Job Discussion Forums

Volodiya · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 3:56 am Post subject:

Nothing to feel bad about, here, Kent. When people write in for advice, there's nothing better they can hope for than an honest opinion from people in a position to know what they're talking about, like yourself, Tedkarma, and others.

Kent, long ago I read your stuff about the day to day expense of being in Thailand(accomodations, plus 500 Baht/day; with an extra 500 Baht/day on the weekend, to allow for a little relaxation). Although it may be theoretically possible to do better than that, I've tried, and I can't, even when I eat quite a few meals on the street, and drink something less than my favorite beer, trying to save a little.

If you hustle, it's not that hard to get some money together in China- where the pay is about the same as Thailand (if not a little higher), but the expenses of living average a third less. With a little luck, in four to six months, the OP could have the two grand together, and not have to take the chance of depending on the generosity of strangers to get by. Teaching 25 hours/week, lots of people in China make 8-10,000 RMB/month- making saving as much as you suggested, a realistic possibility.

Gringo Greg · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 4:47 am Post subject:

You can do it on $380, you can doit. Find the job in the south in a smaller city..Rent a room in the house for 1000 baht a month or in a Thai rooming house, kind of sucks, but only for a month or so. Buy a fan for 400 baht and buy a rice cooker for 400 baht. Buy 20 kilos of rice for 240 baht. You won't starve at least. Learn how to cook rice. Do like thai people and find food on the street to eat with the rice. Figure a budget of about 50 baht a day for food, and you can live on 200 baht a day. I did it and I have a wife and two kids at the time.

You can do it, but I dont suggest it, Come with $1000 and you will find it much easier.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ Yes same as Greg said. It's doable, but I wouldn't try and do it in Phuket. You can try Greg's route down South, or try Bangers!

Not much fun though.

But then when I got to Bangers I only had 25,000 Baht or so and I've met people literally with nowt that managed to make a go of it. But as others have said, bring more cash and your life will be a lot easier.

Volodiya · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:21 am Post subject:

Nobody should willingly risk a "meltdown" in a foreign land- no money, no friends, no where to stay, no return ticket. Begging for money, or help, is no fun, anywhere, and- for an adult- just looks a little stupid, frankly.

I might chance it on a thousand, but where's the money going to come from to front the three months rent, equivalent, needed to rent an apartment in Bangkok, for instance?

The more cash and credit available, the less risk of a meltdown. Simple as that.

But, we do what we have to do, and if the OP can't do better, the question is answered for him, and it's rice, three times a day for a couple of months- and a two dollar a day room.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Sorry just giving my own personal opinion.

It's doable, I know people that have done it....end of story.

At the end of the day the OP has to weigh up the risks etc. If he wants to go for it, up to him. If not...up to him as well.

You don't always need three months rent in Bangers. If the OP PMs me I can put him in touch with cheap by the month accommodation!

More cash and credit card......the more likely you are to wait until you're down to your last Baht before looking for work (I've seen it happen so many times), so same same but a little different.

Each to their own. I know I've done far worse and taken far greater risks and had a great time.

It's rice three times a day for a lot of people here....which is cool if you like rice Wink

Agreeing to disagree, although I did say it would be easier and more fun with more cash.

I've lived on as little as 8,500 Baht a month (my first month's wages, the next was 15,000 Baht) here, and to be honest I was kind of happier then in some ways than I am now (I appreciated things more then).

Volodiya · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:45 am Post subject:

Deleted. (Double post.)

Volodiya · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:48 am Post subject:

I'm sorry if I came across as too negative, here. Sounds like there are some people, like Ken, with some ready, practical knowledge of how to get by- while making a fresh start- in Thailand. (It certainly makes a difference if the question is "what's reasonable vs. what's possible", when one is prepared to accept any necessary hardship to do it.)

I've gotten spoiled, now, to having cash and credit, health insurance, etc. But, there were years when these things would not have been guaranteed, and I needed a break, or two, in life. I wish anybody luck who needs it, at the moment.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ No worries, I'm a bit moody myself today.

It's doable and push comes to shove I don't think your Embassy will let you starve/die here.

To this day I never have any money saved from month to month (I'm around 15K into my wages on the 30th already and I have to pay 11K rent) and I don't have any credit cards and I personally have never had health insurance here (although I now have life assurance that covers my won for health).

But it all depends what you're used to, and no I wouldn't do it for a long period of time (after three months here I was put on a reasonable wage).

voodikon · Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1363 Location: chengdu

so whatever happened to the op? i was thinking i was being risky planning to come over with usd2,000. i guess not as risky as some.

does anybody know about credit cards in thailand? can they be issued to foreigners by thai banks? my credit was fabulous, but then i stopped using my credit card two years ago when i moved to china and it was stolen. so i think it should still be fine, just inactive. i never had the card re-issued as i would then have to figure out how to transfer money back there AND pay horrendous conversion rates and cash-advance fees.

jibbs · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 452

I think one option would be to try Korea. Get a job, they'll fly you over, you'll have a place to stay for free. After a week of work you can get an advance and live cheap the first month. You can make some pretty good cash, maybe save a few grand after 5-6 months, or if things are good, more than that for up to a year. Then you can go to Thailand with several thousand bucks and have no worries when you get there, take your time looking for a job, and enjoy it much more. You may dislike Korea, but nothing keeps you from leaving. If you are OK with China you could be fine in Korea.

Just an idea.

ozvaldo · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 13

Remember dude, with 15,000 to last a month, you're gonna be celibate for 30 whole days with a HELL of a lot of tempation just staring you in the face, rubbing up against your leg, shouting how 'Hansum' you are as you walk down the road. It's not gonna be fun going back to your cold single $2 a night GH bed for 30 whole nights in a row thinking of the opportunities only 50 metres away.

flapjack · Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:47 am Post subject:

I left southern thailand in 2001 because of the problems with terrorism. I cant remember which poster said go to southern thailand but I would give that one a miss for sure until things clear up, which may be a very long time.

I do agree that thailand is a great place to work.

If you are having a bad time in china and you really want out, then I agree with the other poster who said go to Korea for 6 months to a year, make some cash and head for thailand. They will pay your trip there and set you up with a job plus a place to stay and even an advance.

Finally I would say don't get side tracked in Korea or any other country with a serious relationship if you really want to make it to Thailand.

Stumptown · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 28

I'm presently living in K**** and I would recommend you come here for a year. There's nothing to do so you'll save a ton of money, plus make 30-50 an hour extra if you tutor. I'm staying one more year and going to Thailand. I'll have about 20,000 USD to start with as well as 5 years teaching experience. Give it a shot for a year.

legaleagle · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 59 Location: HCMC

Ozvaldo, if the OP is so 'Hansum' maybe he won't have to pay! He may even make money on the deal.

norbdemn · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 128

Is this your first time to Thailand? If it is you will spend more on mistakes you make (I have made plenty - we all have) day to day during your adjusting/learning period. There are also many distractions. You have to have strong will power.

It also depends where you live. If you live in the sticks, then you can get by on 15 dollars or less a week (lower cost of living - of course if you do not drink). I have done it personally. If you live in town you will spend more.

In terms of getting a salary advance it is possible. I have done it before. I was working for an agent at the time so this may be different than working directly for the school. The agent gave me a 20% advance. I was surprised she did. Possibly because I was referred by someone that worked for her and I have been in Thailand over a year already. I think it may be much different if you are a newbie. It does not hurt to ask.

If you are going to go on with it and come to LOS with the money you mentioned I would definitely try to find a job where housing is included.

Its possible to do it. You must be frugal for the first month and do not give into temptation.

Good luck!