Jingthing Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Visa wise, this "plan" is completely unsustainable for any serious length of time. The airfare alone would seriously dent his annual budget. Come on now, this man might be real, but the idea of someone that poor moving here ... isn't. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astral Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Out in the sticks I could live on that but it would be a lonely life and with very few beers and no real fun time. Basic food like chicken fried rice at 30 Baht a go. And that is only using my previous experience of knowing people and places. 2,500 for a place to stay. 500 electric. 60 Baht water. 2700 for basic food @ 3 * a day. 200 for 6 beers a week. 10 Baht big bottled water. Bunch of bananas 20 Baht. = 5990 a month not including extra drinking water or more than 6 beers a month. The above does not cover coffee, tea, nights out, m/c taxis, visa runs, smokes and anything else you might want. You forgot mobile telephone and internet Not practical on that budget................ Stay home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayned Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) What does $300 a month get you in the US? Living on the streets and not enough food to eat, facing violence on a daily basis. Better to be in Thailand, at least he'll have a roof over his head, enough food to eat, and be safe from gangs and other crazy homeless who might hurt him. Perhaps in the US he would have a social welfare net providing health care, family/friends, a culture he understands, people speaking his language....etc. Honestly, $300 barely pays the rent here--and I'm talking very basic accommodations. I could get him basic accomodations in the village near where I live for less than 1000 baht/month - $32.81/month - or in a larger town nearby with everything within walking distance for twice that amount. Everybody does't have to live in a palace in a big city. I see that his biggest problem would be his permission to stay in Thailand. But if I were in a position like this, I would try to find some way to presevere my dignity before I resigned to life on the streets. It's probably a troll but it brings out some inrresting characteristics of those who respond. Edited February 17, 2012 by wayned 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phomsanuk Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Possible but not pleasant! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DP25 Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) Out in the sticks I could live on that but it would be a lonely life and with very few beers and no real fun time. Basic food like chicken fried rice at 30 Baht a go. And that is only using my previous experience of knowing people and places. 2,500 for a place to stay. 500 electric. 60 Baht water. 2700 for basic food @ 3 * a day. 200 for 6 beers a week. 10 Baht big bottled water. Bunch of bananas 20 Baht. = 5990 a month not including extra drinking water or more than 6 beers a month. The above does not cover coffee, tea, nights out, m/c taxis, visa runs, smokes and anything else you might want. You forgot mobile telephone and internet Not practical on that budget................ Stay home. I pay about 50 baht a month for mobile phone and under 1000 for internet. You can fit that in on $300. In fact internet would help a lot of people save money. You could play World of Warcraft 16 hours a day, eat from food carts, and easily come in under $300 a month since your main hobby only costs $15 per month Edited February 17, 2012 by DP25 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayned Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Out in the sticks I could live on that but it would be a lonely life and with very few beers and no real fun time. Basic food like chicken fried rice at 30 Baht a go. And that is only using my previous experience of knowing people and places. 2,500 for a place to stay. 500 electric. 60 Baht water. 2700 for basic food @ 3 * a day. 200 for 6 beers a week. 10 Baht big bottled water. Bunch of bananas 20 Baht. = 5990 a month not including extra drinking water or more than 6 beers a month. The above does not cover coffee, tea, nights out, m/c taxis, visa runs, smokes and anything else you might want. You forgot mobile telephone and internet Not practical on that budget................ Stay home. I pay about 50 baht a month for mobile phone and under 1000 for internet. You can fit that in on $300. In fact internet would help a lot of people save money. You could play World of Warcraft 16 hours a day, eat from food carts, and easily come in under $300 a month since your main hobby only costs $15 per month Interesting characteristic, "must have cell phone", "must have internet", not really a requirement of somebody that's going to be "homeless". Get real! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baxer Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Yes you could do it. Get a visa before you go. A business visa is easy enough to get they accept more or less any documentation. Otherwise multiple entry tourist visa A business visa without money? Could you please explain? I sure would like to try that ! Sure just write a letter saying you want to go to TL to explore business opportunities there. Costs less than $200 for visa. No problems I think you mixed up Thailand whit Cambodia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balo Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Must have been a mistake by OP. He probably meant $3000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Must have been a mistake by OP. He probably meant $3000. If it's government disability from the U.S. that is very impossible. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealisticRon Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Back to the drawing board for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janverbeem Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I pay about 50 baht a month for mobile phone and under 1000 for internet. You can fit that in on $300. In fact internet would help a lot of people save money. You could play World of Warcraft 16 hours a day, eat from food carts, and easily come in under $300 a month since your main hobby only costs $15 per month That is of course exluding the 35$ for the internet,as mention yourself,the purchase of a computer,the electric it uses etc.etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattayadingo Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Out in the sticks I could live on that but it would be a lonely life and with very few beers and no real fun time. Basic food like chicken fried rice at 30 Baht a go. And that is only using my previous experience of knowing people and places. 2,500 for a place to stay. 500 electric. 60 Baht water. 2700 for basic food @ 3 * a day. 200 for 6 beers a week. 10 Baht big bottled water. Bunch of bananas 20 Baht. = 5990 a month not including extra drinking water or more than 6 beers a month. The above does not cover coffee, tea, nights out, m/c taxis, visa runs, smokes and anything else you might want. You forgot mobile telephone and internet Not practical on that budget................ Stay home. I pay about 50 baht a month for mobile phone and under 1000 for internet. You can fit that in on $300. In fact internet would help a lot of people save money. You could play World of Warcraft 16 hours a day, eat from food carts, and easily come in under $300 a month since your main hobby only costs $15 per month Interesting characteristic, "must have cell phone", "must have internet", not really a requirement of somebody that's going to be "homeless". Get real! Why should someone on $300 a month be homeless? As WAYNED said he can get the guy a place for 1000 Baht a month. It may not be a palace but it is a roof over your head. I have had a 3 bed house for 2500 a month. No, life would not be pleasant on $300 a month but it is doable in certain circumstances. But not for someone who needs medical help / hospital treatment and visa runs etc. Some of us have lived out in the sticks and know how cheap life can be away from the bars, a-go-go and restaurants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) Face facts, he's not coming ... Edited February 17, 2012 by Jingthing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huayrat Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Out in the sticks I could live on that but it would be a lonely life and with very few beers and no real fun time. Basic food like chicken fried rice at 30 Baht a go. And that is only using my previous experience of knowing people and places. 2,500 for a place to stay. 500 electric. 60 Baht water. 2700 for basic food @ 3 * a day. 200 for 6 beers a week. 10 Baht big bottled water. Bunch of bananas 20 Baht. = 5990 a month not including extra drinking water or more than 6 beers a month. The above does not cover coffee, tea, nights out, m/c taxis, visa runs, smokes and anything else you might want. You forgot mobile telephone and internet Not practical on that budget................ Stay home. I pay about 50 baht a month for mobile phone and under 1000 for internet. You can fit that in on $300. In fact internet would help a lot of people save money. You could play World of Warcraft 16 hours a day, eat from food carts, and easily come in under $300 a month since your main hobby only costs $15 per month yeah and a big big electric bill he will get Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poanoi Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) yeah and a big big electric bill he will getNo, that is not true, a computer uses very little electric, and a laptop even less, LCD screens are incredibly low power.These are what cost money: 1] "service charge", with or without manipulation to increase the bill even more 2] air con 3] fridge anything else is barely noticable btw, i noticed something peculiar: when i was living too far away from go-go, (on the dark side of sukhumwit) i saved 200.000 baht in a boring year playing computer Edited February 17, 2012 by poanoi 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guyz Posted February 18, 2012 Author Share Posted February 18, 2012 (edited) This is the OP. To clarify, I do not have any special medical needs, and can climb stairs. I can raise the amount, but I was hoping to get info on the cheapest way to live. I could raise it to $500 - $600, but would rather not, that is digging into saving. I make $375 per month on military disability. I am tired of living off of other people, and would like to find a way to live independently. Recommendations on places to live and how to get a cheap motor bike would be appreciated. You hadn't heard from me because I was camping in a park to save money. I don't like sweets, soda, or alcohol much, and I like to cook my own food. I've been living cheaply in America my whole life, and if a friend is paying my room and board, I usually save quite a bit of money out of the $375 a month. Edited February 18, 2012 by Guyz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bendix Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 You simply can't do it. Stop being silly. It sounds to me like you haven't even figured out what visa to come on, and those arent cheap (or at least renewing them). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 If your intention is to stay a year in S.E. Asia with little visa hassle and low annual visa cost, your obvious choice would be Cambodia, not Thailand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guyz Posted February 18, 2012 Author Share Posted February 18, 2012 I am arriving in Bangkok on Tuesday, the flight is already purchased. Looking for help. Funny that some people say it is possible on $300 a month, and when I double it, some still say it is impossible. I'll be doing it whether people nay-say or not. Hopefully some people will offer some solid advice as to how. Thank you to those who have already given some! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonD Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Concerning just the two specifics you mention (accomodation and transport) here are some ballpark figures for the east side of Sukhumvit near Pattaya (the Darkside): 1. A decent sized room (4 x 5m) inc. bed and basic furniture with TV, bathroom & balcony/porch as Thai-style kitchen (outside but covered, no equipment): ~ 2000 bht/month. This would be on a Thai moo baan or apartment block. You would need assistance from locals to find and negotiate for such a place but it can be done. I know, I had one as a bolt-hole. You would have to provide your own cooking equipment, bed linen, fan and all crockery and cutlery. You would be able to shop for all these items locally. If chosen well you could be within walking distance of a market and any shop or service you may need. If you socialise you will find similar westerners living on tight budgets who pool resources and assist one another. The local Thais are also a great bunch and very welcoming. At least, in my experience they were. I actually preferred them to my western neighbours at my main house. Depending on usage, utilities would be about 300-500 baht/month at government rates. 2. You can rent a motorbike for anything from 1500 - 2500 baht/month, depending on type, age and who you rent from. Again, you'll need local Thai knowledge even the local expats in their ghettos don't have access to. You can 'buy' a used machine but you'll need to save about 5-8K and it won't be in your name... As for the boonies, Wayned has already given you some good tips. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrChopper Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Yes you could do it. Get a visa before you go. A business visa is easy enough to get they accept more or less any documentation. Otherwise multiple entry tourist visa A business visa without money? Could you please explain? I sure would like to try that ! Sure just write a letter saying you want to go to TL to explore business opportunities there. Costs less than $200 for visa. No problems I think you mixed up Thailand whit Cambodia. Obtaining a 12 month multiple entry non immigrant B (business) visa for Thailand is straightforward if you are genuinely 1. assessing business opportunites or 2. conducting business meetings for an overseas company. Mine cost £100 and involved submitting a letter from our UK company explaining the reasons the visa is required. Absolutely no financial requiremnts attached to this visa whatsoever, no personal or business financial questions asked. How easy this is if you're not a genuine business visitor I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I am arriving in Bangkok on Tuesday, the flight is already purchased. Looking for help. Funny that some people say it is possible on $300 a month, and when I double it, some still say it is impossible. I'll be doing it whether people nay-say or not. Hopefully some people will offer some solid advice as to how. Thank you to those who have already given some! Do you have a visa? If so, what kind? Is your ticket a round trip ticket? If so, how many days/months from arrival does it depart back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonrakers Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 and I like to cook my own food. What do you plan to cook with no kitchen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
granuaile Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I am arriving in Bangkok on Tuesday, the flight is already purchased. Looking for help. Funny that some people say it is possible on $300 a month, and when I double it, some still say it is impossible. I'll be doing it whether people nay-say or not. Hopefully some people will offer some solid advice as to how. Thank you to those who have already given some! I am sure it can be done. But can is a little different than actually doing it. There are plenty of inexpensive housing options if you can manage without air con and food is cheap if u stay away from Western food. I agree with those who note that it would be tough, but Thailand is not really so expensive and I have found it easy to make Thai friends. Myself I prefer living in predominantly Thai neighborhoods, eating Thai food, and making Thai friends. I did go to Burger King the week before last, but that was to treat a friend visiting me. I have to say I would be reluctant to try to live on $300 a month but I was considering it once but opted instead to sell my second house in the U.S. and pay down my debt. I love Thailand, but on $300 a month it would be basic... But I do like my beer and enjoy getting together with friends. Consider living away from places like Sukhumvit, such as in Minburi, Bangplad, Chatuchak, Nonthaburi, etc... There is lots of delicious food on the streets, especially if you can handle spicy food - many vendors make huge pots of foods and sell, for 15-20 baht a serving or 25-35 but it is not cooked to order... rice is 5 baht. My biggest expense other than rent is beer (as my girth indicates). You can find a place for 2000 baht (or even less) if you look around (but expect to have to pay a deposit of 2-3 months rent. Also consider if u do have a health issue, not one that you have now but one that might arise, such as food poisoning, mosquito-borne illnesses, etc... Try to make friends with Thai around where you live... My experience has been that overall, Thai people are wonderfully friendly, helpful, and honest as long as you show them the same cordiality... A smile usually elicits the same back. Since you already have your ticket here (I am assuming round trip because that raises other issues before you even leave) give it a try. As some have mentioned Cambodia might also be an option and is close (though I had never thought it seemed easy when I looked at the options if I ever had to leave Thailand).... Send me a message privately when you get here - maybe I can at least give you some advice as to places to live in BKK and getting around with public transportation... Just be careful.... and realistic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 (edited) Please note that the reason I have asked the OP some "nosy" questions about his visa situation and air ticket details is that I am trying to confirm that he will actually be allowed to board the airplane in U.S. For example if he arrives with NO visa and the return is over 30 days (or a one way ticket) there is a good chance he won't even be allowed to board. There is still time to fix that if that is his status, so here to help facilitate starting this adventure in the third world poverty experience. Some people may feel it might be a better outcome if he isn't allowed to board, but that's another matter. Edited February 18, 2012 by Jingthing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bendix Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I'm sorry, but this is a train wreck waiting to happen. The OP has already booked his ticket yet hasn't told anyone what visa he is one, nor his strategy for financing the renewal of that visa. He's going to cook himself, but will not be living in a place with cooking facilities or even a kitchen. He seems intent on only listening to those who are irresponsibly supporting his ludicrous scheme, and ignoring the realists. By his own admission he's only managing to live in the US through the help of others, and is forgoing that help to come somewhere where - as a pennlless foreigner - he will get no help or support from either the Thai or the farang community. I suggest someone call the US embassy and tell them to get ready to deal with an issue a few months down the line. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I'm sorry, but this is a train wreck waiting to happen. The OP has already booked his ticket yet hasn't told anyone what visa he is one, nor his strategy for financing the renewal of that visa. He's going to cook himself, but will not be living in a place with cooking facilities or even a kitchen. He seems intent on only listening to those who are irresponsibly supporting his ludicrous scheme, and ignoring the realists. By his own admission he's only managing to live in the US through the help of others, and is forgoing that help to come somewhere where - as a pennlless foreigner - he will get no help or support from either the Thai or the farang community. I suggest someone call the US embassy and tell them to get ready to deal with an issue a few months down the line. The embassy isn't our Mama. The guy is an adult. Its his choice to make as long as he can legally arrive here. Freedom to fail! (Which is the smart bet here, sorry.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DP25 Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 He can buy all the cooking supplies he needs at Tesco for a couple thousand baht. He can get an electric wok, kettle, toaster oven etc very cheap. Lack of built in cooking facilities in cheap apartments isn't a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaifkrlim Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 it is no fun to live independently เพียงคนเดียว in a foreign country with unfamiliar customs yet struggling on a tight budget and bangkok is not disabled friendly anyway the attempt is courageous until proven futile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ludditeman Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Just outside Cm (6km) you can get quite nice furnished apt for 3,000bht a month that any western person would be happy to live in. Leaving 200bht a day for food and living expenses is a tiny bit small. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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