Does anyone else live cheaply in Thailand?

[Naam]

Does anyone else save those little green rubber bands that the Meh Khas use to seal plastic food bags? Saves a few satang over the year and they come in useful with the wife.

i have an arrangement with our cook. she collects them, i sell them to my wife and then split the proceeds with the cook. it's my pocket money's main source

[shaggy851]

Does anyone else save those little green rubber bands that the Meh Khas use to seal plastic food bags? Saves a few satang over the year and they come in useful with the wife.

I do. Havent found many uses for them tho just tying up open coffee bags or sugar , but i use them if i go to the beach to tie up my money in food vendor bags and then i can go swimming with out leaving valuables on the shore.

[canarysun]

I can't believe how " tight " some of you are............

F.J

[elgenon]

I evaluate if I would get an amount of pleasure commensurate with cost. If I think YES then I spend whatever it takes. If NO I do something else. If my only pleasure was saving money I would miss out on good things that I truly enjoy.

[mrtoad]

I can't believe how " tight " some of you are............

F.J

You worried someone is going to take your crown??

[GlutinousMaximus]

Hear hear canarysun and the OP!

I'm married, so any idea I might have about frugal living is purely academic...but what's wrong with having possibly limited funds and maximizing your free time?

Let's say you've amassed 25K GBP or 40K USD (not that hard to come by back in Farangland), then using canarysun's advanced budgeting skills, you could live on that over here for 10-20 years.

During that time you've no overheads to worry about and your sweet time is purely your own to do whatever the hell you want with.

We've all taken 4 billion plus years to arrive at this particular moment (courtesy of Darwinian evolution) and our time on the planet is but a brief blip so why would you want to spend it looking at spreadsheets all day or laying tiles or whatever else it is you do to to make your funds back home. Arguably most (or all) work is simply a contract involving selling your precious time for hard cash, and who can blame people for wanting to minimise that?

With the internet (courtesy of a free wifi connection) there's so much to occupy one's mind, reading, watching etc. you don't need a lot else.

I think canarysun or the OP should start a blog 'Adventures in low cost living' - I'd be an avid reader!

You are now residing in a country other than your own.

Act accordingly.

That is; integrating within the people, culture, and seeing some of the land.

Canary...budgie, or whatever you are; you don't pursue interests (as indicated) that involve most Thai's (and the majority of Farangs here).......so my question is;

"Why does such a tight arse (backside, in case the "Mods" have their way) even reside here?

CC's, Kee Nok, Kineaw do the rest of us a disservice.

I know two tight <deleted>, and even their "so called" friends and family bag them. We are not friends.

It's ok, you're single. OMG.

It's ok you think......yes, everyone is entitled to live their life the way they wish however, do you not understand that you are regarded to a similar standing as a rat, or thereabouts.

I wish to have my BKK Thai family, community, business relations, hold me in sound esteem.

I think the underpinnings of western society/family wish to instill these values in their children and family.

My guess is; those that are somewhat tightfisted, or economical ( to stay on topic) have a major element lacking I their life.

Why does a man live here on such an economical budget?

You really are just a busted arse Farang in a developing nation (albeit corrupt) that regards you like a rat.

Could someone please begin a post involving Farangs of a better standing.

Please, it's about time.

PM me if you have a problem understanding my post.

Either illiteracy, stupidity, or an upbringing that was somewhat lacking, gave rise to your mediocre at best, lifestyle.

You are now residing in a country other than your own. Act accordingly. That is; integrating within the people, culture, and seeing some of the land.

Back home in Farangland, I see wave upon wave of immigration without much 'integration' to speak of. The standard MO for most immigrants seems to be form enclaves of their own and stick firmly within them. We live in a multi-culti world now mate - which means other people have to be tolerant of our ways as well, even if they're frugal!

In any case, who's to say that frugal people don't travel or integrate just because they don't have a lot of spare funds? Plus if you're not knackered from spending most of your waking hours doing pointless work trying to keep up with the Joneses, then you've more time and energy to cultivate a wide circle of positive relationships.

It's ok, you're single. OMG.

Is that an attempt at shaming language? So what if they are single? Some people have already been through the marriage/family wringer (and/or are still paying alimony on the other side) and are now in search of a more contemplative or even celibate life. Even younger people may want to swerve the whole deal (at least for the time being) and good luck to them. Someone who's respectful and lives quietly here is more likely to garner respect among the locals than a cash-waving, skirt-chasing sexpest. Besides, what a great way of weeding out the gold diggers: "Darling, I love you and am happy to give you unlimited quality time and affection. I can however only lavish 100B per month on you"

It's ok you think......yes, everyone is entitled to live their life the way they wish however, do you not understand that you are regarded to a similar standing as a rat, or thereabouts.

So what does that make the 80% of the local population that also subsist on 5-7K per month?

I wish to have my BKK Thai family, community, business relations, hold me in sound esteem.

Good luck with that. Let me know how it goes once you're unable to oil the wheels of goodwill with frequent ATM withdrawals.

PM me if you have a problem understanding my post.

Why on earth would anyone want more of the same? Just reading your original rant-laden post gave me indigestion....

[Cheap Backpacker]

Quick question. When you eat at a thai food stall, or not a fancy restaurant is it OK to drink your own water?

[canarysun]

Quick question. When you eat at a thai food stall, or not a fancy restaurant is it OK to drink your own water?

Hello Cheap Backpacker!

I must admit i always drink my own water and the reason is because of " serious bacteria " problems from various water machines and other water in the past ! With food stalls there is no problem bringing your own water! ( Good Idea )

F.J x

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Quick question. When you eat at a thai food stall, or not a fancy restaurant is it OK to drink your own water?

Most Thai eating places provide free ice and water.

I've never had a problem.

[Cheap Backpacker]

Quick question. When you eat at a thai food stall, or not a fancy restaurant is it OK to drink your own water?

Hello Cheap Backpacker!

I must admit i always drink my own water and the reason is because of " serious bacteria " problems from various water machines and other water in the past ! With food stalls there is no problem bringing your own water! ( Good Idea )

F.J x

Thanks for the response, I meant like do they want to sell you water and get mad if you take out your own water bottle.

Kind of like going into an American restaurant and taking out your own drink, it would look bad.

But if thai places give free water like another poster mentioned I guess it is OK in this regard.

So I should assume they wouldn't think anything about me placing my own water bottle on the table?

[khunPer]

Quick question. When you eat at a thai food stall, or not a fancy restaurant is it OK to drink your own water?

Most Thai eating places provide free ice and water.

I've never had a problem.

30 to 40 baht for a dinner/meal, including drinks...

[canarysun]

Yes you can't go wrong with these 40 baht meals.I bought a small rice cooker for 200 baht and with makes the most perfect rice viewers! I always buy a good quality rice and it's the perfect solution when living on a budget! Farang Jaidee ( a master chef )

[David48]

Quick question. When you eat at a thai food stall, or not a fancy restaurant is it OK to drink your own water?

Most Thai eating places provide free ice and water.

I've never had a problem.

I used to live in an older Apartment on the fringe of Bangkok, a 20 min songthaew from the end of the BTS.

Not many Westerners out there.

The lady across the road used to do a chicken (crispy skin or no skin) and rice plus a few shavings of cucumber.

30 Baht.

As I got more confidient with what my body could handle and not get sick, I started drinking the water.

You know the one, usual blue esky with the stainless cup on top.

Went to pay the bill ... 31 Baht ... 'Mr ... Water'

1 Baht water ... had to ...

[Cheap Backpacker]

I tried drinking the water here pattaya by using a steripen after killing the viruses.

The water tastes awful, tastes like sea water. yuck.

Any options for getting cheap water or am I stuck with the 13 baht 1 liter bottles.

[ATF]

I tried drinking the water here pattaya by using a steripen after killing the viruses.

The water tastes awful, tastes like sea water. yuck.

Any options for getting cheap water or am I stuck with the 13 baht 1 liter bottles.

Move up in the World and pay 17 Baht for 1.5 litres of Minere.

[GlutinousMaximus]

I tried drinking the water here pattaya by using a steripen after killing the viruses.

The water tastes awful, tastes like sea water. yuck.

Any options for getting cheap water or am I stuck with the 13 baht 1 liter bottles.

You can get 20-litre containers of RO water delivered for 10-12 baht each so that's around 50 satang per litre. I drink it all the time - it tastes fine and no ill effects I've noticed. First time you buy one, you'll need to pay a deposit of around 100B for the big plastic container (which I presume is refundable). Then when it's empty, you just exchange the empty one for a full one (plus the 10-12 baht).

You can also get metal dispensers that the water containers sit in (around 200-300B) which pivot so you can pour the water out easily without hefting a big heavy container all the time (available in homeware stores).

You'll see the delivery pickups around and about as they are regularly delivering to other places in the area.

[GlutinousMaximus]

If the 20 litre containers are not for you, you can buy 1 litre bottles of local RO water in stores (from memory they are around 5B per litre). They are the milky-coloured plastic bottles you see in the fridges and have more of a rounded neck (typically with dark blue writing printed on the front).

[canarysun]

Hello Viewers!

And here is a photo of myself viewers your " lovable canary bird " ( tweet tweet ) holding the 20L water containers! deposit was 80 baht and the water to refill is only 15 baht .

* It should be noted viewers that my " cool cowboy hat " cost me just 25 baht in a village just outside Chiang Mai .( nothing to do with the water but i thought i would just mention it.........)

F.J x

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Hello Viewers!

And here is a photo of myself viewers your " lovable canary bird " ( tweet tweet ) holding the 20L water containers! deposit was 80 baht and the water to refill is only 15 baht .

* It should be noted viewers that my " cool cowboy hat " cost me just 25 baht in a village just outside Chiang Mai .( nothing to do with the water but i thought i would just mention it.........)

F.J x:wub:

Very extravagant!

I pay 1bht for 2l.

[notbkk]

I too, am a CC who will be "retiring" soon. Can anyone make any suggestions where is the cheapest, most idyllic, place to live in Thailand? I am presently living in Bangkok.

I would suggest Pattaya, it has all the elements a would-be ascetic such as yourself craves: distaff temptations at every turn, alternative sexes in pairs, overpriced Thai food on every corner, beers of peerless Thai quality and sea vistas to die for - particularly when viewed from balconies.

If you can resist all of these temptations, Little Scorpion, you will know the key to inner contentment.

Naah....! Pattya is too sedentary. I don't wish to leave ALL the comforts of home behind.

[Cheap Backpacker]

I chanced it and saw a vending machine that said reverse osmosis and uv on the front. It was about 1 baht for .75 liter although it said 1 baht for 1.5.

Tasted ok. I figure i havent had to shit in 5 days now so maybe worst case it will help. LOL.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

I chanced it and saw a vending machine that said reverse osmosis and uv on the front. It was about 1 baht for .75 liter although it said 1 baht for 1.5.

Tasted ok. I figure i havent had to shit in 5 days now so maybe worst case it will help. LOL.

You usually know in 15 minutes.

Everything happens faster in Thailand.

[khunPer]

I tried drinking the water here pattaya by using a steripen after killing the viruses.

The water tastes awful, tastes like sea water. yuck.

Any options for getting cheap water or am I stuck with the 13 baht 1 liter bottles.

You can buy 15-20 liter containers with fine drinking water for 20 bath in local grocery stores...

Edit: Sorry, can see now that you already got reply and solution.

Edited December 14, 2014 by khunPer

[German Viking]

I can't figure out if this is a troll or if these guys are for real.

I have a lot of smart axe comments about how they could save even more money, but they seem to be doing well enough by themselves.

I have a suggestion to this Cheap Charly(OP) he should save the 8 Baht for the Bus and should walking instead and spend the saved money to getting the lost calories in. Before I going for example thru all the bus schedules in Bangkok and missing several buses I would walk and do in the same time improving my health while moving my a$$ and would reach the most destinations while he still waiting for the right bus without to getting any clue.

Carpe Diem

[German Viking]

Difference is, they're not calling other people out over exploitation

I always feel I am the one being exploited by the girls.

@OP

Buy a bicycle, even cheaper than the bus, unlimited routes and runs 24/7.

To use a bicycle is in general not the best suggestion.

I brought over 10 years ago my mountainbike with me to thailand.

Made every day between 40 - 80 km no competition relaxed in about 3 month I was riding about 5000km.

The problem was I improved my condtion so much that I could f..k 24/7 and this destroyed my budget totally.

Simple said I missing in this subject the fun factor.

I'm feel sorry with all the Cheap Charlies and their boring life.

[German Viking]

Cheap Backpacker, you say you live here on about 10K baht per month. Does that include a place to live?

What do you do for fun?

I don't live an extravagant life, but it seems that with a budget like that, there would be very little money for anything except maybe meditating at the wat.

(Edited a typo.)

You couldn't even afford to walk to the wat out of fear of wearing out your flip-flops.

Totally unrealistic long-term sustainable budget.

It depends where you want to live.

Fan rooms in MaeJo (12Km from central Chiang Mai) are 1,500bht a month (new buildings just up offering free wifi) + 500bht for utils.

Add a bicycle into the mix, about 6,000bht for a second hand brand name bike,

You then have unlimited transport in and around Chiang mai.

I can easily spend 3hrs a day cycling around, great entertainment, great exercise and totally free once you have the bike.

Meals 30-40bht a time, eating at Mall food halls and most of the student dining areas.

It's totally doable.

Not to mention plenty of cute female students to meet in the same apartment block.

Can you provide the Coordinates of this place in Maejo, not caused of the cheap housing rates, but more about the cute female students.

[German Viking]

Greetings to you all viewers!

I have been living on 6,000 baht a month " all in " for a long time now but due to " financial turbulence " i have reduced things to 5,500 per month " all in "

Rent 2000 Baht a month ( inc wifi & sat tv )

water / elec 500 Baht a month

Daily food etc 2,480 Baht a month ( 80 baht a day inc local train journeys at a max cost of 12 baht )

Misc 500 Baht a month ( coffee,toothpaste,water,laundry,mobile top up,monthly haircut )

5,500 Monthly cost of " Living in Thailand !

( Mornings i am out walking,and afternoons on the beach in the sun with cool tunes ( today's tunes are from " Mike & the mechanics "...) All food i eat is all fresh and drink 2 to 3 L of water a day!

Are you " living the dream " Viewers...?

F.J x

canarysun:

Show a little compassion for all the Christopher McCandless's (Into the Wild) out there who are reading your posts and dreaming of living in Thailand on 200 USD a month.

Show me the transaction records on you bank account to back up these claims (I'm not interested in the balance, just the withdrawals)

Rent: I live in a small village. I could not rent very many places for 2,000 baht/month, especially with free wifi/satellite TV. That's 66 baht a night. Sounds like a flop-house with a toilet down the hall, maybe a Hong Kong style cage hotel, or maybe your rent is being subsidized in exchange for you providing sexual services to your room mate. I don't know, but it's definitely outside the scope of my experience.

Food: Three 30 baht meals a day with a 7 baht bottle of water = 3,376 baht per month. We all know we eat more than this. I've spent 9,000 baht per month on average for food for years. Am I a little overweight? Perhaps. But I'm not obese by BMI measures. And I almost never eat out. I don't think I could live on 2,000 baht a month for food unless I had a crazy diet like only eating from dumpsters, or heavy handedly sampled everything in sight at the farmer's market, or was light-fingered in 7-11, or pretending to be a visiting monk every morning at the local temple in order to get a free meal, or was secretly eating barbequed soi dogs I had killed late at night.

Misc: Aren't you forgetting a few things? Dental floss? Razor blades? Toothbrushes? Shaving cream? Shampoo? Body soap? Sun tan Iotion/sun screen for all that time out in the sun? Talcum powder to cool down the chaffing after those long walks? I pretty much have to buy a 300 baht phone card from AIS12-Call every month to keep my cell phone activated. That alone would blow your 500 baht budget.

And then there's the big ticket items: clothes, education, hobbies, vacations, medical, dental, medicine, eyewear, gifts, charitable donations, transportation, reading materials, entertainment, household appliances (TV, computer, refrigerator, stove, fans), FURNITURE, kitchen utensil purchase/replacement, shoes, language lessons, childcare, medical insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, vehicle maintenance and repair, etc.,etc.

What recycler said 9 minutes ago is 100% correct. Short term anything's possible. Long-term it's a whole 'nutter ball game.

He also forgot to add the Visa run costs.

[German Viking]

Whats living cheaply? I spend about $3000USD here a month. Thats everything with two of us

3000 US Dollars a month! ? You are having a laugh! This is Thailand not Monte Carlo ".....555

In Monte Carlo you can easy blow 3000$ a day.

[German Viking]

Small correction, 1,600bht a month inc. wifi.

Doesn't look too bad to me.

2014-12-12 14.47.14.jpg

Sign says, "TohWan Mansion, rooms for rent, starting from 1,600bht, free wifi, water heater, cable TV."

Doing this rooms having hong naam ensuite, but probably thaistyle!!???

[canarysun]

Living on 5,500 Baht a month is never advertised as being " easy " but it is for me as i am highly trained to live like this.You have to be the type of person who can live a nice lifestyle and be happy on little money! Remember that i do Not drink,i don't smoke and i don't go to bars! and the most important thing is " I am single " I am not materialistic in anyway at all! I am outdoors every day enjoying the sun.There are always extra costs involved.The other thing is that i walk everywhere! I love it! and i love walking in the sun! Motor bikes and baht buses are for " lazy people " i am 51 in a few days and like to keep fit by " swimming and walking " It's just normal for me to walk at least a journey of 5 km ( probably most of you would catch a baht bus or use a motorbike ) Have you ever thought how much money you waste by going to a 7 eleven? ( i don't need to go to a 7 eleven ) I eat fresh food everyday ( mainly cooked by myself ).I own 4 t shirts and 2 shirts and a couple of pairs of shorts.I haven't bought any clothes for years! I am not here to impress anybody ( also it should be noted that this is Thailand and not Montecarlo ...) My visa is all correct ( i do not do " visa runs " they are only for tourists! ) For long distances then i take the train ( cheap and a fabulous way to travel! ) Pattaya to Bangkok only 31 baht ( 4 hours - oh and i am not in a rush to go anywhere....) Back to eating and my best " investment " was buying a small " rice cooker " for 200 baht ! i use it every day and buy my own " good quality rice " ( much nicer than the cooked rice in the markets )

I also have lots of hobbies such as " photography,walking,swimming and sunbathing " so i spend most of my time outside.Evenings indoors ( i don't watch much TV ! last night i watched my first movie this year!!! ) I like peace and quiet and i am laid back but i am " ridiculously eccentric " - The Thai kids in the soi find me fascinating ( although the adults are not quite so enthusiastic .......)

I have been living over seas for almost 25 years ( a 25 year holiday is not bad hey viewers..? ) but if it all goes " Pete Tong " ( wrong ) for me in Thailand ( financial reasons ) i guess i would have to return to the UK.If i did it would be a great shame because i genuinely enjoy a great lifestyle and a happy one on 5,500 baht a month !

God Bless you all viewers!

Farang Jaidee