Considering Retiring in Bangkok

[ggt]

Whatever you do...do not pay any attention to the people who talk about the crime, corruption, rip-offs, stealing, and beat-downs of foreigners by gangs of Thais...

To really immerse yourself into Thai culture and experience the good life...you will need to hook-up with a young Thai hottie...build her a house, purchase a new car and truck, motorcycle and be willing to enjoy the company of her parents and children as they move in and take over...

Don't worry about learning Thai language...you will not be included in any dinner conversation and will likely be totally ignored unless they all want to go to dinner and need someone to pickup the tab...

If you stay in a hotel and condo...be sure not go out on the balcony if you are entertaining guests...may foreigners find Thailand just the place to jump to their death committing suicide...clean...not too much paperwork involved...the police like this method...

You might want to visit Chiang Mai in the North...cooler up there...even the people are cooler...with signs tacked to electric poles which say...get rid of foreign beer bars...take our city back from foreigners...

Don't forget Southern Thailand where the Muslim separatists have been doing what they do best...killing officials, policemen, soldiers, and teachers...bombing hotels...

Immigration is an unforgettable experience for many...you will get to see these folks often...and also the police may stop by your home just to see if you need anything...be prepared to offer a small donation to their retirement fund...

It is all good Mike...Enjoy!

Edited June 25, 2016 by ggt

[berybert]

My advice would be to go for it. But do not sell your condo in the U.S. rent it out of if can, that way you always have the option and peace of mind that you are not stuck if things don't work out for you.

I lived in Bangkok for 13 months and am planning on going back later this year. I have lived in London all my life other than those 13 months. So I am also a city person and if you love city life then the madness of Bangkok will appeal.

The public transport isn't great but it was good enough for me.

Your budget will be fine for a good life including rent. I lived in a 1 bed 50 meter condo not far from Thonglor BTS which cost me 21,000 baht all bills in. Tho I am not an a/c fan so it might cost an extra 3 or 4 thousand, which is still not a great deal.

Give it a go, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

Good luck.

I am currently in a monthly rental in Sukumwit Soi 4 - in the heart of the action, but too close for comfort (for me). I am interested in other monthly rental options not too far away from where I am currently staying as it's near my Thai language school. Would you be able to list a few options please (names and locations). You mentioned Thong Lor, that sounds perfect - more detail if you don't mind. Thanks in advance..

I can only list the place I stayed in.

Plus 38 condo. If you get off the BTS at Thonglor walk down soi 38 and take the first road on the right hand side, walk on the left side of the road and the block is just before the road turns left. Its a fie minute walk from the BTS.

8 stories high older build so better quality.

Normally a number of rooms available but people do tend to stay there for a long time. There is a nice pool tho the gym is pretty much rubbish.

Building work is going on not far from the condo but I can honestly say it didn't affect me at all. The only noise that used to annoy me way the scretching bird that seemed to go out of its way to bug me !!!

The rooms advertised on the net that I have seen seem to be around 21 to 25 thousand baht per month, Bills are extra but are paid at government rate.

My place looked out onto the garden of a big private house so was always pleasant and never a problem to have the doors open and either sit on the balcony or inside with the wind blowing thru.

The kitchens were basic but you do get a washing machine, 2 ring hob, tho there is room to have a small gas unit if you wish. Bathroom was plenty big enough and the bedroom also.

I couldn't fault it in anyway other than the gym.

Oh and you do get the choice of 4 7-11's and I think 2 family marts all with in 6 or 7 minutes walk, what more could you want.

Soi 55 which is just across the road from the BTS is considered one of the more upmarket areas of Bangkok, and is very trendy. Hench the fact I didn't go there much

[csabo]

I came on a 20 day trip to scout the country and went from Krabi to Hua Hin to Bangkok to Chiang Mai to get a feel (just a feel, not an in depth knowledge) for the country from the bottom to the top. Obviously that was a short time but it was enough for me to know I wanted to come back but not live long term in any of those 4 locations. I taught myself enough Thai (reading, speaking) to get by in most situations for about a year prior to and after the first visit. I know myself. I know I have always wanted to live near the sea. These are important factors. I met a girl online before returning and when I got back I stayed in BKK for about a month and a half getting to know her and the city. I learned two things quickly. I loved her and hated BKK. The MRT and BTS are always packed and I rarely got a seat (I suffer from some orthopedic injuries so this is not good). I never took a hot shower in BKK. Just about five cold showers a day with multiple clothing changes to cool off. I lived about 8 blocks from the BTS (in Sapan Kwai) and got tired of being heavily reliant on motorbike taxis to take me to the train all the time. The lack of a park or place to run or picnic near me was disappointing. The relentless rats and roaches everywhere. I hate malls and shopping and not really a partier so I decided to move on. I asked the GF if she would go south with me for some fresh air and she said yes. She is a skilled stylist so can take her trade with her. I live on the Andaman coast now and I love it. I can ride my bicycle, go for a hike or run near the sea, swim, fish, sail, golf, use my own means of transportation (motorbike or my pickup), dine at a restaurant with cooling sea breezes, chat with Thais in Thai who are not in a rush to get to another train stop , master slow and low barbecuing, go to a different outdoor market everyday of the week, scuba, hunt for crabs and clams, lay on the beach and bikini watch, go to my GF's salon for a day of beauty (facial scrub, mani/pedi, haircut, all free, I know the owner) etc etc, the list goes on and on. I am never bored or without something to do. That was 2 years ago. By far the best 2 years of my life. Bottom line, BKK is not for me, some people love it I am sure. Know yourself, research research research (youtube is a must), try it on for a short time, try other places, then you will know if BKK is right for you but if someone offered to pay my rent for me I wouldn't live there.

[Mansell]

A lot of good advice here, including ignore the negative people. Your budget is great, the only time it might look a little lacking if you get involved with a Thai lady or get married.....but if you are smart you can make it work. Places to live is all over the map in relation to prices. For example I live on the beach in Phuket for $350 a month.....but then factor in water, electricity, phone, Internet, and some kind of television system. But you will still have plenty of money left. Just DO NOT lend money to any to any of the foreigners here, no matter how convincing they sound., as it will probably vanish forever....bye bye!

If you can come for longer than 20 days it would help.....loneliness can be an issue here....but you could travel to other places and get a feel for them. Where do you live in America? That might give us some idea of what might work here for you. There is a large difference between New York, Seattle, San Diego, Kansas, Denver, etc. Good luck with it all.

[The manic]

Just don't. Far more negatives than positives these days. The cost is likely to be equal to or more than the U.S., unless you're retiring from somewhere like New York.

Rubbish - inaccurate response from a self hating Thai basher.

[KhunBENQ]

Post #34 details what I mean with "you have to love cities"

And Bangkok is not an easy one to love.

Don't compare it with cultural centers in Europe or USA.

With you budget you have more choices than Bangkok.

I don't share the "big brother" concerns (yet).

But to be honest: don't burn the bridges if possible.

Keep a return path open.

Nowadays I don't recommend people to sell all assets, property etc.and arrive with a suitcase.

[khunPer]

As I'm not living in BKK, I cannot give helpful answers on locations and expat communities, but 3,200 US$ a month equals in average 100,000 baht, which is (more than) enough for a good life as single – only thing that can change it is, if you fall in love...

Wish you good luck.

[phuketandsee]

Not everyone here is a "self hating Thai basher". There are many here though that seem blind to the dramatic changes underway in Thailand and the even greater ones to come. How can you consider moving here until you have a reasonable idea of where it is all going to shake out?

[whaleboneman]

I would think twice about settling in Thailand at this point with the this repressive government at this time They are gearing up to control the internet You have to report to Immigration every 3 months when you are here and fill in a form about your background that is very intrusive such as bank account information, social media exposure Where you go shopping etc Yes you read this right .

It is BIG BROTHER

You are better retiring to a place like Panama where you are treated with respect I am going to leave Thailand and move there since they truly do welcome foreigners here they really do not like Foreigners except the money they bring

You may want to read up a bit on Panama's repressive government who clear land and kill indigenous people for the almighty dollar. They may not be as friendly as you think.

[Thaifly88]

My advice would be to go for it. But do not sell your condo in the U.S. rent it out of if can, that way you always have the option and peace of mind that you are not stuck if things don't work out for you.

I lived in Bangkok for 13 months and am planning on going back later this year. I have lived in London all my life other than those 13 months. So I am also a city person and if you love city life then the madness of Bangkok will appeal.

The public transport isn't great but it was good enough for me.

Your budget will be fine for a good life including rent. I lived in a 1 bed 50 meter condo not far from Thonglor BTS which cost me 21,000 baht all bills in. Tho I am not an a/c fan so it might cost an extra 3 or 4 thousand, which is still not a great deal.

Give it a go, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

Good luck.

I am currently in a monthly rental in Sukumwit Soi 4 - in the heart of the action, but too close for comfort (for me). I am interested in other monthly rental options not too far away from where I am currently staying as it's near my Thai language school. Would you be able to list a few options please (names and locations). You mentioned Thong Lor, that sounds perfect - more detail if you don't mind. Thanks in advance..

I can only list the place I stayed in.

Plus 38 condo. If you get off the BTS at Thonglor walk down soi 38 and take the first road on the right hand side, walk on the left side of the road and the block is just before the road turns left. Its a fie minute walk from the BTS.

8 stories high older build so better quality.

Normally a number of rooms available but people do tend to stay there for a long time. There is a nice pool tho the gym is pretty much rubbish.

Building work is going on not far from the condo but I can honestly say it didn't affect me at all. The only noise that used to annoy me way the scretching bird that seemed to go out of its way to bug me !!!

The rooms advertised on the net that I have seen seem to be around 21 to 25 thousand baht per month, Bills are extra but are paid at government rate.

My place looked out onto the garden of a big private house so was always pleasant and never a problem to have the doors open and either sit on the balcony or inside with the wind blowing thru.

The kitchens were basic but you do get a washing machine, 2 ring hob, tho there is room to have a small gas unit if you wish. Bathroom was plenty big enough and the bedroom also.

I couldn't fault it in anyway other than the gym.

Oh and you do get the choice of 4 7-11's and I think 2 family marts all with in 6 or 7 minutes walk, what more could you want.

Soi 55 which is just across the road from the BTS is considered one of the more upmarket areas of Bangkok, and is very trendy. Hench the fact I didn't go there much

Thank you Berybert - will check the place out as soon as my current agreement expires soon. I need a change from the Nana area

[smotherb]

If you have only traveled overseas, you probably don't have a good feel for living anywhere other than the states. Nothing wrong with that, everyone needs to find out. Thailand is the place of choice for a lot of foreign retirees. There are many reasons to choose Thailand, or several other places in Southeast Asia, to retire--from cost of living, through experiencing other cultures, to sex with younger women. As a single man, you have the option of paying your money and taking your choice. I would not settle on Thailand without seeing other areas in Southeast Asia. The problem is it takes some time to really be sure of your choice of where to settle. I would visit several cities--since it appears you want a big city--in SEA for a look see. The ones you preferred should get a second, longer visit. You could even start during your October visit. You say you have three weeks at your disposal; I would spend one week in Bangkok and a week each in two other SEA capitals. Do some research on the countries in SEA between now and October, join other forums in other countries--do a feasibility study of where to retire; in essence what you are doing now. Select your first three and go look see. When you are 62, you can come back and start with the one of the three you preferred. Stay there a couple of months, get to know the place and the people a little. I would not stop there. I would go look see in two or more other cities. After you have visited several, you'll know when you get to the one you like, or decide to look elsewhere for retirement. Although $3.2k isn't much, it will be enough for a quite decent place and if you go out no more than you say and watch your expenses, you could afford some vacation travel. Don't listen to the people who say they can live well for a fraction of that--they define "live well" differently than I do and unless you can live on the cheap, probably different than you too.

[ozyjon]

My story parallels yours in many ways, did the whole

''i'm moving to Thailand'' blah blah blah, it didn't last.

After many years i can take it in small doses no i

can't, i've moved to Laos.

[chubby]

keep in mind you won't be able to use your Medicare coverage overseas. so, you will need to buy a policy, unless your gonna self insure.

what is your reason to move to a far-away country? expenses, companionship?

as in a marriage, there will probably be a honeymoon stage, where it's all new exciting, then slowly you will see the warts, of ageing in a developing country, where you can't speak a language, even small tasks can be challenging, and if you've no gf, you'll need a translator or important things can go sour, and be very frustrating, depending on whether your willing to pay to smooth some of them out if you can.

costa rica is a lot closer than Thailand, BKK is avoided by the Chiang Mai crowd, which I understand is booming despite the 104F temperatures for months, and LA smog where they is no blue sky , etc ....

[berybert]

keep in mind you won't be able to use your Medicare coverage overseas. so, you will need to buy a policy, unless your gonna self insure.

what is your reason to move to a far-away country? expenses, companionship?

as in a marriage, there will probably be a honeymoon stage, where it's all new exciting, then slowly you will see the warts, of ageing in a developing country, where you can't speak a language, even small tasks can be challenging, and if you've no gf, you'll need a translator or important things can go sour, and be very frustrating, depending on whether your willing to pay to smooth some of them out if you can.

costa rica is a lot closer than Thailand, BKK is avoided by the Chiang Mai crowd, which I understand is booming despite the 104F temperatures for months, and LA smog where they is no blue sky , etc ....

Small tasks can be a challenge ? if you have reached puberty and have an iq in double figures i doubt you will find small tasks to be a challenge.

I didnt have a girlfriend nor did I need a translator to get anything done, and I expect many thousands of people are simular.

What are you wanting the OP to do, move to Chaing Mai or Costa Rica ? And do they speak a language in either of those places that is understandable to a non Thai speaker who doesn't have a GF or a translator ?

Your entire post is gobble-de-gook. But then again I don't have a translator so maybe it will make sense to others.

Edited June 25, 2016 by berybert

[stephenterry]

With your income, prepare yourself to be a babe-magnet who can attract beautiful, sexy, young Thai women who are constantly available 24/7, and never say no. That they speak good English, have the mentality of 16 year-olds, have at least one child and an I-phone to support, and are in constant need for money to support their family is no bar to a relationship that promises paradise.

These women are typically bar-girls, freelancers, or opportunists that frequent tourist entertainment areas. You could be lucky and find a diamond among them, but you'll have to do a lot of digging to unearth one. And digging costs money. By the bucket load. Never, ever, be fooled and fall in love. She will only love your money. That's a given.

Far better to immerse yourself at a gym or ex-pat social outlet, talk to women who have regular jobs in banks, shopping malls, hospitals etc. and who are financially independent (at their level). Typically, they will not be stunners, but nevertheless attractive and sincere in meeting the 'right' man. Their English will be moderate to poor, they could also have children to support, and they could also work long hours.

Not all of these are diamonds, because some will be freelancers, and some lazy, and possibly less available to meet the sexual demands of a babe-magnet. Nevertheless, a good initial starting point for a long-lasting relationship.

If it was me, I'd go with as many of the good-time girls as I could physically manage to 'get it out' of my system. NEVER hook up with one, or invite her to stay (as your G/F) in your apartment as she'll never leave, until you're financially drained. Short-time only.

When you reach the point where constant SAFE- sex with different women fails to excite you, you're ready to start looking for a more permanent lady. Take your time, and don't try and force it. It will happen..

[bitcoinforever]

where exactly do you live in the u.s., it will tell me a lot about you and if Bangkok is right for you. if you live in New york City or Chicago proper and like it there than Bangkok no problem anywhere else and you will hate Bangkok think New york city run by monkeys. Chaos everywhere, no logic to the city traffic nightmare designed by a traffic engineer in his worst nightmare. people on top of people makes New york density beautiful in comparison. visit first then decide

[Guest]

Since we have so much in common, I would be happy to have a call with you via Skype sometime.

Always willing to help another American, and you really do sound like a decent guy.

I have been here 6 years, lovely wife, nice condo, rent a condo great building right on the river....swimming pools, nice health club .. when I tell you what i pay ... and send you a photo of the view .. you will fall out of your chair (and pack your bags tonight)

Send me a personal message if you would like to chat sometime.

[Wake Up]

Hello Mike

I am close to your age from USA and moved to BKK several months ago after a nasty USA divorce. Read Thai visa daily. I have several people on this blog that I listen to their advice as they provide me good advice without an agenda. They admit that their way may not be your way. Listen to them. A few Thai haters I ignore.

I have a one year lease on Sukhumvit close to Nana and Soi Cowboy. I plan on buying a truck and touring Thailand when my lease is up and staying a month or two in a hotel in many cities. I love BKK and will probably end up back in BKK. It is a great place for girls art music food and freedom. It is well within your budget.

I am studying Thai. It is hard but worth it.

I have been with a lot of bar girls. Some are bad and some are good and just want a better life financially. Same with expats some are good and some bad.

I have a favorite Thai girl now that lives with me. She has been great to live with and helped me drive in Thailand and tell me places in Thailand to see that I would not normally be comfortable seeing alone. I have met her Isaan family and some of them like me, some don't and some are curious. No different that any other place in the world. Don't have to marry and buy anyone a house but don't let the Thai women haters keep you from a woman you like.

I don't have the experience that others on Thai forum have but now I dread having to fly back to America for anything so I am selling my house in USA. Having renters in America and living in BKK to me is not a good idea but I understand the people that advise you to keep your condo. We may all return or move elsewhere one day but I have traveled the world for business and no city for me is better than BKK. I also enjoy Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Chang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi and Phuket and other Thai places yet to be explored.

Good luck and enjoy the journey.

[Thainess]

Just don't. Far more negatives than positives these days. The cost is likely to be equal to or more than the U.S., unless you're retiring from somewhere like New York.

Rubbish - inaccurate response from a self hating Thai basher.

Sorry to disappoint you... I LOVE myself. I don't abuse my body with alcohol or cigarettes like most expats... And I DON'T hate Thais, just telling it like it is. The facts are the facts.

[Bernard Flint]

Just don't. Far more negatives than positives these days. The cost is likely to be equal to or more than the U.S., unless you're retiring from somewhere like New York.

Rubbish - inaccurate response from a self hating Thai basher.

Sorry to disappoint you... I LOVE myself. I don't abuse my body with alcohol or cigarettes like most expats... And I DON'T hate Thais, just telling it like it is. The facts are the facts.

So you hate expats too?????

[beachproperty]

Just don't. Far more negatives than positives these days. The cost is likely to be equal to or more than the U.S., unless you're retiring from somewhere like New York.

Rubbish - inaccurate response from a self hating Thai basher.

Sorry to disappoint you... I LOVE myself. I don't abuse my body with alcohol or cigarettes like most expats... And I DON'T hate Thais, just telling it like it is. The facts are the facts.

Well you're the only one who loves you.....Because you don't know the FACTS....only fiction

[ExpatOilWorker]

I live square in the center of Bangkok and really enjoy it.

You are better off living in the center where you have a better chance of meeting friends and have a social life. Plenty of condos with nice kitchens at high floor, like the below:

http://www.angelfire.com/emo/condoinbangkok

[m07801]

Thank you all so much for responding to my post. Wow, I didnt think I would get so many responses.

Some of you have asked general questions about me. I will try to answer. I live in New Jersey, about 45 minutes from New York City. I would actually live in NYC if I could afford it. Some people think Im crazy saying this. But even working at my job, the rents or ownership would be too much for me. When I do go into NYC, not often, I get a vibe that seems to invigorate me. I like walking, all the stores, restaurants, all the different people. I grew up in cities in New Jersey. My parents, grandparents, aunts, cousins, uncles, were from Brooklyn and the Bronx. I never lived in New York, but I even have a Brooklyn accent LOL.

As for the women. Im not a party type person. Im not going to hang out in bars every night, if I lived in BKK. And I have no intention of getting into a relationship with a bar-girl, or any women that would just want me for my assets. And I dont mean my physical assets LOL. I have no intention of letting myself fall into a trap.

And dont take me the wrong way. If you want to live in BKK, hang out with bar girls, go to bars, every night, etc., that is your business. Im not here to judge anyone. Im just telling you what Im not planning on doing.

Im not just researching Thailand or other places overseas for retirement. Im also researching states here in the USA. I want to retire next year when I turn 62. I can get the minimum of social security plus the pension from my job. Now if I wait until Im 66 years old, I get I think I get around $500 more social security. Which is good. But I dont want to wait that long. I have worked 31 years at my job now for a federal agency. For the past ten years, I have been in management. The agency is so screwed now, so much stress, that I dont want to work there until Im 66. So overseas retirement could be a good option, and i use the word option. I probably can live fairly well overseas on social security and pension and not have to touch my assets. And if you are wondering if I would just retire overseas with just my monthly income, the answer is no. I will have my bank savings account, checking account, and a government type 401k plan which I have saved money in. I know I cant use medicare overseas. Upon my retirement, I can keep my heath care plan I have now through the federal agency which Im employed. This would cost me around $200 USD per month. I contacted the health plan. They told me that in the USA they would be my secondary health provider, and I would have to take on Medicare as my primary provider. The health plan then told me that if I lived overseas, they would cover me anywhere in the world as my primary sole provider, and I would not need to have Medicare.

Some of you have mentioned Costa Rica. I did visit Costa Rica to research it for retirement. I met very nice people (locals) there. But most people that retire there live outside of San Jose.. It is quiet out there, they look at nature, birds , the water, fish, kayak, swim, etc. Im not into that. I stayed in San Jose the capital for four days. For a city, I thought it was kind of boring. But you cant fairly compare BKK with San Jose.

So I hoped so of this information helped.

[CaptHaddock]

Bangkok is not New York City and doesn't have that stimulating vibe. If you are open to other suggestions you might look at Buenos Aires which has been and may still be the sweet spot of expat living: a fairly high place on the quality of life scale combined with a fairly low place on the cost of living comparison. Cuenca in Ecuador and some other places in South America would be worth considering as well, the big drawback of SA being the higher rate of crime.

Berlin is one of the most stimulating cities these days, like New York 30 years ago.

[JHolmesJr]

Watch your money like a hawk when you come into contact (especially intimate contact) with thais.

They are masters…no…grandmasters at making a single white male part with his money.

Gird your loins against any and all sob stories, no matter how much they tug at your heartstrings.

And don't ever let any thai know what your cash-flow is like.

The rest is a piece of cake.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I'd add to some of the thoughts shared above, as someone who's lived in BKK for some years.

First, the OP's money shouldn't be an issue, provided he follows the advice given about keeping his finances to himself, and living reasonably, and not becoming the unwitting benefactor of others.

Second, I'd never move to BKK, or even consider doing so, with as little direct experience on the ground as the OP indicated. I'd only consider moving after lots of visits and time in country, followed preferably by some kind of trial period where you could move back to the U.S. without major complications if you decided this place is not for you.

Third, the OP should first spend a lot of time reading the news here on ThaiVisa to gain some understanding of the kinds of things that routinely occur here, including crooked cops; a total lack of a meaningful/functional justice system, crazy prison sentences for minor offenses while murderers walk free; a major lack of safety in many things, including public transit vans, inter-city buses especially at night, speed boats, etc; poor quality standards for things like water, pesticides and chemicals added to local foods, building standards, fire safety, etc. And every time you read about any of those kinds of problems, you'll come to know, that no one in authority here is really interested to make those things any better.

Fourth, all those things said, it's possible to live a reasonably peaceful life in Bangkok, if you find a decent home that you're comfortable in, and eventually in time, you find a good companion who's not out to rip you off and is committed to a genuine relationship -- although in most cases, you still should expect the Thai woman to expect that you're going to financially support or help support her in any number of ways. Living in the center of BKK, the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and Airport Rail Link mass transit lines make it pretty easy to get around and will connect you with most places you'd want or need to go. And as said, taxis in BKK are pretty easy to use.

Fifth, the OP should be aware that there are potential earth-shaking disruptions and changes on the horizon for Thai society, ones that could make the current military government and all its excesses look small by comparison. The issue is one we are not supposed to talk about here, and one that perhaps is even legally forbidden to talk about. And if the OP doesn't by now know what I'm referring to, then he has no business considering moving to Thailand. I don't know what's going to result from this issue in the future, but I do know that it looms as a major, major source of uncertainty for the entire country.

Sixth, I think living here requires some mental adjustment for the typical American, and also requires a personality that's able to go-with-the-flow to some extent and not get hung up/obsessed by daily life problems and issues that you can't necessarily control. You need to get used to store clerks who when you ask for something, will simply answer "don't have" without even knowing or bothering to look. You need to get used to Thai service staff and workers who make appointments to come to your home and then don't show up, or show up hours late without so much as a phone call. You need to get used to trying to get a straight, clear answer from Thais on any number of things, only to end up with vague non-answers or simply wrong answers. Stuff like that....

All in all, I live here, but I made that decision some years ago during a different time and when things in general perhaps were not what they are today. If I had it to do all over again and knowing everything I know now, I'm not sure I would. There was a time when Thailand looked like it was a developing country that was moving forward to become a leader among SE Asian countries. But right now, I'm not sure there are too many folks who are making those kinds of predictions today.

Edited June 26, 2016 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[anotheruser]

If you want to find out what a taste of the suburbs is with out being too far from a BTS and ensure you have a quiet environment try this place...

http://www.celadonbangkok.com/

The only thing missing is there isn't a pool. You can see that in some suites they even have an oven in the kitchen and that is not so common in most condos. It is a serviced apartment and even the smallest suites are bigger than many condos. The staff are friendly and they do monthly rentals which could give you time to find a condo. The prices are in line with what any condo would offer and probably better because you get free cable, internet and maid service.

It is quiet and they offer free shuttles to the BTS and other attractions in the area. If you are seeking solitude but want to access to the center of the town this really is a nice place. I would probably move there except for I love having a couple of pools in my building. Maybe a good place to start and explore the city. You can go out with your budget to restaurants but if you can cook at all and require western food on an often basis you can't go wrong having a room like these, the kitchens are much better than most condos. I don't work or own the place but discovered it recently and I think it is pretty good value for the price. If they do not ask for damage deposits all the better. I only visited a friend who stayed there a week and was suitably impressed by what was offered.

You could actually host people and make a nice formal dinner inside with the quality of the furniture and the space, these are big suites.

It's where I would start in Bangkok and I would take my time looking for condos. Most of the condos here are a bit wonky and the bathrooms and kitchens are utterly horrible. Price wise there can be little difference between a 30,000 Baht condo or 50,000 or even 80,000. Once you get past 100,000 Baht per month it is another league but condos in the upper mid range the pricing can be bizarre. Nice one bedroom condo in a very decent new building around 40,000 Baht. Less than that and you get places that are older and look a bit dated to me anyway. Tired bathrooms, no jacuzzi, etc. With your budget get a great place in BKK because having a very livable house will ultimately save you money by not having the need to go out all the time.

If you skimp on rent and this leads to you going out on the town the savings can easily be negated. There are obviously cheaper options then what I am suggesting but this would leave you around $2,000 a month pocket money for restaurants drinking etc. You will be able to have a nice place to live and a reasonable social life and dining experiences. You will still have to be a little careful but you certainly won't be wanting for anything or enduring too much hardship. It is really nice coming home from the heat and to be able to sit inside a place that is completely dignified.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

[metisdead]

Inflammatory posts and replies have been removed.

[JacChang]

$3,200 USD would be more than enough to live.

A lot of members have given great advices, I'll just give you the price list of items you may encounter.

Apartment Rent - $500~$1300 (Low end to high End)

Weekly Supermarket Purchases of all types of food - Below $130

Taxi - $3-5 for close locations(10-20mins)

Roadside meals - $2-4

Restaurant Meals - $7-15

Normal Average Car - $25,000 (Way more expensive than in the west due to taxes)

Apartment/House - $100,000+

[smutcakes]

Watch your money like a hawk when you come into contact (especially intimate contact) with thais.

They are masters…no…grandmasters at making a single white male part with his money.

Gird your loins against any and all sob stories, no matter how much they tug at your heartstrings.

And don't ever let any thai know what your cash-flow is like.

The rest is a piece of cake.

Well perhaps yes, if you are a complete simpleton.

Anyone with more than an ounce of street smarts should be able to see scams and situtions where scams may occure a mile off.