If I am like many other people, I have chosen to have a go at making Thailand my home.

But like many others, I'm certainly feeling the pinch, cost wise, and having overseas funds coming in to live on each month at such low exchange rates isn't helping. 

 

Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet?

 

I dont drink, don't smoke. 

Have a car,  rent a house just out of pattaya. 

Usual house comforts. 

Electric about 1500

Rent 8000

Water 100

TV wifi 900.

Basic health care. 

Eat well.

But little if anything else for future savings..

 

What's the secret guys?

 

I've never  budgeted in   my life but I tip my hat to those who do.

 

I really don't find Thailand especially  inexpensive at all.

My budget is none of your business but how about reading one of the MANY threads on this subject?

 

It's been done to death.

I find that things like insurance, fuel and most labour-related services are quite cheap here. Also condo common fees are very low. Local food is also cheap. Just about everything else often seems quite expensive to me, especially anything imported.

 

I dont pay rent, or finance any Thais, and I dont go to bars so I dont actually spend very much every month apart from on eating out and occasionally on hotels and travelling around. So for me income largely exceeds expenditure.

2 hours ago, watcharacters said:

 

I've never  budgeted in   my life but I tip my hat to those who do.

 

I really don't find Thailand especially  inexpensive at all.

That will depend on where you're coming from. Australia is very costly these days.

2 hours ago, dallen52 said:

If I am like many other people, I have chosen to have a go at making Thailand my home.

But like many others, I'm certainly feeling the pinch, cost wise, and having overseas funds coming in to live on each month at such low exchange rates isn't helping. 

 

Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet?

 

I dont drink, don't smoke. 

Have a car,  rent a house just out of pattaya. 

Usual house comforts. 

Electric about 1500

Rent 8000

Water 100

TV wifi 900.

Basic health care. 

Eat well.

But little if anything else for future savings..

 

What's the secret guys?

 The biggest difference between your budget and mine is rent and electricity. Personally, I couldn't live that cheaply, rent wise. When you've been here longer and you want to spend more time at home, you may yearn for something a bit more luxurious. I'd be interested to know how you lived in Australia before you came here? You wouldn't get a decent place to stay for 8000 baht per week in Australia. I was nearly paying that much rent per week prior to 2003. Were you sharing a place, or did you own a house?

Edited July 28, 20187 yr by tropo

Guess I'm a cheap charlie!  My studio room is 3000. small but works as I basically sleep n shower there and is in prime location in CM....cable included--tv too....wifi-free----water 100bt a month..take plenty of cool showers-3x a day and use AC usually at night to cool room a bit and the cool shower helps...  I eat street food which is fine for me...and I ride my bike daily and have a paid for honda dream but is old and reliable....No car....dont have Ins which is risky but can pay cash if needed, can eat well via street food if choose wisely, I dont smoke and rarely drink.. So maybe 500bt a day ?

 

Rent=100 a day

Food=100-300 a day

I try to live on NEEDS--not wants--and just try to do free things--biking--helping tourists--browsing markets--reading--etc

But if I want to splurge on a massage or nice meal I can--but im satisfied as well with the vendors I have found too ?

 

My electric is usually under 1000 as Im rarely there and try to conserve it too.

 

The more I budget, the longer I can stay...I just assimilate with the locals as I came here to become "Thai" and learn about the culture, when I tire of it, I return back home and back to the rat race and work....

 

 

Edited July 28, 20187 yr by ChakaKhan

Date	Time	Transaction	Channel	Description	Chq No	Withdrawal	Deposits	Balance
01/09/2017	13:34	FE	ATM	7-11 BOONKANCHANA		-15.00		+41,666.44
01/09/2017	13:34	C2	ATM	7-11 BOONKANCHANA		-20,000.00		+21,666.44
03/09/2017	04:25	FE	ATM	7-11 BOONKANCHANA		-15.00		+21,651.44
03/09/2017	04:25	C2	ATM	7-11 BOONKANCHANA		-20,000.00		+1,651.44
09/09/2017	22:13	FE	ATM	7-11 BOONKANCHANA		-15.00		+1,636.44
09/09/2017	22:13	C2	ATM	7-11 BOONKANCHANA		-1,600.00		+36.44
20/09/2017	14:01	X1	BCMS	DCP 0015868697 AYUDHYA CAPITAL AUTO LEA			+222,320.00	+222,356.44
21/09/2017	09:52	FE	ATM	7-11 BOONKANCHANA		-15.00		+222,341.44
21/09/2017	09:52	C2	ATM	7-11 BOONKANCHANA		-20,000.00		+202,341.44
24/09/2017	23:58	FE	ATM	7-11 CHOM THIAN SAI 2 S.7		-15.00		+202,326.44
24/09/2017	23:58	C2	ATM	7-11 CHOM THIAN SAI 2 S.7		-2,000.00		+200,326.44
Total						-63,675.00	+222,320.00

 

 

Choose Month July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017

Date Time Transaction Channel Description Chq No Withdrawal Deposits Balance 01/10/2017 02:17 FE ATS ค่าธรรมเนียม   -599.00   +199,727.44 01/10/2017 06:10 FE SMS ค่าธรรมเนียม   -10.00   +199,717.44 01/10/2017 13:39 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -15.00   +199,702.44 01/10/2017 13:39 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -2,000.00   +197,702.44 02/10/2017 04:34 FE ATM ค่าธรรมเนียม   -20.00   +197,682.44 02/10/2017 04:34 C2 ATM กรุงศรีอยุธยา (BAY)   -2,000.00   +195,682.44 03/10/2017 03:58 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -15.00   +195,667.44 03/10/2017 03:58 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -2,000.00   +193,667.44 04/10/2017 11:00 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -15.00   +193,652.44 04/10/2017 11:00 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -20,000.00   +173,652.44 14/10/2017 13:42 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -15.00   +173,637.44 14/10/2017 13:42 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -2,500.00   +171,137.44 15/10/2017 22:33 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -15.00   +171,122.44 15/10/2017 22:33 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -2,000.00   +169,122.44 17/10/2017 09:39 FE ATM ค่าธรรมเนียม   -20.00   +169,102.44 17/10/2017 09:39 C2 ATM กรุงเทพ (BBL)   -20,000.00   +149,102.44 24/10/2017 03:36 FE ATM 7-11 PATTAYA SAI 2 SOI 16   -15.00   +149,087.44 24/10/2017 03:36 C2 ATM 7-11 PATTAYA SAI 2 SOI 16   -20,000.00   +129,087.44 Total           -71,239.00

Choose Month July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017      Date Time Transaction Channel Description Chq No Withdrawal Deposits Balance 01/11/2017 06:11 FE SMS ค่าธรรมเนียม   -10.00   +129,077.44 06/11/2017 03:50 FE ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -15.00   +129,062.44 06/11/2017 03:50 C2 ATM 7-11 BOONKANCHANA   -20,000.00   +109,062.44 10/11/2017 04:00 FE ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6   -15.00   +109,047.44 10/11/2017 04:00 C2 ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6   -2,000.00   +107,047.44 10/11/2017 13:44 FE ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6   -15.00   +107,032.44 10/11/2017 13:44 C2 ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6   -10,000.00   +97,032.44 14/11/2017 14:30 FE ATM KH RUSSIAN BLVD   -100.00   +96,932.44 14/11/2017 14:30 C2 ATM KH RUSSIAN BLVD   -5,255.85   +91,676.59 18/11/2017 21:13 FE ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6   -15.00   +91,661.59 18/11/2017 21:13 C2 ATM 7-11 CHOMTIEN SOI 6   -20,000.00   +71,661.59 26/11/2017 04:27 X2 POS LE PUB BAR AND GRILL C   -441.00   +71,220.59 Total           -57,866.85

Edited July 28, 20187 yr by nickmanchester2

Biggest expenses

 

Fuel for cars - 12,000 pm

Alcohol - 0 to 20,000 pm

Books 100,000 in the last year

 

 

per month:

rent 10k 3 bed room 2 bath huge yard near beach Hua Hin

health insurance 9800

Motorcycle insurance 1200

electric 2500 average

a huge amount of fun most people in the USA can only dream of: 21k average

6000 computer/hobbies

10k food

700 internet

800 cellphones

no car

don't smoke

drink very little

Cat 200

scooter paid cash fuel 300

650cc motorcycle paid cash fuel 700

road trips exploring Thailand 34k x 3 per year

 

I lived for 3 years on 45000 baht a month

last two years 75000 baht a month

 

 

 

 

Edited July 28, 20187 yr by NCC1701A

Wow, all these people who dont drink or smoke. Im impressed.

2 hours ago, tropo said:

 The biggest difference between your budget and mine is rent and electricity. Personally, I couldn't live that cheaply, rent wise. When you've been here longer and you want to spend more time at home, you may yearn for something a bit more luxurious. I'd be interested to know how you lived in Australia before you came here? You wouldn't get a decent place to stay for 8000 baht per week in Australia. I was nearly paying that much rent per week prior to 2003. Were you sharing a place, or did you own a house?

Owned a decent place up to the big D..

Then after separation and splitting the assets etc..

Usual story. 

 

I agree, the 8000 is 2 bedroom and air conditioned. Wet room bathroom, laundry and kitchen. 

Secure gates etc.

But.

Wrong location and we will definitely relocate. 

Be it to Buriram where we have land, (she has land) or elsewhere. 

 

My totals are over 55,000 to 60,000 a month currently. 

Hence my question about how to do this?

 

Its taking a full Aussie pension and a chunk of bank interest every month recently. 

Edited July 28, 20187 yr by dallen52

4 hours ago, Psimbo said:

My budget is none of your business but how about reading one of the MANY threads on this subject?

 

It's been done to death.

I was simply asking for an insight. 

Not your own personal lifestyle. 

 

Thanks I will look into it for ideas..

51 minutes ago, johnmell said:

Wow, all these people who dont drink or smoke. Im impressed.

Surprises me too... thought I was the only one LOL

5 hours ago, Psimbo said:

My budget is none of your business but how about reading one of the MANY threads on this subject?

 

It's been done to death.

Why are you even here? The title was very clear, so you could have easily avoided it.

100k.a month usually covers it

Some months a bit more, some a bit less

But I could live on much less if I had to

2 hours ago, johnmell said:

Wow, all these people who dont drink or smoke. Im impressed.

I just breathe during smoky season--free! (cough)

Since we are on the topic and the primary reason I live here is financial (cheap housing-food-healthcare). Any thoughts or ideas of those that have traveled around the world, of some other options of where a single guy with no connections or debt could set up a similar lifestyle. My dream spot is Japan, if only I could afford it.. Anywhere in the whole wide world as I'm not just limited to Asia, just curious about other folks travels and discoveries on the cheap. ?

5 minutes ago, ChakaKhan said:

Since we are on the topic and the primary reason I live here is financial (cheap housing-food-healthcare). Any thoughts or ideas of those that have traveled around the world, of some other options of where a single guy with no connections or debt could set up a similar lifestyle. My dream spot is Japan, if only I could afford it.. Anywhere in the whole wide world as I'm not just limited to Asia, just curious about other folks travels and discoveries on the cheap. ?

 

I think you could live cheap in a lot of countries if you are closer to the sticks than the metropolitan areas.

Plenty countries in Asia and South America offer cheap living.

 

surprised that you label healthcare as cheap in Thailand

in my view quality healthcare and medicine is easily available, but at a price

 

Without the housing, about 15k/month. 

No health care, when I get to the stage of illness I can't fix myself (from the pharmacy), I intend to die.

 

"Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet?"

Avoid women and bars,

Once you dispense with women, living costs become very cheap

If you drink at home, double the booze for the same $$$$.

 

After reading your other posts in the thread, moving to 'her land' is ALWAYS a huge mistake.

It won't save you any money but will place you totally under her control.

 

Edited July 29, 20187 yr by BritManToo

OP, the only thing that could make a big difference would be buy rather than rent. A chunk of your savings now and eventually live rent free etc. If you are dipping into savings (earning 3%) every month to pay the rent, maybe those savings are better off in a property here that indirectly pays your rent forever. I have a condo I bought 3 years ago and what I have not spent in rent so far, adds up to half the condo purchase price, For the last 3 years I haven't been dipping into savings.

 

If you want to feel good about your expenses, join a couple of the pattaya sexpat/2 week millionaire facebook groups, regular discussions going on about 10,000 baht a day budgets.

8 hours ago, My Thai Life said:

Biggest expenses

 

Fuel for cars - 12,000 pm

Alcohol - 0 to 20,000 pm

Books 100,000 in the last year

 

 

Get your self a kindle I've got over 350gb of books you can have for free about 10 lifetimes worth.

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Without the housing, about 15k/month. 

No health care, when I get to the stage of illness I can't fix myself (from the pharmacy), I intend to die.

 

"Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet?"

Avoid women and bars,

Once you dispense with women, living costs become very cheap

If you drink at home, double the booze for the same $$$$.

 

After reading your other posts in the thread, moving to 'her land' is ALWAYS a huge mistake.

It won't save you any money but will place you totally under her control.

 

15000 a month! wow! that's less than most Thais I would think. I'm 150000 a month easy I don't have a super extravagant lifestyle but I am very comfortable. 

4 hours ago, ChakaKhan said:

Since we are on the topic and the primary reason I live here is financial (cheap housing-food-healthcare). Any thoughts or ideas of those that have traveled around the world, of some other options of where a single guy with no connections or debt could set up a similar lifestyle. My dream spot is Japan, if only I could afford it.. Anywhere in the whole wide world as I'm not just limited to Asia, just curious about other folks travels and discoveries on the cheap. ?

Most of the rest of Asia is now cheaper than Thailand excluding Japan, Singapore and some of the major capitals. Great chunks of South America same as well as Eastern Europe plenty of places cheaper in the world to live than thailand. Most of the world is living in poverty plenty of cheap joints around. If I didn't hate long flights it would be South America for me hands down but I still need to commute to work.

Edited July 29, 20187 yr by starky

1 minute ago, starky said:

15000 a month! wow! that's less than most Thais I would think. I'm 150000 a month easy I don't have a super extravagant lifestyle but I am very comfortable. 

I cook all my own food at home, drink all my beer at home, and all my entertainment comes over the internet for 631bht/month (Movies, TV shows, Books, Music, social interactions)

Without any bars, restaurants, street food, coffee shops, What else do you spend money on?

I do Drink, and dip snuss I have 3 kids and a wife, house paid for, we go through 160000 a month including insurances and school fees.  I don't think we live high on the hog, however, i don't feel like we are suffering at all. 

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

I cook all my own food at home, drink all my beer at home, and all my entertainment comes over the internet for 631bht/month (Movies, TV shows, Books, Music, social interactions)

Without any bars, restaurants, street food, coffee shops, What else do you spend money on?

Not judging you mate I'm saying well done. Don't worry about my expenditure but there's no way I could live on 15k a month and I don't drink much and have no interest in bars. I do have a wife a family and certain commitments however. Just my electric is 3000 a month but I'm not and never would penny pinch I live here to the same level as I would in Australia I'm not living here to save money. Horses for courses.

Heavy smoker, wife and son. House, car and scooter bought and paid for. Eat out regularly but only drink when I have an insatiable need for a gik.

 

Flat month - 60k baht.

 

Came here to retire, not skimp and save. Could live cheaper in the UK but who wants to?

 

Life is for living, I spend what I want, when I want, you can't take it with you!

I was just thinking about this topic again while i had my coffee.  I think its up to you, what you can live on.  No one can tell you what is the correct amount.  Perhaps you can live in a hut with a fan and out door toilet and eat mama noodles 3 times a day and go without health insurance and the like.  I was trying to break down my budget as it would be for a single guy.  If i was in bangkok or pattaya. 

 

15K Rent

30K food

30K whores and beve

10K snuss

10K health insurance

4K electric

900 baht my post paid AIS phone

900 baht internet

300 water

10K other stuff visas, transport etc etc.

 

Hope this helps you out. 

 

12 hours ago, dallen52 said:

What's the secret guys?

More money for a start.