Last updated: 2025-09-12
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Settle in Thailand ("we", "us") uses cookies and similar technologies (including pixels, local storage, tags, scripts, and device identifiers) on our website, tools, and related Services. It should be read together with our Privacy Notice which describes broader data handling practices.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit or interact with a website or service. They can be set by the site owner (first-party) or by third parties (third-party cookies). Similar technologies like local storage and pixels achieve comparable purposes such as remembering preferences, measuring usage, or attributing referrals.
Types of Cookies We Use
We group cookies and similar technologies into the categories below. Specific names may change as we optimize the stack; representative examples are provided for clarity.
Necessary
Essential for core site operation, security, load balancing, session management, consent logging, and fraud prevention. These are always active because the site cannot function properly without them.
- Session / authentication tokens (maintain logged-in state, prevent cross-site request forgery).
- Load balancer or routing cookies (ensure stable performance).
- Cookie storing your consent preferences (so we remember your choices).
Analytics
Help us understand traffic patterns, feature usage, performance bottlenecks, and error rates so we can improve reliability and relevance. Data is aggregated where feasible.
- Page view and event metrics (e.g. navigation flows, tool engagement).
- Error and latency measurements (performance diagnostics).
Personalisation
Adjust or prioritize content, suggestions, tool defaults (e.g., location-based cost-of-living presets), or remembered filters to streamline user experience.
- Stored tool inputs (e.g., last selected city, budget parameters) when you return.
- Interface preferences (e.g., dark mode, language).
Marketing
Measure reach of partner links, attribute referrals, avoid duplicate counting, and, where used, tailor messages about new features or partner offerings. We do not sell personal data; marketing cookies focus on performance and attribution rather than building invasive personal profiles.
- Affiliate/referral attribution IDs (track successful introductions to partners).
- Campaign performance counters (e.g., which internal banner led to a feature signup).
How We Use Cookies
We use these technologies to: (a) deliver secure, reliable core functionality; (b) understand aggregate usage to improve features; (c) remember preferences or tool configurations; (d) attribute referrals and measure partner interactions; and (e) prevent abuse or anomalous activity.
Third-Party Cookies
Some analytics or attribution functions may be provided by third parties acting as processors or independent controllers (e.g., analytics providers or affiliate networks). These parties may set or read their own cookies, subject to their privacy policies. We endeavour to select vendors with strong security and compliance postures. Where legally required, their cookies will only load after you provide consent for the relevant category.
Duration & Retention
Cookies may be session (expire when you close your browser) or persistent (remain until a defined expiry or manual deletion). Representative ranges:
- Necessary: session or up to 12 months (e.g., consent preference 6–12 months).
- Analytics: typically 1–13 months depending on provider minimization settings.
- Personalisation: weeks to 6 months unless reset or revoked.
- Marketing/affiliate: days to 90 days for referral attribution windows.
Actual lifetimes can vary; vendors may update identifiers upon renewal or security rotation.
Managing Preferences
You can manage non-essential categories anytime via the cookie settings panel (link/button below or banner on first visit). Your browser or device may also allow blocking, limiting, or deleting cookies and local storage. If you clear cookies, your saved preferences will be lost and you may be asked to consent again.
Refusing Analytics, Personalisation, or Marketing categories does not block access to core features (e.g., viewing pages, using essential tools) but may reduce tailored functionality, relevance of suggestions, measurement accuracy, or referral recognition.
Legal Bases & Consent
Where required by applicable law (e.g., GDPR / ePrivacy), we rely on: (a) legitimate interests for strictly necessary cookies (ensuring security, fraud prevention, basic service delivery); and (b) your explicit consent for Analytics, Personalisation, and Marketing categories. You can withdraw or change consent at any time using the settings panel without affecting lawfulness of processing prior to withdrawal.
We record a timestamped consent state (and version) to demonstrate compliance. If we materially change categories, vendors, or purposes, we will prompt you again for updated choices.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect technology, vendor, legal, or operational changes. The "Last updated" date shows the current version. Significant changes may also appear via a notice banner or within the consent panel.
Questions or concerns about cookies or similar technologies can be directed to info@settleinthailand.com. For broader data rights (access, deletion, correction), please see our Privacy Notice or contact us via the same address with sufficient detail to verify and process your request.
Questions about this policy? Contact us at info@settleinthailand.com.