Jump to content

Is Thailand Still a Good Place to Spend Time if You're on a Fixed Budget?


Recommended Posts

Posted

A friend of mine who lives overseas and is retiring this year sent me an email asking if I think Thailand is still a good place to spend long periods of time if you are on a limited fixed budget. Specifically, he wanted to know if it is still possible to enjoy life here without spending much on bars, restaurants, women, and other luxuries.

 

I could not really answer his question from that perspective since I have never had to watch my spending in Thailand too closely, but it got me wondering. For those living in Thailand on a tighter budget, can it still be enjoyable, or has the cost of living, especially with rising inflation over recent years, made it much more difficult to be happy in Thailand?

  • Like 1
Posted

Yes, Thailand is an outstanding choice if you're on a limited budget. I would almost go so far as to say that for most folks who are not on a limited budget Thailand would not be in the top 5 or 10 choices, but for those of us who do not have significant wealth it's a great choice. 

  • Agree 2
Posted

Is Thailand Still a Good Place to Spend Time if You're on a Fixed Budget?

 

It really depends on how much your fixed income is.

If it's only between $1000.00-2000.00 USD/mo, not so much unless, you want to live in a cheap old studio and live off 7-11 for the rest of your life.

I think your'e chances are better living in Cambodia, Vietnam, PI's or Malaysia. Thailand is getting way too expensive.....

 

Posted

This all depends upon how well one is fixed.

Does it not?

 

Also, it is paramount for one to understand how to living within one's income.

 

Also, one must develop effective strategies for reducing waste, waste such as making expenditures for things that most would consider luxuries.

These waste-luxuries include things like drinks for B-girls, and purchases of anything imported to Thailand.

 

If one lives reasonably, and enjoys watching and interacting with birds, growing flowers, and sitting before one's computer screen using super-cheap and fast internet,...

Then all will be well, and Thailand is a good place.

 

Some are not fixed well enough, even for these non-luxuries.

And in this case, Thailand might not be such a happy place to spend time.

 

 

Posted
1 hour ago, flyingtlger said:

Is Thailand Still a Good Place to Spend Time if You're on a Fixed Budget?

 

It really depends on how much your fixed income is.

If it's only between $1000.00-2000.00 USD/mo, not so much unless, you want to live in a cheap old studio and live off 7-11 for the rest of your life.

I think your'e chances are better living in Cambodia, Vietnam, PI's or Malaysia. Thailand is getting way too expensive.....

 


Do you really think eating out of 7-Eleven is cheaper? I would say it's more expensive than supermarkets for quite a number of items and it's definitely less value for money than street food for most locals.
 

But it is a convenience store and offers that convenience with thousands of locations and 24 hour access. So you're paying a premium for that and I would argue that it's actually a more expensive lifestyle than buying what you need at a discount hypermart or a fresh market. Wouldn't you agree?

  • Agree 1
Posted

Gross post removed also replies

"Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!"

Arnold Judas Rimmer of Jupiter Mining Corporation Ship Red Dwarf

Posted

It depends on how much capital backing one has. Buying items such as scooters, cars and condos.

 

IMO it is important to have enough capital to cover unexpected medical issues.

 

It also depends on where one lives. Pattaya and Bangkok are a lot more expensive than Chiang Rai.

 

My budget is 55,000 baht/ month. I shop at Makro and the day markets. I don't drink or smoke. Golf and restaurant meals 2-3 times a week.

 

I would probably be living on much less without a GF to support. That's my choice, she supports me as well.

  • Confused 1
  • Agree 1
Posted
35 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

It depends on how much capital backing one has. Buying items such as scooters, cars and condos.

 

IMO it is important to have enough capital to cover unexpected medical issues.

 

It also depends on where one lives. Pattaya and Bangkok are a lot more expensive than Chiang Rai.

 

My budget is 55,000 baht/ month. I shop at Makro and the day markets. I don't drink or smoke. Golf and restaurant meals 2-3 times a week.

 

I would probably be living on much less without a GF to support. That's my choice, she supports me as well.

You make an excellent point about medical costs.  In the U.S. I pay virtually nothing because I am covered by Medicare and Tricare.  They do not pay for anything outside of the U.S.  As you age your medical needs increase.

Posted
24 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

You make an excellent point about medical costs.  In the U.S. I pay virtually nothing because I am covered by Medicare and Tricare.  They do not pay for anything outside of the U.S.  As you age your medical needs increase.

 

Correct about Medicare but Tricare does pay outside the US. I have filed and been reimbursed for both inpatient and outpatient care here.

 

For me it has always been pay up front and file a claim afterwards. I believe reimbursement is max 75%.

Posted

Some people think it is, some people think it isn't.  I guess it depends who you are.  Only your friend can answer that question.
But here are some recent views...

 

Posted
2 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Not so much a case of having to live on a lighter budget, more a case of your chosen lifestyle and what your particular needs and wants are.

Well stated!  :thumbsup:

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now



×
×
  • Create New...