1000 Baht can go a long way in Chiang Rai

[pomchop]

Was just thinking about a few of the things you can buy with approximately 1000 baht in Chiang Rai.

For example:

30 bus rides from CR to Mae Sai

50 days of lunch at CR high school cafeteria

100 banana tree seedlings

30 Bougainvillea plants

3 or 4 days of workers labor

10 good meals in a wide variety of restaurants

15+ big beers in a choice of bars

83 big jugs of water delivered to your home

5 massages

15+ haircuts

10 fillups of the motorbike

25+ plates of pad thai at the food courts.

6 all you can eat buffets at Rim Kok or Wiang Inn

2 cases of big beers.

kilo upon kilo of fruits or veggies

almost two months of internet service

More??

Edited June 30, 2013 by onthedarkside
Font size reduced

[DonaldBattles]

This was a good post to remind us that we can live here on a reasonable amount of money if you don't allow some one to use it for you. For local goods the prices remain very reasonable. I do not look for a large influx of farangs here. Disregarding transit young teachers and missionaries I still believe that there or no more than 650-700 resident farangs living here. Collectively myself and a couple of others can only count 30 American residents that do not fall under the limited workers and transits.This was information from Immigration 3 years ago. The big influx of Thais is a concern for traffic and increases in the price of land in the country side. For 2 million Baht you can buy a piece of land in the country and build a decent house.

[villagefarang]

I always enjoy your posts pomchop. They reflect a true affinity for Chiang Rai.

I think my love for Chiang Rai is in many ways equal to yours, but different. For example my mileage varies a bit from yours but still I find most things no less wonderful or affordable.

I don’t ride the bus or eat in school cafeterias so can’t comment on those.

Living in the countryside many of our plants were acquired as cuttings from friends.

I don’t drink and don’t have hair so can’t comment on the cost of such things.

On the other hand, the wife and I would be lucky to get two meals for that when we eat in town.

It wouldn’t quite cover Sunday Brunch at the Meridien.

It would just about cover the cost of a massage for the two of us, without tip, at our favorite place.

When I had a motorbike I could maybe get two fillups. Even a top-up after a ride to town and back was over 200 baht.

It might cover half a tank in the car and less than a week of driving.

For us it would only cover one of our phone packages, not both.

It might cover internet but not True Vision.

It would feed our pets for a few days but I am not sure how many.

Clearly I don’t get as much for 1000 baht but I still love living here. A few hours out on the mountain bike enjoying nature, getting exercise and taking pictures costs almost nothing and walking the dogs at sunset is free and priceless at the same time.

[lowushatin]

My question is: Where do the distinct features of Chiang Rai Chinese-Thai come from? They just look so good. Where, which part of China did they originally come from? They are very distinct from other thai-chinese.

[bangarang]

1000thb gets me about 700 Peanut Butter Oreo cookies here in Phuket.

[kevjohn]

Two weeks back, in Chiang Rai, 1000 baht paid for 3 days accommodation and internet with 100 bath change.

Edited July 1, 2013 by kevjohn

[villagefarang]

I marvel at the ingenuity and creativity of posters, being able to make the leap from what you can get for 1000 baht, to the historical and regional origins of Chinese-Thais in Chiang Rai.

[1FinickyOne]

I can only gues that what you are calling unusual "Chinese" features might be hilltribe people "Chao Kao" - many of the different groups originated in China and moved down here to live in the mtns around CR and other parts - Lisu - Hmong - etc... their facial features are quite distinct.

[orang37]

Sawasdee Khrup, Khun Pomchop,

A very interesting post, thanks.

Here in Chiang Mai, 1k baht will buy you 50+ liters of fresh-made-every-day soy-milk.

I would guess, but I am not sure, that house rentals would be less expensive in the Chiang Rai area, depending on how far away from the center-city area you wanted to live, your concerns about security for self and belongings, whether you were living alone, etc.

But, Chiang Mai does have its great ("western" and "eastern") cultural resources.

~o:37;

[toybits]

Yup! 1000 Baht can buy Two towers of Heineken.

[villagefarang]

I suppose you could get a soi-dog or cat for free but I have seen purebreds priced from 3000 up to 10000. You can get a large bag of dog food for less than 1000 baht, however, if you have a big dog.

As for distance, I can get between 350 and 400 kilometers for a 1000 baht of diesel, depending on where and how I drive.

Edited July 1, 2013 by villagefarang

[harrry]

I always enjoy your posts pomchop. They reflect a true affinity for Chiang Rai.

I think my love for Chiang Rai is in many ways equal to yours, but different. For example my mileage varies a bit from yours but still I find most things no less wonderful or affordable.

I don’t ride the bus or eat in school cafeterias so can’t comment on those.

Living in the countryside many of our plants were acquired as cuttings from friends.

I don’t drink and don’t have hair so can’t comment on the cost of such things.

On the other hand, the wife and I would be lucky to get two meals for that when we eat in town.

It wouldn’t quite cover Sunday Brunch at the Meridien.

It would just about cover the cost of a massage for the two of us, without tip, at our favorite place.

When I had a motorbike I could maybe get two fillups. Even a top-up after a ride to town and back was over 200 baht.

It might cover half a tank in the car and less than a week of driving.

For us it would only cover one of our phone packages, not both.

It might cover internet but not True Vision.

It would feed our pets for a few days but I am not sure how many.

Clearly I don’t get as much for 1000 baht but I still love living here. A few hours out on the mountain bike enjoying nature, getting exercise and taking pictures costs almost nothing and walking the dogs at sunset is free and priceless at the same time.

Cookie doesn;t need feed......just turn him loose in a chicken coop.

[harrry]

1000 baht....the life of our little pup.. 5 days of vet fees and injections......Priceless.

[villagefarang]

It would feed our pets for a few days but I am not sure how many.

Cookie doesn;t need feed......just turn him loose in a chicken coop.

Cookie doesn’t eat chicken but she did carry one around in her mouth when she was younger. A complete surprise when she opened her mouth and out popped a soaking wet chick, screaming and running around in circles looking for mommy.

You should see what my wife cooks for the dogs and even the cat.

[harrry]

Yes a relative had one and it kept carrying birds and chickens back....generally did not hurt them but it cost a fortune keeping the owners quiet.

[harrry]

Two weeks back, in Chiang Rai, 1000 baht paid for 3 days accommodation and internet with 100 bath change.

They even gave you 6 bottles of water.,

Edited July 1, 2013 by harrry

[kevjohn]

It would feed our pets for a few days but I am not sure how many.

Cookie doesn;t need feed......just turn him loose in a chicken coop.

Cookie doesn’t eat chicken but she did carry one around in her mouth when she was younger. A complete surprise when she opened her mouth and out popped a soaking wet chick, screaming and running around in circles looking for mommy.

You should see what my wife cooks for the dogs and even the cat.

Don't worry VF, if the wife cooks the best for the dogs, you will be OK when sent to the dog house......and you will have Cookie for company.

[Just1Voice]

Good to see an OP about some of the positive things here in LOS for a change. I've only been to CR once, and liked it, but my preference is CM. We live about 18 klm east of the city, but with 4 major highways to get in and out of town within a few minutes of where we live. Granted, when we first moved here we were pretty much surrounded by rice paddies, which have all given way to other moo bans, major stores and other things, but it's still a good place to live. Due to a gradual increase in "foreigners" moving here, as well as an increase in tourists, there have been some increases in the price of things, but mostly those dealing with real estate. And I would say that, overall, the attitude among the locals is pretty much the same as it was back then.

I could make up my own list of what could be purchased for 1k baht, but I'll skip that and, instead, bring up the one fact that is, for me, is one of the predominate reasons most of us live here, and that is the overall cost of living. Let's face it, I seriously doubt that many of us could afford the comfortable lifestyle we have here back in our own countries. I know I couldn't. Not even close. Add to that my wife and the extended family I also "acquired", who all treat me with the utmost respect, and I can't think of any place else I'd rather be.

[villagefarang]

Good to see an OP about some of the positive things here in LOS for a change. I've only been to CR once, and liked it, but my preference is CM. We live about 18 klm east of the city, but with 4 major highways to get in and out of town within a few minutes of where we live. Granted, when we first moved here we were pretty much surrounded by rice paddies, which have all given way to other moo bans, major stores and other things, but it's still a good place to live. Due to a gradual increase in "foreigners" moving here, as well as an increase in tourists, there have been some increases in the price of things, but mostly those dealing with real estate. And I would say that, overall, the attitude among the locals is pretty much the same as it was back then.

I could make up my own list of what could be purchased for 1k baht, but I'll skip that and, instead, bring up the one fact that is, for me, is one of the predominate reasons most of us live here, and that is the overall cost of living. Let's face it, I seriously doubt that many of us could afford the comfortable lifestyle we have here back in our own countries. I know I couldn't. Not even close. Add to that my wife and the extended family I also "acquired", who all treat me with the utmost respect, and I can't think of any place else I'd rather be.

Nice to see you keeping a positive attitude, even with the changes you have experienced in your area, and thanks for the positive post.

[villagefarang]

You can get 11 and a half cups of coffee at Starbucks, no less.

Edited July 1, 2013 by villagefarang

[harrry]

You can get 11 and a half cups of coffee at Starbucks, no less.

Or 2.5 kg very good beans from Mae Sauei....350 shots of fine coffee.

[villagefarang]

You can get 11 and a half cups of coffee at Starbucks, no less.

Or 2.5 kg very good beans from Mae Sauei....350 shots of fine coffee.

Yes, but can you drink it before it goes stale? It might take a while to drink 350 shots of fine coffee.

[harrry]

You can get 11 and a half cups of coffee at Starbucks, no less.

Or 2.5 kg very good beans from Mae Sauei....350 shots of fine coffee.

Yes, but can you drink it before it goes stale? It might take a while to drink 350 shots of fine coffee.

You did see the way I was shaking last time I saw you

[Just1Voice]

I can only speak for myself, but for me, Thailand has probably save my life in some ways. I spent 20 years on and "adrenalin rush" lifestyle of the U.S. Marines, with 18 of that spent in Recon & Force Recon. If you're unfamiliar with that, Google it. After the Marines, I wasn't sure what to do with my life, as other than being a Mercenary, or some CIA "black ops" outfit, there really wasn't much "demand" for someone with my "skills" in the job market. So I opened my own security company, hiring ex Recon and Seals. That was great, until my wife of 28 years finally lost her battle with cancer, and then my life fell apart. I can't describe the frustration of knowing I had once been one of the most elite in any branch of military, but here was an "enemy" that I couldn't fight, and had to watch it take from me the most important thing in my life.

After her death I fell apart in more ways than I can describe. Sold my business to two of my best employees, and then tried to find "solace" in the bottom of a bottle. Within a year I had lost everything and was pretty much living on the streets, fighting and drinking, not caring from day to day what happened. Fortunately I had a brother who was stronger than me in some ways. With the help of his friends in the Sheriff's department, and a couple of judges, a county wide search was put out for me. I was later told I was found in an alley, unconscious and near dead. I woke up in a rehab facility, discovering my brother had been able to obtain "custody" over me, which prevented me from leaving. Finally, after 3 months I was released, my brother helped me find a good job and get back on the road to straightening my life out. But there was still something "missing" that I couldn't describe.

I did well in my job, got 2 promotions, and then was offered a better one in Phoenix. I spent 4 years there, doing very well but, still, something was missing. I felt like I was merely existing, not really living, with no goals, no plans, just going from day to day. My boss, who was also one of the best friends I had, called me into his office one day and told me to take some time off. Take a month and go find myself. He suggested Thailand, as he knew from our conversations that I'd been here before and had always loved it. But those trips had been with my wife, and I wasn't sure about coming here without her by my side. He suggested I come to CM, where he had been on vacation once.

I can't explain it, but when I stepped off the plane at CNX, passed through Customs & Immigration, and walked outside the terminal, I felt like I had come home. During the month I spent here I found myself being able to actually relax for the first time in years. I discovered that I could smile and laugh again. Basically, I found peace. It was also during that time that I met the woman who would, about a year later, become my wife. Something I never thought would happen to me again.

I went back to Phoenix and told my boss: "I'm going home". He understood, helped me make all the arrangements, and when it was finally time to come back here permanently, drove me to the airport himself.

All of us who live here are aware of the problems of Thailand in regards to politics and the rampant corruption that permeates this country. All of us, in our own ways, engage in "Thai bashing" from time to time. Trust me, I do my own share, and have even "educated" my Thai wife to many of the things that go on here that wouldn't be tolerated in other countries, and now it's funny to hear her talk about "stupid Thai" sometimes. We read the various articles about things that happen here, and can only shake our heads at "Amazing Thailand" in a context that goes against everything the Tourism brochures and web sites promote. But we also know that, for the most part, there is really very little any of us can do to change things, so we accept life here, and deal with it in our own ways. Granted, some deal with it much better than others, but as individuals, that is the choice we make.

Now I enjoy life again. I have a beautiful home, and have been fortunate enough to find the love of a good woman not just once in my life, but twice. Yes, we have our "problems" and differences, but most of that is due to cultural differences and beliefs. At first my wife found it difficult to understand why I would buy a "big bike" and want to ride it all over Thailand just for fun, as she states that is something no Thai man would ever do. But after meeting other falang, and their Thai wives, who also share the love of riding just for the joy of it, she finally came to accept it as a "crazy falang thing", and it no longer bothers her when I throw things into a back pack, strap it on the bike and tell her I'll be home whenever I get back. Her only "requirement" is that I call her each night to let her know I'm still alive.

Her family accepted me with both love and respect. All of them have good jobs, and only once has one of them ever asked to borrow a baht, and that was for an emergency situation for which I was happy to help. And the one who borrowed it repaid it even before the time they said they would. I legally adopted her son 2 years ago when he was 26. He then surprised me by legally changing his last name to mine, stating he did so to honor me.

Now I have a beautiful home, and other things, that would be out of my financial reach back in the U.S.. I have an extended family that truly loves and respects me. So, despite all the crap that we read about on a daily basis, despite all the "problems" we may encounter at times, I, like many others, accept that as part of the "price" we pay for living here, and that those things pale in comparison to the "positives" that life here provides.

I am an American. I am a U.S. Marine. I will be till I die, and not even God can change those things in me. But Thailand, and Chiang Mai in particular, are my home now, and will be till I die.

[DonaldBattles]

The person who started this asked to please not make a big issue out of it. For all the people who keep commenting on what they have bought and what they have paid for is is crazy. You can buy anything you want and pay what ever you wish. No one cares about something that you recentely bought and what you paid for it. This is junk so can we start saying something uselfu and informative. ENOUGH!

[harrry]

The person who started this asked to please not make a big issue out of it. For all the people who keep commenting on what they have bought and what they have paid for is is crazy. You can buy anything you want and pay what ever you wish. No one cares about something that you recentely bought and what you paid for it. This is junk so can we start saying something uselfu and informative. ENOUGH!

Don You do not control this thread. You decide what you read and write. Do not decide it for others.

Edited July 1, 2013 by harrry

[villagefarang]

The person who started this asked to please not make a big issue out of it. For all the people who keep commenting on what they have bought and what they have paid for is is crazy. You can buy anything you want and pay what ever you wish. No one cares about something that you recentely bought and what you paid for it. This is junk so can we start saying something uselfu and informative. ENOUGH!

This is the most popular thread we have had in ages. Just look at all the readers at the bottom of the page. Obviously people do care, so chill and be happy.

Edited July 1, 2013 by villagefarang

[DonaldBattles]

It has never been my intention to control any forum. It seems like everyone is happy over the number of people who have responded to this thread telling us what they pay for something. I agree this is a lot better than nothing. Is it possible that we might be able to create a new thread that is informative about your travel and photo experiences in Chiang Rai. If not, keep on telling us what you pay for things because other wise we would not know. Worthless knowledge is better than none at all.

[Stjohnm]

When the Mrs & I are up country ฿10k can last a good couple of months, granted, her house is owned outright so there's no rent or Mortgage to pay & it's on a farm that supplies most of our food but even when we're not economising we don't burn that much cash.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[DonaldBattles]

For those knowledgable on prices of things can anyone tell me where I can find an electric driven paddle system for aeration of my fishing likes. I have located some in China but surely they must be some made and available in Thailand. I would like the 4 paddle type with the motor and drive mounted in the middle using 380 volt power. Many thanks if you have any information.