We regret that after six years of dedication to this fabulous resource site, we are taking a break and not accepting any new links. If your organization is already listed on our site but just needs a correction, please leave a comment on any posts on our Expat Women Blog and we will aim to make corrections within one month. Thank you.
Expat Women Living in Thailand
If you are (or plan to be) an expat living in Thailand, please find below a list of expat clubs, schools, general links for women living in Thailand, country information and more...
American Women's Club of Thailand www.awcthailand.org
The American Women's Club of Thailand is a nonpolitical, nonprofit group organized to promote friendship in the American community and emphasize friendship and cooperation with Thai women through social, cultural and philanthropic activities.
Australians in Thailand http://www.ait.org.au/
A social organization for people who live in Thailand and have a connection to Australia. Fundraising and social events are planned regularly for members.
Australian-New Zealand Women's Group http://www.anzwg-bangkok.org/
Welcome to the Australian-New Zealand Women's Group Bangkok. For more than 50 years ANZWG has played a major part in the lives of many expatriate women who have been lucky enough to reside in this fascinating yet sometimes challenging city.
BAMBI http://www.bambiweb.org
BAMBI is a Bangkok-based, mother-led, non-profit group, offering support and companionship in the early years of parenthood.
Bangkok Network of Women (BNOW) http://www.bnow.org/
Started in January 2004, BNOW aims to help local and foreign women who are both new and old to Bangkok. The concept is to provide a supportive network to women from all walks of life. The group meets twice a month, plus sends out a weekly e-newsletter.
British Club Bangkok http://britishclubbangkok.org/
Described as "an Oasis in the heart of Bangkok", The British Club Bangkok is a family, sports, and social Members Club situated in downtown Bangkok.
British Women's Group in Bangkok http://www.bwgbangkok.org/
Our aim is to provide a support network through social functions, working with local charities and welfare activities. There is something within the British Women's Group for everyone. We are an extremely friendly group, catering for everyone's needs, whether it is to meet other like-minded folk or take up a new hobby whilst supporting local charities.
Chiang Mai Expat Club http://www.chiangmaiexpatsclub.com/index.asp
Chiangmai Expats Club aims to help expats expand friendships and improve their quality of life here. We try to serve the community of foreigners by making it easier to understand the laws, language and lifestyle needs of our members and guests.
ChickyNet Thailand http://www.chickynet.com
Chicky Net is a social network for women who have either relocated to Thailand or who are visiting for a specific period of time. The website offers an exciting and fun way to meet other expats, join in activities, and to best of all make new friends with whom they can share their experiences with getting the most out of their time in Thailand.
Lunch Bunch Club of Chiangmai http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/around_town_with_marji.html
The Lunch Bunch is a non-political, non-profit group organized to promote networking for women who are new to the Chiangmai community. The club has been established since 1995. We emphasize friendship through social and community activities. Other Around Town activities are listed here as well.
New Zealand Society of Thailand http://www.nzsocietythai.org/
An organization giving New Zealanders an opportunity to share goals and experiences and offering New Zealand Families, Expats, Business People & Thais an opportunity to share ideas, memories and a community social life.
Pattaya City Expats Club http://www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com/
A social organization dedicated to helping expats and visitors to enjoy their stay in Pattaya. Everyone is welcome to their weekly meetings and events.
Pattaya Expat Club http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.info
This site, is dedicated to all of us expats enjoying the good life in Pattaya, and those of you across the world that would like to join us here.
Pattaya International Ladies' Club http://www.pattaya-pilc.com
The PILC was established in 1987 with a small group of 30 ladies and has now increased to the present day membership of over 165 ladies representing 30 nationalities. With expansion of the club, the range of activities and the amount of money raised for charitable causes has increased. We look forward to the many talents you can add to our club and welcome you to the Pattaya International Ladies Clubs social events.
Rayong Ladies Circle (RLC) http://rayongladiescircle.com
The Rayong Ladies Circle was formed in 1994 with the aim of assisting expatriates of all nationalities to settle in Thailand, to foster friendship between members and our Thai neighbours and to promote goodwill in the community by charitable and other work.
General Links for Thailand
Acclimate Magazine http://www.acclimatemagazine.com/index.html
At Acclimate magazine, we address the issues of identity loss and readjustment, while helping expatriate women find their own passions and their own best life in Bangkok. We offer inspirational stories from women in our community who have managed to find their way through unbelievable trials. And we never forget about the small stuff that makes life just a little easier, like where to get a great haircut, or where to go for the best foot massage.
Celiac Disease / Gluten Intolerant Support Group
Our group come together as a result of our desire to promote awareness of Celiac Disease (CD) and build a supportive community for patients and parents to share experiences and resources that may help to lead a normal lifestyle and enjoy life here in Bangkok.
Email: glutenfreeinbkk@yahoo.com
Durea Health Center http://www.DureaHealthCenter.com
Durea Health Center provides holiday accommodation and alternative treatments for disabled people in resort style with privacy being a paramount factor. Located just 15 minutes away from Chiang Mai, the cultural centre of Thailand, Durea Health Center overcomes the obstacles that a disabled person might encounter whilst traveling.
Expats in Chiangmai http://www.1stopchiangmai.com
This site offers info on buying and renting property, teaching English, dealing with visas and general tips and recommendations on local services in Chiang
Mai, Thailand.
Hua Hin Expat http://www.huahinexpat.com
Expat Hua Hin is an online guide to living in Hua Hin and Thailand, covering all aspects of expat life including social, financial and daily living.
Living and Working in Thailand http://www.thaizine.com
On this site you will find information about living and working in Thailand.
My Destination is a global travel resource powered by a diverse community of local experts on the ground, providing unrivalled local knowledge and unique local deals.
Phuket Delight: Living, Working, and Vacationing on Phuket http://www.PhuketDelight.com.
Inside info on cost of living, housing, shopping, entertainment, transportation, clubs and groups. Important section on jobs teaching English.
Retire 2 Thailand http://www.retire2thailand.com/
A relatively new resource site to help people moving to Thailand. Learn about Thai history, Thai culture, watch videos on Thai cooking, take your first Thai language lessons, listen to recordings of Thai music.
SG Women Abroad http://www.sgwomenabroad.org
Provides resources for Singaporean women living overseas and helping them keep connected to their home. Aside from useful articles, quizzes and calendar of events, sgwomenabroad also have an active forum community of Singaporean women from all over the world helping to ease newcomers into their new environment.
Thailand Guru http://www.thailandguru.com
Comprehensive guide to living and working in Thailand, for expats.
The Bangkok Expat's Guide http://www.expatbkk.com
Bangkok... The City of Angels. It's probably one of the most interesting cities in the world! This guide is designed for expat residents, as well as for holidaymakers and business travelers.
Welcome to Chiangmai & Changrai http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com
Full of information, event details and ideas for Chiangmai and Chiangrai.
International Schools in Thailand
Asian University Thailand http://www.asianust.ac.th
An international, English- medium university located in Chonburi, 20km inland from Jomtie.
Kids' Academy International Pre-School http://www.kidsacademy.ac.th
A boutique-style Bangkok pre-school that teaches Early Years Foundation Stage leading to the British National Curriculum to children aged 1 1/2 to 5 years.
KIS International School http://www.kis.ac.th
KIS International School, near Bangkok city center, is an IB world school through and through. The school offers all three International Baccalaureate programmes for students from 2 1/2 - 18 years. KIS lives and breathes the IB philosophy, offering a high quality education, encouraging international-mindedness and instilling a positive attitude to learning.
NIST (New International School of Thailand) http://www.nist.ac.th/default.aspx
We are United Nations Related, downtown Bangkok, IB school founded in 1992 and we have 1410 students.
Saint John's International School http://www.international.stjohn.ac.th
Founded in 1991, the school provides a dynamic stimulating and exciting British education for children aged 2 to 18. Ideally situated near Phaholyothin MRT station, the school's purpose built campus provides a safe and quiet learning environment in the heart of Bangkok. The school guides its students through the world standard A-Level and GCSE examinations to prepare them for entry into top-tier universities worldwide.
These tips were kindly provided by volunteer Expat Women Mentors in 2007. ExpatWomen.com shares these tips in an effort to help but takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Provided by Rachel W, British, Songkhla, Thailand
1.
Be prepared to learn Thai – there are not many tourists in this area and therefore not many English speakers, you have to learn the language to get by.
2.
Be patient – things in Thailand take much longer than in England but don't get stressed, just relax as you wait.
3.
Don't worry if things change all the time – the best way I've found to adapt to Thai culture is to accept that things will change without any notice. It was difficult to start with but after working here for nearly 2 years you have to just accept this or go crazy with stress!
4.
Try food that is offered to you as it's impolite to refuse – I was in Sri Lanka before Thailand and found the same thing applied there. However much you might want to refuse it helps a lot if you try at least a little of anything offered to you.
5.
Smile – I find smiling is the most effective way of dealing with most things – from people staring at me in the street to kids screaming farang (foreigner) when they see me, just give them a smile and it's all ok.
(Provided by Katherine, American, Songkhla, Thailand
1.
Be patient – it may take more time than you are use to for anything to happen in Thailand. A favorite saying amongst the expats is...time flows like a river.
2.
Be modest – when visiting temples or government offices, cover your arms and legs (no sleeveless tops or shorts). Thais are modest people in their dress though many in Bangkok dress in Western fashions.
3.
Be cool – dress in cool fabrics and drink lots of fluids. When walking outside, use an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun. Thailand is in the tropics with 3 seasons – hot, wet and cool. From my perspective, the three are hot, hot and hotter!
4.
Be friendly – while Thailand is a friendly country nicknamed the "Land of Smiles", most Thais will find you unusual and different. They are likely to stare at you with open gazes. But smile first and they will smile back.
5.
Be open – this country is very different from a Western country. Customs, foods and language are quite unique to Thailand. Keep an open mind while living in this country and do not judge the people from your perspective. Try to learn their particular practices and understand the origins. With this knowledge, your living experience will be richer and more meaningful.
