Minimalist living in Pattaya

[micmichd]

Yes, it's easy.

There's bus stops everywhere from Soi Mao Yai Lia down Sukhumvit to Pattaya Beach or Jontiem.

Thai food is not tasteless at all, and the cold air from an Air con only gives you a stiff neck - and maybe a sunstroke if you get out.

Did you really never notice those pedestrians on the boardwalks? I simply can't believe it.

[smotherb]

I think most Thai girls wash all their clothes by hand. And if your just one guy washing every day it wouldn't be too bad. Not for me though.

I was 49 years old when I first did not have someone else to wash my clothes. I took the clothes to a Wash and Fold Laundry which was next to a bar--problem solved. At 70 years of age, I have yet to wash my own clothes. You only have to be smarter than the problem.

[georgegeorgia]

Minimalist is a lifestyle...

[balo]

I think most Thai girls wash all their clothes by hand. And if your just one guy washing every day it wouldn't be too bad. Not for me though.

I was 49 years old when I first did not have someone else to wash my clothes. I took the clothes to a Wash and Fold Laundry which was next to a bar--problem solved. At 70 years of age, I have yet to wash my own clothes. You only have to be smarter than the problem.

Is that something to brag about ? You probably never switched on a washing machine in your life. Edited February 3, 2015 by balo

[jpinx]

I think most Thai girls wash all their clothes by hand. And if your just one guy washing every day it wouldn't be too bad. Not for me though.

I was 49 years old when I first did not have someone else to wash my clothes. I took the clothes to a Wash and Fold Laundry which was next to a bar--problem solved. At 70 years of age, I have yet to wash my own clothes. You only have to be smarter than the problem.

..... you only have to not see it as a problem

[georgegeorgia]

The title of this thread is a little pretentious. Minimalism conjures up something philosophical or spiritual, such as Zen Buddhism. The title should really be living cheap in Thailand, surviving on a shoestring or just how to get by just above the poverty line. Its all a bit sad and pathetic really.

I guess being a minimumilist is a type of religion or following a "way" of life.

Its not only about saving money but doing things simply in your lifestyle routine.

Edited February 3, 2015 by georgegeorgia

[smotherb]

You call that the "Good Life"?

Son! In My Country! We call that living below the Poverty Line!

I met a Guy once, who used to come and sit with us for a Beer, to my dismay. He to called himself a Minimalist. He used to Bum Cigarettes off me like crazy with the excuse he was trying to quit smoking, or forgot his pack at home. Every time it was his round to pay he was always in the toilet. If he ever got caught sitting down at the table, it was then that he suddenly discovered he forgot his wallet at home.

Overheard another man once while sitting down to eat in some Truck Stop place. He was in his mid 40's, and eating out with his wife and 7 smaller children. He was bragging to the waitress, and I do mean bragging, that he hadn't worked in 17 years and was living off welfare. Or also called social assistance in other countries. He looked healthy enough to me to be able to do any type of work at any job.

Is this the kind of life you dream about?

Son! You are far better off to work hard when you are young and can, and to save your money, so that when you are older you can enjoy your Retirement, and not live like this guy, or a beggar.

There is no short cuts to this and you only get one chance in your life to do it right.

That's just it " you only get one chance in your life " .I have been " on holiday for the last 25 years " I am now 51 years old.Thailand is a great country but you need to live these things when you are young! waiting until you are 65 years old is just " way too old " and you are " out of the game " Pattaya is packed with old farang who look about 90 years old ( kind respect if you do feel " a bit old " gentlemen ) so viewers Start living the dream now and don't wait until you are over 60!!!!

Greetings to you all!

F.J x

What took you so long? I am 70, been living the dream for 50 years, still am. Plan on it for 50 more, that we will see.

[smotherb]

Obviously you just have yo get "used" to not having Aircon on all the time..its hard I suppose but if you can do it then you save yourself probaly a few thousand a year.

CanarySun certainly lives even mire as a "Minumalist" more than my friend.

I guess as Larry said a lot of people waste money on things they dont need...for example when i stayed at his condo i washed the dishes...my usual habit was to use a quarter of a bottle in a sink per wash...Larry went berserk and told me one bottle can last him a year.

Becoming a minimalist is more than being frugal,its a lifestyle...its stop wasting things,stop buying things you dont need,stop using things you dont need,stop flying business class when you can use economy,stop using motorbike taxis when you can get a baht bus or better to walk.

Get the bus to Bkk instead of a taxi.

Things like this can be inconvenient but beung a minimalist is a lifestyle not necessarily being a scrooge.

Stop buying biscuits,sweets,soft drinks.

Stop over using dish washing liquids,fabric softeners,cleaning products toothpaste,why waste money on mouthwash.

Stop buying ornaments etc that you dont really need...thai statues etc,

Clean up the clutter and get rid of clutter in your house/room.

Larry's studio was spotless ,no cleaning chemicals either just water and some dishwashing liquid...all the cans of tuna etc was displayed neatly in his cupboard...clothes were folded up neatly etc...toilet was spotlessly clean all without no cleaning chemicals.

No mosquitos as he had some citronella candles burning...his clothes always smelt nice because he used some lavender soap.

Turn off the lights,granted some studios are dark and i also have a habit of turning on lights because i think i can see properly..but if your not using a room turn off electrcity by the powerpoint when your going to bed or leaving.

To each his own. My wife and I are consumers; we don't exist at the top of the food chain to do otherwise. We spend B150k/mo easily, often more. We sleep in a/c all year and play music or run the TV all night; nothing disturbs our sleep. We have overhead fans and aquariums in our bar which have not been turned-off in seven years. We eat what we want--steaks, seafood, cheeses, breads, cakes, pies, Western and Thai--drink what we want-- wine, JD, SML, fresh juices, brewed coffee, milk--go where we like--all over Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia--we own vehicles--motorcycles, truck and car--and live in a comfortable home--air conditioned 4bdr, 3 bth, 3 story house in the middle of the city, with the best internet and cable options available. My wife is a great cook, her baked goods, especially cheese cakes, are sought-after delicacies, an invitation to dinner at our house never goes unanswered; yet we go out for meals 8-10 times a week, or more, because we like to. We hit the clubs, dancing and listening to live music, go to concerts, festivals, and attend bike week events all over. I wouldn't want to live any less and I do not have to. I prefer to go though life unconcerned with the prices on the menu; if I want it I get it. I feel sorry for those who simply can't afford to live the way they would like; especially if they have convinced themselves they are living on the cheap because they like to.

[smotherb]

I think most Thai girls wash all their clothes by hand. And if your just one guy washing every day it wouldn't be too bad. Not for me though.

I was 49 years old when I first did not have someone else to wash my clothes. I took the clothes to a Wash and Fold Laundry which was next to a bar--problem solved. At 70 years of age, I have yet to wash my own clothes. You only have to be smarter than the problem.

Is that something to brag about ? You probably never switched on a washing machine in your life.

Yes, I believe it is. I also never had to shovel shit, or take it from an employer who knew less than I do.

[KhunBENQ]

I haven't followed through all the thread, just picked up the remark about washing clothes.

I don't think they will wash by hand. Instead they will utilize one of the zillion coin operated washing machines.

Almost no major condo/apartment house without some standing close.

[umbanda]

Well....after reading all the postings..I have to complete my list of things to do to not be bored with a "minimalist life"....

I did all that when I was single, for 3 years, paying $100 a month to rent a beautiful small furnished home wit beautiful garden, with AC, TV cable and WIFI, in a beautiful gated village by Freeway 1, 20 minutes outside Lampang in the way to Phayao, called Jitaree2, with clubhouse with gym and 3 pools, and 24 hs. security patrol and a laundry shop and restaurant. Just 200 mts away is the Doi Farang Restaurant and Cafe, with weekend shows/live music. Most meal prices about $ 1.50/ 2.00. In the other direction, just 400 mts, a big local market with Lotus and 7/11, and the local elementary school. The Lampang Hospital just is cross the freeway, and the Military Hospital 10 minutes away.

I was paying between $20 to $30 a month in power depending of my use of the AC, $1 for a Kg of laundry, one time pay of $50 for my TV cable, and the WIFI was free by 3BB. Minibus at the door to the city for $.0.50. Bus to Chiang Mai from Lampang $ 3.00. Also Lampang is a train stop in the way to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, have Central Plaza, Makro, Night Market, etc, etc....and easy traffic. I had a motobike just for emergencies, and sometimes leaving it by the bus station in the city, waiting for my return. My next door Thai friend taking care of my dogs if I was traveling.

My retirement income is $850.00/month. My total living expenses in Lampang were $400.00/month, saving the balance for traveling and extras, and for an emergency trip to my country if necessary.

If you wonders...No more money in the bank, a good friend is taking care of my immigration requirements every year...

I lived in Lampang for about 3 years. Now, after getting married, I live in Chiang Rai. Nothing change much. Just no dating anymore and just doing local traveling. My adorable wife, her car, and her shopping, are in charge to spend the money I was saving before..She drives, and I still cooking sometimes, because she is getting more and more into my "farang" food...

I cannot complain of my "Minimalist life in Thailand".....and if you will like to copycat it..I just give all the info, Lampang still there......with a beautiful landscape, and friendly people that I miss a lot.

Better than Lampang and Chiang Mai, only Chiang Rai.....but here.... I will need a fireplace next winter.

[georgegeorgia]

Great stuff and it appears by the posts on here most of the minimalists are living out of Pattaya....the only problem with that is i suppose loneliness.

Especially if theres not a big Farang community there.

One poster said he lived by himself outside Chiang Rai somewhere in a minimalist lifestyle..sure and it sounds terrific and less pollution,more trees ,more fresher produce,grown your own veggies,cheaper prices etc BUT what if your not a loner and need people around you...this is why i guess many single minimalists choose Pattaya.

Were you guys not lonely living by yourselfs out there out of Chiang Rai ?

Edited February 3, 2015 by georgegeorgia

[poweratradio]

What kind of visa and how ???

Retirement visa.How? He has money saved in the Bank...he even saves over 20,000 baht per month from his pension living in Jomtien.

He boasted to me he saves sometimes 25,000 baht a month even out of his Australian Pension.

I would have a guess he for sure has a few thousand $$ in his Bank.

So he visa's at 800k in the bank or 65k a month income or a combo of both? Thats your guess or you know for sure? Maybe he is on overstay because he does sound a bit off to me and others who read this story..... Just saying

[georgegeorgia]

No he has more than 800k in his bank account.

He also saves 20k a month.

He also owns the studio condo he lives in.

Never think because you see some old pensioner or old woman in the supermarket haggling over what to buy that they have no money in the Bank.

Many minimalists are not poor.

Some choose that lifestye and its not necessarily just being frugal it also involves those who dont buy brand name t shirts but when a t shirt is needed they buy just the norm.

My mother was very very frugal...she even didnt even use brand name cleaning detergents ,only bought generic,she was leading that minimalist life not because she was poor..no but i guess because she grew up during the War and was in fear of spending money.

She lived by herself at 81yo in a Country area and even mowed the lawns in her garden herself because she didnt want to pay someone to do that.

Saving money probaly didnt do her much good,I told her to take holidays but she wouldnt.

She died of Cancer recently after being diagnosed just 2 months ago ,she still wouldnt spend money on getting Chemotherapy when she was slowly dying.

She decided there was no point i guess,in prolonging her life by a few months but be bedridden.

But this is when you might need money when your sick,because if you need treatment the doctors want to see cash...believe me.

Otherwise your going to be on a waiting list waiting weeks to see a cancer specialist your Cancer would have spread by then without any treatment then your up shits creek without a paddle.

Have the cash behind you.

Edited February 3, 2015 by georgegeorgia

[Langsuan Man]

Everytime I read one of the "minimalist" thread here at TV, which are in reality, sophisticated Cheap Charlie postings, I can not help but be grateful for my departed dad who urged me to start saving for retirement when I first started working

32 years of saving for retirement has eliminated having to worry about minimalism , instead I am stressed on insuring that I only have enough left over in the end to pay for the cremation service

[paddyjenkins]

Everytime I read one of the "minimalist" thread here at TV, which are in reality, sophisticated Cheap Charlie postings, I can not help but be grateful for my departed dad who urged me to start saving for retirement when I first started working

32 years of saving for retirement has eliminated having to worry about minimalism , instead I am stressed on insuring that I only have enough left over in the end to pay for the cremation service

What is your strategy to ensure your money is all spent by the day you die?

[micmichd]

Guess in good old Thai tradition you can make a deal.

The money you save is not only for the women (how many do you need?), it is also for the ones you expect to take care for you when you get really really old or sick. Practically, these will be the next generation of your woman's family (her child or children)

In fact, you can make a well-defined generation contract, ie. you save for a family's social security, and you get additional welfare in exchange. That's how welfare systems usually start up, at least in some Western European countries like Germany.

Guess many here came to Thailand for sex.

Once again: sex and love are different things.

Love may include sex in Thailand, and you might as well regard sexual services as part of social medical services. I'm aware that this is a ridiculous way to see things if you've grown up in a society where sex is considered to be sin. I have always been a misfit to European society because of my liberatian attitude to sex. Attitudes like mine are not widely accepted in "Christian" societies, and the spreading of AIDS made it even harder. But Thailand is not Western Europe - fortunately.

The question whether physical, even sexual services, could be seen as part of medical services, would make this run off topic.

The "minimalist" in question here obviously made his choice.

Others may take luxury goods as status symbols to demonstrate they can now "afford" things even when they don't really need them. Me, I could spend my time for something more useful than to sit in a big car, get stuck in a traffic jam, and drive around Pattaya Beach for hours in search for a parking lot. And expensive food in an expensive restaurant is not necessarily healthier than Thai food from a street vendor. Personally, for me European food is now too fat for me. The kind of doubtful material they serve in some American fast food restaurants rather makes me vomit, and philosophize about questions like "is this still organic material?" or "would be turn out to be like this after a nuclear attack?"

Never mind, the "minimalist" his made his decision, and it is a contribution to Thai society, so he should also be considered to be a "quality expat" - just a different lifestyle.

[paddyjenkins]

I am told we peak at age 75, which is still decades away. But it makes sense to then die at 76. The best way to guarantee this is to put a forward contract on yourself with a reliable hit man, but don't tell them its on yourself, you have to say its a business enemy. You tell them the date they are supposed to make the kill and tell them half now half when the job is done. So that way you know you need to have spent it all by 76 and as the hit man wont know its you, you get a half price deal on that side of things. If the hit man cheats you and fails to carry out the job then you have to do him in and then move on to plan B. I am still working on plan B.

[Suradit69]

But my point is that just like him you can live a good life on minimal money.

I wouldn't be happy to NEED to live as frugally as that guy. He does sound like a bit of an extreme case for an expat here. Washing your clothes by hand ... egads. Anyway, he sounds OK with it and that's what matters to him.

I agree. He may have been OK with that life style but probably in large part due to necessity. I don't have a lavish lifestyle by any means. Own my own condo, almost never use the A/C by preference, drink a bit of wine and have a decent meal at a restaurant about once a week. Otherwise I cook at home with a fair amount of meat in the diet or I grab something from a street vendor. Indulge myself with fairly expensive coffee and tea. But I admit I'd be pretty bored without Internet, satellite TV and books downloaded onto my Kindle or iPad.

I contribute to the cost of a car a Thai friend has and these days depend on him for most transport, although I used to be fine with song taows and motorbike taxis. Never felt any desire to wile away my night (or days) sitting in some bar even when I was younger. Still amazed to see guys in bars or restaurants sucking down the beers at 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning. Not sure if they're just getting started or carrying on from the night before.

On morning walks along the beach I see some farang who obviously bed down at night on the pavement, so I guess there are some living a more minimalistic lifestyle than the O/P. I would consider neither to be a "good life," but there are people who enjoy getting by with the bare essentials even when they aren't forced to do so.

Given his income, I wonder what his visa/extension status is.

Edited February 4, 2015 by Suradit69

[paddyjenkins]

The title of this thread is a little pretentious. Minimalism conjures up something philosophical or spiritual, such as Zen Buddhism. The title should really be living cheap in Thailand, surviving on a shoestring or just how to get by just above the poverty line. Its all a bit sad and pathetic really.

I guess being a minimumilist is a type of religion or following a "way" of life.

Its not only about saving money but doing things simply in your lifestyle routine.

Nope, its not a religion, there is nothing spiritual about it, it isn't a philosophy, its isn't creative, its just a necessary way to exist when you don't have much money. You can glorify it if you want, pretend all those people in Thailand who have failed to save enough and must live in semi poverty and who embarrass their fellow countrymen are somehow heroic, even saintly, but actually they aren't, they're just desperate. Now, i don't mind living rather frugally, rejecting status symbol purchases, but i still spend far more than the average local, but to be honest, i wish some of the foreigners who have no choice but to live like a local would just stay home. I don't like thais assuming I'm in their country because i have no choice, but i can understand they might begin to have that opinion when they see so many westerners who choose Thailand as a cheap option because they a semi destitute. So please do us a favor and stop all this cheap charlie glorification and see it for what it is.

[Jingthing]

The title of this thread is a little pretentious. Minimalism conjures up something philosophical or spiritual, such as Zen Buddhism. The title should really be living cheap in Thailand, surviving on a shoestring or just how to get by just above the poverty line. Its all a bit sad and pathetic really.

I guess being a minimumilist is a type of religion or following a "way" of life.

Its not only about saving money but doing things simply in your lifestyle routine.

Nope, its not a religion, there is nothing spiritual about it, it isn't a philosophy, its isn't creative, its just a necessary way to exist when you don't have much money. You can glorify it if you want, pretend all those people in Thailand who have failed to save enough and must live in semi poverty and who embarrass their fellow countrymen are somehow heroic, even saintly, but actually they aren't, they're just desperate. Now, i don't mind living rather frugally, rejecting status symbol purchases, but i still spend far more than the average local, but to be honest, i wish some of the foreigners who have no choice but to live like a local would just stay home. I don't like thais assuming I'm in their country because i have no choice, but i can understand they might begin to have that opinion when they see so many westerners who choose Thailand as a cheap option because they a semi destitute. So please do us a favor and stop all this cheap charlie glorification and see it for what it is.

I wish more "desperate" washing clothes by hand in the river type westerners would come here! Bring them on in the MILLIONS! They are picturesque! Could be a growth industry tourist attraction for the incoming Chinese.

[micmichd]

Guess he's here on a non-imm O-Visa, and as long as he has savings *and* a permanent income, he will always be able to get an extension.

Quite different from you, hypocrite investors. You might lose everything from gambling your life away, and you might end up on the streets or beach sooner than you ever believed. And you will not have so many friends then. Who the f*** wants to be friend of a pauper who fell down from the success ladder? No Farang, be sure.

[Morakot]

As to why an adult man would share a room with a 75 year old man ---for 150 baht per night--- is a mystery to me.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

If you suddenly inherited some money....lets say enough to spend 250,000 baht a month forever, would you be happier and then be able to live the life you would really want, or does this minimalist lifestyle provide all you want anyway?

I'm already living the life I want on 40k/month.

If I didn't have a gf, would be living the same life I want on 20k/month.

Not sure the gf is worth the expense .............. thinking her days are numbered.

Having money doesn't mean you need to spend it.

[jpinx]

The title of this thread is a little pretentious. Minimalism conjures up something philosophical or spiritual, such as Zen Buddhism. The title should really be living cheap in Thailand, surviving on a shoestring or just how to get by just above the poverty line. Its all a bit sad and pathetic really.

I guess being a minimumilist is a type of religion or following a "way" of life.

Its not only about saving money but doing things simply in your lifestyle routine.

Nope, its not a religion, there is nothing spiritual about it, it isn't a philosophy, its isn't creative, its just a necessary way to exist when you don't have much money. You can glorify it if you want, pretend all those people in Thailand who have failed to save enough and must live in semi poverty and who embarrass their fellow countrymen are somehow heroic, even saintly, but actually they aren't, they're just desperate. Now, i don't mind living rather frugally, rejecting status symbol purchases, but i still spend far more than the average local, but to be honest, i wish some of the foreigners who have no choice but to live like a local would just stay home. I don't like thais assuming I'm in their country because i have no choice, but i can understand they might begin to have that opinion when they see so many westerners who choose Thailand as a cheap option because they a semi destitute. So please do us a favor and stop all this cheap charlie glorification and see it for what it is.

That is such rubbish. How many extremely wealthy people running large corporations have been thrifty to the day they die? Do your research before answering.

Minimalism is a mind-set -- it's got little to do with how much money you are worth, but it has everything to do with how much you are worth to humanity's survival on this overloaded planet.

[SheungWan]

The title of this thread is a little pretentious. Minimalism conjures up something philosophical or spiritual, such as Zen Buddhism. The title should really be living cheap in Thailand, surviving on a shoestring or just how to get by just above the poverty line. Its all a bit sad and pathetic really.

I guess being a minimumilist is a type of religion or following a "way" of life.

Its not only about saving money but doing things simply in your lifestyle routine.

Nope, its not a religion, there is nothing spiritual about it, it isn't a philosophy, its isn't creative, its just a necessary way to exist when you don't have much money. You can glorify it if you want, pretend all those people in Thailand who have failed to save enough and must live in semi poverty and who embarrass their fellow countrymen are somehow heroic, even saintly, but actually they aren't, they're just desperate. Now, i don't mind living rather frugally, rejecting status symbol purchases, but i still spend far more than the average local, but to be honest, i wish some of the foreigners who have no choice but to live like a local would just stay home. I don't like thais assuming I'm in their country because i have no choice, but i can understand they might begin to have that opinion when they see so many westerners who choose Thailand as a cheap option because they a semi destitute. So please do us a favor and stop all this cheap charlie glorification and see it for what it is.

I wish more "desperate" washing clothes by hand in the river type westerners would come here! Bring them on in the MILLIONS! They are picturesque! Could be a growth industry tourist attraction for the incoming Chinese.

Well there is more than one guy who only buy nylon shirts and shorts (ie no cotton) to facilitate quick drying and easier hand washing. One of them occasionally washes his shirts in the gym shower and then hangs stuff up to dry in the sauna. Not sure whether he is the same one who hand washes his stuff in the hotel room sink. Reckons his spending is total spending is 5000 baht per month. He and another American are total sport nuts but on Superbowl morning watched the game on a tablet using free wi-fi rather than coughing up for a couple of drinks at a nearby bar.

[georgegeorgia]

The title of this thread is a little pretentious. Minimalism conjures up something philosophical or spiritual, such as Zen Buddhism. The title should really be living cheap in Thailand, surviving on a shoestring or just how to get by just above the poverty line. Its all a bit sad and pathetic really.

I guess being a minimumilist is a type of religion or following a "way" of life.

Its not only about saving money but doing things simply in your lifestyle routine.

Nope, its not a religion, there is nothing spiritual about it, it isn't a philosophy, its isn't creative, its just a necessary way to exist when you don't have much money. You can glorify it if you want, pretend all those people in Thailand who have failed to save enough and must live in semi poverty and who embarrass their fellow countrymen are somehow heroic, even saintly, but actually they aren't, they're just desperate. Now, i don't mind living rather frugally, rejecting status symbol purchases, but i still spend far more than the average local, but to be honest, i wish some of the foreigners who have no choice but to live like a local would just stay home. I don't like thais assuming I'm in their country because i have no choice, but i can understand they might begin to have that opinion when they see so many westerners who choose Thailand as a cheap option because they a semi destitute. So please do us a favor and stop all this cheap charlie glorification and see it for what it is.

Once again i assure you not all minimalists are poor.

Last Friday I was at the Synagogue near where I live,they were actually speaking on a topic of being a minimalist and the benefits of this more if you are actually wealthy !!!!

I am becoming more and more a minimslist everyday and I have cash in my account,probaly enough to retire tommorrow to Thailand and never work again.

Will I waste it ?? No.

Right now im at home typing this with the lights off to save electrcity NOT only for the money saving side but also to conserve energy.

I havent used the cooking stove at all today because i cut up a salad for lunch.

Minimalism is as I said before not just a financial aspect to it but a philosphy.

Recycling and reusing things,I always re -use margarine and ice cream containers,Im sure most people do it to put odds and ends in them,I re -use coffee jars etc.

If you go into my friend Larry's spotless and organised studio in Jomtien you will see he has used the old ice cream plastic containers to store left over food etc.

Surely you dont buy garbage bags from the supermarket?...this only adds more plastic and costs more,when most people im sure re-use the supermarket grocery bags.Now they are practising this without knowing it.

Edited February 4, 2015 by georgegeorgia

[georgegeorgia]

Do you need brand name leather wallets?

How many of us see tourists particularly Russian grovelling over buying wallets.

I had a friend today try to show me his real leather brand name wallet he bought for over 30,000 baht and I showed no interest so he stopped showing me.

Now im middleaged im not interested in carrying a expensive wallet around when a 50 baht wallet can do the job.

Why would I need a 30,000 baht genuine leather brand name wallet??

Edited February 4, 2015 by georgegeorgia

[paddyjenkins]

The title of this thread is a little pretentious. Minimalism conjures up something philosophical or spiritual, such as Zen Buddhism. The title should really be living cheap in Thailand, surviving on a shoestring or just how to get by just above the poverty line. Its all a bit sad and pathetic really.

I guess being a minimumilist is a type of religion or following a "way" of life.

Its not only about saving money but doing things simply in your lifestyle routine.

Nope, its not a religion, there is nothing spiritual about it, it isn't a philosophy, its isn't creative, its just a necessary way to exist when you don't have much money. You can glorify it if you want, pretend all those people in Thailand who have failed to save enough and must live in semi poverty and who embarrass their fellow countrymen are somehow heroic, even saintly, but actually they aren't, they're just desperate. Now, i don't mind living rather frugally, rejecting status symbol purchases, but i still spend far more than the average local, but to be honest, i wish some of the foreigners who have no choice but to live like a local would just stay home. I don't like thais assuming I'm in their country because i have no choice, but i can understand they might begin to have that opinion when they see so many westerners who choose Thailand as a cheap option because they a semi destitute. So please do us a favor and stop all this cheap charlie glorification and see it for what it is.

Once again i assure you not all minimalists are poor.

Last Friday I was at the Synagogue near where I live,they were actually speaking on a topic of being a minimalist and the benefits of this more if you are actually wealthy !!!!

I am becoming more and more a minimslist everyday and I have cash in my account,probaly enough to retire tommorrow to Thailand and never work again.

Will I waste it ?? No.

Right now im at home typing this with the lights off to save electrcity NOT only for the money saving side but also to conserve energy.

I havent used the cooking stove at all today because i cut up a salad for lunch.

Minimalism is as I said before not just a financial aspect to it but a philosphy.

Recycling and reusing things,I always re -use margarine and ice cream containers,Im sure most people do it to put odds and ends in them,I re -use coffee jars etc.

If you go into my friend Larry's spotless and organised studio in Jomtien you will see he has used the old ice cream plastic containers to store left over food etc.

Surely you dont buy garbage bags from the supermarket?...this only adds more plastic and costs more,when most people im sure re-use the supermarket grocery bags.Now they are practising this without knowing it.

Glorify it all you like by called yourselves minimalists, but beyond a certain point is just turns from a simple, healthy and frugal lifestyle to one of being a small minded and obnoxious cheap skate. If you eat the cheapest food rather than fresh, unprocessed and healthy, just to save money, then you are just a cheap skate. Im assuming you have a choice, the genuinely poor have no choice but then why should Thailand be the refuse of the poor of the first world? Refuse to pay for a coffee in a nice cafe because you can buy it cheaper from the 7-11 and sit on the cafe chairs then you are just an an obnoxious cheapskate. Fine, buy it from the 7-11 and sit on a bench by the sea, thats different, okay by me, like a picnic. But i see people buying a coffee from the 7-11 and sitting on Starbucks chairs and they think they're smart, I just think they're obnoxious and disrespectful. Buy the cheapest nylon shirts rather than nice, plain, cotton, as opposed to wasting on brands, then you are a vulgar cheapskate with concern over every last baht rather than any other consideration. See, there is a line where when you stop being healthy, simple, frugal and respectful and stray into the obnoxious cheapskate territory.

[whitemouse]

Nope, its not a religion, there is nothing spiritual about it, it isn't a philosophy, its isn't creative, its just a necessary way to exist when you don't have much money.

I don't like thais assuming I'm in their country because i have no choice, but i can understand they might begin to have that opinion when they see so many westerners who choose Thailand as a cheap option because they a semi destitute.

So please do us a favor and stop all this cheap charlie glorification and see it for what it is.

You missed the parts where people explain repeatedly, that this his choice, theses people choose to live minimalist lifestyle.

You make this about you, but this is NOT about you! You do not have to choose this way of living.

And please, forget what Thais think about us! Just forget it and never think about it again!

Kudos to OP for very refreshingly interesting thread! Good for him I say.