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

[123Stodg]

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?

[spidermike007]

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. 

[flyingtlger]

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.....

 

[CharlieH]

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.

One man's food is another man's poison, and so on. I dont live anywhere near the tourist trail, dont drink, and not interested in any bar scene. I have a wife so "ladies" is not a consideration either. I choose to live in a rural setting, 20 minutes from the nearest town. That suits me, not for everyone, of course. My monthly costs are minimal.

 

It depends entirely on what your "friend" lifestyle and needs are.

 

Generally, if your budget is low, choose the right location and you can make it work if you are of a mind to.

If its low and you think you are going to survive in Pattaya with all the various temptations and frequenting bars, etc, then probably not.

[GammaGlobulin]

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.

 

 

[short-Timer]

  On 3/16/2025 at 4:07 AM, 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.....

 

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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?

[Rimmer]

Gross post removed also replies

[Lacessit]

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.

[Hawaiian]

  On 3/16/2025 at 5:44 AM, 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.

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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.

[Smokin Joe]

  On 3/16/2025 at 6:23 AM, 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.

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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%.

[FolkGuitar]

It's fine for us.
Relatively low fixed income, but it's enough for the two of us here to still enjoy doing what we like.

[connda]

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...

 

[connda]

  On 3/16/2025 at 4:27 AM, 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.

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Well stated! 

[Harrisfan]

  On 3/16/2025 at 3:22 AM, 123Stodg said:

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?

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Thai inflation is 0.4%. Easily live on 20,000 baht a month if single and don't drink.

[georgegeorgia]

  On 3/16/2025 at 4:07 AM, 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.....

 

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I find the Philippines expensive too on par with Thailand 

In face rents are much higher in the Phil's 

[georgegeorgia]

I haven't been to Vietnam but some on here say it's much cheaper than Thailand 

I guess where in Vietnam?

Da Nang ? 

[123Stodg]

  On 3/16/2025 at 4:27 AM, 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.

One man's food is another man's poison, and so on. I dont live anywhere near the tourist trail, dont drink, and not interested in any bar scene. I have a wife so "ladies" is not a consideration either. I choose to live in a rural setting, 20 minutes from the nearest town. That suits me, not for everyone, of course. My monthly costs are minimal.

 

It depends entirely on what your "friend" lifestyle and needs are.

 

Generally, if your budget is low, choose the right location and you can make it work if you are of a mind to.

If its low and you think you are going to survive in Pattaya with all the various temptations and frequenting bars, etc, then probably not.

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Thank you, Charlie. I agree with everything you said.

 

I just want to add that it’s not necessarily required to live in a rural area of the country to keep costs down. It really depends on your setup. If you own an apartment in the city, don’t have a car, and don’t have a family to support, you can probably live quite affordably in an urban area as well. But that requires a that requires an initial investment as well. Food and many basic necessities in Thailand are still relatively inexpensive though.

 

I probably spend more than I need to, but since I’m not overly concerned about budgeting, I don’t think too much about it. That said, I believe others could also live affordably in the city if they manage their expenses properly I don't live in an expensive apartment. The biggest costs in Thailand are usually accommodation and owning a car. Beyond that, most expenses come down to entertainment and luxury purchases. But if you live modestly, food is still very reasonably priced and would likely be your biggest regular expense.

[123Stodg]

  On 3/16/2025 at 5:44 AM, 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.

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Medical cost is an important issue as you mentioned. But that is something you would have to consider no matter where you live in the world, unless of course you have free or inexpensive government healthcare provided to you in your home country.

 

55,000 Baht sounds like kind of a lot to be spending to live in a rural part of Thailand, especially if you don't go out drinking on a regular basis. I think a lot of people probably do it for a less than 55K. But I guess two people, and if you have rent to pay and other fixed expenses, then maybe that's what it costs. Golf and restaurants 2 to 3 times a week up country shouldn't be that much extra in terms of cost though, would it?

I probably spend about that much on average every month myself and I'm just one person. Expenses just seem to happen. But as I said, I'm not really on a budget.

 

[123Stodg]

  On 3/16/2025 at 8:19 AM, Harrisfan said:

Thai inflation is 0.4%. Easily live on 20,000 baht a month if single and don't drink.

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20,000 would be a bit too tight and restrictive.

[Harrisfan]

  On 3/16/2025 at 8:57 AM, 123Stodg said:

20,000 would be a bit too tight and restrictive.

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It depends how one lives.

[123Stodg]

  On 3/16/2025 at 8:59 AM, Harrisfan said:

It depends how one lives.

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I couldn't do it. 

[123Stodg]

  On 3/16/2025 at 8:42 AM, georgegeorgia said:

I haven't been to Vietnam but some on here say it's much cheaper than Thailand 

I guess where in Vietnam?

Da Nang ? 

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Wrong topic. 

[Harrisfan]

  On 3/16/2025 at 9:00 AM, 123Stodg said:

I couldn't do it. 

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Most Thais live on less.

[Yagoda]

You can live like a king in Bangkok for less than a G USD

[pomchop]

I live a very pleasant life in a very nice condo.  Eat mostly Thai food.  I do not spend $$ on gals other than few tips here and there.  I drink local beers, rarely eat or drink any imported stuff. I eat thai food almost exclusively because i prefer it. I ride baht buses and bolt or walk most everywhere. I Am healthy so far and spend little to nothing on medical care which i deal with on once a year trip back to usa where i am fully covered.  I read lots of books, watch too much tv,  too much time online, go out to bars probably every other night but have about 3 beers, don't ring any bells or try to play the big shot.  I exercise couple of hours everyday and overall am happier than I was back in usa.

 

I live easily on social security and do not touch any of my stocks or other investments.

 

I have found that i do not even spend my full soc security and every month have almost 1000 usd left over.

 

IF you do not blow a load on the gals, eat western imported food, drink imported wines, go to the top tourist restaurants and don't feel you need to impress anyone there is no reason that most anyone can not live a very pleasant life in pattaya without spending a fortune.  I would say the two biggest wildcards are females where some guys do "blow a load" and medical care where you may have no choice.

[Mason45]

I've been living in Pattaya for the past 24 years. When I'm asked by friends if Pattaya is a good place to retire to I respond like this. Pattaya is made up of expats and tourists. A person must decide which category they come under. Expats 60 yo plus must be careful to live like expats, that is the way they live their normal life. If these same expats live like tourist they will either run out of money or fall off the perch. Many expats have fallen for this trap and died prematurely.

[FriscoKid]

  On 3/16/2025 at 9:18 AM, pomchop said:

I live a very pleasant life in a very nice condo.  Eat mostly Thai food.  I do not spend $$ on gals other than few tips here and there.  I drink local beers, rarely eat or drink any imported stuff. I eat thai food almost exclusively because i prefer it. I ride baht buses and bolt or walk most everywhere. I Am healthy so far and spend little to nothing on medical care which i deal with on once a year trip back to usa where i am fully covered.  I read lots of books, watch too much tv,  too much time online, go out to bars probably every other night but have about 3 beers, don't ring any bells or try to play the big shot.  I exercise couple of hours everyday and overall am happier than I was back in usa.

 

I live easily on social security and do not touch any of my stocks or other investments.

 

I have found that i do not even spend my full soc security and every month have almost 1000 usd left over.

 

IF you do not blow a load on the gals, eat western imported food, drink imported wines, go to the top tourist restaurants and don't feel you need to impress anyone there is no reason that most anyone can not live a very pleasant life in pattaya without spending a fortune.  I would say the two biggest wildcards are females where some guys do "blow a load" and medical care where you may have no choice.

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How much is your rent?

[Patong2021]

  On 3/16/2025 at 9:00 AM, 123Stodg said:

I couldn't do it. 

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Nor can I.

 

  On 3/16/2025 at 9:09 AM, Harrisfan said:

Most Thais live on less.

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Yes, but they also have a very basic subsistence lifestyle. One should aspire for better than that.

 

  On 3/16/2025 at 9:12 AM, Yagoda said:

You can live like a king in Bangkok for less than a G USD

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No. Don't be silly. AC, potable water, quality food all have a cost. Maids, drivers and  other support staff have a cost. Know why some people have clothing that never smells like wet dog? They launder using filtered, purified water and that costs.

[Celsius]

Lived on 100,000 baht a month and 35,000 a month in Bangkok.

 

You can have luxuries on both amounts if you manage.

 

If you get a moderate to serious medical emergency then forget about it.

[Middle Aged Grouch]

If you do not want to get ripped off and cheated with excessive prices or bad services, to some extent Bangkok and the entire area around Hua Hin or Phuket, is to be totally avoided. 

 

The north, Isaan area, Chang Mai are far more welcoming and friendly to foreigners and prices are half of what is applied further southbound.