About 5 years ago, a friend of mine who'd been through a stressful year and a nasty relationship break-up decided to simplify his life as much as possible for a year and did live on $500/mo in Pattaya though he was actually pretty well off. He found a very nice room off Soi Excite: B3500 and pretty much lived as you describe: eating at inexpensive but decent backstreet thai restaurants and buying street food. He rode a bicycle around town which he actually really enjoyed. For reading material, he found a lot of hotels & coffee shops with take one/leave one free libraries and free internet was always available nearby. He got involved in some volunteer service groups and was never lacking in interesting things to do. He's since said it was one of the best years of his life and helped him to get his own priorities straightened out. What surprised him the most was how little he missed things he previously considered essential.
It goes with a saying, "less is more." I'm retired in Thailand with a cheap life style. I purchased a small condo and run my air con all the time. My basic espenses are about $500 or less. I build models to take up my time and use my computer for a lot of things too. It can be done easily and some even cheaper I think. When I first came here the per capita income was supposed to be only $3500 per year so have things changed that much in 15 years?
@@markc7274 Not a penthouse but a nice, small house in the north of Thailand with a woman whose company he enjoys and a devoted dog. He still does keep things very simple. He bought a beautiful, small hilltop fruit farm and spends most of his free time cutting brush and giving his overabundance of fruit away.
I'll echo the accolades of the 500 who have also commented but add something too. The majority of the people in this world live in economically deprived conditions, yet find joy and meaning in life because of their connections to the family and friends around them. We in the West have given up much of our humanity in exchange for autonomy and creature comforts. The living conditions in the video would be deplorable if one was also disconnected from loved ones and far from home. Add in strong connections with people the subject loves and cares about, plus adding value to the lives of others and the living conditions become almost moot. That's why we've all met rich people who are miserable and poor people who are joyous.
You could do 500 dollars a month staying at a clean capsule style hostel in Bangkok. Free internet, cleaning lady, air conditioning, hot water and electricity. Eat free breakfast at hostel and lunch at Terminal 21 everyday.
You cant just based on living and food costs. Bkk is expensive regardless, I've lived in Bkk for 6 months. Transportation everyday is expensive as you cant stay in your room for weeks or months. Pattaya hands down cheaper to live as you can save on transportation and rent, easier and walking distance whereas Bkk is imposssible to get from.A to B.
I cannot think of a more desperate time in the land of smiles with limited money . In 2002 my two week trip came to a halt after 1 week when totalled a large scooter in Phuket most of my spending money went on repairs with the last 7 days in Pattaya on a shoestring . Not a good feeling but the Thai girls helped me with offering a place to stay and looking after me until I could get money wired over . Thailand without money turns heaven on earth to hell on earth .... my handsomeness disappeared overnight 😂
No money no honey...no honey no money... love you long time... or until you run out of money lol lmao... gas grass or ass nobody rides for free...lol..
A good exercise video, when SHTF. A quart of paint, some Pine Sol and elbow grease would clean up that apt. Most people will adapt when there’s the need. What you showed was still leagues better than how the homeless live in CA - whether or not their condition is their own fault. However, what I always appreciated about Thailand is the locals for the most part are always working. Either selling food, cleaning up the streets, just doing something productive. We moved away from those life principles in many first world societies.
That apartment is depressing but it can be painted, it looks to me that whoever is there has dug in for a long time. If a person can manage to get a motorbike they are money ahead by living a little further out. Much cleaner and bigger apartments for 2,000 to 2,500 can be found in east Pattaya, that is where you find many of the long time expats. I knew a guy that got by on 300 dollars but it ain't pretty. I would say the comfort zone starts at 800 a month. Smoking and excessive drinking is not only bad on your health but also adds to your cost significantly. Many expats are stuck here now and some of them are going to have to deal with living on a baseline budget.
Great video. I think those of us from the western world look down on living on such a small budget but in reality you have no idea how many westerners are homeless,living on hand outs, POOR! So what your showing is a step up for anyone who was living on the street. Of course not the way we would live but still better than a lot of places. Food for thought.
Appreciate you laying out the other side of the glitzy fun lifestyle we westerners seek out in pattaya. I don't see a westerner actually living like this, but most local Thais do live like this. It makes me grateful and considerate toward thai people for surviving in hardship.
I tried some of the bags of food out of curiosity (I wanted to try some authentic local cuisine) and ended up going back again and again! It's very tasty albeit a bit spicy. That was a very good trailer by the way!! Epic.
@@Rides4Kickz this is normal local food price in thai market no problem to find good food there.. my cheapest good menu is 13 baht 5 baht rice and a corn 10 baht ..... garanty you its ok .... you have the vitamine you need
Really interesting and hope to never end up like that. Money problems that would see you like that are usually girl related and/or got involved in a Thai business. Only way to live in Thailand is on a fixed income (But higher than $500) and to mind your own business
Excellent video, plenty of people across the world occasionally have to cut their cloth to suit their wallet, I know I have had to a few times in my life. TBH the question (on cost of living rather than survival budget) is not how much do I need to live on, but rather how much do I need to live the lifestyle I aspire to? I lived very comfortably on 20K Bht a month, that's paying rent of 5.5K Bht a month out of that as well. Bought a scooter, got a good data package for the mobile and enjoyed a few beers now and again. Basically living a fairly quiet life doing things I like to do. If you're going to beer it up every night and pay for ''company'' then you are going to need a shedload more than 20K, it depends what you want out of life!
Great video, I have met guys who have lost everything in Thailand...Even knew one guy who ended up begging on a bridge in Sukhumvit! $500 a month is not living, it is existing! I get the point of the video but who would want to live in a country in Thailand and live like a beggar?
Your ongoing costs are relative to how much you spend upfront. Buy a condo, scooter etc, find a non rental partner, and your ongoing costs can be way down. I lead a really comfortable life, run the aircon most days, eat out, drink, trips away, buy crap from Lazada etc, some months I spend as little as $500 a month.
US dollar is worth ALOT compared to almost every other currency. A guy would have almost half that if they come from australia. Also if anyone thinks they wont be in that position in thailand, the banks could just stop doing transfers overseas....i know you think it isnt possible but shutting down the worlds economy wasnt possible up until a few months ago.
Not only informative but motivating. Watching this should motivate someone to do what ever they have to do, to not end up in this situation. Well done.
First, the trailer was nothing short of excellent. Very professional, and really set the mood. You really do have a great voice for video. There is one huge problem, however, with the premise: permission to stay in Thailand. Although you touched on visas briefly at the beginning, it is a much bigger problem than one might guess from the rest of the video. Assuming you are single and over 50, there are only a couple of long-term possibilities: retirement visa, or education visa. If under 50, no retirement visa is possible. My experience is a bit dated, but in general you need 800,000 baht in the bank to renew your permit to stay based on retirement. If you take it out, and your ability to replace it doesn't exist, you will be on your way out at the end of the year. How many people will live as this video described with 800,000 in the bank? Not many. Education visas are seriously tightened up these days, and you will actually have to attend classes to keep one. These classes are not free, and, depending on what/where you study, they may far exceed the $500 budget you are trying to keep. Visa runs, which in any case are no longer viable, are not free, either. Thailand has deliberately eliminated all of the old long-stay dodges, discouraging low-end visitors in favor of 'quality tourists'. The only option that is certain is the monkey house (IDC), and, it is free shelter only...not recommended. In the late '80s/early 90s, it was possible to live on $500/month, including visa runs, but, even then, when Westerners were worshipped, Thai people could spot 'farang kee nok' a kilometer away. It was fun, but not a long-term solution, even then. Thanks for the effort to make this video. Ironically, I hope it serves as an example of what NOT to do. Pipe dreams of retiring to Paradise need a lot of prep and resources before any attempt to proceed. Just stay home, until you accomplish enough to have reasonable assurance of success...
Hello. Why are visa runs no good anymore? I thought a combination of land and air crossing could cover you for long term? I’m not in Thailand yet but when I do arrive I’ll not be over 50 so was hoping to do boarder trips including week out of Thailand holidays to satisfy immigration. I see many under 50’s stay long term
@@david69869 First, we are talking about a $500/month budget. Border runs, as I said, are not cheap. Not too many down-and-outers can afford to fly to another country, stay a week, and then return with a new visa. Tourist visas are not free, so you could only get a 30 day visa exemption on arrival. As I said, my info is a bit dated, but I believe there is a limit to how many times you can enter on a tourist visa, and I know that back-to-back visa exemptions are not allowed by land. I know there is now a multiple-entry tourist visa, good, I believe, for about 9 months, if you time it right, but it has pretty steep requirements. Again, not for the impoverished. Remember that, currently, there is a visa amnesty, which has been extended several times, due to Covid-19, so a lot of people are skating - temporarily. If you are wealthy, you could join the Elite program, and get a long-term visa that way, but that is out of the scope of this discussion. The long-term digital numbnuts you see on RU-vid are probably using the Education visa dodge, or have a job. So, you tell me: how do they do it. And, BTW, having to do visa runs is really awful, in any case. After the second one, you would grow to resent it, and after a year, you might reconsider your choices. My advice, do some better research, or learn to enjoy a very uncertain lifestyle.
@@david69869 get back to me when you have lived in Thailand (legally) for the best part of 30 years, and have some actual experience dealing with these issues. Until then, a simple "thank you for taking the time to try to answer my ignorant questions" will do. You may go away now.
Interesting topic! I have done similar exercises for fun. One thing I would say - add just one or two hundred dollars more per month and you can radically improve the standard of living - a room with air con and maybe even wifi, and eating at places like Tin Cup on Soi Buakhao. God bless us every one. . .
Fantastic video, and very interesting. Thank you for taking us inside the apartment. It's a different world from the bright lights of Walking Street and huge swimming pool at the Areca lodge!
Well if you had to that's the way to do it. My parents lived through the depression in the US and had a hell of a lot less. Waste not want not . So from that perspective A hell of a deal. Thank you very much. Stay safe. From the US
I use to live in secure shuttered fronts,new,shops, that where waiting for tenants with my mate. Paid 50 Baht each a day inclusive of water sleep in a tent each with a fan rotating between us. We had a small gas stove and really wanted for nothing more. A new build shop, bathroom, and we cooked in the shop or out side. Electric was metered but only had one fan and 2 lights so paid 100 Baht a week. Did our own laundry in a bucket. Loads of empty shops in Pattaya normally owner lives close just make an offer as building been empty brings no rent in. I've allso rented small smart Condos for 4000 BAHT a month near Big C.
Great video! If anything, Covid-19 in Australia has taught me to cut back, appreciate what I already have and enjoy the simple inexpensive joys of life like strolling along a beach letting my stress wash away with the cry of gulls overhead and the constant soothing swishing back and forth of the waves. Always enjoy your narration when I am stressed as your voice and manner have a very calming effect on me. Keep it up, my friend!
I hate videos that say "Live in (wherever) for $500 a month!". Most of these videos never mention the price of Visas and Insurance. There is a difference between surviving/existing and "living". I appreciate that you point out the difference. Great video.
Great video, im so tired of seeing "you can live like a king for $500 usd a month in Thailand". Great that you put some reality into the truth of living in Thailand. Thanks for the great video
I totally agree with you! Do or would you want to live in that type of apartment (mosquito's etc), yes u can paint (added cost) & big difference between a short holiday & long stay...where long stay you (i do) tend to enjoy staying in condo relaxing most nights of the week watchin netflix etc, couple of nights maybe playing game pool with a couple drinks, not extravagent lifestyle but stress free, & comes at a minimal cost to do this 1,800 - 2,000 GBP per month including expenses (not incl extra's) is the reality. A good video & agree that would be survival albeit depressing & i understand a roof even to a poor standard is better than nothing but you would need to sort some paid work out or you would go mental in the long term.
I lived in similar room in Phuket in 2018. My understanding is that Thai rent such rooms for a) cost. They are there to make money whereas for a Falang it’s holiday /retirement b) crash pad . They work 7 days till late night and only use the room to sleep at night. Whereas a falang will spend lot of time in the room. In the end you end up spending more because you spend more in coffee club, bars and drinks simply to avoid the cheap room. It’s not sustainable . I only lasted 1 month
No ,"I'm not in that boat " either , but for the grace of god etc. . Been here 18 years in the countryside , visit fun town quite often and find a solution to the difficulties a long way off . Think a new perspective is needed for Pattaya . But this episode excellent , down to earth , relevant to the real world and the much needed PR Luke gives out should be appreciated . By some 'important' Thais
This is a great infographic video...I hope nobody has to live it up as shown...but the harsh truth is many will have to live like this who are staying in the paradise of Pattaya...I think for most people in Thailand..." The background music has stopped"...The party is over indefinitely...
Lukas I absolutely loved this vlog, it’s so over due to show that you can live the Thai way for a very cheap budget, because I have actually done it, me and my Thai girlfriend pretty much lived this way in Pattaya to a T. Including the wash tub. We had a clean modern room with bathroom and balcony for 3,000 baht, so I know it can be done and very enjoyable it was! The cheap Thai food stalls and restaurants sell good tasty value for money food. Peace and blessings brother! 👊🏻
Awesome hypothetical exercise. Some people will take issue with it I'm guessing but it seems realistic to me. You only have to look at some of foreigners who end up sleeping on the streets to know that this(or worse) is the reality for some people.
A friend of mine did that in about 2007. Moved in to a Thai room fir a few months after his business failed. Ate street food off the carts etc. He used to drink cheap this whisky with the other tenants. After a while he had some other income released from uk and went back to better living.
Hi Lucas , very useful info about Survival expenses . may I point out that - to get ANNUAL Retirement Visa here, the IMM.dept require a minimum gross income of THB 65,000.-/mo. which is USD 2,200.- So -- you can survive at USD 500.- /mo level if you really budget your life , but your " VISA " will likely be : 3 months renewable , NOT ANNUAL ......... at the moment Border Run is NOT allowed .... Note : being English Teacher in a Government School -- will only earn you THB 25,000 to THB 35,000 / mo.
I have only been to Pattaya Thailand twice,but when i was there i only spent what i needed or as people would say " live as frugally as possible " and i still had a very good time both of the times i went there. Now that does not mean i couldn't afford better living but i have always as a kid had this motto since i was a kid " Why spend more,when you can spend less " and i still live by that today.
The dramatic trailer drew me in. The information is a stark reality for some expats who were working in the hospitality industry, but not legally employed. I wonder how many have departed to their home countries or moved in with a Thai partner up country to live even cheaper lifestyles. Glad you did the budget graphics to drill home expenses of living in Pattaya.
Lucas your videos just get better. This was an interesting look at what could be reality for many now. I am very grateful for the window you show back to my home and family that I've been stranded from for many months now. The trip to Isaan I particularly enjoyed. Cold ones are definitely on me when I can pin you down for 5 minutes.
I've seen a much better apartment for 3000 and much bigger and much much cleaner and not scary. Very close to the beach in Pattaya and jomptien . This comment is only for others to read if they are in low budget. For you, i discovered you channel today and been watching a few of them. Congratulation on the success. Hope to meet you on day. I live in Esan and before January 2, 2021 I was going down there every month. I am seriously missing the beach.
Excellent video -- for Economical Lifestyle in Pattaya .... many Bar workers , Hotel/Resto. workers , Freelancers , are still at home in the village , not returning anytime soon , so cheap rooms still plentyful .....
I think the person (foreigners) living that way is exactly the reason Thailand has $$$ visas. If one wants to retire there and live comfortably they need to take account for all those problems that may happen. Great vlog though, spot on.
Good vid.. living without aircon most of the year can be rough. Buy beer and food also at the small family shops where only the locals buy. Helps hugely if your shopping with a local/girlfriend. Treat people with respect. Youll be welcome back and the prices wont suddenly go up.
My co-worker (known as Funk-A-Dunk) saves money by eating almost all of his meals out of public garbage cans!. He literally does the sniff test (smells the food), and eats it all if he is satisfied! He's a real cheapskate and is constantly looking for change on the ground, in vending machines, etc! I think he could survive on $300 or less a month in Thailand!
Yes Lucas looks very grim when you're luck is down. You can live cheap in Thailand but it is just an existence. I was told by a thai person that to be careful when buying food like you showed, they don't prepare same as western standards. You can get the runs from it...but when you're down I suppose it doesn't matter as much. Bri and frei east Yorkshire.
Great opening Rick and been following your RU-vid journey without subscribing but that all changed today... lol! Great thought-provoking topic today and great basis for those digital nomads looking to head into Thailand once this pandemic is over.
Wow imagine what the thai girls can do with the shortime fee plus most of the smart ones have western boyfriends who sends them money every month. I think those girls are living more comfortably than most expats on their retirement there.
Great vlog Lucas, very relative in the times we are living in, nothing dramatic about the intro only facts to consider. Please keep up the good work. Hopd the 400 will be running soon. Take care. Regards Ashley 🇿🇦
Wow $500 a month, I struggle to survive off less than £5-6,000 a month in Thailand. I spend around 6 months a year in Thailand, with the odd holiday to the Philippines, Bali, Myanmar and Cambodia. I never cook, eat out twice a day, can’t stay away from Walking Street, to the point that some nights I can not be bothered to work and spend a lot on entertainment expenses. It is cheaper for me to commute everyday to work in London, but of course, Pattaya is much more preferred.
I feel so very fortunate I got "stuck here" and have been able to stay here with these visa extensions. I've found that many of these cheap food carts are actually good eats.
15000 baht when starting salary is usually about 9000 baht for low income works at shops etc. I visited one 3000 baht/month apartment at Pattaya last year and it was at better condition but no AC.
Well, of course the Thais do it by putting four or more people in a single room. We farang are used to living alone, and that would be difficult for many of us. I guess that is what a hostel is - basically the farang version of sharing an apartment.
Paulo she was living alone. Don’t know how much she made and her son helped her but anyway - they manage to live with very little amount of money. I calculated that the 1500 usd per month minimium which is the low limit for pensioners would not give me nice life at Thailand.
Perhaps the safest way of ensuring you can weather any ups and downs in your finances would be to buy a 800,000-900,000 baht condo up front - with low maintenance fees, and set aside the 800,000 baht needed for your Retirement Visa - never touch that. Then consciously tighten your budget at times to ensure you have more money available at other times. Just constantly being on a very tight budget would be miserable, especially if you're there on your own.
I have One vídeo about my living costs in Bangkok. I used to spend 600 usd per months. Include gym and a well furnitured small appartment. I would shop on Makro 1k Bath per week. Vegetables and meat etc. I use to eat outside as well
Absolutely love this style of videos.... Do more of these... Maybe @ $600-750 Close to town and like studio 1 person .. I forgot about the insurance... yikes !! Thank you again for doing these...
I lived in Pattaya and got poor lol. I went to Jomtien just down the road and it was way cheaper - a wee cute apartment near the beach and no sleeze. Then I went over the border and did cheap in Hanoi which was way cheaper and way more fun.
Don't forget, if you're over weight like most farrangs, we could probably miss a few meals too, and take that walk on the beach. Just think of the $$$ you'll save, Lol. Jon & Noi from Florida
Btw Lucas this was a great video. Very well done, very well said, honest and to the point. This is why you have the best channel about Thailand, on RU-vid. One thing more, the current situation due to the health crisis and bans on travel. Has Thailand really looking hard at income, and big changes to things. Pattaya is going to see a lot of changes very soon... i.e. the Walking Street and the "red light " scene of which it is famous for. [ Dates back to those of us who served in Vietnam and Pattaya beach was a R&R stop]... With the changes, due to the lack of outside tourism. It is going to become more Thai friendly. This is going to make an impact on the cost of living in Thailand... I am not going to slam Thailand and or those who choose to live there. But I love life in the good ol USA. There are pluses and minuses to life in both places. But, what this points out, and perhaps is over looked . Is no matter where you are from, your background.... whatever... if you're not looking at your financial goals, planning, protection, income, investments.... then that is where you need to focus. Before, you do anything else.
Good video! Nice and simple and great presentation. I've subscribed. Sad to see Patts (and other places) like this though. Can't wait for this virus to finish...I wanna go back lickety split...
That room looked a bit grim but painted, cleaned up and half decent furniture it would be ok. I have always lived a semi frugal life. Never needed to impress anyone. I like the idea of a minimalistic life style. Nice and basic.
Loved the intro.............LOVED the intro. Great production and score. Very interesting topic. Good tips for just about anyone visiting or living there.
Great video. But I'll tell you a secret that my son and I have as much as 550 dollars a month for two, and we live on them at home. At the same time, we are trying to save money on the next trip to Pattaya. How we survive, it is better not to tell, but we are ready to sacrifice a lot in order to return to Thailand.
If you're young, some internet cafes give you access to cheap food and drinks, and it only costs about 10 baht per hour, keeps you busy and entertained for as little as 3000 baht per month EDIT: I forgot to mention, but it's quite common for people to take naps there too and it's air-conditioned all day and extremely clean with bathroom facilities.
Love the intro , looks like a sad lifestyle though. If you come from a western country with a decent welfare system many people would be better off going home. I turn 50 next year and am considering retirement in Thailand but I think comfort for me would be more in the $2000usd range.
Very realistic video Lucas..i hope you do more like these versus the hotel and eating out videos..most are financial issues right now so seeing the real of life over there lets you know this current struggle is not exclusive..
I can understand why blokes holed up in the UK with hardly any money would come out to live here. Its warm, people are generally friendly and cost of living can be cheap. I wouldn't ever want to do it but I get why people do.
After my bar girl cash was gone in Chiang Mai, I lived something like that. I really miss the street food. Even 7/11. I have a nice pension. So if I return I can still live cheaply. CM has nice rooms for under $300 a month. And things to do like gyms, snooker halls with cheap food, volunteering, CV lasses. And biking is fun. Even the bar scene... occasionally. Wouldn't be as cheap as this video. But under $1,500 a month. Discipline next time. Really miss Thailand
I have a pretty good idea, you are someone who worked hard for what you have. You've done pretty well in life. If for some reason you had the misfortune of a mooching relative or friend come along, this would be how they'd have to live on your dime. If they wanted better, they better find work fast!
Very informative video. To echo what some are saying, I hope I'm never in a situation where I'd have to drastically cut expenses. To me living conditions are most important. I realize the room shown in this video is in a prime location close to a lot of businesses, but not sure I could get used to such a worn out looking room with no A.C. and a small bathroom. I've lived in military barracks and even on a ship that was in better condition. I would love to live closer to central Pattaya if I could, but willing to move farther out if it meant living in a decent condo/apartment for not much more than 3000 baht.
