Yes, there are Spaniards
We're not the biggest colony — that medal goes to the British, Scandinavians and Germans — but the Spanish-speaking community in Thailand is real and growing, and it has something going for it: being smaller makes it more welcoming. Newcomers find open doors fast, because everyone was the new one not long ago.
Where each cluster is
| City | Spanish-speaking community |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | The biggest and most varied; professionals, families, business. Spanish consulate |
| Chiang Mai | The nomad hub: lots of Spanish-speaking freelancers, coworking spaces and weekly meetups |
| Phuket | Families and sport people; a large, established expat community |
| Koh Samui | Small but tight-knit; wellness and island life |
| Hua Hin | More European from the north; a growing Spanish cluster |
How to join without knowing anyone
- Facebook groups and chats on Telegram/WhatsApp like "Spaniards in Bangkok" or "Spaniards in Chiang Mai": the classic entry point. You ask, you stay, you meet people.
- Coworking spaces (in Chiang Mai, full of Spanish speakers) — covered in the internet and coworking guide.
- Muay thai gyms, Thai classes and events run by the groups themselves: you build community by doing things, not by searching for it.
- Family activities: international schools are, in fact, a meeting point for expat parents.
Why community matters so much
It's not just company. Community is infrastructure: the doctor who speaks Spanish, the agent who handles renewals, the landlord you can trust, a fast answer to a paperwork question. Everything that takes a newcomer weeks to figure out alone, community solves in one message. That's why, in your first month, finding your people matters as much as the bank or the SIM card.
Where Bexpat fits in
Bexpat is a Spanish agency: when you land, you're already talking to people who've made the journey and know your city's community. We don't replace the groups — those are yours — but we give you the first push so you don't land in a vacuum. If you're still deciding where, the city guides and the calculator help.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Spanish community?
Yes, and it's growing. Not as big as the British one, but with active groups in the major cities, especially Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and smaller, tight-knit clusters on the islands and in Phuket.
How do I find Spaniards on arrival?
Through your city's Facebook groups and Telegram/WhatsApp chats, coworking spaces, muay thai gyms, Thai classes and events organized by the groups themselves.
Does community matter?
A lot in the first months: doctor, agent or landlord recommendations, questions answered instantly, and not feeling alone. Adjusting is far faster with company.