Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: smooler1 on September 03, 2016, 09:10:23 PM

Title: Yearly Living
Post by: smooler1 on September 03, 2016, 09:10:23 PM
Is it possible for a single man to live on £9000 a year in buriram ? Maybe daft question but would like some of your opinions...Thanks..
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Sofa_King on September 03, 2016, 09:16:38 PM
Yes ,very easily  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: smooler1 on September 03, 2016, 09:26:16 PM
Thank you sofa king,sorry for all the questions but im getting made redundant in november in the uk and weighing up my options,i can draw a private pension in 5 years time so really want to know about living costs and if my money will last me..
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Freddy on September 03, 2016, 09:29:59 PM
I would say yes it's possible. Current £ to THB rate would give you around 32 to 33,000 baht a month.
Obviously it depends on your personal needs and what you do to entertain yourself. If you keep your accomadation modest, ride a motorbike, limit the visits to the bar and enjoy the simple things in life then you'll come in well inside that.
All depends on your lifestyle expectations. Many working Thais earn as little as 300baht a day and raise a family on that. I wouldn't want to live so frugally but you have between 3 & 4 times their income.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: smooler1 on September 03, 2016, 09:33:19 PM
Thank you freddy,very usefull  :)
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: urleft on September 04, 2016, 04:31:01 AM
Yes, it is possible, I know of several expats living on around that range.  However, you have to be prepared for contingencies such as medical, accident (vehicles), visa runs, Thai girl friend, etc. 

I know of a guy that was about in your situation, he put a year in Saudi to build up his nest egg and is living much better. 

Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: CO-CO on September 04, 2016, 06:32:22 AM
I can think of at least 5 people living here on 25,000 Baht p.m. or less.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Starman on September 04, 2016, 07:29:23 AM
It all depends on your circumstances, as has been pointed out already.

Those that live here full time and have made the large purchases, ie: car and house, can live very nicely on the amount that you will have.

Rent is not expensive here so even with that factored in you will live a good life.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: CO-CO on September 04, 2016, 08:28:37 AM
Just one example of a single person on a budget:-

Living in a one bed detached bungalow, runs a 1 year old motorbike (paid for).


Monthly rent 3,000 Baht

Visa purchase 1,000 Baht

Electric/water etc 1,000 Baht

Food 7,000 Baht

Booze & fags 8,000 Baht

Female company 3,000 Baht

That leaves him about 2,000 Baht spare a month
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Freddy on September 04, 2016, 09:53:11 AM
Just one example of a single person on a budget:-

Living in a one bed detached bungalow, runs a 1 year old motorbike (paid for).


Monthly rent 3,000 Baht

Visa purchase 1,000 Baht

Electric/water etc 1,000 Baht

Food 7,000 Baht

Booze & fags 8,000 Baht

Female company 3,000 Baht

That leaves him about 2,000 Baht spare a month

So, if you don't smoke, don't drink and your gay if your gay, youll me a millionaire in no time.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Freddy on September 04, 2016, 09:55:07 AM
Apologies Co Co. The message above has shown as addition to your post rather than my comment below your quote.

Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: CO-CO on September 04, 2016, 10:16:19 AM
No problem Freddy 😂
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Sofa_King on September 04, 2016, 12:47:12 PM
Just one example of a single person on a budget:-

Living in a one bed detached bungalow, runs a 1 year old motorbike (paid for).


Monthly rent 3,000 Baht

Visa purchase 1,000 Baht

Electric/water etc 1,000 Baht

Food 7,000 Baht

Booze & fags 8,000 Baht

Female company 3,000 Baht

That leaves him about 2,000 Baht spare a month


So, if you don't smoke, don't drink and your gay if your gay, youll me a millionaire in no time.

For a 3-4 years I lived on just under 10k a month  .Like Starman has pointed out after large purchases are made ( we own our own house and motorbike ) It is possible to live here very cheaply if you wish/have too  .
Even though my income has now increased to a similar amount  that smooler1 plans to live on , I still don't spend much more than 10-12k a month as I've got used to living on that sum .
I done smoke,drink or womanise ( normally ;) )   and I have no need for a Car ( we did have one before but it sat on the drive most of the time so we sold it ) . We did buy a new Honda Wave 110 recently so we are now a 2 motorbike family  cool1
Although some will say you can live cheaply but you wont get many western comforts ...WTF are western comfort???
I live in a house that's very western inside.I eat a healthy western/mediterranean type diet ( I don't eat much Thai food though I do eat some ) but I don't eat western crap processed food that many are addicted to or spend my time sitting/propping up the bar
On similar threads to these I have seen I have seem some knobs post that they couldn't live on less than 120k a month, so it all depends on what type of lifestyle you want to live.
All I know is, I'm far happier living here in Thailand on a smallish income than I was living back in the UK, working earning 36,000 GBP a year with all the stress and strains that UK/Western life entails , I gave all that up a long time ago  :)



 
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: smooler1 on September 04, 2016, 01:21:43 PM
Thanx everyone great answers,i might just make the move !
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Freddy on September 04, 2016, 02:44:47 PM
Agree with Sofa King.
I support my wife, her Mum and her 16yr old daughter who now goes to school in Korat. We rent her a room near the school, which she shares. That cost is an additional 1,800 baht including water and electric + we give her 150 baht a day for food.
We have a large house, a bungalow for the Mother in Law, a truck, a motorbike, and run a swimming pool. We also eat well. The family pretty much stick with Thai food and me with chicken breast and lean pork, salads vegetables and fruit. We eat out when we feel like it.
We pay for Internet, Netflix. 3 mobile phones, etc, etc.
We don't drink much, only if socialising.
On average ( unless I decide to start building something or buy more tools) we spend under 35,000 baht a month and the pool is a chunk of that. Also I pay for daily meds and bi-monthly hospital visit.
I'm pretty settled and don't really feel the need to go out seeking entertainment. Always plenty to do around the house and garden.
I feel fortunate that my income exceeds my current needs but if it didn't, it wouldn't be to much of a problem.


Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: jammyboy on November 06, 2016, 10:23:16 PM
Thanx everyone great answers,i might just make the move !
yeah you are right about that sofa king  people here in uk are chasing their tails every day , I am back in 2 weeks looking fwd to the phone not ringing for 4 months , it is just that  decision to sod the uk and finally pack up for the last time , without the addition of a return tjcket.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: nookiebear on November 07, 2016, 03:34:32 AM
Thanx everyone great answers,i might just make the move !
yeah you are right about that sofa king  people here in uk are chasing their tails every day , I am back in 2 weeks looking fwd to the phone not ringing for 4 months , it is just that  decision to sod the uk and finally pack up for the last time , without the addition of a return tjcket.
Depending on what type of Visa you are arriving into BKK with,you may be asked to furnish details of your return or onward ticket.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: davureborn on November 07, 2016, 08:33:31 AM
Thanx everyone great answers,i might just make the move !
yeah you are right about that sofa king  people here in uk are chasing their tails every day , I am back in 2 weeks looking fwd to the phone not ringing for 4 months , it is just that  decision to sod the uk and finally pack up for the last time , without the addition of a return tjcket.
Depending on what type of Visa you are arriving into BKK with,you may be asked to furnish details of your return or onward ticket.

Having a return ticket or not depends also on the airline itself at the point of departure, as theoretically they will be responsible for your return flight if you are refused by immigration, + a fine. This doesn't seem to happen often and of course if you take the trouble to get an 'O' visa beforehand won't be required.
If they do make problems (I don't think they will),plan B would be to take a walk around the airport and book yourself a ticket like Bangkok-Phnom Penh or Vientiane.I believe bus tickets can also be booked on line.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: nookiebear on November 07, 2016, 09:03:01 AM
That is absolute bollox,as Thailand operates a visa exempt system for arrivals from many countries including the UK the onus is not on the airline it is upon you .You cannot walk around the airport to book another ticket until AFTER you have passed through Immigration.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: davureborn on November 07, 2016, 09:56:44 AM
That is absolute bollox,as Thailand operates a visa exempt system for arrivals from many countries including the UK the onus is not on the airline it is upon you .You cannot walk around the airport to book another ticket until AFTER you have passed through Immigration.

Bollocks it is then. You check in first at the airline desk AT THE POINT OF DEPARTURE$ as I mentioned and they will tell you if you can fly or not. I don't think Thailand immigration cares much.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: CO-CO on November 07, 2016, 04:54:19 PM
That is absolute bollox,as Thailand operates a visa exempt system for arrivals from many countries including the UK the onus is not on the airline it is upon you .You cannot walk around the airport to book another ticket until AFTER you have passed through Immigration.

Bollocks it is then. You check in first at the airline desk AT THE POINT OF DEPARTURE$ as I mentioned and they will tell you if you can fly or not. I don't think Thailand immigration cares much.



Other way round!


The airline at the point of departure don't give a flying x whether you have a return ticket. I have flown on several occasions on a one-way ticket. For visa exempt destinations there is no issue.

(The other way round, for a Thai traveling to the UK, the airline at the point of departure would need to enure you have the appropriate visa to enter)

The issue is at Thai immigration; in theory they can deny you entry without  flight out within the currency of your permission to stay.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: BoRis on November 07, 2016, 05:27:07 PM
Interesting topic... anyone opening an "expat life budgeting school".

I'm currently going through the budgeting process with the idea of moving to buriram on a more permanent basis and... hmm... based on GF's spending 35k a month sounds like very little (ok, it does include almost daily booze for the entire village). Might have to cut down on family-in-law allowance though  ::)
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: fishy on November 07, 2016, 06:22:02 PM
Good thread... Everyone has a different story with their Thai lifestyle but I reckon on 30K bht a month at todays prices you can/could live pretty comfortable. I have not included alcohol or cigarettes or other entertainments in that figure and also you have a free roof over your head. There is always the chook not laying eggs scenario and the bull buffalo that has been raised for years and has decided to come out Gay... Interesting topic would be find out what the Thai Wife costs the fellang on a weekly basis!
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: fishy on November 07, 2016, 07:11:29 PM
Good thread... Everyone has a different story with their Thai lifestyle but I reckon on 30K bht a month at todays prices you can/could live pretty comfortable. I have not included alcohol or cigarettes or other entertainments in that figure and also you have a free roof over your head. Presume you are set up with car/motorbike etc. There is always the chook not laying eggs scenario and the bull buffalo that has been raised for years and has decided to come out Gay... Interesting topic would be good to find out what the average Thai Wife costs the fellang on a weekly basis!3K p/w or 12K p/m
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: fishy on November 07, 2016, 07:17:20 PM
Good thread... Everyone has a different story with their Thai lifestyle but I reckon on 30K bht a month at todays prices you can/could live pretty comfortable. I have not included alcohol or cigarettes or other entertainments in that figure and also you have a free roof over your head. Presume you are set up with car/motorbike etc. There is always the chook not laying eggs scenario and the bull buffalo that has been raised for years and has decided to come out Gay... Interesting topic would be good to find out what the average Thai Wife costs the fellang on a weekly basis!3K p/w or 12K p/m. Anyone game to post?
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: CO-CO on November 07, 2016, 08:15:27 PM
I know a few people who would be requesting an itemised account if their wife was spending 35,000 Baht a month!   :)
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Adam on November 08, 2016, 06:57:56 AM
I fly into Thailand around 10 times a year and half of the airlines ask for proof of onward travel and half don't. Once Qantas said that I could not fly unless I could prove onward travel plans.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: nookiebear on November 08, 2016, 09:44:20 AM
I fly into Thailand around 10 times a year and half of the airlines ask for proof of onward travel and half don't. Once Qantas said that I could not fly unless I could prove onward travel plans.
It all depends upon your Visa,or no visa as the case may be.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: CO-CO on November 08, 2016, 10:05:21 AM
I fly into Thailand around 10 times a year and half of the airlines ask for proof of onward travel and half don't. Once Qantas said that I could not fly unless I could prove onward travel plans.


Arses, what if you had no onward travel plans ?


Did they raise that question at the time of booking one-way ?


No, I thought not!
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: urleft on November 08, 2016, 10:07:03 AM
I have never been asked if I had a return flight, whether I had an existing visa or not.  Even my first trip to the LOS from the middle east which I had no outbound ticket, nor did I have any firm plans on when I was leaving Thailand.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: BillH52 on November 08, 2016, 11:39:43 AM
Couple of years ago, I submitted almost all the proper apps and info the Embassy in D.C. requested; but, forgot to include a copy of travel documents (ticket) for arrival and departure.  Embassy lady called; advised that a copy of itinerary would be sufficient.  I can write itinerary's all day long - no problem.  The Embassy was happy with my 'opinion' of my itinerary. 

Airlines might be a different story. 
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Starman on November 08, 2016, 12:17:02 PM
I recently arrived in Thailand on the second leg of a return ticket.

When checking in with Emirates at Gatwick airport they asked if we had residency in Thailand.

I told them that my daughter has a Thai passport and I have a valid visa. They requested to see them.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: BillH52 on November 08, 2016, 12:58:05 PM
I told them that my daughter has a Thai passport and I have a valid visa. They requested to see them.
Seems easy enough.  BTW, Welcome back.
Title: Re: Yearly Living
Post by: Starman on November 08, 2016, 02:35:18 PM
I told them that my daughter has a Thai passport and I have a valid visa. They requested to see them.
Seems easy enough.  BTW, Welcome back.

Thank you.