Possibly Moving To Bangkok In Feb... Need Help Please!

[catzonly]

Hi all

Hoping someone can help me here today. Hubby was offered a job in Bangkok area (Amata) and he was there last week to get the feel for it. If he accepts this job, they want him to start in Feb... problem is, we need to give them an answer within the next week. And i dont know where to start to see how things work, to see if my budget will work, etc.

Firstly - it will be 4 of us moving. Me and hubby and 2 boys (aged 6 and 2). So i will need to look at International schools (im not planning on being in Bangkok longer than the 5 year contract period hubby will have), so my son can at least come and do his secondary schooling back here in Aus. This will be our 2nd mayor move in the past 5 years... we moved to Aus from South Africa a few years ago.

Anyways,... besides that... we are looking at areas close-ish to either hubby's work, or a good Int school, and we kinda though of BangNa and that area - close to 2 schools, a little further from work, but do-able. What im mainly wondering is if thats a good, affordable area?? .. we wont be making reaaaally big bucks in the beginning, plus we will have to work our mortage here in Aus into the budget too.

Then i was also hoping someone could give me an idea on general living costs for a family of 4. Things like utility expenses, private health/medical cover, cost involved in leasing or maybe even buying an older second hand type car.... what extra costs are involved at schools - average uniform prices ( i know its a long shot, but maybe someone can just give me an estimate??), etc

Things like general and car insurance... is it necessary and what does it cost...

Internet, mobile phones, telephone lines... availablity, costs, etc

And then the last sticky one... what would it cost for us as a family to buy groceries for a month - food, cleaning stuff, toiletries, etc. We are a "normal" no fuss family who dont eat expensive foods - prefer home cooking, fresh foods... basics... lol i know its a tough one, but grasping straws here before we decided if this is for us.

Was also wondering if there are lots of houses/townhouses that are rented fully furnished?? As i will be leaving my stuff this side hopefully, and dont think its worth buying again that side?? Was also looking at rentals for condo's and apartments, but may not be the best choice with 2 young, noisy, crazy boys!!

Ok.... think thats my list for now... ANY help/advice would be greatly appreciated.... (or links to threads whcih may have info on this - not quite figured out the full use of the forum!!!)

Thanks in advance!!!!

[bkkjames]

Hi there:

First of all Amata Industrial Estate in closer to Pattaya than Bangkok.

As for housing, most expat families live in houses / housing type estates.

Perhaps take a look in the Pattaya forum for more guidance on the area re schools, housing, shopping etc.

regards,

[Thanyaburi Mac]

How about calling around your local LARGE book shops and see if this one is available:

http://www.anzwg-bangkok.org/bangkokguide.php?guide_id=14

Much of it would be applicable anywhere in Thailand.

Mac

[Hanlie]

Hi, we also just moved to Bangkok from South Africa. Am also still trying to suss things out. Food is not expensive. Just totally different from what we are used to. If you want to continue eating what you are used to you will have to shop at the stores that cater for expats. All imported. It will be quite a bit more expensive. I have managed to find items in local stores that does not distrupt our eating plan to much. Just things like cheese, yogurt, potatoes are expensive. But one does manage. I have two small children, and have struggled with them a bit. Things like purity is not sold here. Also, find a soya milk that they like is difficult. They also don't really sell it in powder form here. We live in an apartment in the city. So to navigate around with two kids is a challenge. So if you can live out of town a bit it would be better. Things like bedding is very expensive. Very good quality, but expensive. Also toys in the department stores are expensive. I have not been to the market yet, and is hoping to get better prices. Anyway, this is just a bit of my experience from a South African point of view. Hope it helps, pls contact me if you have any other questions. Medical ect, we have not had any experience with. Schooling also, we are still looking at. The international schools are very expensive. If you get an allowence from your company that helps. But for ex. kindergarden is around $500. That does not include any extra activities. Anyway, best of luck. It's a hard decision to make!

[Aza90]

Hi there:

First of all Amata Industrial Estate in closer to Pattaya than Bangkok.

As for housing, most expat families live in houses / housing type estates.

Perhaps take a look in the Pattaya forum for more guidance on the area re schools, housing, shopping etc.

regards

Amata Nakorn is sort of between the Bangkok and Pattaya but I would say it is easier to get to from Bang Na using the elevated tollway above Bang Na Trat. It takes me approx 30 mins. Amata City is a lot nearer to Pattaya so Pattaya a better option if its this one.

[oldenuf2knobette]

Hi

I know a place in Bangkapi area, close to schools and shopping, quiet area. Its a short drive to the motorway entrance from there can travel at highway speeds to Amata. Works if you have your own car or if supplied by the company. PM me for details.

You could also consider to live closer to Amata, but probably difficult to find suitable housing/ schools and most likely your family would not like it.

Generally cost of living in Thailand is not expensive for food and the basics.

[RAZZELL]

Bit difficult to answer without some figures.

Ball park disposable income after tax, paying for mortgage in OZ, car loan in Thailand???

Perhaps then it would be easier to give you a guide for rental, schooling, food, entertainment etc etc etc

RAZZ

[catzonly]

Thanks one and all for the replies.... it is at Amata Nakorn my husband will be working....

BangNa seems good so far (me looking on maps and with relation to English schools) - BUT I have NO knowledge of any of the areas - so if someone can suggest another area that would suit, please let me hear about it.

[gregb]

I think you should look at living in Chonburi City or Sri Racha. Nothing wrong with it, and you can rent a house for alot less than you can in Bang Na. I think Amata Nakorn is too far away from either Bangkok or Pattaya. Fuel isn't cheap, and spending an hour driving each way everyday won't make your husband a happy camper.

Your children will tolerate the commute much better if you really need the absolute best international schools, but I think something with a little bit more Thai culture would actually be good for your children at that age.

There will be more than enough Thai speaking people at your husband's office to help you out if you have any issues, and you can always make the hour commute to Bangkok if you really need something.

I would suggest you look at staying in a serviced apartment for a month before you decide where you want to live. You can get a 2 bedroom serviced apartment for around 1500 AUD for the month, get a feel for the country, find a school that suits you, and then choose where you want to live after understanding the local transport options.

Personally, the commute from Bang Na to Amata Nakorn everyday would drive me crazy. Moving to a new country is going to be hard enough. Why make things worse?

[catzonly]

Your children will tolerate the commute much better if you really need the absolute best international schools, but I think something with a little bit more Thai culture would actually be good for your children at that age.

Personally, the commute from Bang Na to Amata Nakorn everyday would drive me crazy. Moving to a new country is going to be hard enough. Why make things worse?

I am sorry... but my kids come first... there is NO way i would put them in a Thai school... not at first... if they can learn Thai at the International school as a language then all good and fine - then maybe after 2 years or so... but until then... no ways im going to let my kids walk in somewhere that they cannot understand a word the other kids say. I assume you didnt move to Thailand with 2 young kids... else you would know what i mean... seeing this will be a 5 year contract - after which we will return to Aus - i see no reason for "becoming Thai".

As for commuting.... at this point in time my husband does 45 kms to work every day.... so wouldnt be new and crazy to him.... at least there he will eventually have a driver, so no stress on him driving!

Dont mean to sound like a pain in the a*s but, i didnt ask anyone to tell me what "they think will be best for my kids". I simply asked for general advice and suggestions on areas suitable to my needs.

Edited December 3, 2009 by catzonly

[dvddvd]

/As for commuting.... at this point in time my husband does 45 kms to work every day.... so wouldnt be new and crazy to him.... at least there he will eventually have a driver, so no stress on him driving!/

You have no idea. Good luck to your husband.

[gregb]

Dont mean to sound like a pain in the a*s but, i didnt ask anyone to tell me what "they think will be best for my kids". I simply asked for general advice and suggestions on areas suitable to my needs.

Didn't mean to tell you what will be best for your kids. Was trying to offer you some helpful advice, as you requested.

You're clearly going to be a pleasant person to be around. Just what Thailand needs, another bitter farang. Welcome to the Kingdom.

You still have my recommendation after living here for more than a decade. Chonburi City and Sri Racha. Nothing wrong with Thai private schools in the area, and I would recommend staying in a serviced apartment for a month before you decide to do anything.

[catzonly]

You have no idea. Good luck to your husband.

Actually he does have an idea... he stayed in BangNa for a week whilst there last week - and much prefers the traffic there to the Melbourne traffic... you ever been in Melbourne peak trafiic???

[phetaroi]

I am sorry... but my kids come first... there is NO way i would put them in a Thai school... not at first... if they can learn Thai at the International school as a language then all good and fine - then maybe after 2 years or so... but until then... no ways im going to let my kids walk in somewhere that they cannot understand a word the other kids say. I assume you didnt move to Thailand with 2 young kids... else you would know what i mean... seeing this will be a 5 year contract - after which we will return to Aus - i see no reason for "becoming Thai".

As for commuting.... at this point in time my husband does 45 kms to work every day.... so wouldnt be new and crazy to him.... at least there he will eventually have a driver, so no stress on him driving!

Dont mean to sound like a pain in the a*s but, i didnt ask anyone to tell me what "they think will be best for my kids". I simply asked for general advice and suggestions on areas suitable to my needs.

Rude and uncalled for.

[trogers]

Rental rate for a 3-bedroom house in Bangna/Srinakarin area will vary from Bt20,000 to Bt40,000 depending on furnishing and age of the house and housing estate.

http://www.bangkokserenity.com/propertylis...ch&search=1

Budget about Bt5,000/month for utilities.

A used car of 4-5 years old, say Toyota Vios or Honda City would cost Bt350-400k.

[catzonly]

Thank you Trogers

[lioness]

Your children will tolerate the commute much better if you really need the absolute best international schools, but I think something with a little bit more Thai culture would actually be good for your children at that age.

Personally, the commute from Bang Na to Amata Nakorn everyday would drive me crazy. Moving to a new country is going to be hard enough. Why make things worse?

I am sorry... but my kids come first... there is NO way i would put them in a Thai school... not at first... if they can learn Thai at the International school as a language then all good and fine - then maybe after 2 years or so... but until then... no ways im going to let my kids walk in somewhere that they cannot understand a word the other kids say. I assume you didnt move to Thailand with 2 young kids... else you would know what i mean... seeing this will be a 5 year contract - after which we will return to Aus - i see no reason for "becoming Thai".

As for commuting.... at this point in time my husband does 45 kms to work every day.... so wouldnt be new and crazy to him.... at least there he will eventually have a driver, so no stress on him driving!

Dont mean to sound like a pain in the a*s but, i didnt ask anyone to tell me what "they think will be best for my kids". I simply asked for general advice and suggestions on areas suitable to my needs.

Well I am Aussie and I know Melbourne very well, as the poster said "you have no idea". Further to that you have responded in a rude and aggressive way to someone who was just giving friendly advice, not trying to tell you how to raise your kids.

Perhaps you would be better off staying where you are.

[catzonly]

Ok... i apologise to those thinking that i am rude and say things uncalled for... i merely asked for general advice... about schools, areas, etc.. things relevant to the move.... what i didnt ask for is for advice on how to or where to raise my kids.....

I might have "no idea"... but guess i will be getting an idea eventually. I have not yet been to BK.. so i take my hubby's word on what he saw while driving there. He is the one who thinks it will be easier to drive there than what his trip to work and back is now.... in "not peak" traffic - 6am in the morning it takes him just under an hour to drive the 42kms to work... in peak time, it can take anything from 90 mins to 2 hours.... i think traffic in Melbourne has become a lot worse since we arrived here 3 years ago... too many new developments and not enough infrastucture.

Thanks to those who give advise that can help me... much appreciated!!

[guiddo99]

I am sorry... but my kids come first... there is NO way i would put them in a Thai school... not at first... if they can learn Thai at the International school as a language then all good and fine - then maybe after 2 years or so... but until then... no ways im going to let my kids walk in somewhere that they cannot understand a word the other kids say. I assume you didnt move to Thailand with 2 young kids... else you would know what i mean... seeing this will be a 5 year contract - after which we will return to Aus - i see no reason for "becoming Thai".

As for commuting.... at this point in time my husband does 45 kms to work every day.... so wouldnt be new and crazy to him.... at least there he will eventually have a driver, so no stress on him driving!

Dont mean to sound like a pain in the a*s but, i didnt ask anyone to tell me what "they think will be best for my kids". I simply asked for general advice and suggestions on areas suitable to my needs.

Rude and uncalled for.

unless your hubbie gets some unreal expat package, id pass on thailand. what western parent wants to raise little kids in bangkoks non-stop party atmosphere. how are they non going to be thai-like, they gonna be surrounded by thais.

adults cant handle thailand, id be wary of the formative years being exposed to what goes on in thailand.

[PattayaParent]

unless your hubbie gets some unreal expat package, id pass on thailand. what western parent wants to raise little kids in bangkoks non-stop party atmosphere. how are they non going to be thai-like, they gonna be surrounded by thais.

adults cant handle thailand, id be wary of the formative years being exposed to what goes on in thailand.

Advice from someone who obviously doesn't have kids and doesn't live in Thailand but only comes here as a 'sexpat'

[catzonly]

how are they non going to be thai-like, they gonna be surrounded by thais.

I dont mind my kids getting some exposure to the Thai culture and people - thats only natural that it would happen. I just dont want to throw then into the deepend from the word go by sending them to a Thai school.... its good for them to learn a little about other people and cultures...

[zorro1]

You have no idea. Good luck to your husband.

Actually he does have an idea... he stayed in BangNa for a week whilst there last week - and much prefers the traffic there to the Melbourne traffic... you ever been in Melbourne peak trafiic???

There is traffic then there is 3rd world traffic. I agree he thinks he knows but really has no idea. If you plan on maintaining a western food diet it will cost around 35% more to live here. Beef in general is of very poor quality. Western vegetables can cost 5x more . just yesterday saw imported lettuce from usa 200bht for 1 head, around $6 in oz. thai version are much cheaper but tasteless and I would kill for a big fat vine ripened tomato which are available imported at villa supermarkets for 500bht oz $15kilo . imported salamis and cheeze are triple the price. A western diet for a family of four will be your biggest expense. Go thai and it costs a few dollars per head to eat out thai style but be warned , it nearly all contains MSG . any thai food in a can or instant noodles etc nearly all have msg wrtten on label

A thai diet is ridiculously cheap if your kids adapt.

Edited December 5, 2009 by zorro1

[trogers]

You have no idea. Good luck to your husband.

Actually he does have an idea... he stayed in BangNa for a week whilst there last week - and much prefers the traffic there to the Melbourne traffic... you ever been in Melbourne peak trafiic???

There is traffic then there is 3rd world traffic. I agree he thinks he knows but really has no idea. If you plan on maintaining a western food diet it will cost around 35% more to live here. Beef in general is of very poor quality. Western vegetables can cost 5x more . just yesterday saw imported lettuce from usa 200bht for 1 head, around $6 in oz. thai version are much cheaper but tasteless and I would kill for a big fat vine ripened tomato which are available imported at villa supermarkets for 500bht oz $15kilo . imported salamis and cheeze are triple the price. A western diet for a family of four will be your biggest expense. Go thai and it costs a few dollars per head to eat out thai style but be warned , it nearly all contains MSG . any thai food in a can or instant noodles etc nearly all have msg wrtten on label

A thai diet is ridiculously cheap if your kids adapt.

I get my imported Aust or NZ beef and lamp from either Carefour or Lotus and have them home cook. Aussie butter and cheese cost more, but we do not consume them in large quantity.

A sunday buffet brunch in a nice hotel will meet a large part of the family's craving for food from home.

After settling in, the expat mothers can have their get-togethers and exchange ideas on living style in Bangkok and Thailand.

[trogers]

Reminds me of the price of pad thai and som tum in Singapore - Bt300 and Bt200 respectively.

[catzonly]

A western diet for a family of four will be your biggest expense. Go thai and it costs a few dollars per head to eat out thai style but be warned , it nearly all contains MSG

A thai diet is ridiculously cheap if your kids adapt.

We wouldnt be eating only western food..... maybe in early days, but im sure as i get more used to the food there, we will gradually start eating more of it. I am a bit weary of the fact that most Thai food contains heaps of MSG, but if you buy fresh and just make your own food, i assume it would be better and even cheaper???

I am not very big on red meat anyways... so wouldnt be a huge hassle if we had to eat more say chicken, fish etc.

[zorro1]

A western diet for a family of four will be your biggest expense. Go thai and it costs a few dollars per head to eat out thai style but be warned , it nearly all contains MSG

A thai diet is ridiculously cheap if your kids adapt.

We wouldnt be eating only western food..... maybe in early days, but im sure as i get more used to the food there, we will gradually start eating more of it. I am a bit weary of the fact that most Thai food contains heaps of MSG, but if you buy fresh and just make your own food, i assume it would be better and even cheaper???

I am not very big on red meat anyways... so wouldnt be a huge hassle if we had to eat more say chicken, fish etc.

You couldn't make it better or cheaper your self. There are hundreds of little thai restaurants everywhere including where ever it is you will be living. Its much cheaper to eat out even the thais do it. All meals even in the top shopping malls are $2 or under for basic delicious thai food. once you find a few favorites near your home perhaps try to explain no MSG if your a regular that would work. Congrats on the move, must be exciting!

p.s street bbq food is even cheaper but many wont touch it

[zorro1]

You have no idea. Good luck to your husband.

Actually he does have an idea... he stayed in BangNa for a week whilst there last week - and much prefers the traffic there to the Melbourne traffic... you ever been in Melbourne peak trafiic???

There is traffic then there is 3rd world traffic. I agree he thinks he knows but really has no idea. If you plan on maintaining a western food diet it will cost around 35% more to live here. Beef in general is of very poor quality. Western vegetables can cost 5x more . just yesterday saw imported lettuce from usa 200bht for 1 head, around $6 in oz. thai version are much cheaper but tasteless and I would kill for a big fat vine ripened tomato which are available imported at villa supermarkets for 500bht oz $15kilo . imported salamis and cheeze are triple the price. A western diet for a family of four will be your biggest expense. Go thai and it costs a few dollars per head to eat out thai style but be warned , it nearly all contains MSG . any thai food in a can or instant noodles etc nearly all have msg wrtten on label

A thai diet is ridiculously cheap if your kids adapt.

I get my imported Aust or NZ beef and lamp from either Carefour or Lotus and have them home cook. Aussie butter and cheese cost more, but we do not consume them in large quantity.

A sunday buffet brunch in a nice hotel will meet a large part of the family's craving for food from home.

After settling in, the expat mothers can have their get-togethers and exchange ideas on living style in Bangkok and Thailand.

How much is the beef? good point re the Sunday brunch, there are some really good ones around town

[catzonly]

Congrats on the move, must be exciting!

Exciting but also VERY scary and confusing still!!!

[trogers]

Exciting but also VERY scary and confusing still!!!

Aust beef varies from Bt900-1300 per kilo, with T-bone and ribeye at the expensive range. Lamb prices vary from Bt650-1000 per kilo.

Should not be scary, but a good adventure. I suggest your hubby first comes here and stay in a serviced apartment for a few weeks, engage an agent to source out potential homes for rental within a given rental budget, visit the places and then make a decision to rent on a 1-year contract.

Important is to ask the school (that you have an interest in) if they already have a school bus servicing various housing estates. This will help you to shortlist where you should rent a home.

[catzonly]

Important is to ask the school (that you have an interest in) if they already have a school bus servicing various housing estates. This will help you to shortlist where you should rent a home.

Done that.... narrowed it down to 3 possible schools - the BK Pattana, St Andrews, and the BCIS - which is all in the Bang Na/Prawet area...

Hubby will initially be coming over on his own - he has a 4 month "probation" period at the new job. He will prob then be staying in some of the "factory"s accomodation for a little while at first (meaning he can take some time to find a car, and then go look at some rentals)