Record low EUR/THB rate affecting expats?

[ChomDo]

60 kb per month is maybe enough for a small family, but less is not enough anymore.

Why should I sacrifice the life of a Thai family to a Farang economic crisis?

I'm fully aware where this crisis comes from, and I have no sympathy for those who are taking advantage of it - ever since some US President thought it would be a good idea to finance domestic welfare by an Imperialistic war.

I've looked after my family(2 kids) on 30k a month. Someone is scamming you brother.

Now, I have a mortgage for 20k a month, private school fees and can save off 60k a month.

May I ask where it was that you have looked after your family with 2 kids for 30,000 Baht a month? It doesn't sound possible in Bangkok in 2015. I understand that Thais can do it and it would be quite common even today for a Thai family to have a combined income of lets say 30,000 Baht a month. The cost of living has increased so much that comparing what you could get with that money 10 years ago is a bit different today. So of course I don't know what time and place you were referring to but I would have thought "micmichd"'s comment about less than 60,000 Baht not being enough, makes sense.

[Larsarus]

here you are

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/807664-bye-bye-europe-exapats-and-holiday-goers/

Ozzy dollar down from 30 to 25 (20% less)

Russian ruble down 60%

Looks like everyone except the Yanks and the Brits are screwed.

NOK - Norwegian crowns down from 5,50 last spring to 4,29 now. It is a considerable loss. I have to hold my planned investments in Thailand.

[Larsarus]

here you are

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/807664-bye-bye-europe-exapats-and-holiday-goers/

Ozzy dollar down from 30 to 25 (20% less)

Russian ruble down 60%

Looks like everyone except the Yanks and the Brits are screwed.

The Russians can thank themselves for the loss. They voted for Putin, and his polycy is to blame. If we get less russians here, it is a blessing

[recycler]

It's not just the Euro going down, we also have huge price increases here in Thailand. If you have them combined it will certainly hurt.

Last year my fried rice with egg was 40 Baht or 0.95 Euro now it's 50 Baht or 1.45 Euro, in Thai that's already 25%, but in Euro it's 53% up.

And this is just one of many prices that have gone up by 25% or more in the past year only.

Since I arrived here 11 years ago, many things in Baht have tripled or even more in price in Thailand.

I'm not affected by the Euro rate as I earn a living here in Thailand and most of my business is commodity related and settled in US$. But I do see a moment coming here when it may be not the most sensible country to live in anymore.

[Neeranam]

60 kb per month is maybe enough for a small family, but less is not enough anymore.

Why should I sacrifice the life of a Thai family to a Farang economic crisis?

I'm fully aware where this crisis comes from, and I have no sympathy for those who are taking advantage of it - ever since some US President thought it would be a good idea to finance domestic welfare by an Imperialistic war.

I've looked after my family(2 kids) on 30k a month. Someone is scamming you brother.

Now, I have a mortgage for 20k a month, private school fees and can save off 60k a month.

May I ask where it was that you have looked after your family with 2 kids for 30,000 Baht a month? It doesn't sound possible in Bangkok in 2015. I understand that Thais can do it and it would be quite common even today for a Thai family to have a combined income of lets say 30,000 Baht a month. The cost of living has increased so much that comparing what you could get with that money 10 years ago is a bit different today. So of course I don't know what time and place you were referring to but I would have thought "micmichd"'s comment about less than 60,000 Baht not being enough, makes sense.

Khon Kaen where prices are rising rapidly. Prices for land are 2 million a rai where I live, compared to about 100,000 10 years ago.

back then my kids' schools were only 2 k a month each and my rent for a 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed house was 3500 a month. Only 22500 a month for food!

[CapeThai]

Stop complaining please. The Expats from South Africa only now get 2.6 baht for their Rand. So this mean you must be doing quite well for yourself back home to be able to live in LOS now.

Nothing in Thailand is cheaper for us than back home. Actual fact things like property, cars and many other things we actualy pay more for in Thailand then back home but we're not complaining.

You guy's still ride the gravy train big time so absolutly no need for you guys to complain.

[ChomDo]

It's not just the Euro going down, we also have huge price increases here in Thailand. If you have them combined it will certainly hurt.

Last year my fried rice with egg was 40 Baht or 0.95 Euro now it's 50 Baht or 1.45 Euro, in Thai that's already 25%, but in Euro it's 53% up.

And this is just one of many prices that have gone up by 25% or more in the past year only.

Since I arrived here 11 years ago, many things in Baht have tripled or even more in price in Thailand.

I'm not affected by the Euro rate as I earn a living here in Thailand and most of my business is commodity related and settled in US$. But I do see a moment coming here when it may be not the most sensible country to live in anymore.

Exactly that's the point, when you get your money in EUR and see the prices of commodities go up every month...the impact becomes big. The combined effect on your purchasing power in a short time is dramatic. I don't care what they say about the inflation rate (2.5% or so) but every few months I notice a price increase in the supermarket, restaurants, street food etc. It must be difficult for the locals with low wages because their salaries sure don't go up at the same rate as the prices.

[Neeranam]

Is there any hope at all, that Thailand will do something to weaken the baht?

actually they are doing their level best to achieve the contrary.

You probably said that in early 1997 too.

[lavender19]

one more to the countless topics about the same same...

What does that mean..if there's a earlier discussion of this topic please let me know!

Thanks for your view Costas2008. Actually it's not a question of just a few thousand baht here and there. Some months ago I was getting 20 000 baht more than now so it is quite a significant difference.

About 7 years ago, if I remember well, I was getting 68Baht to a Pound.

Now I'm getting 49Baht.

A difference of 38,000Baht a month.

Has it affected my life style? No

Has it affected your life style? Don't think so.

But it's good to have a moan, especially for something we haven't got any control over it.

How can a drop of 38 k a month not affect your lifestyle?

[Neeranam]

Stop complaining please. The Expats from South Africa only now get 2.6 baht for their Rand. So this mean you must be doing quite well for yourself back home to be able to live in LOS now.

Nothing in Thailand is cheaper for us than back home. Actual fact things like property, cars and many other things we actualy pay more for in Thailand then back home but we're not complaining.

You guy's still ride the gravy train big time so absolutly no need for you guys to complain.

Exactly. Thing is - many are old retired men - kinda goes with the territory(moaning that is).

[ChomDo]

60 kb per month is maybe enough for a small family, but less is not enough anymore.

Why should I sacrifice the life of a Thai family to a Farang economic crisis?

I'm fully aware where this crisis comes from, and I have no sympathy for those who are taking advantage of it - ever since some US President thought it would be a good idea to finance domestic welfare by an Imperialistic war.

I've looked after my family(2 kids) on 30k a month. Someone is scamming you brother.

Now, I have a mortgage for 20k a month, private school fees and can save off 60k a month.

May I ask where it was that you have looked after your family with 2 kids for 30,000 Baht a month? It doesn't sound possible in Bangkok in 2015. I understand that Thais can do it and it would be quite common even today for a Thai family to have a combined income of lets say 30,000 Baht a month. The cost of living has increased so much that comparing what you could get with that money 10 years ago is a bit different today. So of course I don't know what time and place you were referring to but I would have thought "micmichd"'s comment about less than 60,000 Baht not being enough, makes sense.

Khon Kaen where prices are rising rapidly. Prices for land are 2 million a rai where I live, compared to about 100,000 10 years ago.

back then my kids' schools were only 2 k a month each and my rent for a 3 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed house was 3500 a month. Only 22500 a month for food!

Ok in Khon Kaen the prices have seriously increased then. Must have been great 10 years back and very understandable that you could manage with 30,000b per month. A 3 bedroom house for 3500b..that's nice!

[ChomDo]

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Stop complaining please. The Expats from South Africa only now get 2.6 baht for their Rand. So this mean you must be doing quite well for yourself back home to be able to live in LOS now.

Nothing in Thailand is cheaper for us than back home. Actual fact things like property, cars and many other things we actualy pay more for in Thailand then back home but we're not complaining.

You guy's still ride the gravy train big time so absolutly no need for you guys to complain.

Exactly. Thing is - many are old retired men - kinda goes with the territory(moaning that is).

It's amazing to see how many people just drop in to say that we should stop complaining and have nothing smart to say. We're just having a conversation here and for some of us, believe it or not, it is quite a big of a deal. If you don't like the topic why don't you find other more interesting conversations.

[MaeJoMTB]

60 kb per month is maybe enough for a small family, but less is not enough anymore.

Why should I sacrifice the life of a Thai family to a Farang economic crisis?

I'm fully aware where this crisis comes from, and I have no sympathy for those who are taking advantage of it - ever since some US President thought it would be a good idea to finance domestic welfare by an Imperialistic war.

I'm fairly sure that could be cut back to 30k/month if you really had need.

If I were short of money, my Thai family would be out earning their own keep.

(or they/I would be gone)

Edited March 14, 2015 by MaeJoMTB

[MaeJoMTB]

It's not just the Euro going down, we also have huge price increases here in Thailand. If you have them combined it will certainly hurt.

Last year my fried rice with egg was 40 Baht or 0.95 Euro now it's 50 Baht or 1.45 Euro, in Thai that's already 25%, but in Euro it's 53% up.

And this is just one of many prices that have gone up by 25% or more in the past year only.

Since I arrived here 11 years ago, many things in Baht have tripled or even more in price in Thailand.

I'm not affected by the Euro rate as I earn a living here in Thailand and most of my business is commodity related and settled in US$. But I do see a moment coming here when it may be not the most sensible country to live in anymore.

My fried rice with egg is still 30bht, same as I paid 5 years ago.

I would suggest buying your food elsewhere, the place you currently use is blatant profiteering.

You could also try cooking it yourself, doubt it would be more than 10bht/serving.

When prices change beyond your means, time to re-evaluate your lifestyle, small changes in lifestyle can mean big savings in outgoings.

Edited March 14, 2015 by MaeJoMTB

[PeCeDe]

Any smart ideas on ways to avoid this problem?

Keep a decent amount in your Thai bank account when rates are good so that you can live off that when rates are bad.

I always love it when someone asks about keeping money in a Thai bank and the farang financial experts on TV carry on about the low interest rates here and how unsafe it is to keep all your money in Thai banks and that everyone should just bring in enough to live here minute by minute. Those super safe Euro bank accounts that may have paid a percent or two more on deposits may not seem such a wonderful bit of Farang heaven now.

And the same applies to others as well. The US dollar is on a tear right now. It could get a bit better for awhile, but eventually currency rates are cyclical so while the rates are good, buy more baht. Keep it in the banks or buy some gold (which tends to go the opposite direction as the dollar in price). Even a squirrel knows it has to store its nuts away to survive the winter.

Everyone dependent on Euro income and savings must find this all depressing now, but had they topped up their Thai baht balances when the exchange rate were decent, they would be somewhat insulated now and, hopefully, when they need to add more for the extensions of stay or whatever the rates will be better.

20/20 hindsight is always perfect... I don't get a lot of money, but what I do get comes in USD, GBP, and CAD, praise the Lord! Pure luck, (except maybe for the CAD) I'm not a soothsayer, and feel for those being wiped by the currency insanity that is going on at this time, my advice is don't jump ship just yet. What goes around, comes around.

[Derek M]

60 kb per month is maybe enough for a small family, but less is not enough anymore.

Why should I sacrifice the life of a Thai family to a Farang economic crisis?

I'm fully aware where this crisis comes from, and I have no sympathy for those who are taking advantage of it - ever since some US President thought it would be a good idea to finance domestic welfare by an Imperialistic war.

I've looked after my family(2 kids) on 30k a month. Someone is scamming you brother.

Now, I have a mortgage for 20k a month, private school fees and can save off 60k a month.

Count yourself lucky I have 8 children to look after, Wife, Wife's Mother, Wife' s Brother, Wife's father, Wife's Son, My Daughter and the Wife's cousin. lol

raw deal for free rent!

[PeCeDe]

60 kb per month is maybe enough for a small family, but less is not enough anymore.

Why should I sacrifice the life of a Thai family to a Farang economic crisis?

I'm fully aware where this crisis comes from, and I have no sympathy for those who are taking advantage of it - ever since some US President thought it would be a good idea to finance domestic welfare by an Imperialistic war.

I've looked after my family(2 kids) on 30k a month. Someone is scamming you brother.

Now, I have a mortgage for 20k a month, private school fees and can save off 60k a month.

Count yourself lucky I have 8 children to look after, Wife, Wife's Mother, Wife' s Brother, Wife's father, Wife's Son, My Daughter and the Wife's cousin. lol

You jest? Well, you're certainly a family man... Just maybe, if you asked they could help!

raw deal for free rent!

[Derek M]

60 kb per month is maybe enough for a small family, but less is not enough anymore.

Why should I sacrifice the life of a Thai family to a Farang economic crisis?

I'm fully aware where this crisis comes from, and I have no sympathy for those who are taking advantage of it - ever since some US President thought it would be a good idea to finance domestic welfare by an Imperialistic war.

I've looked after my family(2 kids) on 30k a month. Someone is scamming you brother.

Now, I have a mortgage for 20k a month, private school fees and can save off 60k a month.

Count yourself lucky I have 8 children to look after, Wife, Wife's Mother, Wife' s Brother, Wife's father, Wife's Son, My Daughter and the Wife's cousin. lol

You jest? Well, you're certainly a family man... Just maybe, if you asked they could help!

raw deal for free rent!

they do help, themselves to whatever I own and treat it as their own seldom returning (only the bike, when out of gas!)

[Cypress Hill]

Trashing the currency as you put it would be a huge benefit not for few holiday makers but for exports.

I am also certain it would not hurt to bring back the tourist money which also adds up to a few billion not to mention jobs

But the benefit would only be temporary not to mention the fact it would make imports far more expensive . . . The boost in tourist numbers wouldn't be worth it. Anyway, tourists are staying away for other reasons; stupid closing times, random piss-testing, higher short-time prices

Its only a matter of time before the American Federal Reserve will make the decision to increase interests rates and see the USD go into freefall once their debt ridden society can't pay!

The Fed isn't going to raise rates. The dollar's strong because people still believe it will but soon enough, they'll figure it out.

Count yourself lucky I have 8 children to look after, Wife, Wife's Mother, Wife' s Brother, Wife's father, Wife's Son, My Daughter and the Wife's cousin. lol

raw deal for free rent!

My word! Your wife hit the jackpot, didn't she?

[siam2007]

the low Euro effects me tremendously and I try to save on expenses whereever possible. my Taxi rides are at a minimum now, imported food is a no-no. Could I get a long-stay VISA for Bali, I would be out of the LOS by the end of this year. But I can not. Cambodia is a lawless shithole and no option at all.

[siam2007]

here you are

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/807664-bye-bye-europe-exapats-and-holiday-goers/

Ozzy dollar down from 30 to 25 (20% less)

Russian ruble down 60%

Looks like everyone except the Yanks and the Brits are screwed.

The Russians can thank themselves for the loss. They voted for Putin, and his polycy is to blame. If we get less russians here, it is a blessing

it's not only the Russians. the Euro-Community plus the Norwegians and the Australians are on the decline too.

They will be replaced by the much-beloved mainland-Chinese.

I already hear the Thais screaming and yelling in excrement, ah, I mean in excitement

[watso63]

chomdo

if your are struggling to live on 110,000 a month in Thailand, then you really need to look hard at your life style, come on this is Thailand, where you can eat a meal for 50 baht. A 1000baht a day for food is only 30,000 baht a month, get rid of the expensive condo in Bangkok and the benz.

some Australians, Brits with frozen state pensions and Euro pensioners are on the breadline so to speak. some westeners live in Thailand on the 20,000 baht you have lost

I fear some people do like to show off. Good for them, what, what???

[Derek M]

Count yourself lucky I have 8 children to look after, Wife, Wife's Mother, Wife' s Brother, Wife's father, Wife's Son, My Daughter and the Wife's cousin. lol

raw deal for free rent!

My word! Your wife hit the jackpot, didn't she?

No really, Not a bahts more than 15K per month living costs. Inc Internet, Elect, (no rent) water. The brother chips in 3k month to pay his own food. I get free rent, We both get free child care for the little one, when we want a break for few hrs. Used to be Free bike hire too until we got our own very recently. Have been told use our bike they have to put gas in it. The amount of help given with little one, for what just food..and bills are not much less than 1,500 bahts month good deal all round. plus that Food is not that expensive as like most they farm their own land. No need to buy rice, steamed or sticky or an assortment of fruits and veg either.

I would nt say I get the bad end of the deal, or the good end either. Of the 15k, the ex husband pays via a court order 3k per month for his own son plus 50% of his education and health care. I forced that issue!. I say 50-50. give a little, take a little. If you give a lot, take a lot! life is 50-50!

[Jiggo]

here you are

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/807664-bye-bye-europe-exapats-and-holiday-goers/

Ozzy dollar down from 30 to 25 (20% less)

Russian ruble down 60%

Looks like everyone except the Yanks and the Brits are screwed.

No they got us a while ago.....Baht to UK.....was about 60-70 baht........USA around 40 baht.....Euro was always over priced glad we did not join 'Rule Brittania'

[MaeJoMTB]

here you are

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/807664-bye-bye-europe-exapats-and-holiday-goers/

Ozzy dollar down from 30 to 25 (20% less)

Russian ruble down 60%

Looks like everyone except the Yanks and the Brits are screwed.

No they got us a while ago.....Baht to UK.....was about 60-70 baht........USA around 40 baht.....Euro was always over priced glad we did not join 'Rule Brittania'

That was 9 years ago, it's been around 50bht/gbp for the last 6 years.

[Sandman77]

Economist say that the Thai Bhat crash next year!

The Thai gov borrow 3 times more money from other country's then there own economy is bring in in one year !

[Neeranam]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Stop complaining please. The Expats from South Africa only now get 2.6 baht for their Rand. So this mean you must be doing quite well for yourself back home to be able to live in LOS now.

Nothing in Thailand is cheaper for us than back home. Actual fact things like property, cars and many other things we actualy pay more for in Thailand then back home but we're not complaining.

You guy's still ride the gravy train big time so absolutly no need for you guys to complain.

Exactly. Thing is - many are old retired men - kinda goes with the territory(moaning that is).

It's amazing to see how many people just drop in to say that we should stop complaining and have nothing smart to say. We're just having a conversation here and for some of us, believe it or not, it is quite a big of a deal. If you don't like the topic why don't you find other more interesting conversations.

I find it interesting. The topic is a question. The baht rate is beneficial to me. Hurray. Youve had a few years when it was good for you. Stop moaning and get that wife out to work.

I sense fear from many pensioners. If they can no longer afford to buy their gf a iPhone and pay for the pick ip truck, they might learn if she really does love them or not.

Edited March 14, 2015 by Neeranam

[micmichd]

Economist say that the Thai Bhat crash next year!

The Thai gov borrow 3 times more money from other country's then there own economy is bring in in one year !

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/thailand/government-debt-to-gdp

How many Euro zone countries have less?

Edited March 14, 2015 by micmichd

[zierf1]

Euro went to .825 15 years ago. That's 26 baht per Euro. Hope you Euro men have a backup plan. As for me, my US dollars are getting the best exchange rate in years(32.9). Lucky us Americans..

[Naam]

one more to the countless topics about the same same...

What does that mean..if there's a earlier discussion of this topic please let me know!

Thanks for your view Costas2008. Actually it's not a question of just a few thousand baht here and there. Some months ago I was getting 20 000 baht more than now so it is quite a significant difference.

About 7 years ago, if I remember well, I was getting 68Baht to a Pound.

Now I'm getting 49Baht.

A difference of 38,000Baht a month.

Has it affected my life style? No

Has it affected your life style? Don't think so.

But it's good to have a moan, especially for something we haven't got any control over it.

How can a drop of 38 k a month not affect your lifestyle?

if Costas got 500,000 Baht for his foreign currency income and is getting now "only" 462,000 Baht it won't affect his lifestyle.