How Much Money Are You Spending In Thailand?

[Kananga]

Where would one get an education like this?

An education that isn't based on the rote system and promotes creativity, questioning and understanding of the fundamentals being taught? I would imagine the majority if not all of the mid and top level international schools that cost more to attend in Thailand than would be found back in the West.

[eslteacher]

Interesting how for some the minimum expenditure required to live here is more than what 80-90% of people back home make in total income to begin with

Far from it, some of the posters are probably in the top 10-20% of earners back home, where ever that may be.

We probably have two types of poster, those living and working here on an expat package (and why should they take a pay cut to be here), and those who are retired and living upcountry.

There is also a third category, the farang who is so desperate to be here they are willing to work for a pittance, frankly I wouldnt get out of bed for some of the salaries on offer and its beyond me why some move half way round the world to live like a Thai, in some cases worse than a Thai.

Up to you as they say.

In all fairness, why would you move halfway across the world to live like a farang? You can just do that at home.

I wouldn't say I lived like a Thai when I was in Thailand but I certainly dont have the money that some of the people in this thread have. Me being single I couldve easily spent around 10,000B a month. But I certainly wouldnt be having alot of fun.

32,000 B is not a Thai wage. Its far more than a Thai wage and I actually felt privileged to make that considering I didnt go to school to be a teacher and I make more, MUCH MORE than Thai teachers who have been teaching alot longer than I have and went to school for it. Living like a Thai person would be like spending 5,000 a month if not less.

[Semper]

Where would one get an education like this?

An education that isn't based on the rote system and promotes creativity, questioning and understanding of the fundamentals being taught? I would imagine the majority if not all of the mid and top level international schools that cost more to attend in Thailand than would be found back in the West.

and promotes creativity, questioning

I'm not so sure about this. Why would they promote questioning of what they are told by the teacher?

[Kananga]

~~~In all fairness, why would you move halfway across the world to live like a farang? You can just do that at home.~~~

I moved from Singapore, hardly halfway across the world. My wife is also Thai and wants to move back home and I am a farang, so if I want to live like what I am I jolly well will. It still doesnt stop me from experiencing and enjoying Thailand and Thai culture does it?

~~~I wouldn't say I lived like a Thai when I was in Thailand but I certainly dont have the money that some of the people in this thread have. Me being single I couldve easily spent around 10,000B a month. But I certainly wouldnt be having alot of fun.~~~

So you admit you didnt live like a Thai, yet you also said if others live like a farang why bother???? How exactly are we supposed to live which is acceptable to you? Like a Nigerian? A Papua New Guinean? Seems to me that you would like to live the best life you can regardless of how Thais live, but just take issue with people who can spend more than you to do it.

~~~32,000 B is not a Thai wage. Its far more than a Thai wage and I actually felt privileged to make that considering I didnt go to school to be a teacher and I make more, MUCH MORE than Thai teachers who have been teaching alot longer than I have and went to school for it. Living like a Thai person would be like spending 5,000 a month if not less. ~~~

Most Thais I know earn more than 32,000 baht a month, you earn less and are in denial. How much do you think it costs to own a car and a condo in Bangkok these days?

[Kananga]

An education that isn't based on the rote system and promotes creativity, questioning and understanding of the fundamentals being taught? I would imagine the majority if not all of the mid and top level international schools that cost more to attend in Thailand than would be found back in the West.

and promotes creativity, questioning

I'm not so sure about this. Why would they promote questioning of what they are told by the teacher?

For the same reason you are questioning me now. Are you not so sure its a good idea to question me then?

[rgs2001uk]

In all fairness, why would you move halfway across the world to live like a farang? You can just do that at home.

I wouldn't say I lived like a Thai when I was in Thailand but I certainly dont have the money that some of the people in this thread have. Me being single I couldve easily spent around 10,000B a month. But I certainly wouldnt be having alot of fun.

32,000 B is not a Thai wage. Its far more than a Thai wage and I actually felt privileged to make that considering I didnt go to school to be a teacher and I make more, MUCH MORE than Thai teachers who have been teaching alot longer than I have and went to school for it. Living like a Thai person would be like spending 5,000 a month if not less.

Why move halfway across the world to live like a farang. Some are here as part of their career path, so why should they take a drop in living standards to be here?

32k not a Thai wage, take it you are posting from the back of beyond.

'Living like a Thai person would be like spending 5,000 a month if not less.' you need to spread your wings and circle of Thai aquaintances.

'I didnt go to school to be a teacher', thats the reason some pay the sums they pay for their childrens education, to ensure their children dont end up in the back of beyond working for peanuts.

[thaiIand]

always funny when teachers start comparing themselves to higher class thais in these threads thinking that sub 20k per month salary thais are the norm.. No its not. Its the majority but they're not real thai, they are considered slaves just as the factory workers in your country and the supermarket clerks are just slaves to the system and have no say and no right in reality.

[nocturn]

It looks like some wives need love, some need a set salary for being with their foreign husbands.

Isnt that true of women in every country?

Not in my experience or opinion, no.

From what I've seen in 6 years here about 50% of Western male/Thai female relationships, the farang has to give his 'wife' or 'girlfriend' a set monthly salary or she will leave him.

I've never come across this in any other country. It's odd that none of my married friends, or anyone I know at home or anywhere in the West have to give a salary to their wife in order for her to stay with him.

Maybe you could call it an allowance. None of your married friends give their wives any financial support?? If the wife is bringing up a young family it's most likely she is not working therefore if the husband does not give her an allowance how does she survive?

JH

no, they dont give their wives salaries, they give them credit cards and pay the balance monthly. Its not the same at all.

[eslteacher]

~~~In all fairness, why would you move halfway across the world to live like a farang? You can just do that at home.~~~

I moved from Singapore, hardly halfway across the world. My wife is also Thai and wants to move back home and I am a farang, so if I want to live like what I am I jolly well will. It still doesnt stop me from experiencing and enjoying Thailand and Thai culture does it?

~~~I wouldn't say I lived like a Thai when I was in Thailand but I certainly dont have the money that some of the people in this thread have. Me being single I couldve easily spent around 10,000B a month. But I certainly wouldnt be having alot of fun.~~~

So you admit you didnt live like a Thai, yet you also said if others live like a farang why bother???? How exactly are we supposed to live which is acceptable to you? Like a Nigerian? A Papua New Guinean? Seems to me that you would like to live the best life you can regardless of how Thais live, but just take issue with people who can spend more than you to do it.

~~~32,000 B is not a Thai wage. Its far more than a Thai wage and I actually felt privileged to make that considering I didnt go to school to be a teacher and I make more, MUCH MORE than Thai teachers who have been teaching alot longer than I have and went to school for it. Living like a Thai person would be like spending 5,000 a month if not less. ~~~

Most Thais I know earn more than 32,000 baht a month, you earn less and are in denial. How much do you think it costs to own a car and a condo in Bangkok these days?

You are free to live the way you want to live. But saying its dumb to live like a Thai or close to it is beyond stupid especially when you are living in THEIR country. Nobody is saying to eat sticky rice 2x a day and live in a tiny shack but you definitely experience more of the country's culture when you "live" like a Thai.

Well, its hard to say. I hung out with Thai people, my accomodation was fairly standard even for Thai standards, shopped and ate at local markets. So in that sense, yes I lived like a Thai. But on the otherhand, I had alot more money to play with. I definitely didnt live like a villager in Isaan though. I was a few classes above that.

We apparently hang out with a completely different crowd. Because 32,000B in the province that I was in, was very, VERY good. It was actually more than most of the teachers at my school who have been teaching there for 25 years. So I assume you live in Bangkok and likely hang out with a wealthier class of Thai people. Because 32,000B a month in a small province, you're a rockstar. And hate to break it to you, but 32,000B living in Bangkok, you can also live like a king. I know people who are doing it right now on that wage. Of course, they aren't raising families.

In denial about what? LOL, what you on about? I'd say you can get a basic condo in or around Central BKK for 10,000/month if not less. To buy a car, hmm not exactly sure. What kind of car you talking about?

[eslteacher]

always funny when teachers start comparing themselves to higher class thais in these threads thinking that sub 20k per month salary thais are the norm.. No its not. Its the majority but they're not real thai, they are considered slaves just as the factory workers in your country and the supermarket clerks are just slaves to the system and have no say and no right in reality.

This post is beyond stupid. Have you been anywhere outside of Bangkok or any of the tourist traps in Thailand?

[Semper]

An education that isn't based on the rote system and promotes creativity, questioning and understanding of the fundamentals being taught? I would imagine the majority if not all of the mid and top level international schools that cost more to attend in Thailand than would be found back in the West.

and promotes creativity, questioning

I'm not so sure about this. Why would they promote questioning of what they are told by the teacher?

For the same reason you are questioning me now. Are you not so sure its a good idea to question me then?

Well, as you are a teacher (wild guess) you must understand that every country try to teach (brainwash) the children what they think is the best for their country.

[Kananga]

~~~You are free to live the way you want to live. But saying its dumb to live like a Thai or close to it is beyond stupid especially when you are living in THEIR country. Nobody is saying to eat sticky rice 2x a day and live in a tiny shack but you definitely experience more of the country's culture when you "live" like a Thai.~~~

I didnt say it was dumb to live like a Thai, just that I am not Thai and I want to retain some of my own culture and heritage the same way Thai people do when they live overseas. Anyway, I live with a Thai. 5 in fact if you inclue the fact my children have Thai passports. Does that let me into your special live like a Thai club? The fact I am married to one and have children. I take it that supersedes your 'shopping at markets' live like a Thai claim?

~~~Well, its hard to say. I hung out with Thai people, my accomodation was fairly standard even for Thai standards, shopped and ate at local markets. So in that sense, yes I lived like a Thai. But on the otherhand, I had alot more money to play with. I definitely didnt live like a villager in Isaan though. I was a few classes above that. ~~~

Well I hang around with Thais who could pay your salary out of their pocket money. Guess its not any different, just that they are a few classes above you.

~~We apparently hang out with a completely different crowd. Because 32,000B in the province that I was in, was very, VERY good. It was actually more than most of the teachers at my school who have been teaching there for 25 years. So I assume you live in Bangkok and likely hang out with a wealthier class of Thai people. Because 32,000B a month in a small province, you're a rockstar. And hate to break it to you, but 32,000B living in Bangkok, you can also live like a king. I know people who are doing it right now on that wage. Of course, they aren't raising families.~~~

So you have finally realised that we are in Bangkok, and are raising families. Hallelujah! Why dont you come back when you have some real life experience of what we are discussing.

~~~In denial about what? LOL, what you on about? I'd say you can get a basic condo in or around Central BKK for 10,000/month if not less. To buy a car, hmm not exactly sure. What kind of car you talking about?~~~

Why would I want a basic condo if I can afford a house? Because in order to live like a Thai I have to live in a basic condo??? Anyway, if the basic condo costs 10,000 alone thats twice what you say Thais spend in a month in total. Lets hope your english teaching skills are better than your maths.

As for cars, why not start with all those BMWs you see people who look Thai driving round in. Failing that how about the monthly payments on a 3 year loan on a brand new Fortuna.

[eslteacher]

In all fairness, why would you move halfway across the world to live like a farang? You can just do that at home.

I wouldn't say I lived like a Thai when I was in Thailand but I certainly dont have the money that some of the people in this thread have. Me being single I couldve easily spent around 10,000B a month. But I certainly wouldnt be having alot of fun.

32,000 B is not a Thai wage. Its far more than a Thai wage and I actually felt privileged to make that considering I didnt go to school to be a teacher and I make more, MUCH MORE than Thai teachers who have been teaching alot longer than I have and went to school for it. Living like a Thai person would be like spending 5,000 a month if not less.

Why move halfway across the world to live like a farang. Some are here as part of their career path, so why should they take a drop in living standards to be here?

32k not a Thai wage, take it you are posting from the back of beyond.

'Living like a Thai person would be like spending 5,000 a month if not less.' you need to spread your wings and circle of Thai aquaintances.

'I didnt go to school to be a teacher', thats the reason some pay the sums they pay for their childrens education, to ensure their children dont end up in the back of beyond working for peanuts.

That's fine. The point i'm trying to make is that I didnt take a drop in living standards despite earning less than what I would make in Canada. Far less. I was able to live a very good life on 32,000B and I saved more than half of that each month. Sure, I admit it the cost of living would be far more expensive living and working in some areas in Bangkok and I do realize people have families to raise. I never once thought I was working for peanuts and I would much rather be in the province I was in surrounded by great people than to be in the city. Unfortunately, If I want to establish myself in Thailand in the field where my background is in, all the opportunities are in Bangkok. So I really have no other choice.

But to see some post's saying that sub 20k is like slave wages is just absurd especially when you are living outside the city. Do people have any idea how much a house costs in a tiny province in the middle of nowhere? Let's just say it wouldnt take too long to pay it off with those "slave" wages.

Everybody's different.

[Kananga]

and promotes creativity, questioning

I'm not so sure about this. Why would they promote questioning of what they are told by the teacher?

For the same reason you are questioning me now. Are you not so sure its a good idea to question me then?

Well, as you are a teacher (wild guess) you must understand that every country try to teach (brainwash) the children what they think is the best for their country.

I'm not a teacher, anyway how does your theory apply to international schools where you have for instance an Australian teacher teaching an IB curriculum in Thailand?

[DP25]

To put some perspective on thing- this is a typical expat package expense list that i see for a family of four: (i know of one condo for sure that is full of expat families with these types of expenses)

- Rent 120,000 baht per month (nice 3-4 br condo in great complex with pool,gym, prime Sukhumvit location)

- School - 50,000 baht per month per child minimum at one of the top international schools

- Nanny, driver, maid- total 40,000 baht per month

- Entertainment- eating out 1-2 per week at nice restaurants plus drinks- 30,000 baht per month

- Food (Gourmet martet and Villa market) 12,000 baht per month

300,000+++ baht per month (haven't even included car, fuel, utility costs)

That is $120,000 US per annum or $10,000 US a month living in Thailand!!

I am sorry but that is ridiculous - no matter what package you are on.

Some people are completely out of touch with how 99% of people live

[ExpatJ]

To put some perspective on thing- this is a typical expat package expense list that i see for a family of four: (i know of one condo for sure that is full of expat families with these types of expenses)

- Rent 120,000 baht per month (nice 3-4 br condo in great complex with pool,gym, prime Sukhumvit location)

- School - 50,000 baht per month per child minimum at one of the top international schools

- Nanny, driver, maid- total 40,000 baht per month

- Entertainment- eating out 1-2 per week at nice restaurants plus drinks- 30,000 baht per month

- Food (Gourmet martet and Villa market) 12,000 baht per month

300,000+++ baht per month (haven't even included car, fuel, utility costs)

That is $120,000 US per annum or $10,000 US a month living in Thailand!!

I am sorry but that is ridiculous - no matter what package you are on.

Some people are completely out of touch with how 99% of people live

300K plus per month is not ridiculous for those expats sent here by their companies- its the norm.

[cardholder]

To put some perspective on thing- this is a typical expat package expense list that i see for a family of four: (i know of one condo for sure that is full of expat families with these types of expenses)

- Rent 120,000 baht per month (nice 3-4 br condo in great complex with pool,gym, prime Sukhumvit location)

- School - 50,000 baht per month per child minimum at one of the top international schools

- Nanny, driver, maid- total 40,000 baht per month

- Entertainment- eating out 1-2 per week at nice restaurants plus drinks- 30,000 baht per month

- Food (Gourmet martet and Villa market) 12,000 baht per month

300,000+++ baht per month (haven't even included car, fuel, utility costs)

That is $120,000 US per annum or $10,000 US a month living in Thailand!!

I am sorry but that is ridiculous - no matter what package you are on.

Some people are completely out of touch with how 99% of people live

300K plus per month is not ridiculous for those expats sent here by their companies- its the norm.

The OP question was how much are YOU spending.

Can you confirm expatJ that YOU are spending 300k Baht per month

[Moonrakers]

I think I'd have to acquire a coke habit to spend 300k/month

[Kananga]

To put some perspective on thing- this is a typical expat package expense list that i see for a family of four: (i know of one condo for sure that is full of expat families with these types of expenses)

- Rent 120,000 baht per month (nice 3-4 br condo in great complex with pool,gym, prime Sukhumvit location)

- School - 50,000 baht per month per child minimum at one of the top international schools

- Nanny, driver, maid- total 40,000 baht per month

- Entertainment- eating out 1-2 per week at nice restaurants plus drinks- 30,000 baht per month

- Food (Gourmet martet and Villa market) 12,000 baht per month

300,000+++ baht per month (haven't even included car, fuel, utility costs)

That is $120,000 US per annum or $10,000 US a month living in Thailand!!

I am sorry but that is ridiculous - no matter what package you are on.

Some people are completely out of touch with how 99% of people live

300K plus per month is not ridiculous for those expats sent here by their companies- its the norm.

Its also not that ridiculous for people working for multi national companies on local terms.

[Dag]

not a single Satang less than 200,000 per month (the amount is most probably higher).

.........

[Spoonman]

Me, the missus and 2 dogs in a 3 bed house with a reasonable sized carbon footprint and we average about 100k per month.

[nocturn]

Interesting how for some the minimum expenditure required to live here is more than what 80-90% of people back home make in total income to begin with

Far from it, some of the posters are probably in the top 10-20% of earners back home, where ever that may be.

We probably have two types of poster, those living and working here on an expat package (and why should they take a pay cut to be here), and those who are retired and living upcountry.

There is also a third category, the farang who is so desperate to be here they are willing to work for a pittance, frankly I wouldnt get out of bed for some of the salaries on offer and its beyond me why some move half way round the world to live like a Thai, in some cases worse than a Thai.

Up to you as they say.

In all fairness, why would you move halfway across the world to live like a farang? You can just do that at home.

I wouldn't say I lived like a Thai when I was in Thailand but I certainly dont have the money that some of the people in this thread have. Me being single I couldve easily spent around 10,000B a month. But I certainly wouldnt be having alot of fun.

32,000 B is not a Thai wage. Its far more than a Thai wage and I actually felt privileged to make that considering I didnt go to school to be a teacher and I make more, MUCH MORE than Thai teachers who have been teaching alot longer than I have and went to school for it. Living like a Thai person would be like spending 5,000 a month if not less.

mate you are either deluded, lack self esteem or both.

and this thread is not about teachers wages. it is about peoples living expenses.

re 30k per month, the noodle seller on my soi in bangkok clears that easy.

I also gather from your post you are no longer here. well mate, i can tell you that the cost of living has, in my experience, doubled in the last 10 years

[letitbe]

yes but not holidays or trip to UK europe or USA which brings it up to around 210,000 a month Not a top international school but a decent school which follows UK system. Thats why its so difficult to manage on 150,000. If we sent our kids to a top international school youd probably have to add another 40,000 baht a month

There are some who would be outraged to learn it can cost 500k per year to send a child to one of the better schools here in Thailand, two children and theres 1 million or 80k per month gone just in education.

Different parents may have different aspirations for their children.

I wont even get into the arguement of the merits of these schools I know Thais who send their children overseas to be schooled, these are the same children who speak Thai as a third language, not first.

I agree a lot of top international schools here are full of spoilt brats whos parents if Thai want to show how much they have and if forang believe only good schools are ones who only have forang highly paid teachers. Our children go to a very good Thai private school and fees of around 200,000 a year is for their international program which follows UK curriculum. It is only school we found that has proper labs for pupils and in our opinion is excellent value. In addition we send our children to thai summer schools for as long as possible where everything is taught in Thai. We think bilingual school do not work and with half/half children with 2 nationalities had to weigh up the possible disadvantages of their Thai while being perfectly good obviously not as good as if they went purely to a Thai taught decent school against advantages of having a proper education mostly in English although their lessons in some subjects are taught in Thai. We would love to send them to a Thai government school but sadly fact is teachers are just not up to scratch and funding is very low. The school offers Thai only programs or English programs (mostly taught in English) and Thai program is less than half cost but the thai qualifications on leaving will not be accepted anywhere except at Thai universities which mostly also suffer from a no one can fail culture and ver low standards that make even worst devalued degrees in UK and USA for some universities seem like places of highest educational excellence. You will not find any reasonable school here for less than around 200,000 a year (excluding extras) not if taught in english with internationally recognised qualifications being obtainable. As stated Thai only education can be found in some very good schools for half that price. Finally our only aspiration for our children is they are well educated and prepared for world and would be happy for them to take any worthwhile stimulating employment and loathe those parents who cram their kids trying to prepare them to be something they do not want to be or not suited for just for prestige and money.

[letitbe]

It was a good rant though. You don't hold back.

you should hear me when i get really wild or had far to much wine but my Thai wife beats me hands down on ranting and not holding back

[Kananga]

yes but not holidays or trip to UK europe or USA which brings it up to around 210,000 a month Not a top international school but a decent school which follows UK system. Thats why its so difficult to manage on 150,000. If we sent our kids to a top international school youd probably have to add another 40,000 baht a month

There are some who would be outraged to learn it can cost 500k per year to send a child to one of the better schools here in Thailand, two children and theres 1 million or 80k per month gone just in education.

Different parents may have different aspirations for their children.

I wont even get into the arguement of the merits of these schools I know Thais who send their children overseas to be schooled, these are the same children who speak Thai as a third language, not first.

I agree a lot of top international schools here are full of spoilt brats whos parents if Thai want to show how much they have and if forang believe only good schools are ones who only have forang highly paid teachers. Our children go to a very good Thai private school and fees of around 200,000 a year is for their international program which follows UK curriculum. It is only school we found that has proper labs for pupils and in our opinion is excellent value. In addition we send our children to thai summer schools for as long as possible where everything is taught in Thai. We think bilingual school do not work and with half/half children with 2 nationalities had to weigh up the possible disadvantages of their Thai while being perfectly good obviously not as good as if they went purely to a Thai taught decent school against advantages of having a proper education mostly in English although their lessons in some subjects are taught in Thai. We would love to send them to a Thai government school but sadly fact is teachers are just not up to scratch and funding is very low. The school offers Thai only programs or English programs (mostly taught in English) and Thai program is less than half cost but the thai qualifications on leaving will not be accepted anywhere except at Thai universities which mostly also suffer from a no one can fail culture and ver low standards that make even worst devalued degrees in UK and USA for some universities seem like places of highest educational excellence. You will not find any reasonable school here for less than around 200,000 a year (excluding extras) not if taught in english with internationally recognised qualifications being obtainable. As stated Thai only education can be found in some very good schools for half that price. Finally our only aspiration for our children is they are well educated and prepared for world and would be happy for them to take any worthwhile stimulating employment and loathe those parents who cram their kids trying to prepare them to be something they do not want to be or not suited for just for prestige and money.

Do you mind sharing which school your children attend. I have a Thai niece who I would like to put through a decent education. We have lost faith in the school she currently attends and need a good alternative.

Thanks

[nocturn]

I'm not so sure about this. Why would they promote questioning of what they are told by the teacher?

For the same reason you are questioning me now. Are you not so sure its a good idea to question me then?

Well, as you are a teacher (wild guess) you must understand that every country try to teach (brainwash) the children what they think is the best for their country.

I'm not a teacher, anyway how does your theory apply to international schools where you have for instance an Australian teacher teaching an IB curriculum in Thailand?

id say about 45k USD per year plus insurance, housing, trips home and 190 actual working days per year.

Id ask my teacher neighbors, but they are down every weekend in the condo they bought in hua hin .

they are a couple teaching in the same school. so double the above for household income and housing allowance.

[Ijustwannateach]

Last warning: if the thread doesn't stay extremely topical and extremely cool, I'm closing it, like in 8 hours or so, and will probably take the opportunity to issue warnings.

[theblether]

Last warning: if the thread doesn't stay extremely topical and extremely cool, I'm closing it, like in 8 hours or so, and will probably take the opportunity to issue warnings.

My apologies to the moderator, I can see the thread has begun to run down an education side street, I don't remember seeing a thread dealing specifically with that recently and maybe there is a value in opening one.

Reading the thread, I can see there is a wide variation of income levels and expectations here in Thailand. In my original post I mentioned that I like to get by on 60,000 baht per month, for the lifestyle I want to live when I am here in Thailand I think that is quite enough. I know who my friends are in Thailand, I know the food I like, the bars I want to drink in etc etc and I am comfortable with my choices.

I own businesses in the UK and I part own a business in China. When I'm in China I live at a different level so to speak. I am a company director, and I must stay in certain levels of hotels, apartments etc. A month in China can easily cost me 300,000 baht, ( and I mean easy ). I can see that spending level being achieved in Bangkok too. However that level of spending will be far from the norm in Thailand. It doesn't get away from the fact that for some people it is their norm, and take that as read.

I have two basic rules when I travel anywhere, if I can't fulfill these rules I don't travel. One, am I medically insured? and two, in a emergency, can I get out of here?

I personally know too many people living here in Thailand that cannot fulfill either of these rules. That really is living on the edge.

[eslteacher]

~~~You are free to live the way you want to live. But saying its dumb to live like a Thai or close to it is beyond stupid especially when you are living in THEIR country. Nobody is saying to eat sticky rice 2x a day and live in a tiny shack but you definitely experience more of the country's culture when you "live" like a Thai.~~~

I didnt say it was dumb to live like a Thai, just that I am not Thai and I want to retain some of my own culture and heritage the same way Thai people do when they live overseas. Anyway, I live with a Thai. 5 in fact if you inclue the fact my children have Thai passports. Does that let me into your special live like a Thai club? The fact I am married to one and have children. I take it that supersedes your 'shopping at markets' live like a Thai claim?

~~~Well, its hard to say. I hung out with Thai people, my accomodation was fairly standard even for Thai standards, shopped and ate at local markets. So in that sense, yes I lived like a Thai. But on the otherhand, I had alot more money to play with. I definitely didnt live like a villager in Isaan though. I was a few classes above that. ~~~

Well I hang around with Thais who could pay your salary out of their pocket money. Guess its not any different, just that they are a few classes above you.

~~We apparently hang out with a completely different crowd. Because 32,000B in the province that I was in, was very, VERY good. It was actually more than most of the teachers at my school who have been teaching there for 25 years. So I assume you live in Bangkok and likely hang out with a wealthier class of Thai people. Because 32,000B a month in a small province, you're a rockstar. And hate to break it to you, but 32,000B living in Bangkok, you can also live like a king. I know people who are doing it right now on that wage. Of course, they aren't raising families.~~~

So you have finally realised that we are in Bangkok, and are raising families. Hallelujah! Why dont you come back when you have some real life experience of what we are discussing.

~~~In denial about what? LOL, what you on about? I'd say you can get a basic condo in or around Central BKK for 10,000/month if not less. To buy a car, hmm not exactly sure. What kind of car you talking about?~~~

Why would I want a basic condo if I can afford a house? Because in order to live like a Thai I have to live in a basic condo??? Anyway, if the basic condo costs 10,000 alone thats twice what you say Thais spend in a month in total. Lets hope your english teaching skills are better than your maths.

As for cars, why not start with all those BMWs you see people who look Thai driving round in. Failing that how about the monthly payments on a 3 year loan on a brand new Fortuna.

Okay, im not sure if English is your first language but your comprehension is absolutely dreadful. You are getting your panties in a knot over the most innocent posts. Im not even sure where to start here.

"I didnt say it was dumb to live like a Thai, just that I am not Thai and I want to retain some of my own culture and heritage the same way Thai people do when they live overseas. Anyway, I live with a Thai. 5 in fact if you inclue the fact my children have Thai passports. Does that let me into your special live like a Thai club? The fact I am married to one and have children. I take it that supersedes your 'shopping at markets' live like a Thai claim?"

- I don't care how you live. I never acted as if I was superior because I "lived" like a Thai. I have no idea where you're coming from with that. All I essentially said was that I made a real good salary for Thai standards and was able to save a good amount of money by having alot of fun. I didnt live a luxurious lifestyle on Sukhumvit, I simply hung out with Thai people in a small Thai province, ate Thai food, shopped at local food markets and drove a crappy, old manual bike. This doesnt make me any worse or better than you. Different strokes for different folks.

"Well I hang around with Thais who could pay your salary out of their pocket money. Guess its not any different, just that they are a few classes above you."

That is fantastic.

"So you have finally realised that we are in Bangkok, and are raising families. Hallelujah! Why dont you come back when you have some real life experience of what we are discussing."

I thought it was quite apparent the differences in our situation. How you didnt pick up on that is beyond me. Its laughable how you think this somehow reflects my real life experience...or lack thereof according to you.

"Why would I want a basic condo if I can afford a house? Because in order to live like a Thai I have to live in a basic condo??? Anyway, if the basic condo costs 10,000 alone thats twice what you say Thais spend in a month in total. Lets hope your english teaching skills are better than your maths.

As for cars, why not start with all those BMWs you see people who look Thai driving round in. Failing that how about the monthly payments on a 3 year loan on a brand new Fortuna."

Your question and I quote;

" How much do you think it costs to own a car and a condo in Bangkok these days?"

Once again your reading comprehension fails you miserably. When did I ever say to live like a Thai you have to live in a basic condo? Secondly, why are you still going on about this "live" like a Thai nonsense? My god, talk about an example of someone taking something completely out of context. Farang and Thai have different perceptions of what constitutes a "basic" condo. Have you been anywhere outside of Bangkok? Do you even know what wages Thai people earn? And for your information, I have a friend who teaches in Bangkok spending 6,000 a month for a "basic" apartment just a stones throw from Silom BTS.

I really dont know what it was that got you in such a pissy mood. You need to lighten up. Honestly, I really don't care how much you earn or how much you spend. Nor do I care that you earn more money than me, have more assets than me or that you have more "real life" experience." I finished University in 2009 and came to Thailand in 2010. I didnt come here to become rich. In fact I just came here to travel and ended up finding work along the way. Were in completely different situations and if you think earning 32,000B is not a good wage for a single person in a small province in Thailand, you are out of your mind. You wouldnt find too many people in Bangkok making that same salary.

[Kananga]

~~~You are free to live the way you want to live. But saying its dumb to live like a Thai or close to it is beyond stupid especially when you are living in THEIR country. Nobody is saying to eat sticky rice 2x a day and live in a tiny shack but you definitely experience more of the country's culture when you "live" like a Thai.~~~

I didnt say it was dumb to live like a Thai, just that I am not Thai and I want to retain some of my own culture and heritage the same way Thai people do when they live overseas. Anyway, I live with a Thai. 5 in fact if you inclue the fact my children have Thai passports. Does that let me into your special live like a Thai club? The fact I am married to one and have children. I take it that supersedes your 'shopping at markets' live like a Thai claim?

~~~Well, its hard to say. I hung out with Thai people, my accomodation was fairly standard even for Thai standards, shopped and ate at local markets. So in that sense, yes I lived like a Thai. But on the otherhand, I had alot more money to play with. I definitely didnt live like a villager in Isaan though. I was a few classes above that. ~~~

Well I hang around with Thais who could pay your salary out of their pocket money. Guess its not any different, just that they are a few classes above you.

~~We apparently hang out with a completely different crowd. Because 32,000B in the province that I was in, was very, VERY good. It was actually more than most of the teachers at my school who have been teaching there for 25 years. So I assume you live in Bangkok and likely hang out with a wealthier class of Thai people. Because 32,000B a month in a small province, you're a rockstar. And hate to break it to you, but 32,000B living in Bangkok, you can also live like a king. I know people who are doing it right now on that wage. Of course, they aren't raising families.~~~

So you have finally realised that we are in Bangkok, and are raising families. Hallelujah! Why dont you come back when you have some real life experience of what we are discussing.

~~~In denial about what? LOL, what you on about? I'd say you can get a basic condo in or around Central BKK for 10,000/month if not less. To buy a car, hmm not exactly sure. What kind of car you talking about?~~~

Why would I want a basic condo if I can afford a house? Because in order to live like a Thai I have to live in a basic condo??? Anyway, if the basic condo costs 10,000 alone thats twice what you say Thais spend in a month in total. Lets hope your english teaching skills are better than your maths.

As for cars, why not start with all those BMWs you see people who look Thai driving round in. Failing that how about the monthly payments on a 3 year loan on a brand new Fortuna.

Okay, im not sure if English is your first language but your comprehension is absolutely dreadful. You are getting your panties in a knot over the most innocent posts. Im not even sure where to start here.

"I didnt say it was dumb to live like a Thai, just that I am not Thai and I want to retain some of my own culture and heritage the same way Thai people do when they live overseas. Anyway, I live with a Thai. 5 in fact if you inclue the fact my children have Thai passports. Does that let me into your special live like a Thai club? The fact I am married to one and have children. I take it that supersedes your 'shopping at markets' live like a Thai claim?"

- I don't care how you live. I never acted as if I was superior because I "lived" like a Thai. I have no idea where you're coming from with that. All I essentially said was that I made a real good salary for Thai standards and was able to save a good amount of money by having alot of fun. I didnt live a luxurious lifestyle on Sukhumvit, I simply hung out with Thai people in a small Thai province, ate Thai food, shopped at local food markets and drove a crappy, old manual bike. This doesnt make me any worse or better than you. Different strokes for different folks.

"Well I hang around with Thais who could pay your salary out of their pocket money. Guess its not any different, just that they are a few classes above you."

That is fantastic.

"So you have finally realised that we are in Bangkok, and are raising families. Hallelujah! Why dont you come back when you have some real life experience of what we are discussing."

I thought it was quite apparent the differences in our situation. How you didnt pick up on that is beyond me. Its laughable how you think this somehow reflects my real life experience...or lack thereof according to you.

"Why would I want a basic condo if I can afford a house? Because in order to live like a Thai I have to live in a basic condo??? Anyway, if the basic condo costs 10,000 alone thats twice what you say Thais spend in a month in total. Lets hope your english teaching skills are better than your maths.

As for cars, why not start with all those BMWs you see people who look Thai driving round in. Failing that how about the monthly payments on a 3 year loan on a brand new Fortuna."

Your question and I quote;

" How much do you think it costs to own a car and a condo in Bangkok these days?"

Once again your reading comprehension fails you miserably. When did I ever say to live like a Thai you have to live in a basic condo? Secondly, why are you still going on about this "live" like a Thai nonsense? My god, talk about an example of someone taking something completely out of context. Farang and Thai have different perceptions of what constitutes a "basic" condo. Have you been anywhere outside of Bangkok? Do you even know what wages Thai people earn? And for your information, I have a friend who teaches in Bangkok spending 6,000 a month for a "basic" apartment just a stones throw from Silom BTS.

I really dont know what it was that got you in such a pissy mood. You need to lighten up. Honestly, I really don't care how much you earn or how much you spend. Nor do I care that you earn more money than me, have more assets than me or that you have more "real life" experience." I finished University in 2009 and came to Thailand in 2010. I didnt come here to become rich. In fact I just came here to travel and ended up finding work along the way. Were in completely different situations and if you think earning 32,000B is not a good wage for a single person in a small province in Thailand, you are out of your mind. You wouldnt find too many people in Bangkok making that same salary.

~~~Okay, im not sure if English is your first language but your comprehension is absolutely dreadful. You are getting your panties in a knot over the most innocent posts. Im not even sure where to start here. ~~~

How about starting with explaining where I or anyone else was saying its dumb to live like a Thai or close to it like you insinuated. Then try explaining where I or anyone else said they think earning 32,000B is not a good wage for a single person in a small province in Thailand.

Talk about dreadful comprehension and getting your panties in a twist!

~~~why are you still going on about this "live" like a Thai nonsense?~~~

Because you brought it up! At least you now admit it is nonsense though.

~~~Have you been anywhere outside of Bangkok?~~~

Yes

~~~Do you even know what wages Thai people earn?~~~

Yes. Give me a specific industry and job grade and I will tell you the salary range.

~~~I have a friend who teaches in Bangkok spending 6,000 a month for a "basic" apartment just a stones throw from Silom BTS. ~~~

And you are telling me this for what reason? You have a friend who lives in basic accommodation, whoopy do! Send him my commiserations.

~~~I finished University in 2009 and came to Thailand in 2010~~~

That says it all. I think we were all a little like you at your age although we would all rather deny it. Don't worry, life experience will eventually replace this empty bravado.