Thread: The real reason Thailand DOES have a low cost of living.

I completely agree with the OP. I live on 40k a month in Bangkok and easily save 15k of that. Just got back from a weeks travelling down south, and two weeks back in England. On my salary I have more than enough. I understand if people have kids and families to look after then they need more. But I have a dog, a gf and can afford holidays! It just depends on how you value things in life. I'd rather take a 10baht bus or sawngtail over a 100 baht taxi ride any day. Not just cause you see different things but because that is how the majority of thais live, and I didn't come to Thailand to live a western lifestyle.

Many Western women will pay for the second date and go halves on most things.

Originally Posted by pornstar

Seems like for ages that I could never quite square the peg. Some say 30k is enough some say it's a pittance and the sacrifices would be many. It popped into my head that it may come down to this;

The importance of social contact to the individual.

If a person places a greater value on things; a car, a PS3, a western kitchen, Levi jeans, etc then of course a Thai wage of 30k will seem like poverty.
For many all of the above would be exchanged in a second for a few good friends or even the chance just to be surrounded by people. And for these Thailand really is still cheap.

Standing on the street eating lunch in the UK, trying to get a smile out of a shop assistant, feeling a little bit attractive by walking into a 7/11, sit outside a corner shop drinking a beer. Do these things in the UK and they're either futile or you'd be branded a loser.
But for many teachers in Thailand doing any of the above is a real source of pleasure.

There are still many nice girls in Thailand that will be happy with a 150bht meal in a restaurant as a date. That's like trying to get a British girl to accept a M and S sandwich as a night out.

The truth is that you can still have a social life in Thailand for a very low cost and I believe THAT is the reason why many people say that 30k is enough still. And the ones who don't I believe may be the ones who value UBC, a western kitchen, and owning a few status symbols (especially if they are still comparing themselves with their friends in the west) over the above.

Of course there is a minority here who do want their social life to be a major part of their life, but who want to socialize with people who have a certain financial quality (as opposed to other qualities which I believe one can meet easily here) and these people will need a lot more than 30k to meet their life style goals. That also applies to guys who want to meet whores too of course.

Personally I'd rather stay in a 5k room, meet my friends for a couple of beers and a fried rice on the street most nights. Take a trip on a bus with a mate and our Mrs to a beach once a month and smile and be smiled at by the locals than live in a palace, drive a BMW and eat only the finest if it meant that I only had a little social contact.

Reminds me of when I used to collect money for charity in the UK: The working class areas where kids were playing on the street and there was (at that time) still a sense of community, the doors were usually opened with a smile. The posh areas were deathly quiet and often I met the most miserable looking poeple you're likely to find anywhere.

So I still feel that if you love people more than things 30k can still give you a good life even in Thailand's capital.

It's an interesting thread. I do see your point. I did find that life was lived much more outside in Thailand, people smile more (LOS after all), and there was more of a social life than here. It's all true and it's what draws me. There's always an interesting conversation waiting .

having said all that, I'm taking some of my back home income with me. There are certain compromises I'm not willing to make.

Bravo! 30K in BKK can be tough, the rents that are being charged are outrageous, and I am not sure who they are renting the $25K a month studios too...but, if you live simply - like a native for the most part - then 30K is very decent. I live in Pathumthani, make 32K and have more than $20K left over each month for travel and savings. My place has a/c, cable and is furnished - no kitchen but a 3-in-1 cooker allows me to make simple meals at home when I get bored of the talat food.

Social interaction is cheap -and by far the best value for your money!

^

Originally Posted by Cawphad Guy

Saving $20,000 a month - are there any jobs going at your place?

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