How Do You Survive In Chiang Mai?

[CMNightRider]

I think most of the expats living in CM, are retired and living off their pensions and or investments. Thailand would be a tough place to make a living wage and be able to save for retirement.

[LarryBird]

I have a Master in Natural Resources Management and have been working in forest conservation for the last 7 years. I have managed project for reforestation of degraded areas around Chiang mai.

That sounds like interesting/rewarding work.

My initial thoughts are that you should checkout what's available on usajobs.gov , also spend some time on linkedin looking for what's available. AFAIK, in some instances you are better off being in the states when you apply for a job with the state dept. (Just realized this, but not sure why I assumed you're American.)

I'd like to ask what the draw is for you here in Chiangmai, but I think I already know the answer, and it's the same for everyone whether they admit it or not.

Some people are successful setting up businesses here ,but I imagine that's a huge challenge that would require a lot of drive to build something worthwhile.

Edited November 25, 2012 by LarryBird

[Ulysses G.]

I'd like to ask what the draw is for you here in Chiangmai, but I think I already know the answer, and it's the same for everyone whether they admit it or not.

Indeed.

[tropico]

I have a Master in Natural Resources Management and have been working in forest conservation for the last 7 years. I have managed project for reforestation of degraded areas around Chiang mai.

That sounds like interesting/rewarding work.

My initial thoughts are that you should checkout what's available on usajobs.gov , also spend some time on linkedin looking for what's available. AFAIK, in some instances you are better off being in the states when you apply for a job with the state dept. (Just realized this, but not sure why I assumed you're American.)

I'd like to ask what the draw is for you here in Chiangmai, but I think I already know the answer, and it's the same for everyone whether they admit it or not.

Some people are successful setting up businesses here ,but I imagine that's a huge challenge that would require a lot of drive to build something worthwhile.

I am Italian in my late 30's and I'd like stay here because it is nice and probably the best place I have lived so far in South Est Asia!

[rene123]

Are all these wealthy people making big money on the internet the same ones who keep filling my inbox with SPAM?

[chooka]

Internet Marketing

Plenty of ways to make money online if you learn how.

DK

Do you mean Boiler room?

[chooka]

I'd like to ask what the draw is for you here in Chiangmai, but I think I already know the answer, and it's the same for everyone whether they admit it or not.

Indeed.

affordability, the weather, friendly people and the easy relaxed life style. Oh and my family as well.

[Mestizo]

Are all these wealthy people making big money on the internet the same ones who keep filling my inbox with SPAM?

No. Just primarily the ones talking about "Internet Marketing".

-Mestizo

[hellodolly]

I have a Master in Natural Resources Management and have been working in forest conservation for the last 7 years. I have managed project for reforestation of degraded areas around Chiang mai.

That sounds like interesting/rewarding work.

My initial thoughts are that you should checkout what's available on usajobs.gov , also spend some time on linkedin looking for what's available. AFAIK, in some instances you are better off being in the states when you apply for a job with the state dept. (Just realized this, but not sure why I assumed you're American.)

I'd like to ask what the draw is for you here in Chiangmai, but I think I already know the answer, and it's the same for everyone whether they admit it or not.

Some people are successful setting up businesses here ,but I imagine that's a huge challenge that would require a lot of drive to build something worthwhile.

Sorry to disappoint you but I like the city and the culture. A little unhappy with the weather during the smog season, But thanks for letting us know what you are all about.

[TommoPhysicist]

that would be 100,000/month

you are disillusional

Not really, just someone used to UN and other NGO inflated rates and thinks the real world operates on the same lines.

TEFL course, then work as a minimum wage English teacher on 25k a month, plenty doing it in CM.

[OriginalPoster]

Why does it cost you 100,000 to live here ?

Why would you want to live off less than 100K baht per month here? Just to prove that you can do it?

[TommoPhysicist]

Why does it cost you 100,000 to live here ?

Why would you want to live off less than 100K baht per month here? Just to prove that you can do it?

I want to have 1M a month to live on here ...... there is a difference between want and need.

[watcharacters]

I think most of the expats living in CM, are retired and living off their pensions and or investments. Thailand would be a tough place to make a living wage and be able to save for retirement.

While I wouldn't say the OP can't find what he seeks, his field is generally not so valuable as to command a premium. I agree that probably most expats in CM are retired or on pensions and investments. If i moved there I'd add to their numbers.

Edited November 25, 2012 by watcharacters

[heybruce]

If you're in the education field, check out prem. What is your master's degree in? What were you doing for work beforehand?

I have a Master in Natural Resources Management and have been working in forest conservation for the last 7 years. I have managed project for reforestation of degraded areas around Chiang mai.

You can forget about using that degree and job experience working for a Thai company; if they need anyone with these abilities they will find a Thai to hire at a small fraction of 100k a month. If you want to stay in the same line of work you'll have to find another U.N. or NGO job, which will probably require leaving Chiang Mai, or work for a big forest product company, which will definitely require leaving Chiang Mai.

In short, unless you have some other valuable abilities that can be applied locally, you are unlikely to come anywhere close to 100k a month in Chiang Mai.

[mamborobert]

We are talking at cross purposes.

The Op is seeking to live and save for retirement. It is not a discussion on living on 100k a month. Op would be living on less than that if he is (as stated) saving for retirement as well. It could be a lot less (which is why age and time to retirement are relevant), or a little less (again, marital status and finances of significant other come into play, as well as inheritances etc etc).

Op perhaps worded post unfortunately. He is not talking about "surviving", let alone surviving on 100k. He probably should have directed post at those that are working in some format here, and then the (in my opinion) fewer number again that are putting enough (as opposed to some) money aside for investments/retirement.

I would opine that there are a lot making reasonably good money to "survive", even survive well, but I doubt there are a lot making sufficient money to put aside substantial amounts for retirement/investments, or economic collapses, or currency devaluations etc.

Retirees are a different argument altogether as one would imagine that most are self sufficient (given no work on visa and financial requirements) and whilst actually managing their money for "rainy days" fluctuations, illness etc are not saving for retirement per se and as such could survive, or survive well on substantially less than 100k a month.

With the skill set advised so far would not like your chances of ensuring 100k a month in CM. Sure an opportunity may come up, but it may not, and you need certainty for savings and work rights. I would suggest that you look at Bangkok....or you could have a long wait here for perhaps nothing.

Edited November 25, 2012 by mamborobert

[OriginalPoster]

Why does it cost you 100,000 to live here ?

Why would you want to live off less than 100K baht per month here? Just to prove that you can do it?

I want to have 1M a month to live on here ...... there is a difference between want and need.

And there also is a difference between cheap and frugal.

[hellodolly]

We are talking at cross purposes.

The Op is seeking to live and save for retirement. It is not a discussion on living on 100k a month. Op would be living on less than that if he is (as stated) saving for retirement as well. It could be a lot less (which is why age and time to retirement are relevant), or a little less (again, marital status and finances of significant other come into play, as well as inheritances etc etc).

Op perhaps worded post unfortunately. He is not talking about "surviving", let alone surviving on 100k. He probably should have directed post at those that are working in some format here, and then the (in my opinion) fewer number again that are putting enough (as opposed to some) money aside for investments/retirement.

I would opine that there are a lot making reasonably good money to "survive", even survive well, but I doubt there are a lot making sufficient money to put aside substantial amounts for retirement/investments, or economic collapses, or currency devaluations etc.

Retirees are a different argument altogether as one would imagine that most are self sufficient (given no work on visa and financial requirements) and whilst actually managing their money for "rainy days" fluctuations, illness etc are not saving for retirement per se and as such could survive, or survive well on substantially less than 100k a month.

With the skill set advised so far would not like your chances of ensuring 100k a month in CM. Sure an opportunity may come up, but it may not, and you need certainty for savings and work rights. I would suggest that you look at Bangkok....or you could have a long wait here for perhaps nothing.

Good points Bangkok would be the place to look I believe about a year ago Yingluck was making a quick tour of the North and had said some thing like she wanted the country reforested. Maybe some thing there. As for the money I have no idea. I think 100,000 a month is what the ministers get that we know about.

[naboo]

Once rent and bills are paid, I don't see how anyone would need more than 1000B/day, plus 100k for an annual holiday, plus 100k for a pension. 565k + rent and bills at 20k/month = 805k/year (oh, that's the magic number immigration came up with, just about) which is B67k/month.

How to get it? Open a bar on Loi Kroh? 555. Play games online that you shouldn't be playing? Marry a big fat Thai Hi-So? All been successful in the past. But 67k a month can probably be achieved by doing some mundane online task, over and over again, 12 hours a day.

[heybruce]

But 67k a month can probably be achieved by doing some mundane online task, over and over again, 12 hours a day.

Really? Could you provide some details?

[Mark1971]

If you're in the education field, check out prem. What is your master's degree in? What were you doing for work beforehand?

I have a Master in Natural Resources Management and have been working in forest conservation for the last 7 years. I have managed project for reforestation of degraded areas around Chiang mai.

You can forget about using that degree and job experience working for a Thai company; if they need anyone with these abilities they will find a Thai to hire at a small fraction of 100k a month. If you want to stay in the same line of work you'll have to find another U.N. or NGO job, which will probably require leaving Chiang Mai, or work for a big forest product company, which will definitely require leaving Chiang Mai.

In short, unless you have some other valuable abilities that can be applied locally, you are unlikely to come anywhere close to 100k a month in Chiang Mai.

Based upon the information you have provided I have to agree with the comment above.

100K a month with your specialist skill set will be very difficult to find as a local hire in Chiang Mai.

You will probably have to move where your specialist skills are currently in demand, or adjust your budget if you want to live in Chiang Mai.

I hope you are lucky & prove us wrong.

Edited November 25, 2012 by Mark1971

[threedot]

Don't let all the down and outers in Chiang Mai put you off. I know plenty of Western people in Chiang Mai making very large salaries, some earning much, much more than they were back in the West. They're from a range of fields, IT, Marketing, Construction, Management, Agriculture and more. The caveat is that almost all of them were hired from overseas and coming to Thailand was part of their job rather than winding up here and looking for "something to do".

The point is that these jobs do exist (they are few and far between, granted) and not everyone in Chiang Mai is struggling on 25,000b a month. Good luck.

[LemanRus]

This may be slightly off topic for whicjh I apologise.

Recently labourer's working on unionized building sites in Australia were starting at THB 3,750,000 per annum (AUD125,000) or so the press reported. A Phd in Science with 3 year post-doc would struggle to pass AUD 100,000.

[LarryBird]

This may be slightly off topic for whicjh I apologise.

Recently labourer's working on unionized building sites in Australia were starting at THB 3,750,000 per annum (AUD125,000) or so the press reported. A Phd in Science with 3 year post-doc would struggle to pass AUD 100,000.

It might be more interesting if you explained why you think it's worth mentioning.

[LarryBird]

I have a Master in Natural Resources Management and have been working in forest conservation for the last 7 years. I have managed project for reforestation of degraded areas around Chiang mai.

That sounds like interesting/rewarding work.

My initial thoughts are that you should checkout what's available on usajobs.gov , also spend some time on linkedin looking for what's available. AFAIK, in some instances you are better off being in the states when you apply for a job with the state dept. (Just realized this, but not sure why I assumed you're American.)

I'd like to ask what the draw is for you here in Chiangmai, but I think I already know the answer, and it's the same for everyone whether they admit it or not.

Some people are successful setting up businesses here ,but I imagine that's a huge challenge that would require a lot of drive to build something worthwhile.

Sorry to disappoint you but I like the city and the culture. A little unhappy with the weather during the smog season, But thanks for letting us know what you are all about.

Ya ya ya.. You're so engrossed in 'the culture' you spend your entire day on Thaivisa! 6,000+ posts in a year and a half.. lol. I'm sure you have a bunch of Thai buddies you hang with, are really involved in the community etc etc... but still find the time to be making posts during all waking hours of the day.

Whatever though, my statement stands, a lot of guys will give answers like you about how they love the local people, the food, etc.. More often than not, the real answer is 'the girls', and I'd be willing to bet OP falls into the same category. I don't have a problem with that, in a way, I fall into that category as well. Although, my story is a little different I'd say and most would agree. Why don't people just say it though? "I can get laid here easier, and by better looking women." Totally understandable, bro... I just don't wanna hear about how much you like Khao Soi.

Edited November 26, 2012 by LarryBird

[DiamondKing]

Internet Marketing

Plenty of ways to make money online if you learn how.

DK

Do you mean Boiler room?

Nope and I thought Boiler room boys sold on the telephone but again you will have to let me know since I know nothing about that subject.

I am refering to creating softwares that solve a problem or create an e book for example showing you guys how to get started making money on the Internet and then selling it to you

Personally I have a Membership site with over 1000 members I also develop softwares (I have no idea how to do this but I know a man who does )

I also have a large email list of people that want to receive emails from me and I send them offers from my associates who pay me 50% commission

As to the OP's monthly target this is peanuts compared to what can be earned online each month once you learn how.

DK

Edited November 26, 2012 by DiamondKing

[tropico]

I have a Master in Natural Resources Management and have been working in forest conservation for the last 7 years. I have managed project for reforestation of degraded areas around Chiang mai.

That sounds like interesting/rewarding work.

My initial thoughts are that you should checkout what's available on usajobs.gov , also spend some time on linkedin looking for what's available. AFAIK, in some instances you are better off being in the states when you apply for a job with the state dept. (Just realized this, but not sure why I assumed you're American.)

I'd like to ask what the draw is for you here in Chiangmai, but I think I already know the answer, and it's the same for everyone whether they admit it or not.

Some people are successful setting up businesses here ,but I imagine that's a huge challenge that would require a lot of drive to build something worthwhile.

Sorry to disappoint you but I like the city and the culture. A little unhappy with the weather during the smog season, But thanks for letting us know what you are all about.

Ya ya ya.. You're so engrossed in 'the culture' you spend your entire day on Thaivisa! 6,000+ posts in a year and a half.. lol. I'm sure you have a bunch of Thai buddies you hang with, are really involved in the community etc etc... but still find the time to be making posts during all waking hours of the day.

Whatever though, my statement stands, a lot of guys will give answers like you about how they love the local people, the food, etc.. More often than not, the real answer is 'the girls', and I'd be willing to bet OP falls into the same category. I don't have a problem with that, in a way, I fall into that category as well. Although, my story is a little different I'd say and most would agree. Why don't people just say it though? "I can get laid here easier, and by better looking women." Totally understandable, bro... I just don't wanna hear about how much you like Khao Soi.

I am sorry to upset you but I do not fall in that category! I am here with my family and I just like the quality of life I had while being here, besides the lovely weather, plenty places to cycle (I love cycling), and many more things that does not involve "bars and girls".

I am a professional and came to CM because they offered me a job and I stayed because I liked it. But of course now I have to make a decision and maybe move from here if i do not find anything suitable or something that I like to do. I work in conservation (forest conservation) and i will continue doing this work because that is what makes me happy and drive my passions!

I did not come here to show off or to insult anybody, i just wanted to know how people do earn their livings in CM.

I was curious to know about other people experiences, that's all!

Thanks for the advises about job vacancies regarding waiter position but I think i might be able to find something more interesting that suits my expectations, and if not I will make a move!

I do understand that people stay here for a lot of reason and it is not for me to judge anybody, besides, I did not want to know why they stay here, but how can they stay here and what they do to keep staying here!

thanks to all anyway

[tropico]

I think most of the expats living in CM, are retired and living off their pensions and or investments. Thailand would be a tough place to make a living wage and be able to save for retirement.

While I wouldn't say the OP can't find what he seeks, his field is generally not so valuable as to command a premium. I agree that probably most expats in CM are retired or on pensions and investments. If i moved there I'd add to their numbers.

What is valuable? IT? Marketing? banking?

It might not be valuable for some people!

Maybe you are not aware of Climate change, forest degradation, loss of biodiversity, resources depletion!

You or your your kids generation will know soon enough what is valuable and what is not!

thanks for the post anyway

[Mestizo]

What is valuable? IT? Marketing? banking?

It might not be valuable for some people!

Maybe you are not aware of Climate change, forest degradation, loss of biodiversity, resources depletion!

You or your your kids generation will know soon enough what is valuable and what is not!

thanks for the post anyway

Isn't forestry on the list of prohibited occupations? Are you 100% sure that you even fully qualify for a job with work permit in Thailand?

-Mestizo

[tropico]

What is valuable? IT? Marketing? banking?

It might not be valuable for some people!

Maybe you are not aware of Climate change, forest degradation, loss of biodiversity, resources depletion!

You or your your kids generation will know soon enough what is valuable and what is not!

thanks for the post anyway

Isn't forestry on the list of prohibited occupations? Are you 100% sure that you even fully qualify for a job with work permit in Thailand?

-Mestizo

If you open a tree logging company, they would not give you a permit I guess. But i have been working in forestry for International NGO and UN without a problem and with regular working permit. I know of companies run by foreigners and they working on plantations, also no problem!

[elektrified]

Sorry to disappoint you but I like the city and the culture. A little unhappy with the weather during the smog season, But thanks for letting us know what you are all about.

Ya ya ya.. You're so engrossed in 'the culture' you spend your entire day on Thaivisa! 6,000+ posts in a year and a half.. lol. I'm sure you have a bunch of Thai buddies you hang with, are really involved in the community etc etc... but still find the time to be making posts during all waking hours of the day.

Indeed he is an obsessive poster (including posting about things he knows nothing about). He could not possibly have time to do anything else in his life as he is endlessly posting on thaivisa.