7, Tabien Baan (yellow book), pink ID card, chanote, juristic person, PND 90/91 and more.
Read the guide