Parker1973

Great,thanks.....quote name="beechguy" post="9004887" timestamp="1422562835"]

I've used them before, for check up and other services. You can most likely find less expensive, but I was very pleased with the services.

Thanks for your constructive and helpful reply...

I've used a similar one at Samitivej Hospital. Very thorough and professional. I have also had lesser exams done at Bangkok Hospital and was very satisfied with the care I received.

Hi,

I will be in Bkk over the next 2 weeks and while I'm there id like to get a full health check.

Looked at the Bangkok Hospital and their 'Executive Check Up' for men 40-50 is 14k,much cheaper than in London.

Just seeing if anyone has any experience of this hospital and in particular this service,or can recommend a similar service at an alternative hospital.

Thanking you in advance.

Le Fenix,Soi 11 opposite Q Bar.....

I have Lived in Bangkok since 2006 and although I have saved quite a lot I recently calculated my expenditure a month and it was about 140k a month. I didn't realise how much I was wasting until I wrote it all down and as it turns out I could be living a life only marginally less comfortable than i do now for about 80k a month so I would agree with the replies that have said around 75k is a pretty comfortable figure.

That was my thinking....it's the same in London,it's so easy to spend a few pounds here and there on rubbish and it soon adds up...

Thanks....

Threads like this are often a goldmine for the rich boasting, but they are very often worth reading for the positive posts that give you some kind of reality about living here cheaply.

Thailand is getting more expensive, sure - and if you want to buy a place of your own then, yes, times are changing and you won't get as much as you used to. But if you come here with a positive attitude and a light-wallet, you can find more happiness than you would with a wallet full of endless funds - simply because you will actually NEED to look around for good deals.

I was lucky - I came here three years ago after two holidays here within the space of 6 months. I knew I wanted to get out of England, but I was too scared to do it. After the second holiday I remember returning home. 'I just can't do this anymore', I thought. I really NEEDED to leave. So I did, with very, very little money but an offer of a job here. Like I say, I was lucky - I came here the first time for my brother's friend's wedding, and met my girlfriend at the wedding. I came back about five months later for Song Kran, and after that holiday made the decision to work here (my brother's friend's ex-boss was looking for a teacher to replace said friend, and I had been recommended). So I came back, got the job, and have been living happily in the same apartment I first stayed in on my first holiday ever since, with my girlfriend. It's a very simple place, one room, one bathroom (basic shower, we had to get an electric shower installed ourselves), free internet, basic cable and a comfortable bed (we bought our own mattress after a year, the solid one they had here was hurting our backs!). We bought a fridge, my girlfriend provided a small TV and her own laptop, and eventually we bought a washing machine (which has REALLY changed our lives for the better - not using condo washing machines is amazing). We buy packs of water and reuse the bottles (cleaning them) by filling them using the water machine at our condo (1 baht for each bottle!). We eat out every night, but often are lazy and will walk to the local 7-11 for a cheap night in. Sometimes we order, but we restrict it because it's not healthy nor that cheap. We go out on the weekends, but neither of us drink so our night activities are pretty basic things like watching a DVD or just going for a nice meal.

We live a basic, happy life. I've never been one for the night-scene - I don't like alcohol and I don't enjoy clubbing (without alcohol it's just a noisy room). Basically, I like a simple life. I always have, that's what makes me happy.

Would I like to be earning higher wages, living somewhere more fancy, spending money more freely? Sure, I'd like to have the option to spend more - but it doesn't bring me unhappiness to think about my situation, and I've spent a happy 3 years here.

You don't need more that 30,000 baht a month IF you want to live a basic, happy life. You might need more for buying things that you want, but if you are after a basic life then those things probably aren't going to put you out of pocket anyway. Sure, I still spend too much money on possessions, I still crave things I can't afford - but I'm happy enough.

Hence my ':D' at the beginning. There are people here who find their money goes a long way - so they push it as far as it goes. These people will 'advise' you that you NEED 'this much' to survive. But they're wrong. You don't 'need' anymore than YOU need. So figure out what you want out of your life here, and life your life happily. This is certainly one of the places where you can make your life what you want.

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply....

Glad it has worked out for you...

I was in a similar position,been coming to Thailand for years,owned two houses in Pattaya,had a thai gf,had seasonal work in London which gave me the time and money to make the move,problem was my daughter whoi didn't want to leave behind,she's now 20 and happy in her life and understands my need to do what I've always wanted...hence why the time is now right....

I wish u the best of luck.....

The lifestyle I have here would cost 100% more in the part of West London I'm from originally.

Rent a modern 100sqm duplex in Asoke

Like the OP, I'm not a drinker, very rarely partake in the P4P nonsense but I do frequent nightclubs

I eat Thai and Western food I buy from places like Villa and the Gourmet Food Halls at Emporium-type places

I take taxis pretty much everywhere unless a trip on the BTS from Asoke would be quicker

The woman I'm seeing brings her own dosh to the table and doesn't live with me

I could comfortably fund this lifestyle on 70k

Thanks for the reply....I'm a West Londoner,living in Surrey....

I've had a few people estimate around 70k,which is the figures kinda had in mind....

Thanks again....

I wonder how many pages of threads would come up on a cost living bkk search. LOL

I wonder how many TV members have nothing else to do with their time but make comments that are totally unrelated to the initial post....!!!

I've got my monthly down to b10k + 5k for travel, so 15k. It is very tight, but is my new goal as thb hits <29usd.

Wife pays 35% of the rent-utils and now contributes to her end of travel expenses. The Thai baht is killing me.

We go for pizza or cheap steak once every month. I eat fruit and oatmeal in morning in the flat, Thai otherwise.

I have gym from her co worker, incls pool at b500 year in her condo

Cut my drinking in half, but raised quality of booze a bit. 2L month.

Next year will look for work. I don't want to dig into the nest egg till 62.

I don't go to bars any more. Never saw gogo bars as nothing more than oppty to suck cheap drinks off guys dumb enough to own such establishments. Never got into hipster side of life, esp in bkk. Guess that makes me cooler than hipsters. Gogos are for guys that cant get laid by any other method and to dumb to just use gentlemans clubs.

Married, we take a nice trip once every two months as wifes job allows and two big trips (one intl) a year.

Our flat 30sqm is quiet, clean, nice bldg in middle of bkk 700m from mrt.

For me, its all about hunkering down, watching costs and what goes on in.usa and eorld economies.

I read, walk, excercise, plan our intl trips. Watch abt 3hrs tv a night. I dont miss waking up with a hangover.

The wife busy working, keeps her out of the flat. Shes getting a promotion this month.

For me (us), its slow and steady in this troubling times.

I am far happier her than I could ever be in the us, even in.best of times. Im my own man, save for being married now ☺. That is invaluable especislly as the world suffers so.

Anyway, one day it dawns on you - you cant go back. You can always return, but you csnt go back.

Many will see my life as a hardship, but living this way has allowed me to break free from serfdom at a very early age.

As a lifelong backpacker, now married to a sporty Thai backpacker if we had money, it would just be squirrelled away for longer (note not more luxurious) adventure. So, even if I had more money, much of it would not be spent on a slothful Bangkok lifestyle.

Another item to add: Many times guys with all the dosh pay more because they simply have not worked out how to pay less. They THINK that the services they avail are faster or more convenient, but are often neither. So, I get often get better, fadter AND cheaper.

Finally, I have never been one to have people wait on me. I very, very much dislike waiting on waiters and paying for it as well.

PS: the 10k also incls 1500 to joint savings per month. Ive put off Dentist till next month robbing Peter to pay Paul. Next month also half on her fathers glasses (1000).

I've got my monthly down to b10k + 5k for travel, so 15k. It is very tight, but is my new goal as thb hits <29usd.

Wife pays 35% of the rent-utils and now contributes to her end of travel expenses. The Thai baht is killing me.

We go for pizza or cheap steak once every month. I eat fruit and oatmeal in morning in the flat, Thai otherwise.

I have gym from her co worker, incls pool at b500 year in her condo

Cut my drinking in half, but raised quality of booze a bit. 2L month.

Next year will look for work. I don't want to dig into the nest egg till 62.

I don't go to bars any more. Never saw gogo bars as nothing more than oppty to suck cheap drinks off guys dumb enough to own such establishments. Never got into hipster side of life, esp in bkk. Guess that makes me cooler than hipsters. Gogos are for guys that cant get laid by any other method and to dumb to just use gentlemans clubs.

Married, we take a nice trip once every two months as wifes job allows and two big trips (one intl) a year.

Our flat 30sqm is quiet, clean, nice bldg in middle of bkk 700m from mrt.

For me, its all about hunkering down, watching costs and what goes on in.usa and eorld economies.

I read, walk, excercise, plan our intl trips. Watch abt 3hrs tv a night. I dont miss waking up with a hangover.

The wife busy working, keeps her out of the flat. Shes getting a promotion this month.

For me (us), its slow and steady in this troubling times.

I am far happier her than I could ever be in the us, even in.best of times. Im my own man, save for being married now ☺. That is invaluable especislly as the world suffers so.

Anyway, one day it dawns on you - you cant go back. You can always return, but you csnt go back.

Many will see my life as a hardship, but living this way has allowed me to break free from serfdom at a very early age.

As a lifelong backpacker, now married to a sporty Thai backpacker if we had money, it would just be squirrelled away for longer (note not more luxurious) adventure. So, even if I had more money, much of it would not be spent on a slothful Bangkok lifestyle.

Another item to add: Many times guys with all the dosh pay more because they simply have not worked out how to pay less. They THINK that the services they avail are faster or more convenient, but are often neither. So, I get often get better, fadter AND cheaper.

Finally, I have never been one to have people wait on me. I very, very much dislike waiting on waiters and paying for it as well.

PS: the 10k also incls 1500 to joint savings per month. Ive put off Dentist till next month robbing Peter to pay Paul. Next month also half on her fathers glasses (1000).

Nice way of living......so easy to get caught up with needing everything,I've def been guilty of that?..

Thai wife and I live here on around B70,000 per month. We're non-drinkekrs not into nite life scene, house and cars all paid for, eat out a few times a month, pretty normal stuff. We live in Bangkok.[/quote

That was around the figure I was looking at....

There is another thread running over at General Topics as to whether 40k/mth is sufficient.

Since you are not counting rent and you already have a gf who is not financially dependent on you, I would say that your estimate of 50k/mth will keep you in a very comfortable lifestyle without much worries, unless you are planning to eat only western food and in nicer places.

To give you an example:

I was dining in Chesa (Swiss restaurant) in Suk 20 with two others. We had 2 starters, 3 main courses, couple of desserts, a bottle of wine and a few other drinks - total bill, just under Thb 8,000.

Then we adjourned to a wine bar on Suk 24 (in between the two wings of the Davis Hotel). Had one bottle of wine for Thb 11k - yes, 2 ones followed by 3 zeros. Way too excessive and personally, unnecessary.

So, with a good balance of Western and Thai food, nice restaurants as well as open air restaurants, 50k will do very nicely.

Thanks for your reply....TBH i would eat Thai over western food most days,i like cooking and would aim to cook for myself at least 5 days a week,and then out at the weekends...

My gf is totally self sufficient and requires me for bf purposes and nothing more,which is a blessing...

50k a month is looking like a nice number given my lifestyle....

I averaged 11 months of living expenses which does include rent. I live a modest but good lifestyle in a studio apartment in Lumpini on Rama 4 Road. The average for the 11 months from March 2012 to January 2013 is 42,484 baht per month. Hope this helps and no way could I have done this for this price in the USA.

Based on previous experience I was thinking 50 k a month plus rent should afford a very nice lifestyle....

I spend 100k a month in the Uk and hate it..

Thanks for your reply....

You state that you have not been in Thailand for 18 month's when you come back you will see quite a price difference the BT then was more than likely in the upper 50's now at around 43, the £ has gone down by 15% + to the bt since Christmas. Then there will be the increase in price's anything between 10 & 25% a rough guide for you would be what did it cost you before (your life style) and now add at LEAST 40%. To give you an idea I with my family 3 of us had a meal in BKK a few week's ago some western food some Thai must admit at a very nice Restaurant and the price's were about the same if not slightly more than I would have paid in London. And I'm up todate with London price's have just returned from there.

When i was last in Bkk i was getting around 48thb/£,and through friends living there i understand that living costs have appreciated quite alot...

I still think i will be at least 25% better off per month than back in London,plus have a better standard of living too...

I averaged 11 months of living expenses which does include rent. I live a modest but good lifestyle in a studio apartment in Lumpini on Rama 4 Road. The average for the 11 months from March 2012 to January 2013 is 42,484 baht per month. Hope this helps and no way could I have done this for this price in the USA.

Based on previous experience I was thinking 50 k a month plus rent should afford a very nice lifestyle....

I spend 100k a month in the Uk and hate it..

Thanks for your reply....

The last few years i have split my time roughly 60%/40% between the UK and Thailand...

Owning a property in the Uk and renting when i was in Thailand(Pattaya)...

Running 2 properties started to get expensive and i have decided to relocate to Bkk on a more permanent basis and rent out my home in the Uk.

Been away from Thailand the last 18 months for work reasons.

Just after some constructive help re monthly living costs,as when ive been here before it was for 2-3 month stretches,swanning round Asia and spending money like crazy....

Taking away rent,which ive allowed for...how much would i need a month to live on nicely?

Some info as to my lifestyle may help...

I dont really drink,done the bar girl scene to death,now have a gf with her own condo and own money who is in no way dependant on me financially at all...

Im into all things fitness,gym,running,martial arts...

I speak reasonable Thai but would like to study properly,also usual cinema,dinner out once or twice a week etc...

Condo will have a gym but may like to join one anyway,good to meet new people and better equipment generally...(did have CaWow lifetime memership but thats no good now)

My work in the Uk is seasonal,and 3-4 months work a year will earn me a decent amount to live on..

Would just be nice to know on average what people manage to live on and still have a comfortable lifestyle..

Tried to be as specific as i can,any sensible replies will be greatly appreciated...

Many Thanks...

Try Beirut restaurant near Sala Daeng BTS station,cant remember which exit,but the food is great.....

My old boss used to say...If it flies,floats or f***s....rent it.....!..Id apply that maxim to Thai property too...

Having owned 2 properties in Thailand and struggled to sell both,even at 'give away' prices,id rent...

Having said that,i have a mate in Pattaya who is a realtor and has made a fortune buying and selling condos,but then hes working in that business and always manages to 'steer' buyers/renters to his own properties....

Lifes a gamble....

You're too late, it's been done. Or do you have a new formula... Are you sure...

If you look at life in general,you will find most things have already been 'done'...

If everyone thought like you then no one would ever bother opening a restaurant, as that has also been 'done'....quite often i believe....

Thanks for your advice though.....

Thanks for the info and floridaguy,ill pm you....

Hi,

Im looking for someone to build me a website, specificially a dating website..

Im based between Bkk and London and would be interested to hear from anyone who has experience of designing the aforementioned website....

Many Thanks...

I'm in the UK for Christmas and New Year. My Wife and I are having a wonderful time in the countryside with family and friends.

I think the key element to our visits to the UK and life in Thailand is that in England I'm a country boy and avoid the city, in Thailand I'm a city boy.

I believe the best of England is present in its friendly countryside where people still hold doors open for each other, where strangers say hello and other drivers flash their car lights for you to go first.

I also believe the best of Thailand is in the cosmopolitan nature of its capital where as much of a normal existence as possible can be maintained.

England is a lovely place to visit. While Thailand remains a great place to live.

'England is a lovely place to visit. While Thailand remains a great place to live'....

So very true.....

Interesting post Wossnext....im in the process of considering the opposite move...

I work in London and live in Surrey,spend 4-6 months a year in Thailand as my work luckily is kinda seasonal and well paid....tho running a house in Uk and a place in Thailand is proving to be expensive and money down the drain,really need to make the move completely and rent my Uk place out.....

Basically the things u highlighted about the UK i am also sick of,and while i realise Bkk isnt perfect,as nowhere is,i do know id have a much better quality of life as i wouldnt be working in Thailand,and could enjoy all living in Bkk has to offer and return back to London as and when needed for work...

The fly in the ointment is that id miss my daughter who im very close to.....tho she is now an adult....

Anyway,nothing really to add,just thought id say i understand why and what frustrates u about living in the Uk and hope u make it back to Bkk,the Uk is going down the tubes quick and only gonna get tougher before it gets better.....

Good luck...

Thanks for your sensible response, I agree that we (UK) are in a desperate situation, and that it is rapidly worsening, I had a stressful and difficult job in Thailand but would go back to my life there in a heartbeat if it were possible

I was looking up at the grey,rain soaked sky today,freezing cold, and suddenly missed Thailand like crazy,theres a lot said for being warm and having blue sky on an almost daily basis....makes u feel alive....

Good luck Steve....

Interesting post Wossnext....im in the process of considering the opposite move...

I work in London and live in Surrey,spend 4-6 months a year in Thailand as my work luckily is kinda seasonal and well paid....tho running a house in Uk and a place in Thailand is proving to be expensive and money down the drain,really need to make the move completely and rent my Uk place out.....

Basically the things u highlighted about the UK i am also sick of,and while i realise Bkk isnt perfect,as nowhere is,i do know id have a much better quality of life as i wouldnt be working in Thailand,and could enjoy all living in Bkk has to offer and return back to London as and when needed for work...

The fly in the ointment is that id miss my daughter who im very close to.....tho she is now an adult....

Anyway,nothing really to add,just thought id say i understand why and what frustrates u about living in the Uk and hope u make it back to Bkk,the Uk is going down the tubes quick and only gonna get tougher before it gets better.....

Good luck...

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right section to be posting in or not, but i am looking for a Thai teacher in West London (UK), Surrey to be precise (where i live).

Ideally looking for a Thai student or someone who works in a restaurant etc who may wish to earn some extra money teaching for a few hours on a weekend or evening....

Be grateful if anyone can pass on any useful info...

Thanks in advance......

Im in London and watched the 1st episode last week,at the end he said he was off to Thailand next week.......

Awesome series,so funny......