Cleaning, laundry, home maintenance, agencies & expat tips for Pattaya
Domestic help is very affordable in Pattaya. A part-time maid costs 500-800 THB per visit, and many expats hire someone 2-3 times per week. You can go through an agency (safer, insured) or hire directly (cheaper, but less protection).
Once or twice per week
2-3 visits per week
One-time or quarterly
One-time
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry & Ironing | 200 - 400 THB / load | Some maids include this in regular visits |
| Cooking (Thai meals) | 300 - 500 THB / session | Ingredients extra. Great for home-cooked Thai food |
| Pool Maintenance | 1,500 - 3,000 THB / month | Chemical balance, cleaning, filter check |
| Garden / Lawn Care | 500 - 1,500 THB / visit | Mowing, trimming, watering |
| Pet Care (basic) | 200 - 400 THB / visit | Feeding, walking, cleaning area |
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AC Cleaning | 300 - 500 THB / unit | Recommended every 3-6 months. Essential in Pattaya climate |
| Pest Control | 800 - 2,000 THB | Per treatment. Monthly packages 500-800 THB/mo |
| Plumber | 300 - 1,500 THB | Call-out fee + parts. Clogged drain, leaks, toilet repair |
| Electrician | 300 - 2,000 THB | Wiring, outlet repair, fan installation |
| Handyman (general) | 300 - 800 THB | Furniture assembly, shelf mounting, small repairs |
| Water Tank Cleaning | 500 - 1,000 THB | Recommended annually for houses with tanks |
500 - 3,000 THB
English-speaking management, insured staff
400 - 2,500 THB
Best for condo residents
600 - 4,000 THB
Specialized deep cleaning equipment
8,000 - 15,000 THB/mo (live-in)
Full-time domestic staff placement
For your first hire, use an agency. They handle background checks, insurance, and replacement if someone doesn't work out. Switch to direct hire once you find someone you trust.
Use LINE for scheduling and communication. Google Translate works well for Thai-English. A written checklist (even with photos) prevents misunderstandings.
Many expats give a spare key to their trusted maid. If uncomfortable, arrange to be home during visits or use a smart lock with a temporary code.
Minimum wage in Chonburi is ~350 THB/day. Paying 500-800 THB per visit is fair for part-time work. Tip during holidays (Songkran, New Year) -- typically one month's pay bonus.
Even for informal arrangements, write down: days, hours, tasks, pay rate, and holidays. This prevents disputes. Agencies provide contracts.
Most maids expect cleaning supplies to be provided. Stock mop, bucket, rags, floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and trash bags. Some bring their own.