Bangkok has jumped 43 places and entered the top 50 most expensive locations in the world for the first time, largely because of the strong baht, according a survey by ECA International.

"Bangkok, long seen as a cheap destination for holidaymakers and expatriates alike, has seen a huge jump in its rankings, moving the most out of all Asian cities surveyed," said Lee Quane, regional director for Asia with ECA International.

Bangkok has moved up 75 places in the last two years and now ranks 47th in the annual ECA Cost of Living survey, while Chiang Mai moved up 56 places in the same period, he said.

The surveys compare a basket of consumer goods and services commonly purchased in over 480 locations worldwide.

Although it fell to third place in Asia, behind Ashgabat and Tokyo, Hong Kong's place in the rankings has remained stable this year as the sixth most expensive location in the world for expatriates.

Singapore is the seventh most expensive location in Asia for expat workers to live, and 13th most expensive in the world.

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, remains the most expensive city in the world for expats for a second year running. 

Many European cities have dropped out of the top 100 since last year.