Living in Thailand on $20 a Day

You can find several guides and websites online claiming that it’s possible to be living in Thailand on just $20 a day. Is this really possible or are these just the dreams of deluded individuals? Can you live in Thailand on $600 (currently 20,000 baht) a month? Or has the past few years inflation made Thailand too expensive for such a frugal lifestyle?

I suppose anything is possible and if you live in northeast Thailand or some remote area of the north or deep south of Thailand then it’s quite possible you can do this. It depends too on what type of lifestyle you expect to have. On $600 a month I can’t imagine there will be much cash available for travel or entertainment. And there is no way I can imagine living in Bangkok on that paltry amount, although I have read accounts of those who know someone that is doing just that.

I’m honestly not completely sure if it’s possible or not, but I am hoping to get a discussion going here to find out what others think, especially those that currently are living in Thailand. Let’s make this clear once and for all.

So, with that in mind if you have experience currently living in Thailand we would all be greatly appreciative if you could chime in below in the comments. Let us know what YOU think about the possibilities of living in Thailand on just 20,000 baht per month.

If possible, please include the town or province in Thailand where you live, current rental rates for apartments/condos, food costs (both Thai and Western would be great), prices for services such as electric, cable and internet, entertainment costs and anything else you think is relevant.

Personally I don’t think I could live in Thailand on anything less than 50,000 baht a month and I feel I would be depriving myself of opportunities at that. I’m really hoping to get some good comments though so we all know what the current cost of living is like in various parts of Thailand and whether or not it’s possible to get by on just $20 a day in Thailand.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Drunk Tourists = Boom Time for Medical Tourism

I received the following story in my email a few days ago. I loved it and hope you all feel the same. If you’d like to read more by this author you can take a look at his blog “Because There’s Air Conditioning In Internet Cafes” which is a diary of his travels in India and to a lesser degree Thailand.

Spare a thought for the drunk tourists.

I was shocked when my wife was rushed into hospital on Koh Samui recently.
Shocked by the state-of-the-art ambulance. Shocked to find four medics
inside it. Shocked that all this was for Delhi belly.

The hospital was equally luxurious. We’d come from a beach-hut where a rat
lived in the toilet and ate our soap. So clean bedding excited us, AC made
us tremble and the five-course meal – I nearly fainted. At least I was in
the right place. I struggled to fathom this luxury; it’s hard to
concentrate with six nurses arranging your wife. I was forced to stand on
the balcony. I watched the nurses leave. And come back. Leave. And come
back. Like waves crashing onto the shore, leaving behind some medical or
housekeeping jetsam.

The epiphany.
Going for assessment we felt like adventurers in some futuristic
space-station. Dials flashed, machines brooded, staff ignored us with quiet
efficiency. Just how had this amazing place come about? It was no surprise
that Westerners filled each bed: busted heads, broken limbs, twisted
ankles. Sorry sights, self inflicted. That’s when it hit me. A beautiful
thing was happening.

The drunks of the world had made this amazing facility.

Drunk topless yobs crashing motorbikes. Girls in bikinis falling off
tables. Hairy louts with bad tattoos waking in agony, without the faintest
clue where they were the night before. It was these people that had made
this amazing facility. The drinking classes. That much maligned part of
society. Armed only with a complete lack of self awareness, a favourable
exchange rate and a travel insurance policy. They made all of it. It
seemed the ne’er-do-wells had done well.

Trickledown effect.
And all unsung, unlike your sanctimonious colleague getting you to fund
skydives, or celebrities fundraising for starving photo-opportunities.
Drunks: quiet heroes, funding amazing hospitals. Hospitals now the
government is now using to drive growth using health tourism. And the
trickledown effect? For your average backpacker, the trickledown effect
involves bodily fluid and legs. But there’s more than that. In Koh Tao,
every third or fourth shop is a doctor’s surgery. And every surgery’s
window promotes the same best selling services:

Wound dressings
Pregnancy tests
Blood checks.

A succinct summary of the backpacker experience – get drunk, fall over, have
sex, fall over again – but also of just how much medical training and
infrastructure now exists, benefiting average Thais. Drunks have achieved
what the G20 couldn’t, what politicians discuss only because Bob Geldof is
glowering.

Is this the answer to world development? Take a poor country. Export some
drunks. Wait. Wait. Bingo! You’ve got world-class medical facilities,
we’ve exported our idiots, everyone’s a winner!

Maybe not. Getting obnoxiously drunk all the time is not cool. But, next
time you happen to be walking down the road on some Thai island and have to
step over a comatose girl in a bikini, while tonight’s conquest vomits down
his shirt, don’t tut. They’re helping make the world a better place. And
they don’t even know it.

Popularity: 4% [?]

My Surgical Experience in Thailand

The following is a guest post that was sent to me by Aoife Murray of RevaHealth.  I thought it was relevant because I can attest to the fact that health care in Thailand truly is first rate.  In fact, I get most of my dental and eye work done there routinely and have had occasion to use the emergency room at one of Bangkok’s top International hospitals and compared to the U.S. it was a wonderful experience.  And I’m not just saying this because my wife is a Thai nurse!

Going to hospital whilst traveling in one of the lesser developed parts of
the world is something that people normally try to avoid doing. Most people
would wait until they got home to seek delicate elective surgery. I on the
other hand decided to undergo a surgical procedure in Bangkok.

This decision may strike you as foolish at first, but despite being at the
heart of South East Asia in what is generally thought of as a developing
country, the Thai medical system is of a very high standard. Not only is it
the medical hub for patients throughout the region, but hundreds of
thousands of people fly there each year to have elective surgery, from laser
eye treatments to breast implants and facelifts. There are lots of reasons
why they come to Bangkok, but invariably quality of care and value come top
of the list. Simply put, medical care in Thailand is amongst the best in the
world and is available at rock-bottom prices.

The Thai government sees health care as the logical next step for its
hospitality industry. As the number of holiday makers going to Thailand
reaches saturation point, tourism growth has to come from other sectors. The
provision of healthcare to international travelers requires what Thailand
already has in abundance: good flight connections, plentiful accommodation
and, above all, staff who are understanding and friendly. Gleaming
hospitals, which could be mistaken for 5 star hotels, not only have luxury
rooms with all the possible amenities, but also feature suites, restaurants,
shops and cinemas. Menus from the finest restaurants in town are placed in
the best rooms. Going to hospital doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun -
this is Bangkok after all!

I should explain how I ended up in this situation – a cyst appeared on my
left temple three years ago and I had it seen to at home. The plastic
surgeon lanced and squeezed out the contents with all the skill and
precision of a builder popping a boil on his bottom. This had the temporary
effect of reducing its size to that of a small pimple. Unfortunately, while
I was backpacking in Laos, it decided to swell again, this time to the size
of a dime. This seemed like the ideal time to get it sorted out once and for
all. Surgery in Bangkok was the best option; I’d get the best medical
attention for a fraction of the cost, without having to sit on a waiting
list for six months.

I turn up at the Mission Hospital in Bangkok at 10 o’clock on a Friday
morning with no appointment. Two hours later I was exchanging pleasantries
with my surgeon. He quickly inspected the offending lump, letting me know
that a simple operation was all that was needed to completely remove it. He
took his time to ensure I knew exactly what the procedure would entail and
his demeanor was reassuring. We agreed on surgery at 11am the following
Monday. The cost, including consultation, HIV test and all surgery fees,
came to $250, about a third of what it would be at home.

When the time came I was given a pair of blue pyjamas that were obviously
one size fits all, including sumo wrestlers! I made my way to the surgery
room and lay down on the operating table. A nurse shaved any hair beside my
cyst and gave the area a good swabbing with iodine. My doctor walked into
the theatre fully gloved and masked. Just in case I was in any doubt he ran
me through the whole procedure again.

Several painless injections later I couldn’t feel the needle anymore. A
green cloth with a round hole in the centre was placed over my head, leaving
just the cyst exposed. The only clue I had as to what was going on was a
slight application of pressure followed by an occasional tug. The surgeon
constantly enquired as to whether I was feeling any pain or discomfort.
Every time I heard the snip of scissors I was sure he was finished, but then
I would feel a quick tug and know he was still cutting or stitching. How
long does it take to remove a cyst? Thirty minutes apparently. Quick
swooshes, like thread being pulled through leather, told me it was all over
and that stitches were pulling the flaps of skin back together.

Thirty minutes later I was out on the street flagging a taxi. All said and
done I spent 2 hours waiting for a consultation and an hour in surgery. Not
bad for $250!

The article was written by Caelen King, CEO of RevaHealth.com, a search
engine that makes it easy for consumers to find and compare healthcare
clinics anywhere. Caelen founded RevaHealth.com in 2006 when he realised
that those researching healthcare clinics abroad were finding the internet
to be a less than useful tool. Traditional search engines return too many
irrelevant results, meaning that potential patients must spend hours
trawling the internet to find relevant clinics. RevaHealth.com only returns
relevant information, saving people time and money in finding the best
healthcare clinics for their needs. Revahealth.com currently features over
130 dental clinics and over 80 cosmetic surgery clinics in Thailand.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Visa for Retiring in Thailand

Please note that these requirements are for single males or females wishing to retire in Thailand. If you are married then the requirements are similar, but with some additional decisions to make regarding whether to go with individual or joint visa’s. These rules are accurate as of July 2008. I will try to update this page if any changes to the Thai retirement visa are made.

If you’re thinking of retiring to Thailand then you’ll want to decide how you’re going to stay there. There are two different routes you can take; each has it own pros and cons, but in the end I think they kind of wash out. One way is to get a one year extension to an “O” visa and the other is to get an “O-A” visa which is the official retirement visa. They are similar, but not quite the same. Which route you want to take is up to you to decide. In either case you’ll need to satisfy the following requirement:

–Proof of income. Either 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or proof of 65,000 baht per month incomefrom outside Thailand or any combination of the two. For example if you have proof of 32,500 baht per month in income then you would need to also show proof of 400,000 baht deposited in a Thai bank. Note: The bank statement must show that the money came from outside Thailand.

–You must be at least 50 years of age and in good health.

ONE YEAR ‘EXTENSION’ FOR A NON-IMMIGRANT ‘O’ VISA.

First of all you need to apply for and be granted a non-immigrant “O” visa prior to leaving your country. The non-immigrant “O” visa can be single, double, triple and sometimes quadruple entry. A single entry “O” visa will have a 90 day validity and the others all have a 180 day validity. Application can be made at any Thai embassy or consulate. A full list of Thai embassies and consulates can be found at Embassies Abroad.

Once you have the non-immigrant “O” visa and you’re over 50 years of age, getting a 1 year retirement extension is fairly easy and these days quick. This extension can be had at the Immigration office in most major areas. You will be required to pay a fee of 1900 baht. I know that it can be done for sure in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. If any reader has information about other immigration offices in Thailand and visa extensions please leave a comment below.

Now the financial obligation comes into play.

In order to get a 1 year retirement extension to your non-immigrant “O” visa you’ll need to show proof of financial stability in the form of either 800,000 baht deposited in a Thai bank account or 65,000 baht per month income from outside of Thailand. Note that you are not permitted to work when in Thailand on a retirement visa. A combination of these two will be accepted; basically you need to prove 800,000 baht per year is available to you either through deposit at a Thai bank or through monthly income. To prove your bank deposit you’ll need the following:

(1) two photocopies of the passbook page showing your name & account number
(2) two photocopies of the passbook page showing the current balance
(3) two *original* copies of a guarantee letter from the bank (your bank may charge for this)

To prove monthly income you’ll need a notarized letter from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. The charge is 1,200 baht and it takes less than an hour to obtain. You fill out the form yourself, and no supporting documentation is required. Whatever income amount you put down is certified to be true by the notarization, and Thai Immigrations will accept the form as is. The hours at the Embassy are 0730-1100 and 1300-1400.

You may also need to show a letter from your embassy that you Wish to Retire in Thailand and occasionally they will also request a recent medical certificate from a government approved medical facility.

Requirements to get 1 year retirement extension for non-immigrant “O” visa at Thailand Immigration office:

· Application form T.M.7

· Passport + Copies of passport or substitute document. (Passport must have validity in excess of 12 months)

· Two 4 x 6 cm photos (just one in Pattaya).

· 1900 baht fee.

· Proof of financial status or regular income from abroad (bank certification for financial status and notarized letter from your embassy for regular income).

· Letter from your embassy stating you Wish to Retire in Thailand (not always required)

· Recent medical certificate from an approved medical facility (not always required)

The fist time you get the 1 year retirement extension to your non-Imm “O” visa your permission to enter stamp in your passport will be extended by 12 months. You can renew when it reaches expiration and each renewal will be for another 12 months and will cost 1900 baht. The initial approval can be a bit of a hassle to prove your qualification, but after that it’s usually a breeze.

When you are in Thailand on a 1 year retirement visa you cannot simply leave Thailand if you’re planning a trip. If you leave the country it cancels your current visa and you will need to start all over again. If you plan on travel outside of Thailand you will need to get an exit/re-entry permit. A one time exit/re-entry permit is 1000 baht and a multiple use exit/reentry permit is 3800 baht. Each is available from your local immigration office and each expires on the same date as your extension.

Also note that with the 1 year extension you will need to report your address to the local immigration office every 90 days. Currently this must be done in person, but there are supposedly plans to make this available over the internet in the future.

O-A (LONG STAY/RETIREMENT) VISA:

This type of visa was designed for those wishing to retire in Thailand. Currently this visa is available in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, UAE, but may be available elsewhere. The type “O-A” visa is obtained in your home country prior to coming to Thailand and is quite similar to the retirement extension for non-immigrant “O” visas.

An “O-A” visa must be applied for only through the Thai embassy in your country. You do need to show financial standing, medical status, and a criminal activity report as part of the application process. Many people think that the process for an “O-A” visa is both complex and expensive. There are three benefits I can think of to this type of visa.

1. All the paperwork is done in your home country and in your native language making the process easier to understand.

2. No need to visit immigration once inside Thailand

3. The financial requirement for an “O-A” visa applies to your home country meaning you don’t need to bring money into Thailand to qualify.

Some embassies (but not all) also offer the “O-A” visa as a multiple entry visa, which saves you the trouble of going to immigration in Thailand to get exit/re-entry permits. If cost is a factor in your decision you may want to avoid this type of visa. It seems that it is more convenient, but the cost of the paperwork is much higher than if you were to get a non-immigrant “O” visa and upgrade it with an extension once you’re in Thailand. Only you can decide which option is better for you.

The most important factor to the Thai Immigration officer is that you sufficient capital and income to live in Thailand without having to rely on the Thai government in the event of a major problem. If you can show more than the minimum amount it is a big help in getting your retirement extension or “O-A” visa approved. Showing just the bare minimum does open up the possibility of being refused.

PLEASE REMEMBER, if you have permission to stay for a ‘long’ period (e.g. a ‘Retirement Visa’), you must report to an Immigration Office every 90 days to confirm your address – or pay a 5000 baht fine + 200 baht a day!

For more Thailand Retirement questions answered see the post “Questions of Retiring to Thailand”

Popularity: 21% [?]

Questions of Retiring to Thailand

Recently I was asked to write about retiring in Thailand. As you can imagine this is a pretty broad topic and it is going to take several posts for me to even begin to address this. Hopefully it will also spur a lot of discussion within the comments as I know people have different opinions about some of the areas that will need to be covered.

I am not an expert in this area, but I have done quite a bit of thinking about it since it is my plan to eventually retire in Thailand as well. Unfortunately I think for me it might be a few years yet before I get to that point (I’m only 41!). So, what things have I considered in terms of retiring to Thailand or moving there full time even if not retired (which is even more complex due to visa issues).

Here are several questions I think will need to be answered and/or planned for prior to making the leap:

Where in Thailand will you live? Different people like different things and fortunately Thailand can accommodate many different types of personalities. Golf and I have put A LOT of thought and discussion into this subject already. In a later post I will discuss some options such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or other beach areas and possibly Issan (not much personal experience there). See the links below for individual articles.

Retiring in Bangkok

How much money will you need? When considering money I think several factors need to be considered including savings, monthly income requirements, working in Thailand, inflation and exchange rates. Later posts will go into more depth on each area. Ignore this at your peril!

Thai visa issues and questions. The issue of visa’s isn’t really that difficult once you’ve got all the information, in theory. In practice it can create all types of headaches. How can you legally stay in Thailand, especially for those under the age of 50 or not married to a Thai citizen this can be a problem. I’ll take a look at the different visa options and what each might mean for you.

Thailand Retirement Visa

Planning for your future in Thailand. This obviously ties in with the money question above, but could also ties in with the question of where you would live as well as encompassing a back out plan. Our needs at 70 years old can be quite different from those at 50 years old and some thought should be given to this.

Thai Insurance – Unless you’ve got retirement medical insurance from a former employer you’ll definitely want to look into some form of comprehensive medical insurance. And what about auto or home insurance? Is Thailand the same in this regard as Western countries?

Buying versus renting your accommodations. Renting is a drain on your financial resources, but buying in Thailand can be difficult if not impossible for foreigners. Not to mention questions about the safety of your investment if you do buy. Pro’s and con’s of each approach will be discussed. Also, is it better to go with a house or condominium?

That’s just a quick list of the major issues I can think of. I’m sure others will arise from discussion and many sub topics will be identified as well. If you can think of anything major that you would want to have discussed regarding retirement in Thailand please leave a comment and I’ll add the subject to my research list.

Overall I think you’re making a great decision to retire to Thailand, of course I’m biased as well. With some forethought and a good plan Thailand can be a wonderful place to retire with it’s great people and food, nightlife, beautiful Thai girls, great weather (if you like it hot), beaches, mountains and culture. Add to that the infrastructure provided thanks to the tourism in Thailand and you have a great foreign retirement destination.

Looking forward to your comments and much more to come!

Popularity: 35% [?]

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