What's your cost of living here in Thailand?

[ChakaKhan]

11 hours ago, KiChakayan said:

What you describe is survival. But Chiang Mai is a nice place to survive, I guess.. But if I was living there I'd probably spend 20000 or 30000 a month at Wine Connection only. I just can't resist their walk in wine card..

I guess its perspective as since starting out living here in 2008 and jumping back n forth between here and the states.

I have worked here but find it easier to go home and work for better pay and no visa BS...and to get some balance as I usually get tired of the thai hustle after 6 months and can stretch a double entry visa from Laos.  Since 2008 and my first trip here I have been trimming the fat and seeing what I really need here, as I had the 2 bedroom-2 bath room with kitchen in 2008 but I never used the kitchen or 2nd room or 2nd bath, so Now I aim for minimal-simple life. I need a bed, I need a shower, etc...I have a old honda dream but its paid for and reliable, also a used bicycle I ride daily and enjoy. Im culinary trained and find street food great. And living here and seeing poverty I learned to appreciate my life and options that I have and that others may not, so I'm happy to have shelter, food, etc and creature comforts.  As far as wine, sure I love wine too but I dont prefer to drink it alone or have to pay a pretty to sit there and boost my ego.(not implying u do)

 

I find enjoyment in riding my bike and knowing its all mine-no debt-helping cute lost chinese girls in sundresses, and eating real, local foods which would cost plenty more back home. Material things dont define me and I will never own a new car or Iphone but if someone(thais)needs these things to be happy or prove self worth then maybe they  are fooling themselves. I dont work here so the longer I stretch my savings the longer I can stay here. But should I want a bottle of wine I can certainly buy a bottle, but am just as happy with sangsom n ginger ale. I can get wine back home for less and I rarely drink it back home. These things dont make me happy or fufill me, being at peace, having my freedom, and having NO debt make me happy. Im usually out all day so I dont see the sense of paying for a big place that I rarely use other than to shower and sleep, same as I cant see a reason to pay someone for sex or to pretend to love me for money--money buys goods and services..not love in my opinion, but I use that time flirting with chinese girls and helping them around Cm, as they speak much better english and dont want my money. ?

 

Being into a decade of traveling I've gotten my personal items down to 2 boxes--clothes and knick knacks..I have found material things to weigh me down and I own things that I need, not want, as they serve no purpose to me.

Street food has its purpose, why pay more at a fancy place if I enjoy a meal for 30bt, I dont need a taxi as I have my mbike and bicycle, I buy second hand clothes as they serve the purpose I need them to, I dont need to prove my life or that I am HISO to strangers, I know who I am and I care more about a person than the things they own. So while I can drink wine daily and eat fancy HISO steak, It doesnt fulfill me or make me happier. I guess I am Loso and here in thai it seems to be a useless game of keeping up with the joneses, a stupid race to bury oneself in debt to look Hiso to the neighbors, which is illogical and just plain stupid to me...I just keep it simple and seek happiness in my Life.

 

As I have found over time the less I own the lighter I feel and always come here with a Carry on pack-nothing more, as my biggest decision is what to eat daily and when my visa exps, thats about it. I dont have to worry about a mortgage, or car payment, or kids, or wife, or things that weigh me down. I do have saving as I spend less than I earn back home and pay in cash, but I try to think is this something I need or want and why...as soon it will just be another thing to weigh me down and pack or store when I travel. Everything I own has its purpose, as when it stops serving a purpose why am I keeping it?. I kind of like the survival part and the challenge as there are those that live here that are just trying to survive everyday, and I always root for the little guy, as I am just like them, but I am the lucky one as I can jsut go home, or leave when I tire of thai life, shows me not to take things or life for granted..

 

So I choose the Loso life over the Hiso one, as I would much rather hang out with Loso's than Hiso's any day

as I find the poor to be more authentic and dont understand those that need more things to fulfill themselves.

 

Happy to meet you in Cm and split a bottle of wine--Cabernet for me ?    I just try to make wise money decisions

[ChakaKhan]

21 minutes ago, The manic said:

The Balkans has potential. Vietnam too but it all depends on your priorities.  

Balkans??? How so?  Never been there but im wide open to hear readers picks

 

I did 6 weeks in Vietnam and enjoyed it

 

If you were a single guy with no debt or ties--where would you set up your life?

[ChakaKhan]

10 hours ago, baansgr said:

Why is it survival....cos he eats the local cuisine? He has transport, a convenient located apartment just cos he dosnt eat at the top restaurants serving western food dosnt mean he is surviving.....and by the way, you can cook a steak or salmon meal at home for less than 80 Baht...

It doesnt feel like survival to me, my room was quite nice, tho small but was fine, and as noted had tv-free cable-wifi and was in Nimman area which is very $$$...Ive been a cook for 30 yrs and enjoy street food and supporting local thais, and am self sufficient, but to some that may feel like survival, to me Im just living thai and local as was my goal when I came here to immerse myself in and learn the culture, but im happy to offer up by cheap charlie tips!  ?

 

Thanks for backing me ! Lol  My budgeting allows me to stay longer as I dont have income here.

[ChakaKhan]

11 hours ago, DipStick said:

Subjects such as this are usually inconclusive, every one is different and the saying horses for courses is in my opinion very relevant, perhaps we should be discussing.  Living v Surviving as that’s what it’s all about

I find im living a simple life as others felt I was surviving, but is all perspective to me, as Im quite content with it

 

About 10,000 bt a month as my 30k ATM withdrawals last me 3 months....may explain why I'm single  ?

[ChakaKhan]

16 hours ago, starky said:

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.

Where specifically would you pick if up to u in S.America? And why?..or anywhere for that matter.. Pros n cons

[ChakaKhan]

10 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

But such alternate living location choices are not just issues of cost. They're also issues of permission for long-term residency / visas, etc.  Some countries offer options for that without great expenditure. Other countries do not.  Some places are more or less welcoming to foreign retirees, living costs aside.

 

Id love to hear your choices for MORE welcoming!

[The manic]

37 minutes ago, ChakaKhan said:

Balkans??? How so?  Never been there but im wide open to hear readers picks

 

I did 6 weeks in Vietnam and enjoyed it

 

If you were a single guy with no debt or ties--where would you set up your life?

I don't see it as a life thing. I'm in Thailand now. I don't intend to die here. Regarding the Balkans.  The Former Yugoslavia States make up 6 or 7 countries.  They are all different with Croatia being the most touristy and expensive. Serbia has a good capital with plenty of varied night life.The country side and mountains are beautiful and unspoilt. As well as modern music they have own music culture food is cheap,  portions are big, beer is cheaper than the UK or Thailand. The women are beautiful and I found the people helpful. Since we bombed them and civil war spluttered out they have not had many tourists .Thus they are not weary of foreigners. Serbia however has no coastline. They know to how party. Here the Kolo is being performed at from about 11pm till 4am

The other Balkans include Montegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, , Serbia and Slovenia.

 

 

 

[ChakaKhan]

1 minute ago, The manic said:

I don't see it as a life thing. I'm in Thailand now. I don't intend to die here. Regarding the Balkans.  The Former Yugoslavia States make up 6 or 7 countries.  They are all different with Croatia being the most touristy and expensive. Serbia has a good capital with plenty of varied night life.The country side and mountains are beautiful and unspoilt. As well as modern music they have own music culture food is cheap,  portions are big, beer is cheaper than the UK or Thailand. The women are beautiful and I found the people helpful. Since we bombed them and civil war spluttered out they have not had many tourists .Thus they are not weary of foreigners. Serbia however has no coastline. They know to how party. Here the Kolo is being performed at from about 11pm till 4am

The other Balkans include Montegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, , Serbia and Slovenia.

 

 

 

I consider here as a place to chill out while all the politics crap is wearing me down in states, I'm not looking to retire or die here either. I will hang out and go home after about 6 months and work a year or so until I've restocked the kitty enough to get back to traveling, just curious about some new places and suggestions apart from LOS... tnx

 

Hows the visa process there?

[The manic]

7 minutes ago, ChakaKhan said:

I consider here as a place to chill out while all the politics crap is wearing me down in states, I'm not looking to retire or die here either. I will hang out and go home after about 6 months and work a year or so until I've restocked the kitty enough to get back to traveling, just curious about some new places and suggestions apart from LOS... tnx

 

Hows the visa process there?

Not sure for Americans. It was U lot that bombed them  ,Serbia,  but all 6 countries broadly  have similar VOA for Europeans.  But I've met Cubans Mexicans, Europeans,  people from the other Balkans states 1 Thai and 4 Chinese at the Gucha festival which attracts 4 hundred thousand people to a small village in the mountains . Next week I'm flying to Belgrade,  overnighting, bus to the mountains then driving back via Hungary or Austria to the Dam then flying to Manchester. 

 

Edited July 29, 2018 by The manic

[The manic]

1 hour ago, tropo said:

It is for me... I eat expensive imported treats nearly every day. For example, right now I'm eating imported Australian strawberries every day on a 2 for one deal at Big C that has been ongoing for several weeks (one of my favourite fruits that's now out of season in Thailand). I don't like paying full price, but if you shop around you can find deals to make imported foods affordable. Unfortunately, you'll always be paying full price for imported meats, so the trick is to find the best deal for the best quality by shopping around.

I meant western food is expensive relative to local produce. With regards to fruit  whereever I am in the world, I try to eat local and seasonal. 

[tropo]

Just now, The manic said:

I meant western food is expensive relative to local produce. With regards to fruit  whereever I am in the world, I try to eat local and seasonal. 

Yeah, but trying to eat and wanting to eat something is a different matter entirely. I eat mangoes and bananas too.

[The manic]

10 minutes ago, tropo said:

Yeah, but trying to eat and wanting to eat something is a different matter entirely. I eat mangoes and bananas too.

I want to eat local and seasonal.  Where ever I am. When in France I eat French produce, when in the UK the same when in Asia...The same apart from 20% of the time. That's when I like to fine in high end places.

Edited July 29, 2018 by The manic

[tropo]

49 minutes ago, The manic said:

I want to eat local and seasonal.  Where ever I am. When in France I eat French produce, when in the UK the same when in Asia...The same apart from 20% of the time. That's when I like to fine in high end places.

I eat local fruit anywhere I live too, but here's the problem. A lot of the imported fruit I buy isn't grown in Thailand, so if I don't buy them, eg blueberries, NZ apples, NZ avocados, NZ kiwis, USA cherries and other varieties, plums, apricots and many others, I will never eat them. I want to eat them.

[smotherb]

3 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

Lol, somehow the thought of driving  an SClass in Bangkok isn't my thing any more. Nor strip clubs every night, all night casino bashes, moose hunts in Alaska and Rolexes. 

 

Glad ya did well under Obama, some folks do well in the Chicago Way.

I do none of the things you suggest to spend more than B40k here. I drove MBs when the company picked up the tab, have not frequented strip clubs since a teenager in DC, never liked gambling, never been hunting in Alaska, and the only Rolexes I bought were as gifts for others--and that was in the 80's when I worked in KSA.

 

As I said, if you don't  know what you could spend B40k/mo on, but somehow think these items must be in the mix . . .

 

You apparently missed the stock market growth during Obama's watch.

[The manic]

53 minutes ago, tropo said:

I eat local fruit anywhere I live too, but here's the problem. A lot of the imported fruit I buy isn't grown in Thailand, so if I don't buy them, eg blueberries, NZ apples, NZ avocados, NZ kiwis, USA cherries and other varieties, plums, apricots and many others, I will never eat them. I want to eat them.

I see .I actually make exception for cherries and blue berries. But they represent only 5% of my fruit diet. But frozen. They have special qualities.  But I try to eat different fruits every day. I do not eat lonsats. I do eat longans as a super fruit.

Edited July 29, 2018 by The manic

[tropo]

8 minutes ago, The manic said:

I see .I actually make exception for cherries and blue berries. But they represent only 5% of my fruit diet. But frozen. They have special qualities.  But I try to eat different fruits every day. I do not eat lonsats. I do eat longans as a super fruit.

Yeah, I eat assorted local fruit, but most of it doesn't appeal much. If I don't eat the imported fruit, I will never taste it again as I don't go home. Frozen fruit is fine for smoothies, but that's all I use them for.

[Ahab]

7 hours ago, Naam said:

it's a huge big difference between living in Thailand tax free or paying a "low" U.S. income tax rate of 39.6%.

 

next irrelevant comment please

Top rate for 2018 is 37%. Corporate tax is now 21%.

[JLCrab]

16 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I enjoy listening to music, watching movies and tv shows along with reading books, all for 631bht/month (55" lcd tv).

I enjoy playing music -- once the instrument and the recording set-up is paid for, it is FREE. From the shameless plug department:

 

[The manic]

2 hours ago, tropo said:

Yeah, I eat assorted local fruit, but most of it doesn't appeal much. If I don't eat the imported fruit, I will never taste it again as I don't go home. Frozen fruit is fine for smoothies, but that's all I use them for.

Frozen fruit has a similar fibre and nutrition value as fresh fruit and I do make mine into oat and kefir based smoothies. I also liquidise my salads into green gasspacho. 

[BritManToo]

3 hours ago, tropo said:

Yeah, I eat assorted local fruit, but most of it doesn't appeal much. If I don't eat the imported fruit, I will never taste it again as I don't go home. Frozen fruit is fine for smoothies, but that's all I use them for.

Now we're talking smoothies, red dragon fruit were 4 for 20bht at the market yesterday, banana and dragon fruit smoothies are great.

And I found Bell peppers (red/yellow/green) at 8 for 20bht, which I chopped and froze for pizza toppings.

Made myself a very large 'nam prik ong' and bell pepper pizza for around 10bht yesterday evening, still feeling a bit 'blown' after eating it all with a couple of Leos.

 

Life is good, not to mention CHEAP!

[The manic]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Now we're talking smoothies, red dragon fruit were 4 for 20bht at the market yesterday, banana and dragon fruit smoothies are great.

And I found Bell peppers (red/yellow/green) at 8 for 20bht, which I chopped and froze for pizza toppings.

Made myself a very large 'nam prik ong' and bell pepper pizza for around 10bht yesterday evening, still feeling a bit 'blown' after eating it all with a couple of Leos.

 

Life is good, not to mention CHEAP!

I buy a large mixed salad from food mart, load it with lime juice, chilli, garlic, nam plah, Stevia, fresh ginger, some linseed and liquidise it. This equals 2 to 3 cups of salad. 

Edited July 30, 2018 by The manic

[David Walden]

On 7/29/2018 at 3:24 AM, dallen52 said:

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. 

Your situation seems like mine Bt 8000 P/M for nice room in Condo in Cha-am.  I can afford this so it quite good.  Me perhaps a bit older (76) I don't drink much back in Aus  but I have to admit most of the social contacts I have where I live (Cha-am) are made mostly by meeting Sweeds, Brits, Danes, Yanks, other Aussies and a host of other nationalities as well as many Thais.  This mostly comes about in the Bus Stop Soi which is the Cha-am's modest girly bar street. Also at other restaurant locations in town.   About half the 15 or so bars in this Soi are owned by Foreigners Brits, Aussies Danes etc.  Some of these owners have tried to sell their bars to me...good lord I didn't think I look that silly!!! 

So I do have 3/5 beers each day (I admit some times more or less).  At least 3 times a week many of these bars put on free afternoon food and you serve yourself which can extend sometimes to 6/7 pm thus avoiding the need to pay for food (beer is food).  Whoever puts it on also invites the girls and owners of other bars to share.  Just about all these meetings are great fun, lots of B/S about football and other very light not so serious subjects.  We sometimes solve all the worlds economic and political problems in just a few hours.  As a result I go to at least 3 party type social functions a week.  I usually try to have 2  days a week not socialising or drinking but I must admit with a saddened heart I often fail.  The little Thai Pink Lady Bombshell bar in the Plaza Soi not far away is my favourite.  As a result of this socialising which does not happen in Aus. I know at least 100 people or more in Cha-am that when passing we will stop and say hello

   I do have a bit more then the Aus aged pension to live on but do know lots of Aussies who only get the basic pension, most have a girlfriend and seem to manage OK...great fun, try it. 

 

Edited July 30, 2018 by David Walden

[BritManToo]

6 hours ago, ChakaKhan said:

If you were a single guy with no debt or ties--where would you set up your life?

 

Don't know about setting up life, but for wandering around life:-

China has some amazing scenery and is very cheap, if a bit 'basic'.

Vietnam is stunning for touring. 

 

The Philippines has amazing beaches and islands.

[The manic]

North Vietnam has a lot to offer

 

[xylophone]

19 hours ago, baansgr said:

and by the way, you can cook a steak or salmon meal at home for less than 80 Baht...

A steak for less than 80 baht here...…...it would be that tough it would threaten you with your own knife!!

[Kadilo]

7 hours ago, The manic said:

I see .I actually make exception for cherries and blue berries. But they represent only 5% of my fruit diet. But frozen. They have special qualities.  But I try to eat different fruits every day. I do not eat lonsats. I do eat longans as a super fruit.

You can buy cherries and blueberries from where?

[David Walden]

3 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Don't know about setting up life, but for wandering around life:-

China has some amazing scenery and is very cheap, if a bit 'basic'.

Vietnam is stunning for touring. 

 

The Philippines has amazing beaches and islands.

It doesn't matter when where or why you go travelling,  it is usually the people you meet, the love life you experience  or the parties you attend that can be the most successful part of it.

[Time Traveller]

15 hours ago, Naam said:

it's a huge big difference between living in Thailand tax free or paying a "low" U.S. income tax rate of 39.6%.

 

next irrelevant comment please

I wonder if , or how long ago since you lived in America ?

That top 37% rate does not kick in until around $500,000, or $600,000 for married filing jointly.

By comparison, the Thailand income tax rate  reaches 35% at 4million baht (around $120k) and have no married filing jointly allowance

 

But maybe you're trying to compare non thailand sourced unearned income at 0%.....well then you need to understand US taxes most investment income at 15% maximum. (and at 0% if your income is $50k or less singles / $100 k families once taking account of the deductions)

 

In that case, maybe there is a slight advantage on the income tax side of things when income from not working in Thailand and above $100k ......but then is that income from having do work outside thailand? or is it unearned investment income? 

 

Then of course, you are forgetting the fact that Thailand has much high consuption taxes than America....for example 30+% on cars....200+% on imported alcohol on top of the alcohol duties already imposed on all alcohol, then there's fuel taxes, etc etc.

 

Basically all goods (not services) are more expensive in Thailand than the US. Even Chinese made toys in America are cheaper than the same thing is bought in Thailand! 

 

So I don't think there really is any tax advantage that you are claiming. For 99% of people, you will end up paying more in total taxes in Thailand - either directly (income tax) or indirectly(taxes/duties/fees levied at the point of sale) than you would in the US. 

 

But Naam, if you're one of those 1% ers - with >1million dollar a year incomes, then maybe you're on the wrong forum.

[baansgr]

3 hours ago, xylophone said:

A steak for less than 80 baht here...…...it would be that tough it would threaten you with your own knife!!

Foodmart in Jomtien sell steaks at about 60 Baht, marinated for 36 hours and cooked correctly are as tender and taste as good as any Aussie beef.

[Lacessit]

22 hours ago, smotherb said:

No doubt, as I said to tropo on this same topic. However, if that is the case in Oz, many places would be cheaper and not just Thailand.

True. However, one has to factor in the cost and stress of air travel as well. I travel business class between Melbourne and Bangkok. I really need the leg room. An 8 hour flight is my upper tolerance level nowadays. Places like Costa Rica and Spain etc. are all very well; however, I'd be gaga by the time I got off the plane.

Not complaining - it is what it is when you get older.