I Want To Live In Thailand

[clarebangkok]

Hi I was told I should post here instead of on the general board... I got into an argument there and ended with -2 rep lol.

Im thinking of moving to Bangkok, or now one of the smaller cities where people speak English, like Chiang Mai or somewhere. I have been to Bangkok before so I have *some* idea of what its like but Ive never lived on my own before so I might run into trouble there.

From the other thread I started, I found out that I can rent accommodation in Bangkok from £495 a year, that its cheaper in Chiang Mai, and Id probably find it easier in a tourist type city because theres more English spoken there and Id be less likely to get lost there.

But noone offered advice about cheap health insurance and wether I should get it here in the UK or after coming to Thailand, or where I can preorder English-language books and DVDs in Bangkok, or where I can meet other young English-speaking people in their teens or early 20s in Bangkok if I dont drink or go to clubs. Or where I can preorder books and meet other young people in Chiang Mai or wherever I go and live.

Of course I might not even come yet... but Ive got too many bad memories here and most things about England make it

horrible to live here... so I feel like a foreigner here anyway. And I felt safer in Bangkok.

If I do come Ill be on a visa while I take a TEFL course or a Thai language course, and I probably will live in Chiang Mai or somewhere like that.

[MisterMan]

HI as the forum is geared more to people all ready living here you might find more info by searching.. and also try chickynet.com

they have sub groups for Bangkok and CM and a lot of new people who have just moved who tend to be more patient about providing info..

Good luck.

[sbk]

clare made the error of posting in general and got the warm welcome of the grumpy men there.

books in bangkok are easy to find, they weigh alot so i woudln't bring any, same as dvd's.

clothes depend on your size.

here is a good spot to find clothes sizes

http://bangkok.angloinfo.com/countries/thailand/conversions.asp#clothes

[clarebangkok]

clare made the error of posting in general and got the warm welcome of the grumpy men there.

books in bangkok are easy to find, they weigh alot so i woudln't bring any, same as dvd's.

clothes depend on your size.

here is a good spot to find clothes sizes

http://bangkok.angloinfo.com/countries/thailand/conversions.asp#clothes

Most of the grumpy old men were just messing around lol... I got offended at one of them though I still dont know if it was a joke or an accusation, Im not bothered now though. Some of the replies I got were useful... but most of them werent lol.

Im a shoe size 6 over here, but that site isnt clear what size Id need in Thailand? And the links from that site didnt help me find my Thai bra size either they didnt mention the bra sizes in Thailand.

Edited September 27, 2010 by clarebangkok

[britmaveric]

^how do you plan on making dosh?

[clarebangkok]

^how do you plan on making dosh?

After I do the TEFL Ill be teaching English? Or I hope I will... someone (Ian?) reminded me Ill need a return ticket just in case lol...

[britmaveric]

Do you have a uni degree? (bit of a requirement for teaching these days)

[clarebangkok]

Do you have a uni degree? (bit of a requirement for teaching these days)

No I dont... but I was told it doesnt really matter even if its technically illegal in Thailand, as long as you have a TEFL and a visa.

[sbk]

They are cracking down on this I believe, best to check that out in the teaching in thailand forum.

TBH, it doesn't sound like you have this planned very well. Not that I can criticize because I didn't have any either but times have changed since I came to Thailand. And Thailand has changed quite a bit too.

You might consider, given your age, the one year working visa to Oz, will give you some money, get a chance to see the world, and then you can stop back in Bangkok on the way back and see if it still appeals.

[counrikke]

Sent you a message clare

[mssabai]

No-one has answered anything about health insurance, so here you go....

If you are arriving on a tourist visa, I would recommend you first of all getting insurance from home. Although more expensive than Thai based insurance, it usually has exceptional cover and will pay for medivac-ing you home if necessary. After this, and if you are feeling settled here, you can look into Thai based insurance.

I have had one lot with Ayuddhya insurance and one with Bupa. Both were around 1000 baht a month but were arranged through my school so I presume they were discounted for bulk purchase. The cover is good, but will not cover you for transport back to your home country. Also I am pretty sure you need to have a work permit to get these types of insurance.

As I have been here 4 years, I feel comfortable having Thai insurance as I know which hospitals to go to which will over me the best value (you get set allocations for each service you use, beyond that, you have to pay), and I also have a very good support network here if I was seriously ill, who would be able to look after me in hospital and communicate with my family. I think if you are freshly arrived though it is good to know that if anything happens to you, you will be taken home, hence why I would recommend insurance from home.

In terms of meeting other people, there are quite a number of sports clubs and the like in Bangkok, and I presume in Chiang Mai. I wouldn't recommend anywhere particularly small, especially while you are still learning the language and the culture. A word of warning though, the expat scene here, almost without exception, is very *ahem* social, lets say. Even if you don't drink yourself, you will probably have to put up with nights with drunken people if you are to establish a network here!

You sound like you are fairly young. If you have never lived on your own before I can't help feeling you may be throwing yourself in a little at the deep end with your current plan. Thailand can be a lonely place, especially when you are just starting out here. A tefl course would be a good start as you would be most likely to meet others in a similar position to you who you can go on and look for jobs with. Or an intensive thai course at a Thai university, where you will probably meet other international and Thai students of similar ages (google 'intensive university Thai course).

It does worry me that you don't have a degree. Teaching without a degree means you are illegal. This puts you at the mercy of your school and immigration. I have a list of stories as long as my arm about people getting screwed over in a similar situation. A TEFL in your situation will not make any difference, it will only make you feel more prepared for teaching. Why don't you go for the intensive Thai course first, then you can reassess at the end of it and see if teaching is a risk you are willing to make. Even better stay at home and do a degree, you will never regret it and the time honestly does fly by. Then you can come and work legally.

[clarebangkok]

No-one has answered anything about health insurance, so here you go....

If you are arriving on a tourist visa, I would recommend you first of all getting insurance from home. Although more expensive than Thai based insurance, it usually has exceptional cover and will pay for medivac-ing you home if necessary. After this, and if you are feeling settled here, you can look into Thai based insurance.

I have had one lot with Ayuddhya insurance and one with Bupa. Both were around 1000 baht a month but were arranged through my school so I presume they were discounted for bulk purchase. The cover is good, but will not cover you for transport back to your home country. Also I am pretty sure you need to have a work permit to get these types of insurance.

As I have been here 4 years, I feel comfortable having Thai insurance as I know which hospitals to go to which will over me the best value (you get set allocations for each service you use, beyond that, you have to pay), and I also have a very good support network here if I was seriously ill, who would be able to look after me in hospital and communicate with my family. I think if you are freshly arrived though it is good to know that if anything happens to you, you will be taken home, hence why I would recommend insurance from home.

In terms of meeting other people, there are quite a number of sports clubs and the like in Bangkok, and I presume in Chiang Mai. I wouldn't recommend anywhere particularly small, especially while you are still learning the language and the culture. A word of warning though, the expat scene here, almost without exception, is very *ahem* social, lets say. Even if you don't drink yourself, you will probably have to put up with nights with drunken people if you are to establish a network here!

You sound like you are fairly young. If you have never lived on your own before I can't help feeling you may be throwing yourself in a little at the deep end with your current plan. Thailand can be a lonely place, especially when you are just starting out here. A tefl course would be a good start as you would be most likely to meet others in a similar position to you who you can go on and look for jobs with. Or an intensive thai course at a Thai university, where you will probably meet other international and Thai students of similar ages (google 'intensive university Thai course).

It does worry me that you don't have a degree. Teaching without a degree means you are illegal. This puts you at the mercy of your school and immigration. I have a list of stories as long as my arm about people getting screwed over in a similar situation. A TEFL in your situation will not make any difference, it will only make you feel more prepared for teaching. Why don't you go for the intensive Thai course first, then you can reassess at the end of it and see if teaching is a risk you are willing to make. Even better stay at home and do a degree, you will never regret it and the time honestly does fly by. Then you can come and work legally.

Thanks about the health insurance I was worried about that... £249 pounds a year doesnt sound too much but I suppose it adds up with my accommodation and living costs.

I hated school so much Id hate going to university here in England but its probably better in Thailand so Ill google the intensive Thai courses.

God I hate sports... is there nothing else lol and I dont like feeling pressured to do things I dont want to like drinking... Ive seen what it does to people here where people drink too much. I think the best way to find friends in Thailand is probably through epal sites before I come, then Ill already know English speaking Thais who have similar interests. The problem is I dont know where Ill end up in Thailand, and they dont always say where they are in Thailand either.

Edited September 29, 2010 by clarebangkok

[conceptme]

I hated school so much Id hate going to university here in England but its probably better in Thailand so Ill google the intensive Thai courses.

right...

[britmaveric]

You hate school, yet you want to teach it?

[kevozman1]

I hated school so much Id hate going to university here in England but its probably better in Thailand so Ill google the intensive Thai courses.

right...

England has schools such as Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial. These institutes are famous

and attract some of the brightest academics worldwide. UK is probably the best country in the

world to obtain a degree and will be recognised everywhere.

Edited September 29, 2010 by kevozman1

[clarebangkok]

Someone like me ends up at the less famous universities though... I had to walk through one when these lads were all coming out of the buildings and I didnt feel safe, like when you walk past high school and everyones coming out together and shouting... I didnt get any trouble but I felt I might be shouted at or something its how they were behaving.

And I hated school and it feels wierd if Id be called a teacher lol... but teaching adults in a language school isnt the same thing is it... and I just want to get out of England to Thailand in some way, and teaching English with a TEFL degree is how most people get into Thailand.

But learning Thai in Thailand is probably a better option if I *need* a university degree...

[britmaveric]

^might have an easier time in Vietnam or Cambodia - least for teaching aspects. They are more lenient on visa(s) and working. Not to mention costs are significantly cheaper....

However I might add I think this is a bad idea all around especially if you are planning to try this very soon. Lot of planning, preparation, and thought needs to be done on this or I'm afraid you will be up sh*tes creek without a paddle.

Edited September 29, 2010 by britmaveric

[kevozman1]

Someone like me ends up at the less famous universities though... I had to walk through one when these lads were all coming out of the buildings and I didnt feel safe, like when you walk past high school and everyones coming out together and shouting... I didnt get any trouble but I felt I might be shouted at or something its how they were behaving.

And I hated school and it feels wierd if Id be called a teacher lol... but teaching adults in a language school isnt the same thing is it... and I just want to get out of England to Thailand in some way, and teaching English with a TEFL degree is how most people get into Thailand.

But learning Thai in Thailand is probably a better option if I *need* a university degree...

Does not matter. A degree from England even from a low ranked uni will look good compared

to any degree obtained in Thailand. Why do you think parnets from all over the world spend

large amounts of money so their children can have a piece of paper saying they studied

in England.

I think if you find a uni campus in the UK intimidating then Thailand is just going to be too

much for you.

[kevozman1]

Apartment in Bangkok for £495 a year! So you will be renting a

room in the 2000 - 2500 baht a month category. That is about

as cheap and nasty as it gets in Bangkok and that uni campus

is going to seem like heaven compared to the conditions and

people you will be living with.

[RueFang]

Clare, there's no way to prepare you for the culture shock that you are sure to experience when you make this big move. To lessen the blow, I would definitely try out Chiang Mai first rather then Bangkok. Bangkok is overwhelming for well traveled people let alone someone who has never lived alone outside of your own country. Chiang Mai is a small big city Heaps of tourists, heaps of expats, good vibe generally speaking, plenty of English teaching opportunities. For the record, I love both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I just think Chiang Mai would be a softer transition to living in Thailand.

Many people seem to think you're a troll... I think they just don't realise that you're a young/naive 18 year old. As to the English teaching.. as Bina said, it's not for everyone. I taught for 3 months in a village school and it was hel_l and I will definitely never venture there again.

I would suggest not burning all your bridges in your home town because you never know how things will turn out here and what back up you may need. Not to delve into specifics, but do you have enough funds to sustain you in Thailand for a long haul? How long did you visit Bangkok for last time? Which area did you stay in... Bangkok is bigger then Khao San Road/Central World . Did you go anywhere else in Thailand?

[Patsycat]

I'm starting to worry about this wee, naive thing rolling up in the Big Mango.

It scared the <deleted> out of me the first time and I was 40!! The hustle and bustle and traffic and smells and Nelly the elephants!! And I was only there for three days!! And staying in a good hotel.

[bifftastic]

I'm starting to worry about this wee, naive thing rolling up in the Big Mango.

It scared the <deleted> out of me the first time and I was 40!! The hustle and bustle and traffic and smells and Nelly the elephants!! And I was only there for three days!! And staying in a good hotel.

Good point.

I've lived in London all my life, have been through plenty of tough times and lived in all manner of places and got up to all manner of things

First time I was in Bangkok I remember thinking how completely mental it was! I quite liked it, but I would imagine it would be quite a big deal if it were the first time you ever lived on your own.

[leon1503]

I'm starting to worry about this wee, naive thing rolling up in the Big Mango.

It scared the <deleted> out of me the first time and I was 40!! The hustle and bustle and traffic and smells and Nelly the elephants!! And I was only there for three days!! And staying in a good hotel.

you have to love school in order to be a teacher . understand . your getting in way over you head . yes take all you money come to thailand wait for it to run out and be on your merry way back home . come on people cant you see this girl is only 18 without a clue .

[clarebangkok]

^might have an easier time in Vietnam or Cambodia - least for teaching aspects. They are more lenient on visa(s) and working. Not to mention costs are significantly cheaper....

However I might add I think this is a bad idea all around especially if you are planning to try this very soon. Lot of planning, preparation, and thought needs to be done on this or I'm afraid you will be up sh*tes creek without a paddle.

I know I need to sort out things like bank accounts and health insurance before I come... and itll take months to do that. But Ill have to sort out my accommodation when Im in Chiang Mai or wherever Ill end up... Ill want to see it first now I know how bad the rooms can be.

Now I know how expensive air conditioning is, Im a bit worried about the temperature and humidity indoors without it... its a bit worrying because when I was in Bangkok all the buildings were air conditioned.

I think its more difficult to move abroad than I realised...

I cant contact Gecko Books by email either because theres no email address on their website, does anyone know it?

Edited September 29, 2010 by clarebangkok

[britmaveric]

^PM Ulysses G. - he can sort you out with any questions regarding Geckos Books.

[bifftastic]

^might have an easier time in Vietnam or Cambodia - least for teaching aspects. They are more lenient on visa(s) and working. Not to mention costs are significantly cheaper....

However I might add I think this is a bad idea all around especially if you are planning to try this very soon. Lot of planning, preparation, and thought needs to be done on this or I'm afraid you will be up sh*tes creek without a paddle.

I know I need to sort out things like bank accounts and health insurance before I come... and itll take months to do that. But Ill have to sort out my accommodation when Im in Chiang Mai or wherever Ill end up... Ill want to see it first now I know how bad the rooms can be.

Now I know how expensive air conditioning is, Im a bit worried about the temperature and humidity indoors without it... its a bit worrying because when I was in Bangkok all the buildings were air conditioned.

I think its more difficult to move abroad than I realised...

I cant contact Gecko Books by email either because theres no email address on their website, does anyone know it?

What you're talking about doing isn't easy, but that doesn't mean you can't do it if you really want to. How about this for an idea, book a plane ticket with a return date of, say, three months after arrival, one that you can change the return date of quite cheaply. Have enough money to stay in Bangkok for a while, (there's plenty of cheap clean decent hotels) take your time and check out the rooms/studio flats that are available, then you can see for yourself what it would be like to live in them.

Go up to Chiang Mai if you want, do the same there, get a feel for the place and how life would actually be for you if you lived there as opposed to being on holiday.

If you settle and you like it and everything works out, move the date of the return ticket another few months ahead. See how you get on, then do it again.

That way you've always got the option of going back if you need to.

I know you want to get out of the UK, I want to do exactly the same thing. At the moment I've spent the last year exploring all my options, I've been to Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket, and up north in Chiang Rai province in a small Thai village. Researched about visas, learned some of the language, made some friends etc. etc. and it will still be at least next year that I will consider making the move more permanent. That will be two years after I decided it's what I want to do.

I don't want to put you off, life is for living and it's an adventure, but there are safe ways of doing it.

Even if you have to come back after three months you will have a much better idea of what life is really like in Thailand and, if you still want to go back, you will have something more concrete to work towards.

I think that would be much better than just turning up and hoping everything will work out, because if it doesn't you'll be back where you are now and, I imagine that wouldn't feel too good!

So, if you really want to move to Thailand, the more work and preparation you put into it, the more success you're likely to have.

I hope this helps,

good luck,

Biff

Edited September 29, 2010 by bifftastic

[mssabai]

All this is going to take a great deal of money. I don't want to pry, but I hope that you have factored that in. If you came to Thailand on holiday and have gone back home and got the holiday blues and that is why you want to move, then be aware that that feeling will fade. Making a commitment to live here is not a cheap easy thing to do. Yes Thailand is cheap, though it's getting more expensive all the time, but you will have you travel costs, visa costs, deposit on a room, electric bills, shopping costs (bed linen, towels etc etc). Starting a new life is not cheap.

Also you say you are English but you are talking about 'high school'....hmmmmm

[Chestnut]

How about you'd join a volunteer program for 6 month or 1 year first. I think they have those in the north.

I once did a 2-week-volunteer-program teaching english. It was fun, since we were in an international group of people.

Though It was only for two weeks but there I met a girl from Norway who just came to Thailand for the first time for a

1 year volunteer program. If I remember right, she was going to teach in different provinces.

So that could be an alternative.

You could also go for a degree here. Friends of mine study B.A. English here at an International Program (Bangkok), just so they

can get a Bachelors degree and teach. Though you'd need the means to finance it somehow - on a study Visa you're not legally

allowed to work.

[bina]

I'm starting to worry about this wee, naive thing rolling up in the Big Mango.

It scared the <deleted> out of me the first time and I was 40!! The hustle and bustle and traffic and smells and Nelly the elephants!! And I was only there for three days!! And staying in a good hotel.

LOL

makes me remember when i came to israel to stay with my potential husband the kibbutznik (now ex...) . i dont know what i was thinking, it just seemed a good idea at the time. but mind u, i wasnt running away from anything, and this girl, i still say, seems real spooked about men and england so i can only hope that she is in good shape to deal with culture shock once the exotic wares off...

why do i think that? cause she mentioned not being able to deal with all the people on a uni campus in england (guess she hasnt thought what bangkok is like as far as crowds, people of all sorts, and the rude males hanging out around the 7/11 staring at the white woman (anon sent me down to buy something while we were staying with freinds in workers' apartment /hotel area... all those viroon on motocy's ... and im was 40+ yr old dressed like a thai matron from issan (t shirt/three quarter lenght jeans) when i went down... not even a young fresh looking girl in western dress...my duaghter got looks looks hassled and in bangkok was also aproached often. we were in the non touristy areas, and often with anon who would do the thai male protective thingy of huffing up and grabbing us and walking fast (driving my daughter nuts as she's super independant and confident).

she mentions not going out after dark and about feeling safe in bangkok. ... boredom boredom boredom if u are loccked in your little four walls every nite. and it also means that she is afraid of something that could happen after dark...she mentions many times about feeling safe... well, that just makes my 'housemother' alarm bells ring that she just wants to be anywhere but home. and if thats the case, who will be around to bail her out when, as someone put it, the shit hits the fan.

clare u also mentioned about feeling pressured in to doing things u dont like....? perhaps in england someoen pressured u in to doing thing su dont like? at any rate, to be an 18 yr old in a foreign city that borders on the bustling combination of first and third world, ... come on vacation for a while, or move some wehre else in england, change your name, leave no traces, and start a new life... changing places doesnt change your luck. it might make it worse.

i think most people on both your threads (the one in general of course is degenerating down by the GOM) have given u enough firm advice and also some real warnings....

my offer still stands: come to kibbutz here, volunteer in the grape vinyard working along with thai workers, work for your stay and some pocket money, travel, meet nice people your age, get experience living on your own while still being in a slightly protected and safe environment, and we are just 13 hours by thai air away from bangkok.

bina

[RueFang]

Volunteering to teach English is a great idea. Two quick links with info - Dragonfly and Akha Village