living costs in Isaan

[davu]

I have been following a thread on Orient Expats about living costs for Farangs in Thailand. Estimates range from around 100 000 a month in Bangkok to 30 000 for Isaan. I know that some people are reticent about divulging their income so I start by stating that I  have about 47 000 a month, raising to about 60 000 next year. I will be living in my wife's house that I am currently renovating and be surrounding by supporting (and until now) non-exploiting family.
I think that with 25 000 you can just about survive, no savings possible and worrying about health bills as you get older. 40 000 should be ok , 60 000 and you are a king. My wife reckoned that we could live on the 10 000 a month she gets from rice (haha ha). I told her to give this to her daughter.
What do you guys think? There are so many variables to be put in the equation that you have to mention living situation, family support, illness insurance and so on to get a clear picture. A very commercial site centred on Chiang Mai reckons you can, living alone, be ok on 550 dollars a month without illness insurance.
http://www.retire-on-550-month.com/costofliving_chiangmai.php

[Vombatus]

I think you are pretty close with your figures and the 60k should give you a decent standard of living.

The Thai immigration requirements of 65k income are soundly based.

If your wife is earning 10k p.m. from rice - she must have a lot of land !

[davu]

10 000 is a lot? News to me, I can't remember how many Rais she has. I'll get back on that.

[urleft]

I think you are fairly correct that you can live on 60,000 baht a month.  However, was hoping to do that but keeping going over (a lot is my own fault). 

For example, I wanted a good bicycle to ride around (not a big C model).  That was 20,000 baht right there.  And I decided we needed his and her's scooters, another 45K.  The city water pressure was not enough, so got a 700 liter tank and pump, then got a rain shower to take advantage of it, and added a 6 watt heater (not sure I should not have kept the old one). 

So I am hoping I have about gotten my necessary aquisitions out of the way, and about remolded the house to make it really comfortable.  Maybe I be able to make that 60K limit in a few months. 

The point is that initially if you will probably exceed that budget to change, fix, and add the comfort factor.  Just plan for it. 

[Charlie]

As already touched upon it depends on your situation already.

If you have a house that is completed to your satisfaction, have cars and motorcycles that are paid for and all other things are in shape then you can quite easily live on half of what you are talking about. 1000 baht a day is more than enough for day to day living.

If you dont drink alcohol then you can live on even less.

[davu]

not drink alcohol? but I.. how will I... the village shop depends on me for surviving I do a service to the community

[Charlie]

not drink alcohol? but I.. how will I... the village shop depends on me for surviving I do a service to the community

You are not the only one.

That is why I said what I said. Most farang that I know out here include alcohol as a monthly expence.

[davu]

sorry, bad joke

[Vombatus]

not drink alcohol? but I.. how will I... the village shop depends on me for surviving I do a service to the community

Hear hear !

[Alanthebuilder]

Beer Archer springs to mind , that's what the big drinkers on a tight budget in Surin drink !

[davu]

I will not only be baking my own bread I will be making my own beer,strictly for home consumption of course price list on demand. Actually illegal, you get a 200 Baht fine. I'll risk it.

[Vombatus]

I will not only be baking my own bread I will be making my own beer,strictly for home consumption of course price list on demand. Actually illegal, you get a 200 Baht fine. I'll risk it.

Do you by any chance have a recipe for Boddingtons or Pedigree  -  I would then cover the fine 

[davu]

I haven't drunk Boddingtons since 40 years but I remember it as tasting like Bison's Bile. So, I'm afraid not. My main problem will be getting good water

[dundeemk6]

Perfect water available at my place in Lahansai. I've got a reverse osmosis watermachine with 11 filters : ceramic filters, carbon filters. Only 1 baht per liter.

[chokchai]

 
Water is no problem. I use a counter top purifier. Carbon filter and ultra violet light. Filter lasts one year or 5000litres.