Questions regarding moving to Thailand

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by shahnameh

So I can start a very regulr and normal life style with 1000 bht a day which is around 30dollars us ? So in average I wuld need about 800 to 1000 month. Is this right? And if u don't mind can I ask u what part do u live and r u an american and is it hard for someone like me to rent a studio or 1 bedroom ? What is required and how does the residency work if I habve a u.s. passport because I heard I have to leave and go across the border every 6months and then come back right away? I appreciate ur input

shahnameh,

The advice from frogblogger and King Silk is sound and the budgets are pretty 'bare bone'. Any fool can live on $3000-$5000 per month but it's a bit harder living on less than $1000 per month but you can do it. Keep in mind that does not include a budget for a girl friend or "pillow". That's optional and can be expensive. Depending on the model, VERY expensive. Many expats think it's worth every baht though.

If you need to work in order to afford to live in Thailand you may be in for a hard slog as most work/jobs are reserved for Thais as has been pointed out. Better to have enough saved where you don't need to work but then if you stumble across a job all the better. Then you get to live a bit higher on the hog!

Serendipity2

Do u mind telling me what u do because you sound as it is very hard to get by there mate? I am a new yorker my friend if you can make i t in new york you can make it anywhere. I do not need any little kid suggestions I am 34 bro and trying to start a life and I am done with the days paying for whores and things like that. If u got something useful that can help me or anyone else who is plannning for a move then I ll thank u and say it if not it is best not say anything and let others be a decent human beings and be helpfull. Tx

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by shahnameh

Do u mind telling me what u do because you sound as it is very hard to get by there mate? I am a new yorker my friend if you can make i t in new york you can make it anywhere. I do not need any little kid suggestions I am 34 bro and trying to start a life and I am done with the days paying for whores and things like that. If u got something useful that can help me or anyone else who is plannning for a move then I ll thank u and say it if not it is best not say anything and let others be a decent human beings and be helpfull. Tx

Huh? Several on the board have given you sound advice. Whether you choose to take it is your affair. As for 'making it' in New York, I lived there for several years - I even worked there for those several years. As for 'paying for whores' I would gently suggest you modify your attitude or it's going to be one very tough slog for you in the LOS.

In spite of my 'little kid' suggestions I've been to Thailand at least 30 times since 1978 and am old enough to be your daddy. Again, you've been given some very good advice.

[frogblogger]

And I'll add that the attitude "if you can make it in NY, you can make it anywhere" - while no doubt NY is a tough school - will lead to a rude awakening if taken to foreign parts.

Thais will take great pleasure in taking someone down a whole series of pegs if they turn up with that approach.

Thais do not think that Westerners are owed special respect, that they are superior in any way (on the contrary). They mostly believe that we are a spiritually corrupt bunch, lacking respect and humility, and with a major hangover from colonialist days (the US being an example of the modern version).

Westerners who want to be accepted in Thailand go to the country in the knowledge that they are guests, respecting Thai culture and customs, in particular the Thai aversion to outspoken, aggressive, noisy, know-it-all attitudes.

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by frogblogger

And I'll add that the attitude "if you can make it in NY, you can make it anywhere" - while no doubt NY is a tough school - will lead to a rude awakening if taken to foreign parts.

Thais will take great pleasure in taking someone down a whole series of pegs if they turn up with that approach.

Thais do not think that Westerners are owed special respect, that they are superior in any way (on the contrary). They mostly believe that we are a spiritually corrupt bunch, lacking respect and humility, and with a major hangover from colonialist days (the US being an example of the modern version).

Westerners who want to be accepted in Thailand go to the country in the knowledge that they are guests, respecting Thai culture and customs, in particular the Thai aversion to outspoken, aggressive, noisy, know-it-all attitudes.

frogblogger,

The only thing I would add is that treating Thai girls or women like whores or referring to them as such would not be an intelligent move if one wants to remain intact and in Thailand.

Serendipity2

[frogblogger]

Originally Posted by Serendipity2

frogblogger,

The only thing I would add is that treating Thai girls or women like whores or referring to them as such would not be an intelligent move if one wants to remain intact and in Thailand.

Serendipity2

So true. And it happens too often, I'm afraid. But disrespect can have painful consequences ....

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by frogblogger

So true. And it happens too often, I'm afraid. But disrespect can have painful consequences ....

frogblogger,

We usually learn more from our mistakes that our successes - especially our 'mistakes' which end in a very painful lesson! Sorry about that Belgian tourist - he but I'll wager he hasn't repeated that stupidity again! He no longer plays the happy organ!

[KhwaamLap]

Originally Posted by shahnameh

Do u mind telling me what u do because you sound as it is very hard to get by there mate? ...

A lot of expats here - that are not Teachers/NGOs/Embassy Staff/Working for foreign companies/Oil Riggers/Sailors/Journalists/Living off investments or pensions - do one of two things, they either go "home" for a few months to earn their next year's living expenses or work online (web design/programming/EBay/Writing) off-the-books - They then transfer the money in from the 'home' bank accounts so it appears as investment income.

As you do not seem to like advise, I will leave it here as a direct answer (given that it was not directed at me) - personally I do both the above and am also working towards setting up my own BOI approved company, but that's way too heavy for you yet - more red tape than a ticker-tape parade in Tianemen Square (trust me on that!).

[stogiebear]

Originally Posted by shahnameh

What I really love to know and no one can give me a straight answer is that how much does it cost to make urself by that I mean a single 34 man to make a living for himself.

It's been said that there is no such thing as a stupid question, but I don't subscribe to that school of thought.

Let me ask you this... I'm 48 and want to live a good life. How much is it in America... to the nearest dollar?

The reason that your question hasn't been answered is that it can't be.

Who knows what your demands and circumstances are. What works for me might not work for you. Thailand caters to every level of income.

Are you happy living in a house with a toilet that doesn't flush? I was for four years... and the rent was 100 bucks a month. I loved it there.

From the tone of your posts I think you will struggle in Thailand. You have neither the patience or maturity to get along here. It's possible that I may be wrong, but I'm not usually.

But if you are determined, then live here for a few months and keep your return ticket handy. I suspect you'll be back home to momma within a month.

[stogiebear]

QUOTE DELETED BY MOD

Well, that sure told me!