Is There Anything Cheap In Thailand Now ?

[FunFon]

-his 4 months annual holidays-Very sweet (and rare)

If you include "summer" (now), a couple weeks break in October and a break for Christmas and assorted government and religious holidays it works out to be around that I believe. I didn't realize it was rare (for teachers).

-

Lots of the regular schools require teachers to show up to work year-round except for a few weeks, and more and more are moving to 10-11 month contracts so they don't have to pay salary during the current break (and no seniority is accumulated, no rights to severance pay, no ability to get PR).

Lots of advertising on ajarn.com is deceptive in that they include the 16? government holidays in their statement about how many "weeks paid holidays" and even then it's often 3-4 in total.

Note you're often not required to actually stay and work, just show up every day and sign in, then free to head out.

If the logic of this is questioned, it's most common for them to say doing otherwise wouldn't be fair to the Thai nationals, has to be the same conditions.

But the latter are often required to actually work, so once again it's just going-through-the-motions surface not the reality that's important.

[FunFon]

Not that rare for teachers. 2-3 months t this time of year, 1 month in Oct. Couple of weeks at Xmas etc.

Last month, I was offered a job teaching at a local school. 40 k a month plus 2 months bonus at end of year.15 hours a week( 3 hours every morning).

4 months annual holiday.

I have a friend working in Harrow international school in BKK who gets 3 times that but he does about 60 hours a week plus 20 hours a week travelling. Maybe 2 months holiday. I know which job I'd prefer.

-

Of course the international schools, especially the top ones like Harrow have to offer world-class benefits, especially to those brought in from overseas.

The excellent vacations are one of the few that is also offered to local hires.

But that's less than 1% of the actual teaching jobs in the country, I was talking about normal Thai schools - although often the EP/IPs aren't that much better.

[SteeleJoe]

-his 4 months annual holidays-Very sweet (and rare)If you include "summer" (now), a couple weeks break in October and a break for Christmas and assorted government and religious holidays it works out to be around that I believe. I didn't realize it was rare (for teachers).-Lots of the regular schools require teachers to show up to work year-round except for a few weeks, and more and more are moving to 10-11 month contracts so they don't have to pay salary during the current break (and no seniority is accumulated, no rights to severance pay, no ability to get PR).Lots of advertising on ajarn.com is deceptive in that they include the 16? government holidays in their statement about how many "weeks paid holidays" and even then it's often 3-4 in total.Note you're often not required to actually stay and work, just show up every day and sign in, then free to head out.If the logic of this is questioned, it's most common for them to say doing otherwise wouldn't be fair to the Thai nationals, has to be the same conditions.But the latter are often required to actually work, so once again it's just going-through-the-motions surface not the reality that's important.

Well, I wonder if my friend knows how good he's got it! I'll tell him when he comes back from France or wherever he is. Mind you he's been doing if for about 10 years I think so maybe things were different then and such deals aren't easily found now (or then for all I know).

Anyway, being a teacher isn't a job that is glamorous, or one that will make you rich but the only people who would call it "slave wages" are those who are ridiculously elitist and want people to know it and/ or making huge money and want people to know it, OR people who or want people to THINK they are elitists and making huge money when in fact they are not the latter and thus can only aspire to the former.

Anyone who honestly thinks that 45k is just "surviving" has no idea of what real life is like for billions of people here and around the world...

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[kennedy]

-his 4 months annual holidays-Very sweet (and rare)If you include "summer" (now), a couple weeks break in October and a break for Christmas and assorted government and religious holidays it works out to be around that I believe. I didn't realize it was rare (for teachers).-Lots of the regular schools require teachers to show up to work year-round except for a few weeks, and more and more are moving to 10-11 month contracts so they don't have to pay salary during the current break (and no seniority is accumulated, no rights to severance pay, no ability to get PR).Lots of advertising on ajarn.com is deceptive in that they include the 16? government holidays in their statement about how many "weeks paid holidays" and even then it's often 3-4 in total.Note you're often not required to actually stay and work, just show up every day and sign in, then free to head out.If the logic of this is questioned, it's most common for them to say doing otherwise wouldn't be fair to the Thai nationals, has to be the same conditions.But the latter are often required to actually work, so once again it's just going-through-the-motions surface not the reality that's important.

Well, I wonder if my friend knows how good he's got it! I'll tell him when he comes back from France or wherever he is. Mind you he's been doing if for about 10 years I think so maybe things were different then and such deals aren't easily found now (or then for all I know).

Anyway, being a teacher isn't a job that is glamorous, or one that will make you rich but the only people who would call it "slave wages" are those who are ridiculously elitist and want people to know it and/ or making huge money and want people to know it, OR people who or want people to THINK they are elitists and making huge money when in fact they are not the latter and thus can only aspire to the former.

Anyone who honestly thinks that 45k is just "surviving" has no idea of what real life is like for billions of people here and around the world...

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa ap

This country is full of Thai Tinhorns.

[FunFon]

Well, I wonder if my friend knows how good he's got it! I'll tell him when he comes back from France or wherever he is. Mind you he's been doing if for about 10 years I think so maybe things were different then and such deals aren't easily found now (or then for all I know).

-

Yes absolutely, packages have definitely been getting worse. I know one of the most respected EP/IP programmes in Dusit area, fired all the existing teachers making 55-70K and offered them new contracts at 40-50, plus changed over to the 11-month model, about 2 years ago.

Taking advantage of the fact that so many people are desperate in the NES countries.

And fair enough, that's the market in action. . .

-

Anyway, being a teacher isn't a job that is glamorous, or one that will make you rich but the only people who would call it "slave wages" are those who are ridiculously elitist and want people to know it and/ or making huge money and want people to know it, OR people who or want people to THINK they are elitists and making huge money when in fact they are not the latter and thus can only aspire to the former.

Anyone who honestly thinks that 45k is just "surviving" has no idea of what real life is like for billions of people here and around the world...

-

I agree, most people in the world are desperately poor.

And even in the wealthier NES countries, the vast majority have to choose between enjoying life now and trying to have some semblance of security in their old age. Realistically very few can have both. . .

[ChokDeeMak]

Any where outside Bangkok Thai Beer is more expensive. Maybe only by a few baht but it adds up. Only thing that Appeals to me in Pra ted Khmer is the Beautiful Extra stouts they have there. Black Panther and ABC 8% alc and even just as cheap 20฿ & 40฿ for 12 oz can. No sun pollutions ) But I have not been outside the Casino "no mans land". I would love to see the "Left Overs" and get even further insight of events that took place there. Khmers dont have that nice un farang price and you have to speak Khmer and that will take some work. Khmer is not nearly as developed as Thailand in no way. I heard the Capital does have Pizza Company and such. I wish I could get that stout beer here in Bangkok. I need to get another job to pay for BeervanaBkk and WishBeerThailand. check it out if you want real beer

[Chua]

Compared to virtually every first world country, the cost of living in Thailand is still relatively inexpensive.

Only imported items are pricey due to high tariffs, yet local food, drinks, Internet, mobile phone service, healthcare, and domestically manufactured items including electronics, cars, furniture, etc are all much less than in Europe, Australia and North America. The main reasons are that the climate is ideal for agriculture with huge amounts of farm land, along with the fact that the minimum wage and cost of labor (despite recent increases) is still significantly lower than in those other regions of the world.

[StreetCowboy]

Any where outside Bangkok Thai Beer is more expensive. Maybe only by a few baht but it adds up. Only thing that Appeals to me in Pra ted Khmer is the Beautiful Extra stouts they have there. Black Panther and ABC 8% alc and even just as cheap 20฿ & 40฿ for 12 oz can. No sun pollutions ) But I have not been outside the Casino "no mans land". I would love to see the "Left Overs" and get even further insight of events that took place there. Khmers dont have that nice un farang price and you have to speak Khmer and that will take some work. Khmer is not nearly as developed as Thailand in no way. I heard the Capital does have Pizza Company and such. I wish I could get that stout beer here in Bangkok. I need to get another job to pay for BeervanaBkk and WishBeerThailand. check it out if you want real beer

From Asia Pacific Breweries' publicity

ABC Extra Stoutserves the working-class

stout drinkers in Singapore, and is

popular with up and coming executives

and businessmen in Cambodia. ABC

launched its ’True Heroes Have True

Determination‘ advertising campaign in

Singapore, focusing on giving recognition

to real-life heroes. In Cambodia, ABC

continues to be one of the leaders in the

super premium segment.

Brewed under license in Cambodia.

Too sickly malty for me. Might be OK with a dash of vinegar or lime.

[Zatoichi]

Life is pretty cheap here.

[Soutpeel]

-his 4 months annual holidays-Very sweet (and rare)If you include "summer" (now), a couple weeks break in October and a break for Christmas and assorted government and religious holidays it works out to be around that I believe. I didn't realize it was rare (for teachers).-Lots of the regular schools require teachers to show up to work year-round except for a few weeks, and more and more are moving to 10-11 month contracts so they don't have to pay salary during the current break (and no seniority is accumulated, no rights to severance pay, no ability to get PR).Lots of advertising on ajarn.com is deceptive in that they include the 16? government holidays in their statement about how many "weeks paid holidays" and even then it's often 3-4 in total.Note you're often not required to actually stay and work, just show up every day and sign in, then free to head out.If the logic of this is questioned, it's most common for them to say doing otherwise wouldn't be fair to the Thai nationals, has to be the same conditions.But the latter are often required to actually work, so once again it's just going-through-the-motions surface not the reality that's important.

Well, I wonder if my friend knows how good he's got it! I'll tell him when he comes back from France or wherever he is. Mind you he's been doing if for about 10 years I think so maybe things were different then and such deals aren't easily found now (or then for all I know).

Anyway, being a teacher isn't a job that is glamorous, or one that will make you rich but the only people who would call it "slave wages" are those who are ridiculously elitist and want people to know it and/ or making huge money and want people to know it, OR people who or want people to THINK they are elitists and making huge money when in fact they are not the latter and thus can only aspire to the former.

Anyone who honestly thinks that 45k is just "surviving" has no idea of what real life is like for billions of people here and around the world...

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Obviously your comments are directed at me, the intention is not to be elitist at all, and as to the rest of your little diatribe, the less said the better..I am not having a go at teachers, in fact I am trying to understand this as per another post some said THB 1000/day is good money for teaching.

I do live in BKK for periods of time in the year and do live what I consider a normal life, not out every night, maybe restaruant once a week etc and my normal outgoing is significantly more, and no I dont prop a bar up on Nana/Cowboy evey night and in fact the last time i was anywhere near those places was at least 8-9 years ago, and no I dont have a contineous line of bargirls in an out the door...as Mrs Soutpeel wouldnt approve

but to put this in perspective, We have Thai labourers working offshore who basically just sweep the floor, plus a few other bits and pieces and they make the THB 1500/day plus free room/ free food...

so still struggling to understand how farangs live on THB 35k/m in places like BKK and it not being classed as just "surviving"

[Soutpeel]

Compared to virtually every first world country, the cost of living in Thailand is still relatively inexpensive.

Only imported items are pricey due to high tariffs, yet local food, drinks, Internet, mobile phone service, healthcare, and domestically manufactured items including electronics, cars, furniture, etc are all much less than in Europe, Australia and North America. The main reasons are that the climate is ideal for agriculture with huge amounts of farm land, along with the fact that the minimum wage and cost of labor (despite recent increases) is still significantly lower than in those other regions of the world.

I have been here 12 years and when I first came here, I thought Thailand was very cheap...but today its not...I have noticed the steady increase in the cost of everything

[SteeleJoe]

Just now saw this. Maybe I should take some time to think about my reply but I'll just bang it out before I have a late meal...

Obviously your comments are directed at me, the intention is not to be elitist at all, and as to the rest of your little diatribe, the less said the better..I am not having a go at teachers, in fact I am trying to understand this as per another post some said THB 1000/day is good money for teaching.

I do live in BKK for periods of time in the year and do live what I consider a normal life, not out every night, maybe restaruant once a week etc and my normal outgoing is significantly more, and no I dont prop a bar up on Nana/Cowboy evey night and in fact the last time i was anywhere near those places was at least 8-9 years ago, and no I dont have a contineous line of bargirls in an out the door...as Mrs Soutpeel wouldnt approve

but to put this in perspective, We have Thai labourers working offshore who basically just sweep the floor, plus a few other bits and pieces and they make the THB 1500/day plus free room/ free food...

so still struggling to understand how farangs live on THB 35k/m in places like BKK and it not being classed as just "surviving"

My "little diatribe" is it? OK.

*Yes, some of it was directed at you - and others making the same sort of comments I've seen many time on the forum.

*Whether you were having a go at teachers or not, isn't my concern but I didn't think you were.

*I suppose I see the relevance of your (limited) description of your lifestyle but it wasn't necessary and I had made no assumptions about it (why even mention Nana and Cowboy?)

*I'm happy that your laborers have that deal but what do you think that proves? Thai laborers wouldn't consider those "slave wages".

*For a Farang in Bangkok, 35k might be just surviving (depending on what one means by that); a decent place to live, decent food, a computer, some books, TV/movies the right friends and/or partner -- all of this is potentially within reach for someone at that income level. I'd not want to be at that income level even as a single man without a family - which I am not - but I've seen and experienced what "just surviving" REALLY means - when a meal or a place isn't always assured or even when both are but only of the most meager sort and nothing beyond that meal and bed.

Struggle on in your effort to comprehend but it's apparently a futile effort. Personally, I'm glad I'm aware of what real struggle for survival is as I think it gives me a better understanding of the world around me and allows me to appreciate my good fortune relative to what so many others have, but I suppose you are lucky that you can't even imagine living at a level that is really quite common and relatively comfortable for much of the world's population. In any case, I'm sorry to have offended you as I apparently have.

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[Chua]

Compared to virtually every first world country, the cost of living in Thailand is still relatively inexpensive.

Only imported items are pricey due to high tariffs, yet local food, drinks, Internet, mobile phone service, healthcare, and domestically manufactured items including electronics, cars, furniture, etc are all much less than in Europe, Australia and North America. The main reasons are that the climate is ideal for agriculture with huge amounts of farm land, along with the fact that the minimum wage and cost of labor (despite recent increases) is still significantly lower than in those other regions of the world.

I have been here 12 years and when I first came here, I thought Thailand was very cheap...but today its not...I have noticed the steady increase in the cost of everything

Sure, there is a steady increase in the price of everything EVERYWHERE around the world. Its called inflation and has been going on as long as there has been this thing called money.

The point is, RELATIVE to other first world countries where most expats are from, Thailand still offers an excellent value for domestically produced items, which constitutes the bulk of the cost of living.

[Pool Villarer]

even 35-45k/m is still "slave labour" money if your living, (surviving) in BKK

My neighbor is single guy who makes about 50,000 as a teacher at a hi school and another 10 or so tutoring some evenings. He has a rather nice 2 bedroom house (rental), eats mostly fairy expensive western food from Sukhumvit supermarkets, drinks nightly, spends most weekends either at the beach or at a national park, has a first rate computer, iPhone, big HD TV, and spends a couple months of his 4 months annual holidays in Europe.

Yes, he is far from 45k a month but he VERY far from slave labor, or just surviving.

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Obviously a cover,he's Special Forces really!

[SteeleJoe]

even 35-45k/m is still "slave labour" money if your living, (surviving) in BKK

My neighbor is single guy who makes about 50,000 as a teacher at a hi school and another 10 or so tutoring some evenings. He has a rather nice 2 bedroom house (rental), eats mostly fairy expensive western food from Sukhumvit supermarkets, drinks nightly, spends most weekends either at the beach or at a national park, has a first rate computer, iPhone, big HD TV, and spends a couple months of his 4 months annual holidays in Europe.

Yes, he is far from 45k a month but he VERY far from slave labor, or just surviving.

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Obviously a cover,he's Special Forces really!

Oops. I didn't mean to blow his cover.

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[jamhar]

Just a gentle reminder that this is an online community.

The information provided here has no credibility.

Its up to the user to verify each fact or claim

There is no need to get personal,

or to be offended by some others writings

unless you chose to be

I will say that the visa information here has been alarming accurate

I'm off my soapbox

Please carry on

[MrWorldwide]

Compared to virtually every first world country, the cost of living in Thailand is still relatively inexpensive.

Only imported items are pricey due to high tariffs, yet local food, drinks, Internet, mobile phone service, healthcare, and domestically manufactured items including electronics, cars, furniture, etc are all much less than in Europe, Australia and North America. The main reasons are that the climate is ideal for agriculture with huge amounts of farm land, along with the fact that the minimum wage and cost of labor (despite recent increases) is still significantly lower than in those other regions of the world.

I have been here 12 years and when I first came here, I thought Thailand was very cheap...but today its not...I have noticed the steady increase in the cost of everything

I wonder if there is a country anywhere in the world where prices remain low over a 12-year period ? Can I ask if you are in BKK or out in the sticks ?

[JLCrab]

Thai girls like Ms. Tangmo or similar were never cheap:

[driedmango]

Compared to virtually every first world country, the cost of living in Thailand is still relatively inexpensive.

Only imported items are pricey due to high tariffs, yet local food, drinks, Internet, mobile phone service, healthcare, and domestically manufactured items including electronics, cars, furniture, etc are all much less than in Europe, Australia and North America. The main reasons are that the climate is ideal for agriculture with huge amounts of farm land, along with the fact that the minimum wage and cost of labor (despite recent increases) is still significantly lower than in those other regions of the world.

I have been here 12 years and when I first came here, I thought Thailand was very cheap...but today its not...I have noticed the steady increase in the cost of everything

same everywhere in the world, most living expenses are still one tenth to on quarter most decent western countries.

[driedmango]

Just now saw this. Maybe I should take some time to think about my reply but I'll just bang it out before I have a late meal...

Obviously your comments are directed at me, the intention is not to be elitist at all, and as to the rest of your little diatribe, the less said the better..I am not having a go at teachers, in fact I am trying to understand this as per another post some said THB 1000/day is good money for teaching.

I do live in BKK for periods of time in the year and do live what I consider a normal life, not out every night, maybe restaruant once a week etc and my normal outgoing is significantly more, and no I dont prop a bar up on Nana/Cowboy evey night and in fact the last time i was anywhere near those places was at least 8-9 years ago, and no I dont have a contineous line of bargirls in an out the door...as Mrs Soutpeel wouldnt approve

but to put this in perspective, We have Thai labourers working offshore who basically just sweep the floor, plus a few other bits and pieces and they make the THB 1500/day plus free room/ free food...

so still struggling to understand how farangs live on THB 35k/m in places like BKK and it not being classed as just "surviving"

My "little diatribe" is it? OK.

*Yes, some of it was directed at you - and others making the same sort of comments I've seen many time on the forum.

*Whether you were having a go at teachers or not, isn't my concern but I didn't think you were.

*I suppose I see the relevance of your (limited) description of your lifestyle but it wasn't necessary and I had made no assumptions about it (why even mention Nana and Cowboy?)

*I'm happy that your laborers have that deal but what do you think that proves? Thai laborers wouldn't consider those "slave wages".

*For a Farang in Bangkok, 35k might be just surviving (depending on what one means by that); a decent place to live, decent food, a computer, some books, TV/movies the right friends and/or partner -- all of this is potentially within reach for someone at that income level. I'd not want to be at that income level even as a single man without a family - which I am not - but I've seen and experienced what "just surviving" REALLY means - when a meal or a place isn't always assured or even when both are but only of the most meager sort and nothing beyond that meal and bed.

Struggle on in your effort to comprehend but it's apparently a futile effort. Personally, I'm glad I'm aware of what real struggle for survival is as I think it gives me a better understanding of the world around me and allows me to appreciate my good fortune relative to what so many others have, but I suppose you are lucky that you can't even imagine living at a level that is really quite common and relatively comfortable for much of the world's population. In any case, I'm sorry to have offended you as I apparently have.

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the best times of my life where ones I had no money.. money and comfort makes a dull man, dull man has no friends or lovers

[Soutpeel]

Compared to virtually every first world country, the cost of living in Thailand is still relatively inexpensive.

Only imported items are pricey due to high tariffs, yet local food, drinks, Internet, mobile phone service, healthcare, and domestically manufactured items including electronics, cars, furniture, etc are all much less than in Europe, Australia and North America. The main reasons are that the climate is ideal for agriculture with huge amounts of farm land, along with the fact that the minimum wage and cost of labor (despite recent increases) is still significantly lower than in those other regions of the world.

I have been here 12 years and when I first came here, I thought Thailand was very cheap...but today its not...I have noticed the steady increase in the cost of everything

I wonder if there is a country anywhere in the world where prices remain low over a 12-year period ? Can I ask if you are in BKK or out in the sticks ?

BKK for parts of the year and other times eastern sea board, but certainly not out in the sticks..

And to those who were making patronising remarks about about inflation and pricing increasing over time ....yes i know, nothing stays the same, but can help thinking about the people who are here on fixed incomes as retiree's with the current strength of the THB versus which ever currencies, there must be large numbers now who are getting to point that they cant afford to live in Thailand anymore and are thinking of bailing

Now considering the monthly income of a retiree needs to be THB 65k/m or THB 800k in the bank to be be here legally on retirement, and some of these people say Thailand is too expensive, I am still stugging with some saying 35k-45k is a survivable wage, if some on THB 65k is saying things are getting too expensive here

Yes you can downscale and live in cheaper accomdation, yes eat thb 40 chicken/rice eveyday...but is this really living ?, I can understand this if someone is doing a gap year or two, as we have all done it, but there people who have "full blown lives" here doing it

[Soutpeel]

Just now saw this. Maybe I should take some time to think about my reply but I'll just bang it out before I have a late meal...

Obviously your comments are directed at me, the intention is not to be elitist at all, and as to the rest of your little diatribe, the less said the better..I am not having a go at teachers, in fact I am trying to understand this as per another post some said THB 1000/day is good money for teaching.

I do live in BKK for periods of time in the year and do live what I consider a normal life, not out every night, maybe restaruant once a week etc and my normal outgoing is significantly more, and no I dont prop a bar up on Nana/Cowboy evey night and in fact the last time i was anywhere near those places was at least 8-9 years ago, and no I dont have a contineous line of bargirls in an out the door...as Mrs Soutpeel wouldnt approve

but to put this in perspective, We have Thai labourers working offshore who basically just sweep the floor, plus a few other bits and pieces and they make the THB 1500/day plus free room/ free food...

so still struggling to understand how farangs live on THB 35k/m in places like BKK and it not being classed as just "surviving"

My "little diatribe" is it? OK.

*Yes, some of it was directed at you - and others making the same sort of comments I've seen many time on the forum.

*Whether you were having a go at teachers or not, isn't my concern but I didn't think you were.

*I suppose I see the relevance of your (limited) description of your lifestyle but it wasn't necessary and I had made no assumptions about it (why even mention Nana and Cowboy?)

*I'm happy that your laborers have that deal but what do you think that proves? Thai laborers wouldn't consider those "slave wages".

*For a Farang in Bangkok, 35k might be just surviving (depending on what one means by that); a decent place to live, decent food, a computer, some books, TV/movies the right friends and/or partner -- all of this is potentially within reach for someone at that income level. I'd not want to be at that income level even as a single man without a family - which I am not - but I've seen and experienced what "just surviving" REALLY means - when a meal or a place isn't always assured or even when both are but only of the most meager sort and nothing beyond that meal and bed.

Struggle on in your effort to comprehend but it's apparently a futile effort. Personally, I'm glad I'm aware of what real struggle for survival is as I think it gives me a better understanding of the world around me and allows me to appreciate my good fortune relative to what so many others have, but I suppose you are lucky that you can't even imagine living at a level that is really quite common and relatively comfortable for much of the world's population. In any case, I'm sorry to have offended you as I apparently have.

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the best times of my life where ones I had no money.. money and comfort makes a dull man, dull man has no friends or lovers

yeah let me guess your living the dream.... to quote a famous scottish comedian when someone commented to him that all his wealth and famous must cause many problems.....his response... "xxxxxxx rubbish...its great"

Edited March 29, 2013 by metisdead
: Profanity

[FunFon]

the best times of my life where ones I had no money.. money and comfort makes a dull man, dull man has no friends or lovers

-

Well I can't say I've been a more dull person during the wealthier phases of my life, depends on the person I suppose.

I know the stresses caused by struggling to meet the family's basic needs make me a less interesting person to even my genuine friends, and everyone else stays far away afraid I'll ask them for help.

But it's certainly true that those who focus on pleasure and comfort as the ends of life aren't going to get much out of it, that's not what we were put on this earth for. . .

[SteeleJoe]

...but is this really living ?

Says it all.

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[SteeleJoe]

the best times of my life where ones I had no money.. money and comfort makes a dull man, dull man has no friends or lovers

Can't agree with that. I've had very little money and been happy but I've also been homeless and had truly NO money, and that was NOT the best time of my life. I far prefer my relative material comfort to either of those periods and I still have the friends and love that I had when I was poor (indeed I met my wife when I was poor and times she supported me - I like it better that she hasn't had to for a very long time.

I think anyone who thinks you can't be happy without a lot of money is stunted and deluded. But I think it's ridiculous to romanticize poverty (and those who have been truly poor are very unlikely to do so, I think).

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[NeverSure]

Compared to virtually every first world country, the cost of living in Thailand is still relatively inexpensive.

Only imported items are pricey due to high tariffs, yet local food, drinks, Internet, mobile phone service, healthcare, and domestically manufactured items including electronics, cars, furniture, etc are all much less than in Europe, Australia and North America. The main reasons are that the climate is ideal for agriculture with huge amounts of farm land, along with the fact that the minimum wage and cost of labor (despite recent increases) is still significantly lower than in those other regions of the world.

I have been here 12 years and when I first came here, I thought Thailand was very cheap...but today its not...I have noticed the steady increase in the cost of everything

I wonder if there is a country anywhere in the world where prices remain low over a 12-year period ? Can I ask if you are in BKK or out in the sticks ?

BKK for parts of the year and other times eastern sea board, but certainly not out in the sticks..

And to those who were making patronising remarks about about inflation and pricing increasing over time ....yes i know, nothing stays the same, but can help thinking about the people who are here on fixed incomes as retiree's with the current strength of the THB versus which ever currencies, there must be large numbers now who are getting to point that they cant afford to live in Thailand anymore and are thinking of bailing

Now considering the monthly income of a retiree needs to be THB 65k/m or THB 800k in the bank to be be here legally on retirement, and some of these people say Thailand is too expensive, I am still stugging with some saying 35k-45k is a survivable wage, if some on THB 65k is saying things are getting too expensive here

Yes you can downscale and live in cheaper accomdation, yes eat thb 40 chicken/rice eveyday...but is this really living ?, I can understand this if someone is doing a gap year or two, as we have all done it, but there people who have "full blown lives" here doing it

Good thoughts.

I think a lot of expats use the 800,000 baht bank deposit because they don't meet the income requirements. They can't spend the bank deposit for good, or they can't renew the visa. Of course the recent rise in the baht means more foreign money is needed to equal the bank requirement.

If you have 800,000 baht, you might be looking at it as your out, either for medical or a way home or both. But I think there are a lot of expats who don't have the 65,000 baht income. I'm sure there are.

I also think that a lot of expats consider "living" as being able to drink a lot and maybe visit bar girls. If a guy doesn't have those habits, and maybe doesn't smoke or do any mj or whatever, he can spend all of his income on basics. In that case, with rent as cheap as it is in all but a few places, I don't know why a guy couldn't get by on 30k baht. A lot of school teachers in Isaan do. Sure, more is better, but there are guys on here who report about living with a gf on a farm in Isaan for a pittance.

So I guess it takes all kinds. Some can deal fine with one lifestyle, and some need another. I have noticed that a lot of expats are solitary creatures. They like their space. They can exercise without a gym membership, and entertain themselves with things like reading and the internet. Others need to be in a bar surrounded by people and that's expensive.

I reported that I know a school teacher/boss of some kind with a master's degree who makes 25k. I found out today it's 30k. She told me she had to go to an office and pay 12k bht in taxes on her 360,000 income. Being Thai and Isaan, she knows how to live just fine on that. Maybe she doesn't buy luxuries, but she has a nice pickup and a small house in rural Isaan.

If I was struggling I think I'd go find out from her how to make it on less. Heck, there are guys on here who readily say they moved in with such a gal, share expenses and live cheaply.

Just thinking out loud here. Please forgive.

[FunFon]

Good thoughts.

I think a lot of expats use the 800,000 baht bank deposit because they don't meet the income requirements. They can't spend the bank deposit for good, or they can't renew the visa. Of course the recent rise in the baht means more foreign money is needed to equal the bank requirement.

If you have 800,000 baht, you might be looking at it as your out, either for medical or a way home or both. But I think there are a lot of expats who don't have the 65,000 baht income. I'm sure there are.

I also think that a lot of expats consider "living" as being able to drink a lot and maybe visit bar girls. If a guy doesn't have those habits, and maybe doesn't smoke or do any mj or whatever, he can spend all of his income on basics. In that case, with rent as cheap as it is in all but a few places, I don't know why a guy couldn't get by on 30k baht. A lot of school teachers in Isaan do. Sure, more is better, but there are guys on here who report about living with a gf on a farm in Isaan for a pittance.

So I guess it takes all kinds. Some can deal fine with one lifestyle, and some need another. I have noticed that a lot of expats are solitary creatures. They like their space. They can exercise without a gym membership, and entertain themselves with things like reading and the internet. Others need to be in a bar surrounded by people and that's expensive.

I reported that I know a school teacher/boss of some kind with a master's degree who makes 25k. I found out today it's 30k. She told me she had to go to an office and pay 12k bht in taxes on her 360,000 income. Being Thai and Isaan, she knows how to live just fine on that. Maybe she doesn't buy luxuries, but she has a nice pickup and a small house in rural Isaan.

If I was struggling I think I'd go find out from her how to make it on less. Heck, there are guys on here who readily say they moved in with such a gal, share expenses and live cheaply.

Just thinking out loud here. Please forgive.

-

Nothing to forgive man, very thoughtful and rational post from you, and what's more I agree with every word.

And relative to other discussions the lady you describe - school teacher with admin responsibilities at 30K, is by my standards is solid middle-class with regard to Thailand's current level of development.

And you're perfectly correct to say that any of could learn to live happy and fulfilled lives at that standard of living. Just that many don't realise it that's all, but many many back home are growing up with much more reasonable expectations, it's the spoiled boomers that are doing all the belly-aching about the changed realities of life.

[Pops]

Is Cambodia the way to go for us Brits?

Great Britain, that is the place to go for you brits.

[poanoi]

What a useless throw-away comment.

Since Cambodia uses dollar,

Compare how pound compare to dollar now vs a few years ago, and you may get an idea

on your purchase power, but i can also tell that the difference in cost is minimal

Edited March 29, 2013 by poanoi

[NeverSure]

Cambodia isn't the answer unless a guy is under 50, or doesn't have the bank depost/income requirement for Los. Rent for something decent it higher. Medical care sucks. The infrastructure is lacking. Food isn't very good.

Benefits are the easy visa even if under 50, lack of need for work permit, easy qualification to teach English, cheap alcohol of all types, cheaper bar girls, cheaper cigarettes, and cheaper brand name clothes if they aren't rip offs.

It is a third world hole for the adventurous, but a lot of guys like it.