Crackdown- Will it affect me?/Swerving&pushing things?

[AbythornTom]

2500 Baht a month is not a lot but it's doable as you are not thinking about drinking beer and alcohol.

Just as an example: where I live I pay around 20-30 Baht for a standard Thai meal, if I eat 3 times a day that's about 80 Baht but then sometimes I want to eat some more Western food and then it will easily become 250-500 for just a meal. On to that you will also have to add the cost for whatever you drink, 3 liter water a day would set you back 2-160 (yes, two to one hundred sixty) Baht a day depending on what water you drink!

I try to keep my own expenses for food and drinks under 5,000 Baht a month and as I don't drink alcohol (doctors order) it should be easy to keep it down to even 3,000 Baht but some times I want a pizza or a steak or anything else that is not just Thai food and then it's easy to spend more than 5,000 a month (6 days in to 2016 and I have already spent over 1,500 Baht for just food, snacks and drinks).

Just remember that KFC, McDonald's or Burger King would set you back at least 100 Baht just for a meal while a simple Thai dish is (usually) 30 Baht or less, at least in non-tourist areas.

Thanks for answering that and clearing it up, great to have a little better insight, especially from those with experience.

As for the bottled water, that has me a little stumped, I'm not sure I dare drink a 2 Baht bottle of water... lol!

All the best for 2016 Kasset Tak

[scorecard]

I moved here from the UK nearly 6 years ago now and have yet to return home, I have however been around other parts of SE Asia briefly. All I can say is you will most certainly meet various steep learning curves. Just keep your head screwed on because a lot of things can go terribly wrong in 1 year here at your age. I probably should be dead looking back so I am lucky in that sense; being 18 and full of ambition is great and you do seem to have done a lot of research, but for example you can read how to build a nuclear reactor for 10 years but then when you try to build one, do you think you would be able to do it? Just have your wits about you and don't fall into the various traps that so many do

Take care mate

Thanks bud, that's pretty inspiring, I'd love to stay on a permanent basis. Will be giving everything my best shot; getting to grips with it all. So glad I found this place and community. I see what you're saying with the research and couldn't agree more, my memory is awful.. certainly doesn't do me any favours lol.

'Permanent basis'

If you do get a job and Work Permit, then make sure you keep a copy / original of every document, including the annual submission and final receipt for your personal annual Thai taxation return.

Why? If you work longer-term (several years) then you can apply for PR (Permanent Resident) status. The main supporting documentation is proof of working longer term with work permit* and proof that your Thai annual personal tax return has been submitted / accepted / finalized.

(*doesn't have to be same employer but does have to be basically continuous, for at least 3 years, before you can apply).

If you get PR you basically have a visa for life but you do still need a WP to legally work.

There are other documents involved for the PR submission but the WP / tax documents are the main ones. As said make sure you keep copies / originals of everything.

[kingstonkid]

One of the concerns that you have not mentioned is what you are going to be doing while here. You need to have a plan for what you are going to do and sitting around the house is not a plan.

It is lack of things to do that usually gets you in trouble.

Also be careful of the ladies. They are pretty and friendly but you being 18 and young they may think you are a good target for marriage.

[Lannig]

2500B per month? are you guys serious? do you know anyone living on this?

Even assuming 100% free housing, no need to share electricity/water/etc. expenses (sounds too good to last, doesn't it?) that's less than 100B/day for the essential needs. Even Thais can hardly live on this. And don't even think about getting sick and needing healthcare (something far fetched for a 18yo, I know!)

[JomtienEats]

Dare I ask, who's putting you up in Khon Kaen? I've visited . . . it might be a nice place to retire when you've got everything sorted or for the more experienced, but not a first choice for many first time farangs.

[AbythornTom]

Thanks bud, that's pretty inspiring, I'd love to stay on a permanent basis. Will be giving everything my best shot; getting to grips with it all. So glad I found this place and community. I see what you're saying with the research and couldn't agree more, my memory is awful.. certainly doesn't do me any favours lol.

'Permanent basis'

If you do get a job and Work Permit, then make sure you keep a copy / original of every document, including the annual submission and final receipt for your personal annual Thai taxation return.

Why? If you work longer-term (several years) then you can apply for PR (Permanent Resident) status. The main supporting documentation is proof of working longer term with work permit* and proof that your Thai annual personal tax return has been submitted / accepted / finalized.

(*doesn't have to be same employer but does have to be basically continuous, for at least 3 years, before you can apply).

If you get PR you basically have a visa for life but you do still need a WP to legally work.

There are other documents involved for the PR submission but the WP / tax documents are the main ones. As said make sure you keep copies / originals of everything.

Cheers, much appreciated for the info! I will be sure to do that, fingers crossed all goes well for my future, I'm sure I'll get there sooner or later

[BritTim]

First, you seem a smart guy (for an 18-year-old lol) and your plan to spend 7 months in a totally new environment is a great idea. In principle, you can live very cheaply in Thailand. For instance, safe (albeit not always great tasting) drinking water is available from reverse osmosis machines for about 1-2 baht per litre. In practice, you will spend more than you think. You will have friends who sometimes want to celebrate in relatively expensive restaurants, and sometimes you will need to pay your share. Also, any time you travel inside Thailand, the costs will mount. Look into getting at least accident insurance. At your age, it does not cost much. If you have a serious accident without insurance, it can break your family financially. Factor phone and Internet costs into your budget.

The advice to consider what you are going to do with your time while here is really good advice. I love Thailand, and lazing around in a rural Thai village for a few days can be very pleasant. Unless you want to write a book or something, it quickly becomes pretty boring. Even travelling into central Khon Kaen to see a movie a couple of times a month will play havoc with your budget. Maybe, an NGO would be willing to employ you to do volunteer work (they can arrange work permits).

Good luck. Make it happen!

[AbythornTom]

One of the concerns that you have not mentioned is what you are going to be doing while here. You need to have a plan for what you are going to do and sitting around the house is not a plan.

It is lack of things to do that usually gets you in trouble.

Also be careful of the ladies. They are pretty and friendly but you being 18 and young they may think you are a good target for marriage.

Thanks for raising the concern Kingstonkid, more than valid and see what you're saying .

I don't intend on sitting around by any means; as I said in a post prior to this, I'm giving it my best shot and want to make things work. I do see this as a big stepping stone to creating/developing me and my future.

Once I'm there it'll be a case of taking care of those around me and myself of course. I'd be looking for some kind of on-line course, bar managerial or hospitality in general(not very practical on-line however). Possibly a normal one if I can obtain an Ed visa, thus allowing me to attend in person (I've not looked into course's available yet) -Think it's best I make sure my foundations are rock solid before I start building. I really want to make this work and if having the certificates are what they require, that is what I shall get

I seem to see a fair amount of voluntary stuff kicking about now and then, however I've not seen Farang do any of this, only Thai nationals. It's something I've considered though (if possible), I had a quick skim the other day but didn't find anything local to where I am staying.

P.S. I'm certainly no trouble maker; I'd like to give people an easy time if possible/practical. I'd also like to think I have a really good understanding of right and wrong in Thai culture too. Once again, thanks for showing your concerns Kingstonkid. If you think of anything let me know

Edit: Cheers for the heads up, I've heard all the horror stories before lol. You'll be glad to hear I have no intentions of getting married any time soon. Besides, I don't think it's even legal at my age, I wouldn't have thought so anyhow.

Edited January 6, 2016 by AbythornTom

[AbythornTom]

2500B per month? are you guys serious? do you know anyone living on this?

Even assuming 100% free housing, no need to share electricity/water/etc. expenses (sounds too good to last, doesn't it?) that's less than 100B/day for the essential needs. Even Thais can hardly live on this. And don't even think about getting sick and needing healthcare (something far fetched for a 18yo, I know!)

That 2500B is simply and purely for food and water. It's extremely tight budgeting I realise that, however, you need to remember that's a budget (estimated expenditure) not my restriction or capping point. At a push I could bump this up to 6000B. Admittedly anything beyond that is where I'd be pushing things, and frankly I would considered it uncomfortable/un-nerving as I'm leaving myself at a lose end if/when I get myself back into the UK. -I do have friends and family to support me when I'm home if I do mess up on expenditure. I also have the money for a flight home on stand by if needs be.

I'm in extremely safe hands whilst in Khon kaen, I have someone who could assist me medically if needs be (nothing too major). I know all about healthcare in Thailand from my visit back in late 2014 where I had a motorbike accident, luckily I only needed very minor surgery on my foot, keeping it clean and avoiding infection whilst there was the hard part.

[AbythornTom]

Dare I ask, who's putting you up in Khon Kaen? I've visited . . . it might be a nice place to retire when you've got everything sorted or for the more experienced, but not a first choice for many first time farangs.

Hey JomtienEats, I've had two trips to Thailand, once back as a young teen (which was accompanied and a short stop) and once back in late 2014 for a month.

I'll be staying with a close friend who studies in Khon kaen

Edited January 7, 2016 by AbythornTom

[AbythornTom]

First, you seem a smart guy (for an 18-year-old lol) and your plan to spend 7 months in a totally new environment is a great idea. In principle, you can live very cheaply in Thailand. For instance, safe (albeit not always great tasting) drinking water is available from reverse osmosis machines for about 1-2 baht per litre. In practice, you will spend more than you think. You will have friends who sometimes want to celebrate in relatively expensive restaurants, and sometimes you will need to pay your share. Also, any time you travel inside Thailand, the costs will mount. Look into getting at least accident insurance. At your age, it does not cost much. If you have a serious accident without insurance, it can break your family financially. Factor phone and Internet costs into your budget.

The advice to consider what you are going to do with your time while here is really good advice. I love Thailand, and lazing around in a rural Thai village for a few days can be very pleasant. Unless you want to write a book or something, it quickly becomes pretty boring. Even travelling into central Khon Kaen to see a movie a couple of times a month will play havoc with your budget. Maybe, an NGO would be willing to employ you to do volunteer work (they can arrange work permits).

Good luck. Make it happen!

Thanks, I appreciate the comment(s)

Yeah, I too can see myself going over budget on food and drink, another commenter had also mentioned this.

Haha, I'll have to keep an eye out for these reverse osmosis machines, now you mention it's safe I'd give it shot.

With any luck the 2500B minimal budget I have in mind will be an anchor, and the rope attached won't be too long.. just enough to do it's job whilst keeping the social boat afloat (If you get my gist?). The more money I save the better, for instance any month below the 5500-6000B mark, I could put some money aside for anything unexpected (somewhat contributing to emergency funds), I consider 5500-6000B to be my ultimate cut off point -unless savings from prior month(s) have been made.

I haven't looked into insurance, although I should know from past experience to get it sorted! .

Don't suppose you could point me in the general direction on where to find light on this topic?

I imagine it should be straight forward enough, should I obtain it from Thailand or the UK? that's the only thing I can think of off. Cheers Tim, all the best

[steve187]

sort out your travel insurance online in the uk, you will need return tickets booked from and to the uk, specialist backpacker insurances are available, but insurance is a must and check clauses on motorcycle usage.

[AbythornTom]

First, you seem a smart guy (for an 18-year-old lol) and your plan to spend 7 months in a totally new environment is a great idea. In principle, you can live very cheaply in Thailand. For instance, safe (albeit not always great tasting) drinking water is available from reverse osmosis machines for about 1-2 baht per litre. In practice, you will spend more than you think. You will have friends who sometimes want to celebrate in relatively expensive restaurants, and sometimes you will need to pay your share. Also, any time you travel inside Thailand, the costs will mount. Look into getting at least accident insurance. At your age, it does not cost much. If you have a serious accident without insurance, it can break your family financially. Factor phone and Internet costs into your budget.

The advice to consider what you are going to do with your time while here is really good advice. I love Thailand, and lazing around in a rural Thai village for a few days can be very pleasant. Unless you want to write a book or something, it quickly becomes pretty boring. Even travelling into central Khon Kaen to see a movie a couple of times a month will play havoc with your budget. Maybe, an NGO would be willing to employ you to do volunteer work (they can arrange work permits).

Good luck. Make it happen!

I'd made an edit to my previous post but it never took effect for whatever reason therefore having to follow it up with this post. (I hope no one minds, sorry).

add on for my previous response

{Agreed, I've considered doing voluntary work before but only skimmed over the possibility; I wanted to ensure I'm on track and rolling before adding additional weight. Now that you've somewhat confirmed/indirectly implied it's possible for a non-Thai national to do so, I will certainly be keeping an eye out and routing around for openings, alongside trying to find potential employers that is.

Have you any idea if volunteering for an NGO will contribute towards/support PR?

Along side these thoughts I've had a few others, such as on-line courses and trying to obtain an ED visa in attempt to impress potential employers with Thai certificates.

In terms of free time and relaxing I've had various thoughts of logging my time and experiences in Thailand. Whether I do this by means of forum(s), setting up a my own website and blogging there, or the most likely.. making daily video logs, whether I'd make them public (via the likes of YouTube etc) I am undecided.}

I'll be sure to make it happen and keep everyone updated, all the best Tim, thanks.

[BritTim]

Thanks, I appreciate the comment(s)

Yeah, I too can see myself going over budget on food and drink, another commenter had also mentioned this.

Haha, I'll have to keep an eye out for these reverse osmosis machines, now you mention it's safe I'd give it shot.

With any luck the 2500B minimal budget I have in mind will be an anchor, and the rope attached won't be too long.. just enough to do it's job whilst keeping the social boat afloat (If you get my gist?). The more money I save the better, for instance any month below the 5500-6000B mark, I could put some money aside for anything unexpected (somewhat contributing to emergency funds), I consider 5500-6000B to be my ultimate cut off point -unless savings from prior month(s) have been made.

I haven't looked into insurance, although I should know from past experience to get it sorted! .

Don't suppose you could point me in the general direction on where to find light on this topic?

I imagine it should be straight forward enough, should I obtain it from Thailand or the UK? that's the only thing I can think of off. Cheers Tim, all the best

In fact, for your situation, finding the right insurance policy may not be easy. For various reasons, policies tend to have bundled benefits (most especially bundling life, health and accident cover, and sometimes even investment, together). You do not need life insurance and, depending on how much residual risk you are willing to accept, may not need a comprehensive health plan. Your main concern should be personal accident cover for major incidents. In your position, I would probably be looking for an "extra care" policy. Basically, the idea is that you will pay for low cost health and accident incidents yourself. However, most catastrophic accident costs will be covered. BUPA is one company that provides this kind of policy. Travel insurance (especially with deductibles) might be appropriate, but these generally have a six-month limit.

Thai Visa has a forum covering insurance matters. It would not hurt to post there, though most of the suggestions you get will probably be useless. There will be posts from people who do not seem to understand what insurance is for, and from brokers steering you towards policies providing them good commissions. In examining policies, think carefully about what realistically could happen, which costs you could eat, and where you really need to mitigate the risks.

[steve187]

longer than 6 months travel insurance is available, the other year i did 8 months and i'm an old crinkley

[scorecard]

Thanks, I appreciate the comment(s)

Yeah, I too can see myself going over budget on food and drink, another commenter had also mentioned this.

Haha, I'll have to keep an eye out for these reverse osmosis machines, now you mention it's safe I'd give it shot.

With any luck the 2500B minimal budget I have in mind will be an anchor, and the rope attached won't be too long.. just enough to do it's job whilst keeping the social boat afloat (If you get my gist?). The more money I save the better, for instance any month below the 5500-6000B mark, I could put some money aside for anything unexpected (somewhat contributing to emergency funds), I consider 5500-6000B to be my ultimate cut off point -unless savings from prior month(s) have been made.

I haven't looked into insurance, although I should know from past experience to get it sorted! .

Don't suppose you could point me in the general direction on where to find light on this topic?

I imagine it should be straight forward enough, should I obtain it from Thailand or the UK? that's the only thing I can think of off. Cheers Tim, all the best

In fact, for your situation, finding the right insurance policy may not be easy. For various reasons, policies tend to have bundled benefits (most especially bundling life, health and accident cover, and sometimes even investment, together). You do not need life insurance and, depending on how much residual risk you are willing to accept, may not need a comprehensive health plan. Your main concern should be personal accident cover for major incidents. In your position, I would probably be looking for an "extra care" policy. Basically, the idea is that you will pay for low cost health and accident incidents yourself. However, most catastrophic accident costs will be covered. BUPA is one company that provides this kind of policy. Travel insurance (especially with deductibles) might be appropriate, but these generally have a six-month limit.

Thai Visa has a forum covering insurance matters. It would not hurt to post there, though most of the suggestions you get will probably be useless. There will be posts from people who do not seem to understand what insurance is for, and from brokers steering you towards policies providing them good commissions. In examining policies, think carefully about what realistically could happen, which costs you could eat, and where you really need to mitigate the risks.

And check if there are any exclusions.

E.g. 'This insurance is not valid whilst you are riding a motor cycle in Thailand', or 'Not valid if you are bungy jumping.' Just wild examples but in fact many insurances policies have these and more clauses. Like always pays to read every word on the policy before signing /paying.

[stereolab]

2500 Baht a month is not a lot but it's doable as you are not thinking about drinking beer and alcohol.

Just as an example: where I live I pay around 20-30 Baht for a standard Thai meal, if I eat 3 times a day that's about 80 Baht but then sometimes I want to eat some more Western food and then it will easily become 250-500 for just a meal. On to that you will also have to add the cost for whatever you drink, 3 liter water a day would set you back 2-160 (yes, two to one hundred sixty) Baht a day depending on what water you drink!

I try to keep my own expenses for food and drinks under 5,000 Baht a month and as I don't drink alcohol (doctors order) it should be easy to keep it down to even 3,000 Baht but some times I want a pizza or a steak or anything else that is not just Thai food and then it's easy to spend more than 5,000 a month (6 days in to 2016 and I have already spent over 1,500 Baht for just food, snacks and drinks).

Just remember that KFC, McDonald's or Burger King would set you back at least 100 Baht just for a meal while a simple Thai dish is (usually) 30 Baht or less, at least in non-tourist areas.

Eating Western style food on this budget is a no-no, simply not doable. There is a huge range of Thai foods to be tried and tested, and as you are living with others in Khon Kaen you can make further savings by cooking at home, this will also pass time. Remember you will need to buy consumables, shaving, new clothes, sandals etc. Try and volunteer at your local Wat, they will always appreciate a hand sweeping up leaves, I did this for a few months upon arrival, before I started gardening. As others have stated, boredom is your biggest problem. Also try and get a bike or a pair of running shoes to keep fit. Your KK host will almost certainly have water delivered to the house in VERY Large bottles, we pay 12baht per bottle, simply fill up your wee bottle and chill it in the fridge.