Internet marketing in Thailand...

296 replies
I've seen the topic of running your business from overseas pop up a few times on the forums. I'm currently doing it so I figured I'd start a new thread and answer any questions people may have.

I was backpacking SE Asia for about two months while running my businesses from coffee shops and working about two hours per day. I was just maintaining what I already have in place and spending my free time taking in the culture. I went trekking, learned to scuba dive and explored the islands.

My plan was to spend 3 months here and then fly back to NY but once I found Chiang Mai (in northern Thailand) I decided I'm extending my trip for 3 more months and staying out here until the holidays.

This place is PERFECT for internet markers.

What's so great about it?
  • Fast Internet
  • Great Weather
  • Amazing Food
  • Nice People
  • Gorgeous Scenery
  • Great Culture
  • HUGE "lifestyle business owner" Community
  • Low Cost of Living

The main reason I decided to stay here longer is because there is a great coworking space that you can pay a monthly fee to have 24 hour access to. At any given time during the day there are 20+ internet marketers from around the world in there working on things from software programming, to mobile app development, to building eCommerce stores, to podcasting, etc, etc, etc. Everyone works on their own startups but if anyone ever has a question about something they are working on there is usually someone else here who can and will help. Just yesterday I got about an hour worth of free consulting from an Adwords expert who manages accounts for HUGE clients.

Besides the networking and connections with other like minded business owners I've got to say I'm really starting to love this low cost of living.. especially when coming from NY! I'm basically living the same lifestyle I did back home (granted, I'm driving a motorbike instead of my Audi ) but I'm spending soooo much less. If you're just getting stating with on online business and looking to keep expenses low or if you're already killing it and just want to bank some extra cash this is the place to do it.

Here's a breakdown of my expenses:

$400/Month Rent - I live in the nicest condo that I could find in the nicest building that I could find. I'm on the 11th floor overlooking the city with a great view of the mountains. Everything in here is high end and modern. I have a huge balcony. My building has 2 pools (including one on the roof), 2 restaurants, laundry service, room service, a gym, sauna, steam room... just about everything you could want. (if you wanted to a look for a cheap place there are plenty for around $150/month)

$115/Month Membership to Coworking Space - 24 hour access to a coworking space with the use a private conference room, free coffee, and the ability to network with like minded internet entrepreneurs from all over the world.

$80/Month Crossfit Membership - If you want your mind to perform at a top level your body has to as well. I work out 5 days/week at Crossfit Chaing Mai for $80 month and it's equivalent to having a personal trainer everyday!

$80/Month Motorbike Rental - You can rent a car here if you want but no one does. Everywhere you want to go is 5 - 15 minutes away. Motorbikes are efficient and the weather is amazing enough to always ride them.

$700/Month for Food & Entertainment - and I'm eating steaks at 5 star restaurants a couple nights each week. If you wanted to eat a local Thai places you could easily get by spending $300 or less per month on food.


So if anyone has been here, is here, or is planning on coming here I'd love to talk.

If anyone has any questions about internet marketing here in Thailand just ask.

- Anton
#internet #marketing #thailand
  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    My friend Paula is there doing the same thing! Well she's traveling around but started out there. She loves it - talks about $6 hour massages, $1.50 NICE meals, great place to stay, etc.

    If I wasn't a hermit, I'd go for it once my kids are all in college!
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by TiffanyLambert View Post

      My friend Paula is there doing the same thing! Well she's traveling around but started out there. She loves it - talks about $6 hour massages, $1.50 NICE meals, great place to stay, etc.

      If I wasn't a hermit, I'd go for it once my kids are all in college!
      Ahhh yes, the massages. I don't take advantage of it enough but there are plenty of places to get a 2 hour massage for $9 USD.

      It seems like a lot of people "start" here and then move on. I think that's because it's a great place to focus and really build or grow a business. I'm working on finishing a project right now which is why I "settled down" but after my work is done I plan on visiting Vietnam, the Philippines and going back to Bali. All of the flights out of Bangkok are under $100 USD!
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  • Profile picture of the author James Fame
    Haha, everyone moving over to Thailand, jeez. While I understand how much cheaper it becomes, it ultimately lies in the governance and safety of the country - which I'm not very confident about. Perfect for a vacation though!

    James Fame
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    Fire me a pm if you have a question. I build businesses and provide consulting. I do not do finance/money/internet marketing niches. Fitness, self-improvement and various others are welcome.

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    • Originally Posted by James Fame View Post

      While I understand how much cheaper it becomes, it ultimately lies in the governance and safety of the country - which I'm not very confident about.
      I'm positive the crime rates in Chiang Mai (where the OP is based) are lower than in NYC.

      I'm past my backpacking years craze, but it sounds like a wonderful experience!
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    • Profile picture of the author KevinRB
      Originally Posted by James Fame View Post

      Haha, everyone moving over to Thailand, jeez. While I understand how much cheaper it becomes, it ultimately lies in the governance and safety of the country - which I'm not very confident about. Perfect for a vacation though!

      James Fame
      Hey James

      I have been living in Chiang Mai for 7 years now.....it's a great place to live and work, cheap cost of living, much safer than most Western countries, fab weather and locals that actually smile .

      I run 150+ sites and honestly I would NOT want to be anywhere else.

      Cheers....Kevin
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by James Fame View Post

      Haha, everyone moving over to Thailand, jeez. While I understand how much cheaper it becomes, it ultimately lies in the governance and safety of the country - which I'm not very confident about. Perfect for a vacation though!

      James Fame
      Before I came I didn't know what to expect in terms of safety but like others in this thread mentioned this place (Chiang Mai) feels safer then a lot of places back home.

      I honestly haven't felt unsafe at all since I've been Thailand and I haven't heard any stories of anything bad happening to anyone that I've met while traveling. The only time I've felt even close to threatened was when a guy from the US who had about 10 too many beers was trying to fight everyone at a bar that I was at.
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      • Profile picture of the author BloggerDeen
        Originally Posted by alksense View Post

        Before I came I didn't know what to expect in terms of safety but like others in this thread mentioned this place (Chiang Mai) feels safer then a lot of places back home.

        I honestly haven't felt unsafe at all since I've been Thailand and I haven't heard any stories of anything bad happening to anyone that I've met while traveling. The only time I've felt even close to threatened was when a guy from the US who had about 10 too many beers was trying to fight everyone at a bar that I was at.
        HAHA quite Ironic taking about Thailand safety and the thread came from US!!
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    • Profile picture of the author derekwong28
      Originally Posted by James Fame View Post

      Haha, everyone moving over to Thailand, jeez. While I understand how much cheaper it becomes, it ultimately lies in the governance and safety of the country - which I'm not very confident about. Perfect for a vacation though!

      James Fame
      I have been vacationing in Thailand every year. It is generally safe for tourist and I have been driving around as well. However, you have to be extremely careful with anything to do with the Royal family. A Thai-American was jailed recently because there was a link on his blog to a publication deemed insulting to the Royal family.

      Another thing you have to watch for that the local population is not as wholeheartedly welcoming for foreigners as advertisements suggest. There is a undercurrent of resentment towards Farangs and other tourists for disrepecting their culture. This includes topless and nude sunbathing and scanty clothing around town and religious sites, as well as drunken and disorderly behavior. Also, many resent the fact that their country is regarded as the biggest brothel in the world where foreigners think they can behave in any way they want as long as they have money.
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      • Profile picture of the author James Fame
        Originally Posted by derekwong28 View Post

        Another thing you have to watch for that the local population is not as wholeheartedly welcoming for foreigners as advertisements suggest. There is a undercurrent of resentment towards Farangs and other tourists for disrepecting their culture. This includes topless and nude sunbathing and scanty clothing around town and religious sites, as well as drunken and disorderly behavior. Also, many resent the fact that their country is regarded as the biggest brothel in the world where foreigners think they can behave in any way they want as long as they have money.
        With this paragraph i can only imagine why they're being a tad little xenophobic. But I think the general case is that if we learn their culture and live respectfully by their rules, things will go smooth. I've been there for a vacation one, the things are really cheap - but for one, I'd rather vacation over than start living there.

        James Fame
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        Fire me a pm if you have a question. I build businesses and provide consulting. I do not do finance/money/internet marketing niches. Fitness, self-improvement and various others are welcome.

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        • Profile picture of the author alksense
          Originally Posted by vtotheyouknow View Post

          Hey Anton, the coworking space alone sounds like it's worth the price of admission. Not that you need to convince most dudes to stay in a gorgeous, cheap country with great food, amazing weather and beautiful, feminine women.

          I'm in BKK now but you've got me thinking about spending a few months up in Chiang Mai. It would be great to network and surround myself with likeminded dudes and dudettes. Only so much inspiration I can auto-generate working naked in my apartment. That's right, nekid.

          Also saw your VSL for dropship lifestyle. Looks really cool man and the no hype copy got me really interested. I used to work for a pretty big dropshipping operation out of L.A. and they were banking. Until Google slapped them.

          Ping me on skype = vtotheyouknow and maybe we can grab a beer and shoot the shizzle when we're in the same place.

          Peace!
          Vic
          Yeah man, people are moving up here from BKK all the time. A lot of people even just come through for a couple of weeks to really focus on work on then go back down.

          Originally Posted by johndetlefs View Post

          lol.. I was just thinking the same thing! My wife and I are in Koh Samui getting our Dive Master ticket and I'm working a couple of hours a day writing articles... it's a bit more expensive than Chiang Mai, but great fun!
          Nice! I was on Samui last month for about a week. Chaweng Beach was amazing. Much nicer than other ones that I've been to here. You should make your way up here if you ever take a break from diving.

          Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

          The locals are welcoming if you don't act like a uncultured idiot who's always drunk and offensive. Be respectful and most people will respect you. Be polite and most people will be polite back. Don't bother anyone and very rarely will anyone bother you.

          Act like a drunken idiot and wander around badly dressed, looking for trouble and being disrespectful and you can get a whole lot of problems.

          The prostitution thing though...the Thai's were pimping out their women and visiting hookers long before any foreigners turned up. They are the biggest users of hookers in the country, not farangs, and even the small villages have brothels. The tourism sex scene is a very small part of the countries sex scene. And the reason a lot of foreigners think that because they have money they can do what they want is because the Thai's facilitate that and will pretty much allow them to do as they please as long as they'll get paid for it.

          Anyway that's all very easily avoided if you just stay away from the red light and tourist areas. Where I live in BKK I never see any hookers, ladyboys, bar girls or any of that other tourist bullshit like touts, suit salesmen, aggressive tuk tuk and taxi drivers hustling, scammers etc.
          Exactly... the general rule of "don't be an idiot and use common sense" applies here just as much as it does anywhere else. If you go looking for trouble you can find it but that's true anywhere in the world.

          Originally Posted by Beatinest View Post

          Great post topic! I'm also in Thailand as I see a handful of you guys are. Been here almost 7 years now.

          One thing I didn't see anyone mention yet is the HUGE tax break you get for being an American expat. If you are considering moving out of the US (which I highly recommend) look into the tax advantage of staying out of the country.

          When I was in Chiang Mai two weeks ago I saw an ad for the shared office you are talking about. It looks great, especially if it doubles as a networking center to meet like minded people.

          Chiang Mai itself is fantastic. Personally, I love the beach but the surrounding mountain views in Chaing Mai are amazing, especially if you live in one of the higher buildings. Doi Suthep is also nice for stargazing in the cold season when the sky is clear. Just make sure you bundle up because it gets COLD up there.

          The city is also a bit slow which can be nice if you don't like to party all of the time. But be warned, no pizza delivery after 10pm on week days and midnight on weekends...lol
          I love the ride up to Doi Suthep. I've done it a bunch of times already. The city is slow but it's big enough to have everything that I could possible want.... and I don't have to worry about late night pizza delivery because room service in my building is open until midnight seven days/week!

          Originally Posted by stolpioni View Post

          Chiang Mai or Bangkok?

          I visited Bangkok a couple of years ago around this time of the year and it was waaay to hot for me. Could barely go outside.

          But I guess I could manage it...I'm homeless at the moment while I'm waiting to get my U.S. Visa processed (which will take at least a couple of months). My first thought was going to Thailand.
          But I figured Bangkok or some of the islands in the south (Koh Samui, Phuket etc).

          How is Chiang Mai? Lots of things happening? Climate (compared to BKK)?

          What are you guys doing day to day? Would be cool to meet up some fellow marketers if I come over there.
          BKK and Chiang Mai are VERY different. Bangkok is a huge, busy city and Chiang Mai is a smaller, quieter place. It would be like living in Manhattan versus living an hour upstate in NY.

          It really comes down to personal preference. I like to live outside of the city and make my way in every once in awhile.

          What do I do in Chiang Mai? I basically wake up at 6am everyday and go to the office, get some work done then go to lunch, sometimes I'll go back in the afternoon but I usually hang out at my pool. I go to Crossfit at 5pm everyday and then go to dinner with people from the office (there are some really amazing restaurants here). Sometimes after that we will go out and grab some beers and talk business, sometimes I'll go back to the office, and sometimes I'll just come home and relax.

          On the weekends everyone usually plans something.. either a golf outing, trip up to Pai, a motorbike ride, or going to a Chiang Mai FC game. The nightlife here is perfect for me because I'm not into the whole club scene. I'm much more in my zone at a local bar playing pool with a live band playing and there are plenty of places to do that here.

          Originally Posted by 4DayWeekend View Post

          It's definitely something I'd consider after the summer is over here in the UK.

          I'd love to see photos of your accommodation to get a better feel for what you get for $400. Are there any photos online?

          Thanks in advance,
          Here's a place that's comparable to mine:

          C1476 - 1 Bedroom, 2 bathrooms fully furnished in Karnkanok 3 Condo | condo for rent in Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Real Estate | Property for rent in ChiangMai
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          • Profile picture of the author Exaktu
            Wonderfull info guys as im thinking off going to live there too,did any one mention medical costs hospitals doctors fees
            not that hopefully i dont need them,but any ideas for uk guys thinking of living there.
            thanks
            chrisnkez
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            • Profile picture of the author Graham Maddison
              Originally Posted by chrisnkez View Post

              Wonderfull info guys as im thinking off going to live there too,did any one mention medical costs hospitals doctors fees
              not that hopefully i dont need them,but any ideas for uk guys thinking of living there.
              thanks
              chrisnkez
              Marry a Thai lady who works for the government and your medical costs are sorted .. lucky me
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              • Profile picture of the author thedog
                Hey Anton, ye, Thailand rocks. Been there a good few times. I'm currently living in China, been here 3 and a half years, and the living costs are similar.

                The place I'm at is similar to Pai, which I'm sure you know.

                The last time I was in Thailand was in January, and I made some great contacts, Bangkok is buzzing, met a group of travel bloggers there, living the high life.

                I prefer Chiang Mai though, it's a bit more laid back.... love their pickup taxis... 20 baht where ever you want to go in the city.

                Are you heading to Fusion HQ? I'll be heading over to it, will get to Chiang Mai on the 15th. Would be great to meet up for a beer.

                While I really like my little part of the world, there's practically no one working in IM here... all English teachers and adventure guides.

                I'm probably gonna move to Thailand at the end of the year, possibly Chiang Mai or Phuket, not the saturated tourist part.

                Later

                Rob
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                • Profile picture of the author alksense
                  Originally Posted by thedog View Post

                  Hey Anton, ye, Thailand rocks. Been there a good few times. I'm currently living in China, been here 3 and a half years, and the living costs are similar.

                  The place I'm at is similar to Pai, which I'm sure you know.

                  The last time I was in Thailand was in January, and I made some great contacts, Bangkok is buzzing, met a group of travel bloggers there, living the high life.

                  I prefer Chiang Mai though, it's a bit more laid back.... love their pickup taxis... 20 baht where ever you want to go in the city.

                  Are you heading to Fusion HQ? I'll be heading over to it, will get to Chiang Mai on the 15th. Would be great to meet up for a beer.

                  While I really like my little part of the world, there's practically no one working in IM here... all English teachers and adventure guides.

                  I'm probably gonna move to Thailand at the end of the year, possibly Chiang Mai or Phuket, not the saturated tourist part.

                  Later

                  Rob
                  I've haven't heard anything about Fusion HQ but I will be going to the Tedx Chiang Mai event in September.

                  I just sent you my facebook info. Let me know when you're over here and we will meet up for that beer. The coworking place also does day and week passes so you'll probably want to check that out while you're here as well.
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                  • Profile picture of the author WilsonThomas
                    Great post mate. Thanks for sharing. I think I'll have to head out there and give my old bones a luxury vacation.
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                    • Profile picture of the author WilsonThomas
                      On that note, you ever been to Hawaii? Price wise we're talking polar opposite but the climate and natural beauty would be about the same eh?
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              • Profile picture of the author Exaktu
                Now theres a great idea i get hitched haha
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                • Profile picture of the author donalld
                  Thailand is a great place. I have a friend in this field and he is from Thailand.
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      • Profile picture of the author TheFBGuy
        Originally Posted by derekwong28 View Post

        Also, many resent the fact that their country is regarded as the biggest brothel in the world where foreigners think they can behave in any way they want as long as they have money.
        Hahahaha, this made me chuckle. (not laughing because it isn't true, but because it is indeed true, lol)
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
      And you live where???

      Joe Mobley


      Originally Posted by James Fame View Post

      Haha, everyone moving over to Thailand, jeez. While I understand how much cheaper it becomes, it ultimately lies in the governance and safety of the country - which I'm not very confident about. Perfect for a vacation though!

      James Fame
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      Follow Me on Twitter: @daVinciJoe
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    • Originally Posted by James Fame View Post

      Haha, everyone moving over to Thailand, jeez. While I understand how much cheaper it becomes, it ultimately lies in the governance and safety of the country - which I'm not very confident about. Perfect for a vacation though!

      James Fame
      I lived there for 5 years as well. Right now I'm in Cambodia.

      Honestly, it's probably far more unsafe to come there on a temporary vacation than it is to live here. Much of staying safe in a place like this is knowing the lay of the land and the way of the locals. It's the tourists who most often get in trouble, in my honest opinion.

      Definitely are risks involved though. Basic street smarts can do you a bit of good.
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  • Profile picture of the author JonP
    Sounds like an awesome experience Anton. Definitely something I'd would have considered doing 10 years ago before the wife and kids came along. Unfortunately at the time I was too busy working a JOB to take much thought for something like that...

    Jon.
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  • Profile picture of the author John J M
    I also lived in Thailand for a while - not so much for just cultural experience/travel, but to help at orphanages and different ministries in the country.

    Nevertheless, I experienced a lot of what you did about the country, which I loved: low prices, great food, awesome scenery. Most of all, I loved the people.

    I would imagine it would be a great place to work for a while. Of course, the only places I ever had internet were the internet cafes, which I don't necessarily recommend for being able to concentrate.

    ...and yes, the massages (as long as you are careful in where you go) are pretty awesome too
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    • Profile picture of the author Major K
      Been to several places in Thailand but never Chaing Mai yet, curious if it's cooler temperature wise (compared to say Bangkok) since you're up near the mountains?

      Sounds like a great environment to work but that "coworking space" where you mention there's so many others with different skills all together, that sounds like a great place to work!
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      • Profile picture of the author alksense
        Originally Posted by Major K View Post

        Been to several places in Thailand but never Chaing Mai yet, curious if it's cooler temperature wise (compared to say Bangkok) since you're up near the mountains?

        Sounds like a great environment to work but that "coworking space" where you mention there's so many others with different skills all together, that sounds like a great place to work!
        I just checked the 5 day forecasts and it's about 3 - 4 degrees celsius cooler than Bangkok each day.

        Last weekend I actually went on a motorbike ride with some friends high up into the mountains and it gets cold up there! The city is a comfortable temperature right now but it's getting into the rainy season so about once per day there's a huge downpour for about 30 minutes.

        The coworking space really is ideal. I've been working from home for the past seven years and I usually only "work" a few hours per day while being productive. I never had any complaints about it because I knew I didn't want my own office space and I really didn't think there were any other "in between" options out there.

        Well, I still want my home office but from now on I only want to live in places that have coworking spaces close by. The networking alone is worth it. Not to mention that extra motivation you get by being surrounded by people who are already more successful than you or who are working as hard as they can to get there.
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        • Profile picture of the author Major K
          Originally Posted by alksense View Post

          I just checked the 5 day forecasts and it's about 3 - 4 degrees celsius cooler than Bangkok each day.

          Last weekend I actually went on a motorbike ride with some friends high up into the mountains and it gets cold up there! The city is a comfortable temperature right now but it's getting into the rainy season so about once per day there's a huge downpour for about 30 minutes.

          The coworking space really is ideal. I've been working from home for the past seven years and I usually only "work" a few hours per day while being productive. I never had any complaints about it because I knew I didn't want my own office space and I really didn't think there were any other "in between" options out there.

          Well, I still want my home office but from now on I only want to live in places that have coworking spaces close by. The networking alone is worth it. Not to mention that extra motivation you get by being surrounded by people who are already more successful than you or who are working as hard as they can to get there.
          Really sounds quite nice there alksense. Know what you mean about others over there working hard to succeed: while in Bangkok just walking around the city ran into a group of young guys from India working in Bangkok who started a business creating electronic business cards that looked (and played) like DVDs, they were shipping them all over the world. I still have a sample their head engineer gave me while he enthusiastically (and proudly) described their business to me.
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  • Profile picture of the author ZhaoAnXin
    I lived there for 4 years, and have been living in Asia for 16. Now I live in Myanmar (Burma) and have been here for some years.

    I have to go to Thailand every 70 days or so on a visa run and for shopping, etc.

    I'm always on the lookout for any Mastermind groups or networking events in Thailand when it's time for me to be there, but haven't found anything yet.

    I'm in Asia permanently I suppose (half of my life already). I would be super interested in bigger networking events, if someone else put it together. There are some big players in South Asia as well, like Mind Valley in KL, etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
      Originally Posted by ZhaoAnXin View Post

      I lived there for 4 years, and have been living in Asia for 16. Now I live in Myanmar (Burma) and have been here for some years.

      I have to go to Thailand every 70 days or so on a visa run and for shopping, etc.

      I'm always on the lookout for any Mastermind groups or networking events in Thailand when it's time for me to be there, but haven't found anything yet.

      I'm in Asia permanently I suppose (half of my life already). I would be super interested in bigger networking events, if someone else put it together. There are some big players in South Asia as well, like Mind Valley in KL, etc.
      I'm another Chiang Mai resident though I will be in the UK during this event

      which you should really check out if you are so close

      FusionHQ Live

      I do the visa run in the other direction every 90 days or so

      Regards

      Steve C
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      • Profile picture of the author Gaz Cooper
        Im another one living in Chiang Mai for the past 7 years Great place to live cant really think of any negatives and seems there are a lot more IMers than I thought since there are so many here that I didnt know live there also, I know about Stevey C and Rob and we have a Internet Marketers meet up on a regular basis with the next one on August 14th PM me if your interested in attending nothing formal just a getogether of like minded people over a coffee.

        The there is the big FUSION DOJO EVENT being held at the Shangri La Hotel in Chiang Mai from August 17th thru 23rd where there will be an almost week long Internet Marketing training event going on with some world class speakers who have earned tens of millions of dollars online between them, so that should not be missed by any marketer in Thailand just for the networking opportunities alone some serious contacts will be attending that event.

        Gaz Cooper
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    I currently live in Bangkok. It's epic.

    Live a much better standard of life than back home for much cheaper.

    I pay $230USD per month for my apartment in the centre of town beside the main transport hubs. It has all mod cons, swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurants etc.

    I eat out every night of the week and get great local and international food for ridiculously cheap prices like I took a date to a Japanese restaurant the other night total cost for both of us with a drink was less than $10USD.

    I can party like a rockstar 7 nights a week without breaking the bank.

    There's really no better place to live for me right now.
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  • Profile picture of the author run
    Also a popular place chic lover!
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    I just wanna tell you that most of the links in the signature are trash and/or a trap to make you pay!
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  • Profile picture of the author vtotheyouknow
    Hey Anton, the coworking space alone sounds like it's worth the price of admission. Not that you need to convince most dudes to stay in a gorgeous, cheap country with great food, amazing weather and beautiful, feminine women.

    I'm in BKK now but you've got me thinking about spending a few months up in Chiang Mai. It would be great to network and surround myself with likeminded dudes and dudettes. Only so much inspiration I can auto-generate working naked in my apartment. That's right, nekid.

    Also saw your VSL for dropship lifestyle. Looks really cool man and the no hype copy got me really interested. I used to work for a pretty big dropshipping operation out of L.A. and they were banking. Until Google slapped them.

    Ping me on skype = vtotheyouknow and maybe we can grab a beer and shoot the shizzle when we're in the same place.

    Peace!
    Vic
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    • Profile picture of the author johndetlefs
      Originally Posted by vtotheyouknow View Post

      I'm in BKK now but you've got me thinking about spending a few months up in Chiang Mai.
      lol.. I was just thinking the same thing! My wife and I are in Koh Samui getting our Dive Master ticket and I'm working a couple of hours a day writing articles... it's a bit more expensive than Chiang Mai, but great fun!
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    Another thing you have to watch for that the local population is not as wholeheartedly welcoming for foreigners as advertisements suggest. There is a undercurrent of resentment towards Farangs and other tourists for disrepecting their culture. This includes topless and nude sunbathing and scanty clothing around town and religious sites, as well as drunken and disorderly behavior. Also, many resent the fact that their country is regarded as the biggest brothel in the world where foreigners think they can behave in any way they want as long as they have money.
    The locals are welcoming if you don't act like a uncultured idiot who's always drunk and offensive. Be respectful and most people will respect you. Be polite and most people will be polite back. Don't bother anyone and very rarely will anyone bother you.

    Act like a drunken idiot and wander around badly dressed, looking for trouble and being disrespectful and you can get a whole lot of problems.

    The prostitution thing though...the Thai's were pimping out their women and visiting hookers long before any foreigners turned up. They are the biggest users of hookers in the country, not farangs, and even the small villages have brothels. The tourism sex scene is a very small part of the countries sex scene. And the reason a lot of foreigners think that because they have money they can do what they want is because the Thai's facilitate that and will pretty much allow them to do as they please as long as they'll get paid for it.

    Anyway that's all very easily avoided if you just stay away from the red light and tourist areas. Where I live in BKK I never see any hookers, ladyboys, bar girls or any of that other tourist bullshit like touts, suit salesmen, aggressive tuk tuk and taxi drivers hustling, scammers etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    Another thing you have to watch for that the local population is not as wholeheartedly welcoming for foreigners as advertisements suggest. There is a undercurrent of resentment towards Farangs and other tourists for disrepecting their culture. This includes topless and nude sunbathing and scanty clothing around town and religious sites, as well as drunken and disorderly behavior. Also, many resent the fact that their country is regarded as the biggest brothel in the world where foreigners think they can behave in any way they want as long as they have money.
    The locals are welcoming if you don't act like a uncultured idiot who's always drunk and offensive. Be respectful and most people will respect you. Be polite and most people will be polite back. Don't bother anyone and very rarely will anyone bother you.

    Act like a drunken idiot and wander around badly dressed, looking for trouble and being disrespectful and you can get a whole lot of problems.

    The prostitution thing though...the Thai's were pimping out their women and visiting hookers long before any foreigners turned up. They are the biggest users of hookers in the country, not farangs, and even the small villages have brothels. The tourism sex scene is a very small part of the countries sex scene. And the reason a lot of foreigners think that because they have money they can do what they want is because the Thai's facilitate that and will pretty much allow them to do as they please as long as they'll get paid for it.

    Anyway that's all very easily avoided if you just stay away from the red light and tourist areas. Where I live in BKK I never see any hookers, ladyboys, bar girls or any of that other tourist bullshit like touts, suit salesmen, aggressive tuk tuk and taxi drivers hustling, scammers etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Beatinest
    Great post topic! I'm also in Thailand as I see a handful of you guys are. Been here almost 7 years now.

    One thing I didn't see anyone mention yet is the HUGE tax break you get for being an American expat. If you are considering moving out of the US (which I highly recommend) look into the tax advantage of staying out of the country.

    When I was in Chiang Mai two weeks ago I saw an ad for the shared office you are talking about. It looks great, especially if it doubles as a networking center to meet like minded people.

    Chiang Mai itself is fantastic. Personally, I love the beach but the surrounding mountain views in Chaing Mai are amazing, especially if you live in one of the higher buildings. Doi Suthep is also nice for stargazing in the cold season when the sky is clear. Just make sure you bundle up because it gets COLD up there.

    The city is also a bit slow which can be nice if you don't like to party all of the time. But be warned, no pizza delivery after 10pm on week days and midnight on weekends...lol
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  • Profile picture of the author svedski
    Chiang Mai or Bangkok?

    I visited Bangkok a couple of years ago around this time of the year and it was waaay to hot for me. Could barely go outside.

    But I guess I could manage it...I'm homeless at the moment while I'm waiting to get my U.S. Visa processed (which will take at least a couple of months). My first thought was going to Thailand.
    But I figured Bangkok or some of the islands in the south (Koh Samui, Phuket etc).

    How is Chiang Mai? Lots of things happening? Climate (compared to BKK)?

    What are you guys doing day to day? Would be cool to meet up some fellow marketers if I come over there.

    OP: The Philippines is really cool. I lived there for a couple of months. However, be prepared to experience something radically different to Thailand. I've never been to South/Central America but I would guess it's comparable to El Salvador, Guatemala or Mexico.

    Basically, it's shady. Pretty much wherever you go. People stare at you, point fingers etc. Just be careful when walking outside. I'd recommend you take a cab if you want to go somewhere, especially after dark.
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    • Profile picture of the author 4DayWeekend
      It's definitely something I'd consider after the summer is over here in the UK.

      I'd love to see photos of your accommodation to get a better feel for what you get for $400. Are there any photos online?

      Thanks in advance,
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    • Profile picture of the author candoit2
      Originally Posted by svedski View Post

      Chiang Mai or Bangkok?

      I visited Bangkok a couple of years ago around this time of the year and it was waaay to hot for me. Could barely go outside.

      But I guess I could manage it...I'm homeless at the moment while I'm waiting to get my U.S. Visa processed (which will take at least a couple of months). My first thought was going to Thailand.
      But I figured Bangkok or some of the islands in the south (Koh Samui, Phuket etc).

      How is Chiang Mai? Lots of things happening? Climate (compared to BKK)?

      What are you guys doing day to day? Would be cool to meet up some fellow marketers if I come over there.

      OP: The Philippines is really cool. I lived there for a couple of months. However, be prepared to experience something radically different to Thailand. I've never been to South/Central America but I would guess it's comparable to El Salvador, Guatemala or Mexico.

      Basically, it's shady. Pretty much wherever you go. People stare at you, point fingers etc. Just be careful when walking outside. I'd recommend you take a cab if you want to go somewhere, especially after dark.
      I`ve lived in Thailand and seen most of the Phillipines. (Better than Thailand IMO is Palawan region) Ambergris Caye(Belize) though really has my interest over all of them for many reasons. I think that place can become the next big hub for online entrepreneurs.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    How is Chiang Mai? Lots of things happening? Climate (compared to BKK)?
    CM is quite dull IMO. Not much happening in the city. Nightlife quite dead during the week. Cooler than BKK it can actually be cold in the morning in CM.

    Weather in BKK has been OK the past few weeks not really been an issue for me.

    If you want a really happening 24hr city with so much going on that you can't possibly do it all then BKK is the only place to be in Thailand. Man I ******* love this city.
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    • Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

      CM is quite dull IMO. Not much happening in the city. Nightlife quite dead during the week. Cooler than BKK it can actually be cold in the morning in CM.
      I agree.

      BKK is a monster capital: pumping, busy, crowded, noisy, electric, dynamic, overwhelming.

      CM is a province city: relaxed, cooler, friendlier, duller, sanier.

      It depends on what you're in the mood for I guess. I myself would grow bored in CM after a few weeks... but then again I've always been a city bug
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    • Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

      CM is quite dull IMO. Not much happening in the city. Nightlife quite dead during the week. Cooler than BKK it can actually be cold in the morning in CM.

      Weather in BKK has been OK the past few weeks not really been an issue for me.

      If you want a really happening 24hr city with so much going on that you can't possibly do it all then BKK is the only place to be in Thailand. Man I ******* love this city.
      I beg to differ.

      I lived in Chiang Mai years, and while the sentiment you've asserted here is common, it's not exactly true if you get in with the local crowds. Plenty of fancy restaurants, local discoteques that go off every single night of the week, and other seedier bars and laid-back beer gardens that will keep you going until early morning if you so choose. It's very much a 24hour city if you want it to be (not that this always ends up being a healthy thing lol).

      Just got to break away from the tourists crowds in the center and infiltrate the local culture. A lot of people show up and stick mainly to the center, wander over to Nimanheimen and Huay Kaew Rd area - maybe even visit Airport Plaza, and proceed to assume it's a small town. It indeed does have a very small town feel at first glance, but there's over 900,000 people in the metro area, with nightlife options sprinkled across the whole lot of it.

      But yes, nothing can compare to Bangkok. That's an international level destination and sure to keep you spinning with options - if you want to spin with options, that is.

      Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

      It's probably not.

      She lived in CM and had never visited one of it's main areas?

      It's not a 'different side' of CM it's a very normal part of CM where anyone who's been there more than 3 days has been to.

      :confused:

      It's like living in Bangkok and never having been to Sukhumvit or something.
      Agreed. No offense to the author, but she really should get out more.
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      • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
        Originally Posted by Superior Content Creation View Post

        I beg to differ.

        I lived in Chiang Mai years, and while the sentiment you've asserted here is common, it's not exactly true if you get in with the local crowds. Plenty of fancy restaurants, local discoteques that go off every single night of the week, and other seedier bars and laid-back beer gardens that will keep you going until early morning if you so choose. It's very much a 24hour city if you want it to be (not that this always ends up being a healthy thing lol).

        Just got to break away from the tourists crowds in the center and infiltrate the local culture. A lot of people show up and stick mainly to the center, wander over to Nimanheimen and Huay Kaew Rd area - maybe even visit Airport Plaza, and proceed to assume it's a small town. It indeed does have a very small town feel at first glance, but there's over 900,000 people in the metro area, with nightlife options sprinkled across the whole lot of it.

        But yes, nothing can compare to Bangkok. That's an international level destination and sure to keep you spinning with options - if you want to spin with options, that is..
        Sure the metro area has around 900,000 but within the city it's self we are talking just 170,000 people or there abouts. That's not much.

        There probably are many hidden away clubs and night life areas that I and most others are not aware of but there's not an abundance of choices 24hrs a day like BKK has.

        Both are very different and I can see why some people would prefer CM over the big and busy BKK which can drive even the most hardcore BKK lovers mad at times.

        although I have big trip planned to Hanoi Bay, Vietnam at the end of the this month
        Might be an idea to know the name of the place you are visiting...it's Halong Bay. Hanoi is a nearbye city.

        It's stunning. Make sure you do a multi day trip. I opted for a one day trip from Hanoi and spent about 8hrs of that day on a bus there and back stuck in traffic. Time actually spent on a boat and out at the bay was just a couple of hours.
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  • Profile picture of the author Graham Maddison
    Living in Thailand is great ... I have been living in Khon Kaen NE Thailand with my beautiful Thai wife for the past 3 months after being forced into early retirement due to health issues. I had planned to retire next year.

    Bought a nice 3 bedroom detached home with balconies. Swimming pool a hundred yards away and a river 500 yards away. Security guards too. For £30k, I am living in paradise.

    As I now have no income until my pension begins next year, I am now trying to make this Internet Marketing thing work for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author run
    I like BKK because there're many chic there and are the way cheaper than here $250/1hour for messaging.

    As said above, CM is a relax place when I want more quiet and weather.
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  • Profile picture of the author Adie
    I always dreamed of doing the same by my local offline business keeps me from doing so. I love travel and being an Internet Marketer is a huge advantage compared to those employed people..
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Lacer
    Sounds really great! I've always wanted to travel to Asia and I will definitely keep this place in mind. The next 2/3 years I'm planning to grow my online business to a level where I only have to work a few hours a day. In that 2/3 years I can also save money to stay there for 6 months or something .

    I do have a question, aren't the prices rising really quickly as a lot foreigners are traveling to Asia these days?
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    • Originally Posted by Jeremy Lacer View Post

      I do have a question, aren't the prices rising really quickly as a lot foreigners are traveling to Asia these days?
      I've been regularly traveling back to Thailand over the years for the last decade, and the problem has not only been raising prices but rather the falling of the dollar exchange rate.

      When I first traveled to Thailand in 2004, the Thai Baht exchange rate was at 40 Baht per US dollar. Now a days it's at 30 baht per US dollar. So, high inflation plus worse exchange rates make Thailand almost twice as expensive to the traveler as it was 10 years ago. That applies to most of Asia actually.

      Still, what could be consider an average salary in the Western World (say US$ 2,500 per month) can buy you a rock star life style is Thailand.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Lacer
        Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

        I've been regularly traveling back to Thailand over the years for the last decade, and the problem has not only been raising prices but rather the falling of the dollar exchange rate.

        When I first traveled to Thailand in 2004, the Thai Baht exchange rate was at 40 Baht per US dollar. Now a days it's at 30 baht per US dollar. So, high inflation plus worse exchange rates make Thailand almost twice as expensive to the traveler as it was 10 years ago. That applies to most of Asia actually.

        Still, what could be consider an average salary in the Western World (say US$ 2,500 per month) can buy you a rock star life style is Thailand.
        You have a point there. I hope that it will still be payable when I go there over 3 years :p.

        On the other hand, I have 3 years to save money so we'll see .
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    • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
      Originally Posted by Jeremy Lacer View Post

      I do have a question, aren't the prices rising really quickly as a lot foreigners are traveling to Asia these days?
      Where in the world isn't getting more expensive but it's still very cheap. You'll have a much higher quality of life than back home for much less.

      I've been all over the world but I keep coming back to Thailand time and time again. It's incredible.

      P.S.
      Avoid Pattaya like the plague. It's a sex tourist dump.
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  • Profile picture of the author affilorama-portal
    Sounds like an amazing place to do business... I'm not to flash with the heat so it probably wouldn't suit me, but I can see why some people would love it.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveSRS
    I've done this lifestyle for about 7 years now starting in Australia and then living in a multitude of countries in South America, I'm starting to find there is a great and growing group of people doing this kind of lifestyle.

    Would be awesome to get more connected to people doing this, does anybody know like a forum or so specifically for the 'homeless' worldly entrepreneurs like us?
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by SteveSRS View Post

      I've done this lifestyle for about 7 years now starting in Australia and then living in a multitude of countries in South America, I'm starting to find there is a great and growing group of people doing this kind of lifestyle.

      Would be awesome to get more connected to people doing this, does anybody know like a forum or so specifically for the 'homeless' worldly entrepreneurs like us?
      Nice! I'm heading back to NY late in November and staying through the new year but after that I'm doing central and south America where I'll eventually end up in Brazil for the World Cup next July!

      It seems like a lot of people on here are already living this type of lifestyle. A lot of people who work in the same coworking space as me actually have accounts on here but I'm not sure how active they are...
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      • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
        Originally Posted by alksense View Post

        Nice! I'm heading back to NY late in November and staying through the new year but after that I'm doing central and south America where I'll eventually end up in Brazil for the World Cup next July!

        It seems like a lot of people on here are already living this type of lifestyle. A lot of people who work in the same coworking space as me actually have accounts on here but I'm not sure how active they are...
        If your going to Chile and need some help drop me a line as I have lived there and my wife is Chilean now with me in the UK
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  • Profile picture of the author flovin
    Yeah, you should setup your base there. A lot of well know IMs are there already.
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  • Profile picture of the author idoitbigtime
    Sounds like a DREAM
    waiting to go with my Family to the Big Travel as well
    probably in 2-3 years
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  • Profile picture of the author harvie316
    I lived in bangkok the last 11 months as a pro poker player. yeah its awesome!
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  • Profile picture of the author dml8131
    Twenty five years ago, before the online business boom, I tried 4 cities: Miami, Dallas, San Diego and settled on... Waikiki. problem with Waikiki is that it is expensive and being around tourists gets old.

    Thailand has always been in the back of my mind as i think that would serve as a great hub to the orient!
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    Is the weather FL hot n muggy? or southern CA?


    My buddy got into the Startup Chile program where the country gives you $40k(reimburse expenses) during a 6month program in Santiago Chile working on your biz, networking, collaborating etc.... Pretty cool gig, gonna go down and check it out probably this winter which is their summer. I think they are taking applications for the next round now.
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  • Profile picture of the author harvie316
    one of my rooms, $150/month with pool and two restaurant that deliver thai food too your door from $1.25. In Bangkok. This is the low end for apartments.





    I would recommend to live there, its amazing, even more so if your a guy
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    • Profile picture of the author Ozmagic
      Damn. It is very cheap and tempting

      I'm planning to go to europe to stay for 1 year to improve as much as i can my english habilities.
      After that my next stop certainly will be in Thailand, 6 months living in this paradise would do very good in my life.

      I love asian food, beach, cheap sports, etc. Plus the opportunity to network with internet marketing and like-minded people would be awesome.
      Perhaps JV with somebody who wants to scale their business beyond english speaking countries, since my country Brazil have one of the largest internal-market (200 million ppl) in the world. It's a whole new market to sell to.
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      • Profile picture of the author thedog
        My rent in China is working out at $115 per month, great apartment, bang in the middle of town, here's a pic.



        While the rents are great here, the food has gone up a lot over the past 3 years, so it's much of a muchness in comparison to Thailand.... plus Thai food is much better... and I'd trust it more.

        I think a move to Thailand is on the cards

        Already made a good friend, Gaz, in Chiang Mai, and I'm sure I'll meet plenty more like minded people.
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        • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
          Originally Posted by thedog View Post

          My rent in China is working out at $115 per month, great apartment, bang in the middle of town, here's a pic.



          While the rents are great here, the food has gone up a lot over the past 3 years, so it's much of a muchness in comparison to Thailand.... plus Thai food is much better... and I'd trust it more.

          I think a move to Thailand is on the cards

          Already made a good friend, Gaz, in Chiang Mai, and I'm sure I'll meet plenty more like minded people.
          Looks a beautiful place Rob, though Chiang Mai probably has a bit more going on.
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          • Profile picture of the author thedog
            Originally Posted by Stevie C View Post

            Looks a beautiful place Rob, though Chiang Mai probably has a bit more going on.
            Hey Stevie, ye, it's awesome here, but just a bit too small, and a lot of the charm has worn off... time for a new adventure I think... and the internet can't be any slower
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            • Profile picture of the author alksense
              Originally Posted by Gaz Cooper View Post

              Im another one living in Chiang Mai for the past 7 years Great place to live cant really think of any negatives and seems there are a lot more IMers than I thought since there are so many here that I didnt know live there also, I know about Stevey C and Rob and we have a Internet Marketers meet up on a regular basis with the next one on August 14th PM me if your interested in attending nothing formal just a getogether of like minded people over a coffee.

              The there is the big FUSION DOJO EVENT being held at the Shangri La Hotel in Chiang Mai from August 17th thru 23rd where there will be an almost week long Internet Marketing training event going on with some world class speakers who have earned tens of millions of dollars online between them, so that should not be missed by any marketer in Thailand just for the networking opportunities alone some serious contacts will be attending that event.

              Gaz Cooper
              Yeah, I'd love to meet up with you guys for coffee sometime. I just pm'ed you with my facebook info.

              Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

              I was finally able to make my way up to Chiang Mai last October for a week or so after a conference I was at in BKK...really nice, laid-back town. There were a TON of expat entrepreneurs in town when I was there which made it even more interesting - no end to the things to do, people to hang out with, etc.

              I'm actually heading to HCM in September and then over to Thailand (BKK) again in mid-October. I'm planning to head down to Phuket this time, though, and enjoy the beaches a bit. :-)

              OP - is the co-working space you mentioned run by a guy named Ian B.? I know a guy that was setting up his co-working space in the area last year...I was wondering if it was the same place. (If so...small world!)

              For anyone looking at an opportunity to work and check out SEAsia, I'd definitely recommend looking at our latest apprenticeship position. We're looking for someone to head out here (to the Philippines) and help us grow our business...might be a great opportunity for you.

              For anyone else on the fence about checking out Chiang Mai I'd definitely recommend it. It's a little less wild/crazy than Bangkok, but a great place to put your head down and knock out some work. (And stretch your dollar like a champ!)
              This place isn't run by Ian but I think I may have heard someone named Ian opened a coworking space up in Pai (a hippie town a few hours north of here).

              btw I spoke to you guys back in November after you saw my Mike from Maine interview regarding eCommerce. I hope all is well out in the Philippines. It sounds like you guys have a great opportunity for someone looking to break into internet marketing while living abroad. I know I'd jump on it if I was just getting started out.

              - Anton
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              • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
                Originally Posted by alksense View Post

                This place isn't run by Ian but I think I may have heard someone named Ian opened a coworking space up in Pai (a hippie town a few hours north of here).

                btw I spoke to you guys back in November after you saw my Mike from Maine interview regarding eCommerce. I hope all is well out in the Philippines. It sounds like you guys have a great opportunity for someone looking to break into internet marketing while living abroad. I know I'd jump on it if I was just getting started out.

                - Anton
                Ahhhh...yeah, man...I remember you. Joe was digging into your eCommmerce / Dropship process, hehe...nice! We actually just interviewed Andrew from eCommerceFuel for a podcast episode due out next week that's all about the upsides/downsides to a dropship site business.

                Yeah...I couldn't remember if the co-working space was in CM or Pai. (I'm guessing it was in Pai) You're definitely talking about the same guy...

                Nice running into you again, man. I'll be in Bangkok Oct 14th - 21st or so...let me know if you happen to be down in the city and I'll buy you some beers? :-)
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                • Profile picture of the author alksense
                  Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

                  Ahhhh...yeah, man...I remember you. Joe was digging into your eCommmerce / Dropship process, hehe...nice! We actually just interviewed Andrew from eCommerceFuel for a podcast episode due out next week that's all about the upsides/downsides to a dropship site business.

                  Yeah...I couldn't remember if the co-working space was in CM or Pai. (I'm guessing it was in Pai) You're definitely talking about the same guy...

                  Nice running into you again, man. I'll be in Bangkok Oct 14th - 21st or so...let me know if you happen to be down in the city and I'll buy you some beers? :-)
                  Yeah, some of the people I work with are heading down that way in October so I may do the same.

                  Looking forward to the new podcast (and the beers)
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    • Profile picture of the author ramonakicks
      Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

      one of my rooms, $150/month with pool and two restaurant that deliver thai food too your door from $1.25. In Bangkok. This is the low end for apartments.





      I would recommend to live there, its amazing, even more so if your a guy

      is this your own private place or do you have to share facilities with others

      also is there a washer/dryer on the premises and are utilities included in the 150$
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonBennet
    Wow seems like a great country to be in. I have been there for Holiday before and I do agree that the people there are very nice and the cost of living is low. Looking forward to the day when I can stay in Thailand
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  • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
    I was finally able to make my way up to Chiang Mai last October for a week or so after a conference I was at in BKK...really nice, laid-back town. There were a TON of expat entrepreneurs in town when I was there which made it even more interesting - no end to the things to do, people to hang out with, etc.

    I'm actually heading to HCM in September and then over to Thailand (BKK) again in mid-October. I'm planning to head down to Phuket this time, though, and enjoy the beaches a bit. :-)

    OP - is the co-working space you mentioned run by a guy named Ian B.? I know a guy that was setting up his co-working space in the area last year...I was wondering if it was the same place. (If so...small world!)

    For anyone looking at an opportunity to work and check out SEAsia, I'd definitely recommend looking at our latest apprenticeship position. We're looking for someone to head out here (to the Philippines) and help us grow our business...might be a great opportunity for you.

    For anyone else on the fence about checking out Chiang Mai I'd definitely recommend it. It's a little less wild/crazy than Bangkok, but a great place to put your head down and knock out some work. (And stretch your dollar like a champ!)
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  • Profile picture of the author androifield
    Wow... living the dream, man! Thanks for this post, gives a great view of what life might be for an online marketer in Thailand. And it even comes complete with an actual monthly budget.

    I've always wanted to soak into Japanese culture and maybe work in Tokyo or Osaka, but man, the cost of living is quite high! Bangkok or Chiang Mai they both seem like very viable options right now. Hopefully I get enough money to live that dream. I hear Thailand has awesome beaches too!
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  • Profile picture of the author harvie316
    CM is a bit quiet for me, I like to drink and go out clubbing, for that Bangkok is the best option. CM is more laid back though and alot smaller. Bangkok has a list of amazing restaurants and so much to see and do. But im a bkk fanboy
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    • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
      Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

      one of my rooms, $150/month with pool and two restaurant that deliver thai food too your door from $1.25. In Bangkok. This is the low end for apartments.



      I would recommend to live there, its amazing, even more so if your a guy
      It's in Bangna that room, right?

      Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

      CM is a bit quiet for me, I like to drink and go out clubbing, for that Bangkok is the best option. CM is more laid back though and alot smaller. Bangkok has a list of amazing restaurants and so much to see and do. But im a bkk fanboy
      Same CM is just too quiet. I like the madness of BKK and that I can go out any night of the week and party or find something to do.

      Always tons of stuff going on. There's a beer festival on today which I would go to if I wasn't so hungover. Tomorrow I might have a day at the races.
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  • Profile picture of the author Darko Majcen
    I really need to visit this place!

    When the living cost is so cheap...let's visit this place
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    • Profile picture of the author jeskola
      Any of you guys in Koh Samui?

      Thinking of moving there in October - been living in Asia for 4 years now but fancy a change of the big city - Samui seems perfect for our needs!

      Drop me a PM if on the island and maybe we can catch up!
      Signature

      Don't look to MAKE money - look to HELP people and you will make all the money you can ever want.

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  • Profile picture of the author 6figure101
    Looking to soon move from the Canadian cold winters... Thailand is on the list.
    Thanks for all the input guys! Maybe one day we'll be grabbing a beer together!
    Signature
    I am currently looking to add 3 driven members to my new (FREE) Mastermind group - Are you interested?
    - Join my MasterMind Group -
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  • Profile picture of the author Malcolm Thomas
    Wow, reading this thread and all of the responses makes me want to pack my bags and travel to thailand or bangkok
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  • Profile picture of the author Talltom1
    I started following this thread a few days ago. Then this afternoon I came across this thread on foxnews.com - couldn't stop laughing.

    American tourist killed in Thai beach town after refusing to stop singing with bar's band | Fox News


    Moral of that story....don't sing with the band at the local bar.
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author EarlVonTapia
    Originally Posted by alksense View Post

    I've seen the topic of running your business from overseas pop up a few times on the forums. I'm currently doing it so I figured I'd start a new thread and answer any questions people may have.

    I was backpacking SE Asia for about two months while running my businesses from coffee shops and working about two hours per day. I was just maintaining what I already have in place and spending my free time taking in the culture. I went trekking, learned to scuba dive and explored the islands.

    My plan was to spend 3 months here and then fly back to NY but once I found Chiang Mai (in northern Thailand) I decided I'm extending my trip for 3 more months and staying out here until the holidays.

    This place is PERFECT for internet markers.

    What's so great about it?
    • Fast Internet
    • Great Weather
    • Amazing Food
    • Nice People
    • Gorgeous Scenery
    • Great Culture
    • HUGE "lifestyle business owner" Community
    • Low Cost of Living

    The main reason I decided to stay here longer is because there is a great coworking space that you can pay a monthly fee to have 24 hour access to. At any given time during the day there are 20+ internet marketers from around the world in there working on things from software programming, to mobile app development, to building eCommerce stores, to podcasting, etc, etc, etc. Everyone works on their own startups but if anyone ever has a question about something they are working on there is usually someone else here who can and will help. Just yesterday I got about an hour worth of free consulting from an Adwords expert who manages accounts for HUGE clients.

    Besides the networking and connections with other like minded business owners I've got to say I'm really starting to love this low cost of living.. especially when coming from NY! I'm basically living the same lifestyle I did back home (granted, I'm driving a motorbike instead of my Audi ) but I'm spending soooo much less. If you're just getting stating with on online business and looking to keep expenses low or if you're already killing it and just want to bank some extra cash this is the place to do it.

    Here's a breakdown of my expenses:

    $400/Month Rent - I live in the nicest condo that I could find in the nicest building that I could find. I'm on the 11th floor overlooking the city with a great view of the mountains. Everything in here is high end and modern. I have a huge balcony. My building has 2 pools (including one on the roof), 2 restaurants, laundry service, room service, a gym, sauna, steam room... just about everything you could want. (if you wanted to a look for a cheap place there are plenty for around $150/month)

    $115/Month Membership to Coworking Space - 24 hour access to a coworking space with the use a private conference room, free coffee, and the ability to network with like minded internet entrepreneurs from all over the world.

    $80/Month Crossfit Membership - If you want your mind to perform at a top level your body has to as well. I work out 5 days/week at Crossfit Chaing Mai for $80 month and it's equivalent to having a personal trainer everyday!

    $80/Month Motorbike Rental - You can rent a car here if you want but no one does. Everywhere you want to go is 5 - 15 minutes away. Motorbikes are efficient and the weather is amazing enough to always ride them.

    $700/Month for Food & Entertainment - and I'm eating steaks at 5 star restaurants a couple nights each week. If you wanted to eat a local Thai places you could easily get by spending $300 or less per month on food.


    So if anyone has been here, is here, or is planning on coming here I'd love to talk.

    If anyone has any questions about internet marketing here in Thailand just ask.

    - Anton
    Thanks for the post! When I am able to send PM's (soon, soon . . . ) I will definitely send you a PM to ask more questions of you.

    Cheers

    E
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  • Profile picture of the author Victor Chang
    Hey buddy, great thread!

    I just moved to Phuket from Australia a couple of weeks ago and I am absolutely loving it! Best decision I've made in years

    I pay about $500 a month for a really nice condo - swimming pool, gym room, fast internet, housekeeping twice a week and very central to everything. The most delicious meals across the road for around $1-2 a plate. You can't beat REAL thai food! And there is a really nice group of expats living in my complex to hang out with when I'm not working.

    I had originally planned to live in Bangkok while building my online business but I did a little research and found that I could get a much nicer living space down here in Phuket for the same price I was paying in Bangkok. Plus, things aren't as hectic here in Phuket as it is up in Bangkok. Everything moves at a much slower pace which suits me a lot better. However, it is the rainy season at the moment so it's not all sunshine and pina coladas just yet But I still feel like I'm living the dream!

    I highly recommend this place for anyone who is thinking of moving somewhere affordable to concentrate and set up there online business.
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    • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
      Originally Posted by Victor Chang View Post

      Hey buddy, great thread!

      I just moved to Phuket from Australia a couple of weeks ago and I am absolutely loving it! Best decision I've made in years

      I pay about $500 a month for a really nice condo - swimming pool, gym room, fast internet, housekeeping twice a week and very central to everything. The most delicious meals across the road for around $1-2 a plate. You can't beat REAL thai food! And there is a really nice group of expats living in my complex to hang out with when I'm not working.

      I had originally planned to live in Bangkok while building my online business but I did a little research and found that I could get a much nicer living space down here in Phuket for the same price I was paying in Bangkok. Plus, things aren't as hectic here in Phuket as it is up in Bangkok. Everything moves at a much slower pace which suits me a lot better. However, it is the rainy season at the moment so it's not all sunshine and pina coladas just yet But I still feel like I'm living the dream!

      I highly recommend this place for anyone who is thinking of moving somewhere affordable to concentrate and set up there online business.
      Hi Victor, I read in another forum that Phuket is a little too slow paced. Is this not the case. Im not looking for party central being 45 and with my wife but I was thinking of Phuket as a location as well as Chian Mai

      Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author Victor Chang
    Oh, one quick tip I forgot to add... Learn how to barter (respectfully)

    It's part of Thai culture to negotiate a price on pretty much everything here, so learn how to barter. But don't be an a**hole about it. One thing that irks me a bit is when I see tourists being really disrespectful when bartering and trying to agree on a price for something. You gotta be firm when you negotiate but always remember to be respectful. Just the same as you would when doing business with anyone in any country
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Lauren's blog is probably going to interest people reading this thread: Discovering a Different Side of Chiang Mai.
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      • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
        Thanks Lexy.

        Joe

        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        Lauren's blog is probably going to interest people reading this thread: Discovering a Different Side of Chiang Mai.
        Signature

        .

        Follow Me on Twitter: @daVinciJoe
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      • Profile picture of the author Lucian Lada
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        Lauren's blog is probably going to interest people reading this thread: Discovering a Different Side of Chiang Mai.
        You really need to change your sig, girl: until there's some sort of Article Marketing Holocaust, the article writing one isn't helping many people (or so I imagine!) and I'm too unhewn to understand paintings. But I wouldn't mind a travel one, and even a culinary one as well.
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        • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

          You really need to change your sig, girl: until there's some sort of Article Marketing Holocaust, the article writing one isn't helping many people (or so I imagine!)
          I'm afraid you're right (I imagine that, too).

          Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

          I'm too unhewn to understand paintings.
          I'm sure you're not, at all ... but in any case you don't have to "understand" paintings to appreciate them.

          Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

          But I wouldn't mind a travel one
          I've been to about 15/16 countries (including yours!), all in Europe, but that was before I was online, really. Since 2009 I've been only in England, Malta and once in Spain, just overnight.

          Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

          and even a culinary one as well.
          I might manage that (just for soups, of course) ...

          I think the place I'd like to go to in Thailand is probably Koh Samui, maybe not so much Chiang Mai and Bangkok. I think I'm more interested in Vietnam and Japan than in Thailand, but it's hard to know just from people's blogs, when you've never been to any of these countries.
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      • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        Lauren's blog is probably going to interest people reading this thread: Discovering a Different Side of Chiang Mai.
        It's probably not.

        She lived in CM and had never visited one of it's main areas?

        It's not a 'different side' of CM it's a very normal part of CM where anyone who's been there more than 3 days has been to.

        :confused:

        It's like living in Bangkok and never having been to Sukhumvit or something.
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        • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
          Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

          It's probably not.

          She lived in CM and had never visited one of it's main areas?

          It's not a 'different side' of CM it's a very normal part of CM where anyone who's been there more than 3 days has been to.

          :confused:

          It's like living in Bangkok and never having been to Sukhumvit or something.
          Chiang Mai is like a big village so yeah Nimmanhem isn't a big secret by any stretch of the imagination..a dozen or so years back when it was the home to something called the Housewifes Club maybe...but thats a place for another forum
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  • Profile picture of the author Geri Richmond
    Hi,
    Do you know of any people that do outsourcing work for Internet marketers? They must have a command of the English language. PM me if you need to.
    Thanks,
    Geri Richmond
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      Lauren's blog is probably going to interest people reading this thread: Discovering a Different Side of Chiang Mai.
      haha, I've never seen that blog before but I was actually living in the same building as her for the first month that I was here.

      Originally Posted by Victor Chang View Post

      Hey buddy, great thread!

      I just moved to Phuket from Australia a couple of weeks ago and I am absolutely loving it! Best decision I've made in years

      I pay about $500 a month for a really nice condo - swimming pool, gym room, fast internet, housekeeping twice a week and very central to everything. The most delicious meals across the road for around $1-2 a plate. You can't beat REAL thai food! And there is a really nice group of expats living in my complex to hang out with when I'm not working.

      I had originally planned to live in Bangkok while building my online business and stayed in Sukhumvit for a week but I did a little research and found that I could get a much nicer living space down here in Phuket for the same price I was paying in Bangkok. Plus, things aren't as hectic here in Phuket as it is up in Bangkok. Everything moves at a much slower pace which suits me a lot better. However, it is the rainy season at the moment so it's not all sunshine and pina coladas just yet But I still feel like I'm living the dream!

      I highly recommend this place for anyone who is thinking of moving somewhere affordable to concentrate and set up there online business.
      Awesome man. I haven't been to Phucket yet but I'm actually planning on spending some time there in October.

      It's probably a good thing that it's the rainy season now while you're building your business so that you can actually get some work done! When I was traveling around the islands I barely opened my computer.

      Originally Posted by Geri Richmond View Post

      Hi,
      Do you know of any people that do outsourcing work for Internet marketers? They must have a command of the English language. PM me if you need to.
      Thanks,
      Geri Richmond
      I don't... it's funny because I work in a coworking space in Thailand and no one that works there is Thai! I spoke to a guy that uses interns from Chiang Mai University but most people outsource to the Philippines.
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  • Profile picture of the author BloggerDeen
    Damn you made me think about the trip to Thailand. Anyway currently I was planning trip to Russia but kinda found language problem is huge in Russia and things are pretty expensive too. Maybe I will cancel trip to Russia and go to Thailand instead. I was just worried about Internet access but you cleared that so great may be we will meet each other in Thailand.
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    • Profile picture of the author Trevorjc
      Originally Posted by BloggerDeen View Post

      Damn you made me think about the trip to Thailand. Anyway currently I was planning trip to Russia but kinda found language problem is huge in Russia and things are pretty expensive too. Maybe I will cancel trip to Russia and go to Thailand instead. I was just worried about Internet access but you cleared that so great may be we will meet each other in Thailand.
      I have been to Russia many times in the last 3 years as my regular job means i travel a lot around Europe.

      I can say that yes language is a big problem as very few people speak English especially outside of Moscow or St Petersburg but i wouldn't say its overly expensive, it depends where you are the center of Moscow yes that is pretty expensive but suburbs and other cities are cheaper than Europe.

      However, Thailand rocks so i know where i would rather be.
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      • Profile picture of the author alksense
        I've actually been in Cambodia for the past month. I went for a 4 day visa run back on Sept 30th and skipped my flight back to Chiang Mai because I really liked the country.

        I spent about 4 days in Phnom Phen, 3 days in Siem Reap and the rest of the time in Sihanoukville and on the surrounding islands.

        Here's a photo from one of the beaches:



        I loved the country but I wouldn't try to run my businesses from there full time. The wifi was VERY slow almost everywhere I stayed and even the coworking space in PP only has 3mbps: colab-cambodia.com
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        • Profile picture of the author djtrillian
          So, in Chaing Mai, do you have a landline with broadband or a wireless dongle or something? (or do you just have broadband at the coworking place)

          The problem I have run into with short stays in places like the Canary islands over this way, is that I have to rely on internet cafes or very unreliable and overpriced wifi and it makes everything much more tedious.

          I am tentatively planning to spend a month in Gran Canaria this winter (I am escaping Christmas) and need to see about getting a proper wireless broadband but it can be tricky if you're only somewhere for a few weeks etc.
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          • Profile picture of the author alksense
            Originally Posted by djtrillian View Post

            So, in Chaing Mai, do you have a landline with broadband or a wireless dongle or something? (or do you just have broadband at the coworking place)

            The problem I have run into with short stays in places like the Canary islands over this way, is that I have to rely on internet cafes or very unreliable and overpriced wifi and it makes everything much more tedious.

            I am tentatively planning to spend a month in Gran Canaria this winter (I am escaping Christmas) and need to see about getting a proper wireless broadband but it can be tricky if you're only somewhere for a few weeks etc.
            I only use wifi and it's always more than fast enough for what I need.

            For example right now I'm in a hotel in Chiang Mai and I just did a speed test which came in at 13.1mbps.
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  • Profile picture of the author mialove
    This is something i wanna do for years !
    but we have a small kids, so it's a big problem.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
      Really? I'll bet there is no age restriction in the Land of Smiles. :rolleyes:

      Joe Mobley


      Originally Posted by mialove View Post

      This is something i wanna do for years !
      but we have a small kids, so it's a big problem.
      Signature

      .

      Follow Me on Twitter: @daVinciJoe
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  • Profile picture of the author AvrilWriter
    I would love to travel and be able to work at the same time. Sounds like my ideal lifestyle. Now I just gotta make it happen!
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  • Profile picture of the author wishuwerehere
    Hi,
    Thanks for the post. I have been living in Thailand for about 1 year now. I need some advice. I want to start making some money on the Internet and I am thinking about affiliate marketing. Do think this is a good idea, or is there an easier faster way to start making money IM? Thanks for any advice. I am new to this IM game and have sold for years on eBay, but would like to find other ways of making some cash. :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author research
    Originally Posted by alksense View Post

    I've seen the topic of running your business from overseas pop up a few times on the forums. I'm currently doing it so I figured I'd start a new thread and answer any questions people may have.

    I was backpacking SE Asia for about two months while running my businesses from coffee shops and working about two hours per day. I was just maintaining what I already have in place and spending my free time taking in the culture. I went trekking, learned to scuba dive and explored the islands.

    My plan was to spend 3 months here and then fly back to NY but once I found Chiang Mai (in northern Thailand) I decided I'm extending my trip for 3 more months and staying out here until the holidays.

    This place is PERFECT for internet markers.

    What's so great about it?
    • Fast Internet
    • Great Weather
    • Amazing Food
    • Nice People
    • Gorgeous Scenery
    • Great Culture
    • HUGE "lifestyle business owner" Community
    • Low Cost of Living

    The main reason I decided to stay here longer is because there is a great coworking space that you can pay a monthly fee to have 24 hour access to. At any given time during the day there are 20+ internet marketers from around the world in there working on things from software programming, to mobile app development, to building eCommerce stores, to podcasting, etc, etc, etc. Everyone works on their own startups but if anyone ever has a question about something they are working on there is usually someone else here who can and will help. Just yesterday I got about an hour worth of free consulting from an Adwords expert who manages accounts for HUGE clients.

    Besides the networking and connections with other like minded business owners I've got to say I'm really starting to love this low cost of living.. especially when coming from NY! I'm basically living the same lifestyle I did back home (granted, I'm driving a motorbike instead of my Audi ) but I'm spending soooo much less. If you're just getting stating with on online business and looking to keep expenses low or if you're already killing it and just want to bank some extra cash this is the place to do it.

    Here's a breakdown of my expenses:

    $400/Month Rent - I live in the nicest condo that I could find in the nicest building that I could find. I'm on the 11th floor overlooking the city with a great view of the mountains. Everything in here is high end and modern. I have a huge balcony. My building has 2 pools (including one on the roof), 2 restaurants, laundry service, room service, a gym, sauna, steam room... just about everything you could want. (if you wanted to a look for a cheap place there are plenty for around $150/month)

    $115/Month Membership to Coworking Space - 24 hour access to a coworking space with the use a private conference room, free coffee, and the ability to network with like minded internet entrepreneurs from all over the world.

    $80/Month Crossfit Membership - If you want your mind to perform at a top level your body has to as well. I work out 5 days/week at Crossfit Chaing Mai for $80 month and it's equivalent to having a personal trainer everyday!

    $80/Month Motorbike Rental - You can rent a car here if you want but no one does. Everywhere you want to go is 5 - 15 minutes away. Motorbikes are efficient and the weather is amazing enough to always ride them.

    $700/Month for Food & Entertainment - and I'm eating steaks at 5 star restaurants a couple nights each week. If you wanted to eat a local Thai places you could easily get by spending $300 or less per month on food.


    So if anyone has been here, is here, or is planning on coming here I'd love to talk.

    If anyone has any questions about internet marketing here in Thailand just ask.

    - Anton
    WOW . . . Awesome. Sounds like an incredible lifestyle and seems really like the
    way to go. What would you say is the best part of your adventures in Thailand.

    And . . . what are the things you prefer to avoid ???

    Best Wishes

    Be seeing you.
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  • Profile picture of the author mialove
    Really? I'll bet there is no age restriction in the Land of Smiles.
    Sure, but it's very difficult.
    What to do with kids garden/school ?
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    • Profile picture of the author wesd22
      Not another one of these "the grass is greener" threads.

      Let's be honest here. If I was to leave the US for a third world country like Thailand, I'd be giving up all kinds of first world amenities, including the best medical care in the world, highly regulated food/water/etc. so I don't get food poisoning every time I eat a snack, politically stable society with the legal rights that are afforded Americans in the US, generally civil/modern society, no language barriers, no hassles that comes with living in the country as a foreigner (bureaucracy to wade through etc.), good speedy customer service, very fast reliable internet that never goes out, no visa hassles every few months, not removed from my family/friends back in the US or having to make Marco Polo-esque 24 hour flights every few months to see them, no moving costs, etc.

      Also the rental savings are overrated. You get what you pay for. That $250 a month "apartment" in Bangkok is not going to be anything remotely similar in quality to the $1200 apartment in Atlanta.
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      • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        I've been to about 15/16 countries (including yours!), all in Europe, but that was before I was online, really. Since 2009 I've been only in England, Malta and once in Spain, just overnight.
        I might manage that (just for soups, of course) ...

        I think the place I'd like to go to in Thailand is probably Koh Samui, maybe not so much Chiang Mai and Bangkok. I think I'm more interested in Vietnam and Japan than in Thailand, but it's hard to know just from people's blogs, when you've never been to any of these countries.
        Koh Samui like most of the other commercial and main touristy islands in Thailand is very so so tbh. Run down, dirty, seedy, over developed and polluted for the most part. Better off visiting some of the less well known ones if you want a really nice paradise like island.

        CM is dull as dish water, really don't see the fascination. Bangkok is epic.

        Vietnam is good and the history is obviously very interesting but it's no Thailand. People not that friendly. The whole county is one big traffic jam and never ending noise. Food not as good. Just something not quite as special as the Land of Smiles.

        Though Vietnam just like Thailand has it's highlights and some very epic scenery. Halong Bay and Sapa are out this world.

        Saigon is hell on earth though makes Bangkok look like paradise.

        Why don't you go to these countries if you are interested in them?

        Originally Posted by wesd22 View Post

        Not another one of these "the grass is greener" threads.

        Let's be honest here. If I was to leave the US for a third world country like Thailand, I'd be giving up all kinds of first world amenities, including the best medical care in the world, highly regulated food/water/etc. so I don't get food poisoning every time I eat a snack, politically stable society with the legal rights that are afforded Americans in the US, generally civil/modern society, no language barriers, no hassles that comes with living in the country as a foreigner (bureaucracy to wade through etc.), good speedy customer service, very fast reliable internet that never goes out, no visa hassles every few months, not removed from my family/friends back in the US or having to make Marco Polo-esque 24 hour flights every few months to see them, no moving costs, etc.

        Also the rental savings are overrated. You get what you pay for. That $250 a month "apartment" in Bangkok is not going to be anything remotely similar in quality to the $1200 apartment in Atlanta.
        Thailand and probably every where else in the world is glad you don't want to come here you moron.

        Thailand can no longer be classed as a 3rd world country, no ******* way.

        Best medical care in the world in the US? Yeah if you have plenty of money to pay for it which most people don't. Try the UK for that mate.

        Food here is stupidly delicious and cheap and available on every street corner day and night and most of the population including every foreigner I know who lives here (and most who visit) are eating it every day and NOT getting food poisoning. Time to man up.

        Do you have legal rights here as a foreigner? No not many but just don't break the law and you'll be fine. Not sure foreigners get many rights in most countries around the world including yours.

        Language barriers? Learn the local language and you won't have a problem. Not everyone in the world can speak English or should be expected to...I mean even your lot haven't mastered it yet.

        Not like it's easy to go live in America. Not even easy to visit. Everyone is assumed a terrorist by your Government.

        High speed broadband available all over Thailand especially in major cities and very rarely goes out. I get it free with my apartment. Bangkok is the worlds internet marketing capital for a reason.

        The visa issue isn't that much of a hassle. Done and dusted within a day or two. I think I can spare a day every few months if it means I get to live in such an epic country.

        Awww diddums you'll miss your mummy and daddy and your buddies. Man up eh.

        Moving costs? Didn't cost me anything to move here. Put my clothes in a bag and took a cheap flight. Done.

        My apartment in BKK gets cleaned 3 times a week by a maid, I have a pool and gym, 2 restaurants that deliver me food and drinks around the clock at no extra charger other than the price of food (less than $1), it's spacious and has all mod cons and a huge balcony for me to sit on. Pisses all over what most people I know back home are living in for much higher prices.

        You sound like a pussy who can't handle going abroad anyway so you should stay where you are.

        :rolleyes:
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      • Originally Posted by wesd22 View Post

        Not another one of these "the grass is greener" threads.

        Let's be honest here. If I was to leave the US for a third world country like Thailand, I'd be giving up all kinds of first world amenities, including the best medical care in the world, highly regulated food/water/etc. so I don't get food poisoning every time I eat a snack, politically stable society with the legal rights that are afforded Americans in the US, generally civil/modern society, no language barriers, no hassles that comes with living in the country as a foreigner (bureaucracy to wade through etc.), good speedy customer service, very fast reliable internet that never goes out, no visa hassles every few months, not removed from my family/friends back in the US or having to make Marco Polo-esque 24 hour flights every few months to see them, no moving costs, etc.

        Also the rental savings are overrated. You get what you pay for. That $250 a month "apartment" in Bangkok is not going to be anything remotely similar in quality to the $1200 apartment in Atlanta.
        Spoken as someone who's never stepped out of his little home town Aren't you curious of what's beyond your borders man? you know, it's a big world out there... and it's pretty interesting!
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      • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
        Originally Posted by wesd22 View Post

        Not another one of these "the grass is greener" threads.

        Let's be honest here. If I was to leave the US for a third world country like Thailand, I'd be giving up all kinds of first world amenities, including the best medical care in the world, highly regulated food/water/etc. so I don't get food poisoning every time I eat a snack, politically stable society with the legal rights that are afforded Americans in the US, generally civil/modern society, no language barriers, no hassles that comes with living in the country as a foreigner (bureaucracy to wade through etc.), good speedy customer service, very fast reliable internet that never goes out, no visa hassles every few months, not removed from my family/friends back in the US or having to make Marco Polo-esque 24 hour flights every few months to see them, no moving costs, etc.

        Also the rental savings are overrated. You get what you pay for. That $250 a month "apartment" in Bangkok is not going to be anything remotely similar in quality to the $1200 apartment in Atlanta.
        Spoken by someone who truly doesn't know what they are talking about or someone who couldn't hack it when they did leave the USA :rolleyes:.

        True it's not for everyone and there are are pros and cons but for the many of us we wouldn't want to be anywhere else but in the Tropics.
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      • Profile picture of the author Victor Chang
        Originally Posted by wesd22 View Post

        Not another one of these "the grass is greener" threads.

        Let's be honest here. If I was to leave the US for a third world country like Thailand, I'd be giving up all kinds of first world amenities, including the best medical care in the world, highly regulated food/water/etc. so I don't get food poisoning every time I eat a snack, politically stable society with the legal rights that are afforded Americans in the US, generally civil/modern society, no language barriers, no hassles that comes with living in the country as a foreigner (bureaucracy to wade through etc.), good speedy customer service, very fast reliable internet that never goes out, no visa hassles every few months, not removed from my family/friends back in the US or having to make Marco Polo-esque 24 hour flights every few months to see them, no moving costs, etc.

        Also the rental savings are overrated. You get what you pay for. That $250 a month "apartment" in Bangkok is not going to be anything remotely similar in quality to the $1200 apartment in Atlanta.

        This is the most ignorant post I've seen for a long time. I'm curious to know if you have ever been here before. Judging by your statements it seems like you haven't. I don't have time to correct you on everything you have just said but I can reassure everyone else reading this that Thailand is a great place to be, whether you are coming for a holiday or you are planning on moving here to live.
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        • Profile picture of the author alksense
          Originally Posted by research View Post

          WOW . . . Awesome. Sounds like an incredible lifestyle and seems really like the
          way to go. What would you say is the best part of your adventures in Thailand.

          And . . . what are the things you prefer to avoid ???

          Best Wishes

          Be seeing you.
          Hmmm, my best experience here so far was probably diving in Koh Tao. I had an amazing time and I'll definitely go back before I leave this part of the world but right now I'm 100% focused on business and there's no better place for me to do that than Chiang Mai.

          I'm literally surrounded by a group of extremely intelligent online marketers who I exchange ideas with all day and party with all weekend. One of my businesses has already doubled its sales in the six weeks since I've been here and I have a new project I'm launching next week (not IM related) that I'm extremely excited about.

          If there's anything I'm trying to avoid it's partying too much (one of the reasons I'm not in BKK, it's wayyyy too wild there for me). I'm just focused on business and working out while I'm here.... although I have big trip planned to Hanoi Bay, Vietnam at the end of the this month
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          • Profile picture of the author thedog
            This is one of the many reasons I'm heading to Thailand, so much more networking opportunities compared to China, where I've been for a while.

            I hung out with some travel bloggers in Bangkok last Jan, pretty fast pace of life alright

            That's pretty much what I'll be doing too Anton, working and training, great to already have some contacts on the ground before I go.

            I'll be looking for decent Muay Thai gym, you know any?

            Love Koh Tao as well, been there twice and plan to go back!

            Catch up with you when I'm over there dude.

            Originally Posted by alksense View Post

            Hmmm, my best experience here so far was probably diving in Koh Tao. I had an amazing time and I'll definitely go back before I leave this part of the world but right now I'm 100% focused on business and there's no better place for me to do that than Chiang Mai.

            I'm literally surrounded by a group of extremely intelligent online marketers who I exchange ideas with all day and party with all weekend. One of my businesses has already doubled its sales in the six weeks since I've been here and I have a new project I'm launching next week (not IM related) that I'm extremely excited about.

            If there's anything I'm trying to avoid it's partying too much (one of the reasons I'm not in BKK, it's wayyyy too wild there for me). I'm just focused on business and working out while I'm here.... although I have big trip planned to Hanoi Bay, Vietnam at the end of the this month
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            • Profile picture of the author alksense
              Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

              Might be an idea to know the name of the place you are visiting...it's Halong Bay. Hanoi is a nearbye city.

              It's stunning. Make sure you do a multi day trip. I opted for a one day trip from Hanoi and spent about 8hrs of that day on a bus there and back stuck in traffic. Time actually spent on a boat and out at the bay was just a couple of hours.
              Whoops! I keep making that mistake... I'm going to Hanoi to apply for a new Thai Visa and then going to Halong Bay for a 3 day / 2 night trip to "Castaways Island". From what I hear there is no electricity or internet. Just tubing, kayaking, rock climbing, good food, and of course, the beers!

              Originally Posted by thedog View Post

              This is one of the many reasons I'm heading to Thailand, so much more networking opportunities compared to China, where I've been for a while.

              I hung out with some travel bloggers in Bangkok last Jan, pretty fast pace of life alright

              That's pretty much what I'll be doing too Anton, working and training, great to already have some contacts on the ground before I go.

              I'll be looking for decent Muay Thai gym, you know any?

              Love Koh Tao as well, been there twice and plan to go back!

              Catch up with you when I'm over there dude.
              Nice man! I know there are tons of Muay Thai gyms here but I don't know anything about them. One of my buddies trains and actually blogs about it. I'll send you his info on facebook now and I'm sure he can point you in the right direction.

              Congrats of the success of your new WSO by the way. It seems to be doing great and the customers seem to be loving it!

              - Anton
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              • Profile picture of the author thedog
                Originally Posted by alksense View Post

                Nice man! I know there are tons of Muay Thai gyms here but I don't know anything about them. One of my buddies trains and actually blogs about it. I'll send you his info on facebook now and I'm sure he can point you in the right direction.

                Congrats of the success of your new WSO by the way. It seems to be doing great and the customers seem to be loving it!

                - Anton
                Thanks Anton, ye, I'm delighted with it, my first Solo WSO of the day, and only 1 refund so far

                Can't wait to move things up a gear over there, got your FB msg, cheers.
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            • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
              Originally Posted by thedog View Post

              This is one of the many reasons I'm heading to Thailand, so much more networking opportunities compared to China, where I've been for a while.


              I'll be looking for decent Muay Thai gym, you know any?
              Hi Rob,

              I'd recommend the Muay Sangha Thai Boxing School ran by Pedro Villalobos which is close to where Gaz lives in Hang Dong.

              WELCOME TO MUAY SANGHA SCHOOL — Muay Sangha Healing Arts

              Just ordered a video from you by the way

              Catch you later

              Steve
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            • Profile picture of the author jeskola
              Originally Posted by thedog View Post

              This is one of the many reasons I'm heading to Thailand, so much more networking opportunities compared to China, where I've been for a while.

              I hung out with some travel bloggers in Bangkok last Jan, pretty fast pace of life alright

              That's pretty much what I'll be doing too Anton, working and training, great to already have some contacts on the ground before I go.

              I'll be looking for decent Muay Thai gym, you know any?

              Love Koh Tao as well, been there twice and plan to go back!

              Catch up with you when I'm over there dude.
              For Muay Thai - try Kiatphontip on the outskirts of Bangkok.
              Signature

              Don't look to MAKE money - look to HELP people and you will make all the money you can ever want.

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      • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
        sand <-- head <--- Ostrich

        Joe Mobley


        Originally Posted by wesd22 View Post

        Not another one of these "the grass is greener" threads.

        Let's be honest here. If I was to leave the US for a third world country like Thailand, I'd be giving up all kinds of first world amenities, including the best medical care in the world, highly regulated food/water/etc. so I don't get food poisoning every time I eat a snack, politically stable society with the legal rights that are afforded Americans in the US, generally civil/modern society, no language barriers, no hassles that comes with living in the country as a foreigner (bureaucracy to wade through etc.), good speedy customer service, very fast reliable internet that never goes out, no visa hassles every few months, not removed from my family/friends back in the US or having to make Marco Polo-esque 24 hour flights every few months to see them, no moving costs, etc.

        Also the rental savings are overrated. You get what you pay for. That $250 a month "apartment" in Bangkok is not going to be anything remotely similar in quality to the $1200 apartment in Atlanta.
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      • Profile picture of the author SteveSRS
        Originally Posted by wesd22 View Post

        Not another one of these "the grass is greener" threads.

        Let's be honest here. If I was to leave the US for a third world country like Thailand, I'd be giving up all kinds of first world amenities, including the best medical care in the world, highly regulated food/water/etc. so I don't get food poisoning every time I eat a snack, politically stable society with the legal rights that are afforded Americans in the US, generally civil/modern society, no language barriers, no hassles that comes with living in the country as a foreigner (bureaucracy to wade through etc.), good speedy customer service, very fast reliable internet that never goes out, no visa hassles every few months, not removed from my family/friends back in the US or having to make Marco Polo-esque 24 hour flights every few months to see them, no moving costs, etc.

        Also the rental savings are overrated. You get what you pay for. That $250 a month "apartment" in Bangkok is not going to be anything remotely similar in quality to the $1200 apartment in Atlanta.
        omg you're ignorant.. you are the type of person who makes the most of Europe say you Americans are self-absorbed and ignorant. Luckily that is a generalization and not always true. If you really think The USA has the best medical care in the world you have clearly no idea what you are talking about and probably never set foot for longer then a week in other countries.

        Then your remark about 'No language barriers' perhaps its time to take you head out of the sand and learn another language. You think English is the most spoken language in the world? Think again. And then your way off remarkt about 'good customer service' and 'fast internet' did you ever spoke to Time Warner support? I guess not because they pretty much have the worst service ever and internet speeds are 'ok' however there are plenty of other countries, including '3rd world countries' that easily match that.
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  • Profile picture of the author vask
    Low cost of living, awesome people, awesome food.

    I don't live there myself, but I do have family there. You can live like a king on not too much money.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan Emanuels
    Sounds like a very good place. I think I am going to try this in south-america. Really want to explore south-america.
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by Jonathan Emanuels View Post

      Sounds like a very good place. I think I am going to try this in south-america. Really want to explore south-america.
      I'm going back home (NY) for December and then traveling around Central and South America, eventually making my way to Brazil next July for the World Cup.

      There are a lot of internet marketers here that are doing the same thing. We're actually thinking about renting a MASSIVE house in Costa Rica for a month or so.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan Emanuels
        Originally Posted by alksense View Post

        I'm going back home (NY) for December and then traveling around Central and South America, eventually making my way to Brazil next July for the World Cup.

        There are a lot of internet marketers here that are doing the same thing. We're actually thinking about renting a MASSIVE house in Costa Rica for a month or so.
        That sounds really awesome. When you are going to Costa Rica, with how many marketers will you go? I want to go too.
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        • Profile picture of the author alksense
          Originally Posted by Jonathan Emanuels View Post

          That sounds really awesome. When you are going to Costa Rica, with how many marketers will you go? I want to go too.
          We still haven't set a date because it's so far out but my guess it will be March or April of next year and there will be at least five of us. Keep in touch and I'll let you know when everyone is heading over that way. From what I hear, there's already a great community on internet marketers living there (and no, I'm not talking about the EN guys )
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          • Profile picture of the author Jonathan Emanuels
            Originally Posted by alksense View Post

            We still haven't set a date because it's so far out but my guess it will be March or April of next year and there will be at least five of us. Keep in touch and I'll let you know when everyone is heading over that way. From what I hear, there's already a great community on internet marketers living there (and no, I'm not talking about the EN guys )
            HAA . Nice to hear! I have a house in South America(Surinam). Never went to the other countries. Nice to hear that you go next year. I will follow you and contact you next year.
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  • Profile picture of the author seonutshell
    i swear as soon as i starting earning a consistent 1500 bucks a month im going to go to thailand and live with you guys.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jarrett
    Banned
    this is a great post. I went out to Thailand a few years ago and had a blast..
    you can live like a king on there on a shoestring budget.
    just watch out for the lady boys
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  • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
    Not quite Thailand but In early 2014 Im off to live in Penang, Malaysia, same kind of this you describe
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  • Profile picture of the author RestlessBlaze
    $1k per month seem like enough to have great lifestyle in thailand. Can you post some pics of your condo?
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    • Originally Posted by RestlessBlaze View Post

      $1k per month seem like enough to have great lifestyle in thailand.
      To western standards? no, you won't have any great lifestyle with $1,000/month.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnyEnglish
        Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

        To western standards? no, you won't have any great lifestyle with $1,000/month.
        Agreed. Even in Malaysia $1000 does not enough. You need more than that to achieve better living.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tropical1
    Arrghh I can't read any more! traveling and meeting like minded people is one of the best educations you can get. Let alone lifestyle, I shall have to wait until my 2 children move out!! Have fun - Nick
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    • That's fantastic. One day ill be packing up from to uk and moving somewhere hot. Me, my beautiful wife, my 4 young kids and my girlfriend!! My girlfriend is my laptop lol MrG Freedom Fighter
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  • Profile picture of the author stallion1
    what's the visa policy from thailand wrt canada/u.s. ?
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    • Originally Posted by stallion1 View Post

      what's the visa policy from thailand wrt canada/u.s. ?
      Last time I was there (2 years ago), it's 30 days if you come by plane, or 15 days if you come overland.

      Anyway, you can renew them as many times you want, so a quick weekend trip to Singapore, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur or HongKong (cheap flights!) will grant you another month.
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      • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
        Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

        Last time I was there (2 years ago), it's 30 days if you come by plane, or 15 days if you come overland.

        Anyway, you can renew them as many times you want, so a quick weekend trip to Singapore, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur or HongKong (cheap flights!) will grant you another month.
        30 day is stamp on arrival by flight or 15 day by land, this is not a visa.

        Apply for a visa before hand and you'll get 60 days for single entry (which can be extended by 30 at immigration) or you can apply for a double or triple entry visa which means 60 days + 30 extension each time. When your 60+30 days is up you do a border run and come right back and the next entry begins.

        No one serious about living here would just get the 30 day stamp. Get the triple entry or sign up for a language school to learn Thai and get the education visa.

        Triple entry will allow you almost 9 months in the country just by going to immigration and doing border runs a couple of times.
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    • Profile picture of the author harvie316
      Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

      To western standards? no, you won't have any great lifestyle with $1,000/month.
      I lived in the center of Bangkok and spend on average $900 a month in a air coned apartment with fridge tv and wifi

      I played tennis 5 times a week
      Football twice a week
      went out and got drunk once a week
      ate out daily

      A Farang Abroad - Travel information about Bangkok and Thailand

      If you read my posts I have information about Visa types, some apartment reviews, the cost of living in Thailand and many other things people would be interested in.

      It really depends on your wants and needs, but $1k a month in Bangkok is more than enough, after you find your feet and know where to go and what places to avoid. Some of my friends have greater needs than me and spend in the excess of $3k+ a month, it all depends on the lifestyle you want to live. If you dont drink and dont want to get drunk and party as much, even as low as $800 is enough, if you live further away from the city center perhaps even $700, although I would not recommend less than $900.
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  • Profile picture of the author jcadrin
    Are the majority of people working at PunSpace in Thailand on a tourist visa or a business visa?
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by jcadrin View Post

      Are the majority of people working at PunSpace in Thailand on a tourist visa or a business visa?
      I would assume tourist but I can't speak for anyone else. Most people are just passing through spending a few months at a time here so the tourist visa makes more sense.

      Some people complain about having to leave every 90 days to get a new one but I actually like it (it's a good excuse to travel). Last time I had to apply for a new visa I spent two weeks laying on a beach in Bali and this time I'm going to do the same in Vietnam.

      - Anton
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    • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
      Originally Posted by jcadrin View Post

      Are the majority of people working at PunSpace in Thailand on a tourist visa or a business visa?
      Nice try, Thai Immigration Official! :-)

      There seems to be quite a bit of interest in this living/working in SEAsia thing as so many have mentioned wanting to try it out.

      While we're at it - let me make my pitch for the Philippines. I live in this house in Davao City:



      It costs only $1K US per month for rent and it's in a gated community, right next to the pool/restaurant, clubhouse, etc.

      In fact, we're currently looking for a Marketing Apprentice to join us here in the Philippines! This is a paid position and it has to be the right fit - More details here.

      Your food, rent, etc. are all included + you'll get spending money in the months that you're here. We're really looking for an apprentice that can take on a piece of our business and run with it. :-)
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      • Profile picture of the author wesd22
        Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

        Nice try, Thai Immigration Official! :-)

        There seems to be quite a bit of interest in this living/working in SEAsia thing as so many have mentioned wanting to try it out.

        While we're at it - let me make my pitch for the Philippines. I live in this house in Davao City:



        It costs only $1K US per month for rent and it's in a gated community, right next to the pool/restaurant, clubhouse, etc.

        In fact, we're currently looking for a Marketing Apprentice to join us here in the Philippines! This is a paid position and it has to be the right fit - More details here.

        Your food, rent, etc. are all included + you'll get spending money in the months that you're here. We're really looking for an apprentice that can take on a piece of our business and run with it. :-)
        LOL you don't have to leave the US and live in a third world country to find a place like this for $1k a month. They exist in the US - not in NYC but in smaller U.S. cities that still offer FIRST WORLD living.
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        • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
          Detroit perhaps?

          Joe Mobley



          Originally Posted by wesd22 View Post

          LOL you don't have to leave the US and live in a third world country to find a place like this for $1k a month. They exist in the US - not in NYC but in smaller U.S. cities that still offer FIRST WORLD living.
          Signature

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        • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
          Originally Posted by wesd22 View Post

          LOL you don't have to leave the US and live in a third world country to find a place like this for $1k a month. They exist in the US - not in NYC but in smaller U.S. cities that still offer FIRST WORLD living.
          Go 'Merica!!! :-(

          It's not like I haven't lived in the US, man. A comparable house in the suburbs in CA would cost $2K - $2.5K and wouldn't be as nice.

          Here are some other benefits of living here:

          - Live-In maid/cook/house-manager: $60-$100/month
          - 1.5 hour full body massage: $8 ($20 at the nicest place in town)
          - Discount tickets to Singapore, HCM, Bangkok, HK, Macao, Bali, etc: $80-$150
          - Rent a small sports arena and throw your own charity boxing event: $5K (Yes, we did this)

          Some things are more expensive (electronics, US imports, etc.) some unavailable (certain US brands that remind me of home) and there is poverty and some downsides to living in SEAsia, for sure...

          But, I've lived in both places and argue that I get significantly more bang for my buck and the quality of life is much better here...
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      • Profile picture of the author alksense
        Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

        In fact, we're currently looking for a Marketing Apprentice to join us here in the Philippines! This is a paid position and it has to be the right fit - More details here.

        Your food, rent, etc. are all included + you'll get spending money in the months that you're here. We're really looking for an apprentice that can take on a piece of our business and run with it. :-)
        I'm wondering if you guys had any applicants whose skills sets may have not been what you were looking for but who would possibly be a good fit for an eCommerce internship (paid)...

        A good friend of mine from the states is also living in Chiang Mai while growing a new supplement company. He's looking to bring someone out here to work hand in hand with him in his office.

        He's a very smart guy who has already made a killing online and I'm sure this new venture will be extremely successful as well. If you want more info or know of anyone who may be interested please get in touch with me.

        Thanks,
        Anton
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        • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
          Originally Posted by alksense View Post

          I'm wondering if you guys had any applicants whose skills sets may have not been what you were looking for but who would possibly be a good fit for an eCommerce internship (paid)...

          A good friend of mine from the states is also living in Chiang Mai while growing a new supplement company. He's looking to bring someone out here to work hand in hand with him in his office.

          He's a very smart guy who has already made a killing online and I'm sure this new venture will be extremely successful as well. If you want more info or know of anyone who may be interested please get in touch with me.

          Thanks,
          Anton
          Small world! We just saw this opportunity posted and shared it on FB. I'll likely include a link when I send an email out later this week, hehe.
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  • Profile picture of the author sherio8
    all kinds of e marketing need more efforts
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  • Profile picture of the author MaderC
    Wow, it looks very perfect, but you ever thought of the safety problems there? Or consider short-term holiday there is better.
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    Meeting you was fate, and falling in love with you was out of my control.

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  • Profile picture of the author JohnyEnglish
    Didn't scare of tsunami?
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  • Profile picture of the author BKKBound
    Obviously there is always a tradeoff when living in a non-first world country...but lets be real...Thailand isn't exactly the third world. Sure parts of it are but the major centers often have more services then many western cities...just checkout Bangkok...better medical care then what i've seen here at home.

    Anyway...the warmth of the Thai people definitely make up for some things I miss out on when I spend my winters there
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  • Profile picture of the author PamelaWat
    Woooow I don't know there are many of IMers in Thailand. That's a surprise for me. I thought there are a few. I am Thai by the way and definitely I would say Thailand is a good place to live if you have a lower budget. I see one comment said about medication. That's not true ! The medication in Thailand esp in famous hospital have a good doctor with the nicest service you can get. You will be treated like a king there. It is a lot better than Australia, the developed country. The hospital don't have enough resource and crazy expensive. I try to avoid to go to hospital but happen that I need to go there two times. First time I wait for 4 hours without any ice bag for my leg. Another time, I wait from 6 pm till 1 am and got only pain killer. lol Such a painful service here. So that's why said, Thailand is way better. On average should be 15-30 mins waiting and the worst case might be 1-1.5 hours. No more than that.

    In Thailand, we really treated customers as a king. If they have bad service, it is unlikely that the business can survive since we treat it as a significant part.

    However, I would say not to mess up with local esp the teenagers. The young generation is more and more outrage (actually in any countries). I personally didn't go to pub and bars since I think it is quite dangerous place to go. What I can say is do some research which place you should go and not go. What kind of people you shouldn't have problem with? I can say I think US is more dangerous than Thailand though. I thought US has gun problems. Seems like a lot of people have it and use it. Also, from news, the psycho people randomly shooting students and people on the street. At least, in Thailand, there is none as such or if I don't know.. may be one.

    It is funny that I move to Australia now. The thing is since everything is cheap in Thailand. It means the average income is very low. Just enough to survive each month for some people and struggle for it. As the foreigner, it definitely paradise. If you come from US or Europe, you used to pay more and so when you come to Thailand, you can spend without thinking that much.

    In Australia, the cost of living is ridiculous even more than US. Every thing is so expensive but better income here. Less crowd (20 millions here) less traffic, less crime. But .... I missss the shopping and food in Thailand. The price is incredibly low and with quality. I used to go to China and buy things there. It is cheap but the quality is the worst and in China, you have to be careful what you eat. Even my Chinese friends said they will not eat milk products there including yogurt bc you never know it is the real yogurt?? or chemical stuff and then make it taste like yogurt.

    Nice to know you guys love Thailand. I am proud of that I hope to see you guys if I come back to Thailand
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  • Profile picture of the author squashattack
    Yes Hi i have been living in Chiang Rai bought some land and building a house love it here I go back to the UK and then back to Chiang Rai two three times a year when i am here like you work in the cafes it's Great been doing this about five years now
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  • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
    Hey Ramona and others...

    Chiang Mai is well known as an awfully cheap place to live on the cheap while you build your biz. Here's a nice apt for only $300/month. I took 5 minutes with a quick Google search and found a few... Here's another for less than $200/month.

    I've heard of a few new entrepreneurs making their way up there on around $1K a month and claim to live quite well, actually. I was just there visiting for a week when I went, so my costs were quite a bit higher! :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Story
    That sounds like a really cool place for a vacation. Gotto add it to my to-go list once I got a business running.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fazal Mayar
    Thanks for the post. Internet marketing is everywhere now not just thailand. Philippines are also in teh game now. It's an international thing and this is why I love IM
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    People who claim "you can get an apartment in the US / UK for that price" are missing the point.

    The types of places you can get in those countries are not comparable to what you get for that price in Thai / Phils.

    I don't know anyone back home who has a pool with pool side bar, 3 restaurants that deliver to your apartment, a super market, massage place, hair salon and barber etc in their apartment complex.

    I have all that here in Bangkok right in the centre of town in a good and lively area (without being touristy or too rowdy) at $350 for rent and bills.

    Let's see what you can get in the UK or USA for that price and what area you'd need to live in.

    Third world? Please. I live in a major capital city with first world amenities and infrastructure. Fast internet, great transport, epic night life, some of the best food in the world, 24/7 city...need I go on?
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      I just did 4 months in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The beaches are amazing, the people friendly and if you are a surfer and a fisherman it's heaven.

      I really enjoyed Nicaragua as Costa is becoming very touristy and it's also very expensive. In nicaragua I got a straight edge shave and a haircut for like $4. Food is cheap and so is rentals.

      Language barrier can be an issue. Good thing my wife understands decent Spanish but don't let that deter you as it is part of the adventure.

      As for that guy who mentioned how the US is the greatest. Pls! I've had much better health care here in South Africa than you ever will.

      Internet in these places are god as well but the major thing is the lifestyle. It's just so much better than most western countries ( rat race, keeping up with the Jones's etc)

      Cheers
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      • Profile picture of the author Chiayee
        Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

        As for that guy who mentioned how the US is the greatest.
        Cheers
        A Malaysian told me that she once met an American in her country, who proudly shows his iPhone4, "you don't have it here, right?"

        speechless really
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      • Profile picture of the author alksense
        Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

        People who claim "you can get an apartment in the US / UK for that price" are missing the point.

        The types of places you can get in those countries are not comparable to what you get for that price in Thai / Phils.

        I don't know anyone back home who has a pool with pool side bar, 3 restaurants that deliver to your apartment, a super market, massage place, hair salon and barber etc in their apartment complex.

        I have all that here in Bangkok right in the centre of town in a good and lively area (without being touristy or too rowdy) at $350 for rent and bills.

        Let's see what you can get in the UK or USA for that price and what area you'd need to live in.

        Third world? Please. I live in a major capital city with first world amenities and infrastructure. Fast internet, great transport, epic night life, some of the best food in the world, 24/7 city...need I go on?
        Exactly - I can pay $400 for an apartment back in New York too but I'll be living in a ghetto with three roommates probably sleeping in a "bedroom" that was once a closet.

        In Chiang Mai (where I am living) that $400 gets me a private condo in a luxury building in the best part of town with all the amenities that I could ask for. The place I live in here would cost me $2500+ back in NY.

        Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

        I just did 4 months in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The beaches are amazing, the people friendly and if you are a surfer and a fisherman it's heaven.

        I really enjoyed Nicaragua as Costa is becoming very touristy and it's also very expensive. In nicaragua I got a straight edge shave and a haircut for like $4. Food is cheap and so is rentals.

        Language barrier can be an issue. Good thing my wife understands decent Spanish but don't let that deter you as it is part of the adventure.

        As for that guy who mentioned how the US is the greatest. Pls! I've had much better health care here in South Africa than you ever will.

        Internet in these places are god as well but the major thing is the lifestyle. It's just so much better than most western countries ( rat race, keeping up with the Jones's etc)

        Cheers
        That's too bad to hear about Costa Rica... I start my central and South America trip this January and that's one of the places I was really looking forward to visiting. Any tips on good beaches to check out?
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      • Profile picture of the author elijahdean24
        Thanks for expanding my mind when it comes to healthcare outside the US.
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  • Profile picture of the author bertosio
    i have been living in cambodia the last 3 years now and run my business fine from there. True the cost of living is cheaper which is always a good thing but the thing that keeps me here are the people and the lifestyle.
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by bertosio View Post

      i have been living in cambodia the last 3 years now and run my business fine from there. True the cost of living is cheaper which is always a good thing but the thing that keeps me here are the people and the lifestyle.
      I hear you on that. I was just in Vietnam for ~2 weeks (I went to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Saigon) and I found myself really missing the Thai culture and the locals here.

      Don't get me wrong; Vietnam was fun and all but I had a HUGE smile on my face when I plane touched down back in Chiang Mai. People just seem to be happy here.
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    • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
      Originally Posted by bertosio View Post

      i have been living in cambodia the last 3 years now and run my business fine from there. True the cost of living is cheaper which is always a good thing but the thing that keeps me here are the people and the lifestyle.
      I just got back from a trip that included a week in Cambodia. While I loved SR, I thought Phnom Penh was just ok and the internet sucked everywhere I went. It was surprising too...especially since Thailand and Vietnam both have (relatively) blazing internet speeds.

      Don't get me wrong...I loved the people and had a good time, but thought it might be tough to run an online biz when the internet wasn't very stable for me. Still...I'm guessing if I lived there I'd have a nice setup, know the places with faster internet, etc. Is that about right?

      I missed Sihanoukville this trip, but have heard it's an awfully nice place. Will have to check it out next time I'm there!
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      • Profile picture of the author djtrillian
        I haven't read this whole thread just the first page or so but just want to say thanks alksense for starting it!

        I am from California originally but live in London now and I'm just about done with overpriced big cities, big bumbling governments, ridiculous expense for absolutely everything etc. etc.
        On top of that I started a hobby a few years ago flying RC helicopters and the UK weather is rubbish for that because it's too unpredictable.

        So I am planning to first find a place to spend the winters and then eventually relocate.

        Currently I work at a salaried job runnning the websites and general IT stuff for a small UK company but I am trying to move into doing my own online biz and finding the focus difficult so what you're describing in Chaing Mai sounds ideal in many ways.

        I hope you have not had an encounter with those evil Asian giant hornets over there! I know there was a group of Monks injured, possibly some killed. It doesn't bear thinking about! Just hideous.
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  • Profile picture of the author chrisjacobsen
    Been here for five years now. Like any other place, Thailand has its ups and downs. Enjoy the ups and prepare and be willing to deal with the downs and you will be ok.
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  • Profile picture of the author danlew
    I lived there with my wife in Thailand for so many years till we move back home in Australia. To tell you the truth, I really missed Thailand. It's such a great place for me, especially in doing some internet marketing stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Lin
    Better to know this before you plan to travel to Thailand.

    Things you need to know before going broke in Thailand
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  • Profile picture of the author brettb
    I'm another foreigner living in Bangkok. I live in a good part of town and pay rent of just over $300 a month. There are loads of studio apartments in Bangkok which are perfect for anyone who just owns a laptop and a single suitcase.

    Bangkok feels pretty safe. Although a lot of foreigners get into trouble here, if you do some analysis you'll see that if you don't go into the sea or get on a motorbike then you'll avoid the two most common ways of meeting an untimely end here. Also most problems occur in Pattaya or Phuket - the party capitals of Thailand.

    The biggest problem for me are stray dogs and noisy dogs, and the archaic transportation system compared to some of the Chinese cities like Guangzhou (which currently has 10 new metro lines under construction!)

    The other downside is that it's not as cheap here now as it once was, although the baht has slumped quite significantly lately. And if you're not of retirement age and don't want to work for an employer then it's a hassle getting a visa to stay here long time.

    Anyone know if there's a mastermind group here? It would be nice to meet up and exchange ideas.
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    • Originally Posted by brettb View Post


      Bangkok feels pretty safe. Although a lot of foreigners get into trouble here, if you do some analysis you'll see that if you don't go into the sea or get on a motorbike then you'll avoid the two most common ways of meeting an untimely end here. Also most problems occur in Pattaya or Phuket - the party capitals of Thailand.
      Agreed - motorbikes can be dangerous and so can the ocean (though I partake in both).

      Most of all, it seems that being a bit more sensible than most about the partying goes a long way towards staying out of trouble. Motorbike tragedies especially are often alcohol-related. Not sure if that applies to fatalities in the water too, but I do know that the most dangerous spots are well forewarned in travel guides, so always pays to do a bit of research about when it's safe to swim there, etc.

      Mastermind sounds great. I'm in Cambodia right now but might look you up next time I pass through. Interested in meeting some more online business folk out here.
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  • Profile picture of the author brettb
    Interested in getting a mastermind group going in Bangkok. But there's probably a lot of related groups already. I'm kind of wary of meeting anyone in this city anyway.

    The internet is slow in much of Asia (except for Korea I guess).

    There are jobs for expats in Asia - my choice would be Kuala Lumpur. A great city except for if you're a big beer drinker (prices are scary).

    Just don't come here expecting your life will be better. Asia isn't that cheap anymore. And there are plenty of annoyances from extreme weather to stupid locals (like the staff in my hotel who thought it was a good idea to light a fire under my room).
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    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by brettb View Post

      Interested in getting a mastermind group going in Bangkok. But there's probably a lot of related groups already. I'm kind of wary of meeting anyone in this city anyway.

      The internet is slow in much of Asia (except for Korea I guess).

      There are jobs for expats in Asia - my choice would be Kuala Lumpur. A great city except for if you're a big beer drinker (prices are scary).

      Just don't come here expecting your life will be better. Asia isn't that cheap anymore. And there are plenty of annoyances from extreme weather to stupid locals (like the staff in my hotel who thought it was a good idea to light a fire under my room).
      That's kind of the issue I run into here as well, damn slow internet, even with fixed lines.

      First I had a DTAC wireless which was hell slow, later on I moved to TrueMove which was perfect for a while but hell expensive ($30/day) and now that they promoted this one a bit more it also turns out to be slow most time of the day.

      It's definitely not so cheap anymore, people talk about spending $800/month, what can you do for that really. When I don't go party too often I still spend about 1500 euro/month. That's like $2300,- or something?

      Have to say that $1000,- of that is rent.

      When I take a group of Thai friends out I spend about 6000-8000 baht (that's like 150-200 euro) or maybe $250,-, do that 4 times a month and there is another $1000,- gone.

      Total $2000,- on rent and going out 4 times a month with Thai friends, obvious the bottles of whisky flow fast but 6 bottles is nothing special with 4-6 people

      Now what I'm gonna do the other 26 days? Get my drift

      If you want to live in a basic studio and don't go out partying, yeah then you can live for $1k/month comfortably here but that's not really my way of the Thai lifestyle.

      Definition of going out:

      - Going to some bar at 6pm, play some pool
      - Dinner
      - Bar again
      - Going to a club around midnight till 5am
      - Move to the beach to drink & play volleyball
      - Go home 10am (perhaps a breakfast in between).

      Yeah call me crazy, I love it here

      Going out with farangs would obvious be a lot cheaper but still, you play around with the ladies etc so it will never be a cheap night out.
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  • Profile picture of the author elijahdean24
    That sounds very nice , the lifestyle and adventure!
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  • Profile picture of the author seonutshell
    This thread motivates me to get my ass out of bed and earn MORE!! this is my dream! **** THE UK!
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  • Profile picture of the author Porphyrogenitus
    Sa wat dee krap! Its so awesome that you made this post OP. I loved Siam too when I went there. After my trip I brought home a Lao girl... now she's my loving wife Its a great country and everyone should know it.

    Passa Thai is easy to learn, but if you don't know it most of them over there speak English. In fact, it used to be a British colony, and many of them are at least 50% or more european. Some people are 100% european. So its unique in that you won't feel out of place. Pretty much everything over there is exactly like in the US... they even have tv shows that are exact copies of their western counterparts, just in thai.

    Its a perfect place for an IM-er too
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  • Profile picture of the author DR0832
    Hey guys I'm going to be in Bangkok December 5-8, 2013 for my first time. Afterwards I'm heading to Pattaya the 9th then to Phuket 10-13th (where I will meet a friend for 2 days) and then Koh Phi Phi 14-15th. If anyone wants to meet up in any of these places let me know because I'd definitely like to meet some fellow IMer's. I'm 30 year old guy from the US. I've been involved in internet marketing about 1.5 year so definitely not real experienced but I'm getting there. I work as a stock trader, a tennis pro, and have a few websites. PM me

    Thanks,

    -Dan
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  • Profile picture of the author thedog
    Well I just had a delecious spagetti carbonara, now drinking a coffee in my local cafe all for 70 baht, just over $2. back in Dublin I'd be lucky to get a bottle of water for that, and I'd be freezing my nuts off right about now
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    • Profile picture of the author Beatinest
      Originally Posted by thedog View Post

      Well I just had a delecious spagetti carbonara, now drinking a coffee in my local cafe all for 70 baht, just over $2. back in Dublin I'd be lucky to get a bottle of water for that, and I'd be freezing my nuts off right about now
      Sitting at a motorbike repair shop right now getting a flat tire patched up. It's going to cost me about 5 US. I've kept a bike the whole time I've lived here and the maintenance is very cheap. A lot less than the $500 per month I used to pay in the states for car and insurance.
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    • Profile picture of the author djtrillian
      Originally Posted by thedog View Post

      Well I just had a delecious spagetti carbonara, now drinking a coffee in my local cafe all for 70 baht, just over $2. back in Dublin I'd be lucky to get a bottle of water for that, and I'd be freezing my nuts off right about now
      Yeah it's wet, windy and cloudy here and getting colder and darker. We only really had a couple weeks of consistent warm weather this summer and then the constant variability that drives me mental because you can never plan anything. Dining out in London you're doing good if you can stay under $20.00 and that's for a very average restaurant, nothing special.
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  • Profile picture of the author Congrats
    How do you guys get your money cashed in from your online business? You get send a check to Thailand?
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    • Profile picture of the author gc3
      Originally Posted by Congrats View Post

      How do you guys get your money cashed in from your online business? You get send a check to Thailand?
      I've been wondering how to best handle finances to.. can an American with the 1 year multi-entry visa get a Thai bank account? I have been thinking about Chang Mai myself.
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by Congrats View Post

      How do you guys get your money cashed in from your online business? You get send a check to Thailand?
      I still have all my US accounts and all of my funds get directly deposited into my bank accounts.

      If for some reason I ever had to get paid by check all of my banks allow me to take photos of the check with my iPhone and deposit it digitally via their apps.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    Have money sent to your bank or paypal. Who uses cheques these days?
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    • Profile picture of the author thedog
      Thai bank accounts are a bit of a pain in the hole.

      You need a res permit... which is not impossible, but, a pain in the hole.

      Right now, I'm using paypal and sending money to my online account, and using my debit card.
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    • Profile picture of the author Congrats
      Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

      Have money sent to your bank or paypal. Who uses cheques these days?
      What about Amazon? They pay in checks right? And Clickbank? Been always a bit of a problem for me to cash checks.
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      • Profile picture of the author fin
        Originally Posted by Congrats View Post

        What about Amazon? They pay in checks right? And Clickbank? Been always a bit of a problem for me to cash checks.
        Clickbank is DD and so is Amazon Kindle.

        I get the feeling Amazon AA will be soon. In fact, I think it already is for US based people.
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    • Profile picture of the author Beatinest
      Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

      Have money sent to your bank or paypal. Who uses cheques these days?
      Solutions:

      1. Have checks sent to an address of someone you can trust and have them deposit them for you into your home account. Pull from ATM (expensive) or wire it over here as needed.

      2. Open an account here and have your money wired over (if the companies you work with offer wires)

      3. Paypal. You can send it to your home bank, use a card to pull it out or if you have a Thai account you can send it to a Thai bank.

      4. Carrier pigeons. Have the companies you work with tie your checks to the ankles of carrier pigeons and let the birds do their thing. (not serious on that one but 1-3 work)
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    Yeah you'll not be able to open a bank account on a tourist visa.
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  • Profile picture of the author fin
    You can open a bank account with tourist visa in Bangkok Bank.

    And transfer money through New York or London branch for free international transfer.

    Done the first, been told about the second. I always just used Aeon cash machines because they didn't charge.

    "What if I don't have an account?
    Go to your nearest Bangkok Bank branch with your ID card or passport to open a current or savings account, and you will be offered a Be1st Debit card."

    http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBa...s/default.aspx
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  • Profile picture of the author fin
    Be interested in hearing about a few beach resorts. At the moment I think I will just go to Bali because I've been there before, but does anyone know about:

    Sihokville
    Langkawi
    Boracay

    ?????
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    • Profile picture of the author Congrats
      Originally Posted by fin View Post

      Be interested in hearing about a few beach resorts. At the moment I think I will just go to Bali because I've been there before, but does anyone know about:

      Sihokville
      Langkawi
      Boracay

      ?????
      Sihanoukville is really nice, cheap, relaxed. But slow Internet. It's being discovered by tourists and getting busy, lots of building going on (noise). Nice BBQ on the beach for cheap.

      Langkawi I have never been, but stayed in Penang for 5 months. Penang is great for food and multi cultural. Langkawi I heard is nice. Malaysia is pretty cheap nowadays and living standard is high. Cheap flights to from Penang to Phuket. When I was there you could have a 3 months visa for Thailand in Penang, that was the only place, other places you could only get a month. Not sure how it is now. I liked Phuket, around Kata beach area, lots of backpackers but 2 years ago i saw many Russian tourists. That made the scene different.
      Malaysia is really easy to travel, good roads, good cars, cheap and beautiful nature.

      Boracay is a dream! Stayed there a few times for a couple of months. One beach you can kite surf or windsurf and when you are finished you just walk 10 minutes across the island to the other side for a beer and watch sunset, many restaurants bars on the beach, live music, white sand beach, english speaking people, not many western tourists. It's paradise! For me anyway More expensive than Thailand but beer is cheaper. BBQ on the beach was around $3 I think.

      Palawan was amazing. Philippines is pretty much undiscovered yet by tourists, compared to Thailand which just full of tourists. I don't have anything against Thailand but I hate it when you go on a tour to a secluded beach and it's full of western people It's crazy in Thailand, especially in high season.
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      • Profile picture of the author fin
        Originally Posted by Congrats View Post

        Sihanoukville is really nice, cheap, relaxed. But slow Internet. It's being discovered by tourists and getting busy, lots of building going on (noise). Nice BBQ on the beach for cheap.

        Langkawi I have never been, but stayed in Penang for 5 months. Penang is great for food and multi cultural. Langkawi I heard is nice. Malaysia is pretty cheap nowadays and living standard is high. Cheap flights to from Penang to Phuket. When I was there you could have a 3 months visa for Thailand in Penang, that was the only place, other places you could only get a month. Not sure how it is now. I liked Phuket, around Kata beach area, lots of backpackers but 2 years ago i saw many Russian tourists. That made the scene different.
        Malaysia is really easy to travel, good roads, good cars, cheap and beautiful nature.

        Boracay is a dream! Stayed there a few times for a couple of months. One beach you can kite surf or windsurf and when you are finished you just walk 10 minutes across the island to the other side for a beer and watch sunset, many restaurants bars on the beach, live music, white sand beach, english speaking people, not many western tourists. It's paradise! For me anyway More expensive than Thailand but beer is cheaper. BBQ on the beach was around $3 I think.

        Palawan was amazing. Philippines is pretty much undiscovered yet by tourists, compared to Thailand which just full of tourists. I don't have anything against Thailand but I hate it when you go on a tour to a secluded beach and it's full of western people It's crazy in Thailand, especially in high season.
        Thanks for the detailed advice.

        Would you say Boracay is comparable to Bali for prices, things to do, etc?

        I think I'll choose one out of the two.
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  • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
    Lots of great info in this thread and I was planning a move to Penang early next year but now maybe CM is an option. And as I am taking my first steps to IM I maybe better placed with all of the experts there :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Congrats
      Originally Posted by wholesale blogger View Post

      Lots of great info in this thread and I was planning a move to Penang early next year but now maybe CM is an option. And as I am taking my first steps to IM I maybe better placed with all of the experts there :-)
      Penang is a nice experience, but not really a cool place to hangout for a long time I think. Or depends what your wishes are. I stayed there for different reasons for so long. Beaches are not so nice in the main area and polluted. Traffic is pretty crazy too. If you go north it's more nature but more expensive resorts. It's definitely worth a visit.

      I liked CM also, only bad thing about it is that it's not close to the sea Otherwise I would be there all the time. For me, I cannot live too long without the beach, especially in Asia.
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  • Profile picture of the author Congrats
    I'm an Amazon affiliate, and I have no choice other then getting checks by mail. Maybe because I'm from Holland. Clickbank same thing.

    I was in Bali last year. Bali disappointed me a bit, for me it's just a great surf island. The traffic is too crazy, beaches are not nice and too expensive. I was in rainy season though, that's in december /januari. I liked the spirit of Bali, the Temples and artefacts. The arts are best I have seen in Asia. Indonesia is much more dirty and underdeveloped with a high price I think. Infrastructure is not keeping up with demand. Of course there are nice things in Bali, but looking at the price and quality of living. If you like art, spiritual things, Yoga then Bali is great. Bali was for me pretty expensive. In high season I couldn't find a decent place for under $30 a night.

    Yes, I think the prices are comparable between the two. Depends a little what you want. Boracay's beaches are so much better. Bali is much more to do. Cliffs are nice, things to see good surf.

    Boracay is just a small island with great beaches, just little paradise.

    I would rather go to Thailand than Indonesia. Compared to the Philippines.. I would feel more home in Thailand somehow. But Philippines is a place not discovered yet, with amazing places to see and discover. Thailand is discovered by the crowd. It's difficult right? hehe
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  • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
    I have two Thai bank accounts that I opened with no problems. I'm a UK citizen living in Chiang Mai, I use Payoneer for my Amazon Payments and can withdraw the money from Thai ATMs though with Payoneers fees and a 150 baht fee for each use of the ATM it drains some of your commissions though it is still better than check.

    I visited Sihanoukville back in 1998 with the idea of setting up a business there I could see it had a lot of potential even then but I met a Chiang Mai lass soon after who I eventually married and that was the end of that!
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    • Profile picture of the author Congrats
      Originally Posted by Stevie C View Post

      I have two Thai bank accounts that I opened with no problems. I'm a UK citizen living in Chiang Mai, I use Payoneer for my Amazon Payments and can withdraw the money from Thai ATMs though with Payoneers fees and a 150 baht fee for each use of the ATM it drains some of your commissions though it is still better than check.

      I visited Sihanoukville back in 1998 with the idea of setting up a business there I could see it had a lot of potential even then but I met a Chiang Mai lass soon after who I eventually married and that was the end of that!
      There's no other option to be paid when you don't have an US bank account it says. My only other option will be a gift card. How can Payoneer be a solution? Do they act as a US bank account?
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  • Profile picture of the author rondo
    Do you guys have any problems using your Paypal accounts in Thailand/SE Asia?

    Thanks,
    Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author goindeep
    Lots of people are talking about that place, I'll be in Thailand in January, might have to check it out.

    My long term partner is from Germany, I lived there for about a year back after we first met, we made the decision to come back to and live in Melbourne as it was a better lifestyle as opposed to where she is from in Germany.

    One of my ultimate life goals is to earn enough so that we (daughter too) can go back and forth from Melbourne to Germany so that she can be woth her friends and family as much as I am with mine. This whole Chiang Mai thing sounds awesome though!

    I suppose one of the very reasons we all got into the online thing is geo-freedom it offers I think IMers would be silly not to travel or routinely holiday and for those with family's, anything can be done and believe me, your family ain't going to complain when you tell them your taking them to an exotic location to live in for a few months!
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  • Profile picture of the author elijahdean24
    My wife and I are thinking about doing this Teach Away in Abu Dhabi program so this really helped gain some understanding
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  • Profile picture of the author nongp
    Hi, Anthon.

    I couldn't resist this thread.

    Glad to hear that you love Chiangmai. Great place for internet marketers.
    ... and Welcome to Thailand. :-) .. kinda warrior's welcome.

    I'm Thai and I live in HuaHin. Small quite town along southern coast.
    Many tourists. Great spot for internet marketers too.

    Have fun + Good food.
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    • Profile picture of the author hbsjcd3
      Originally Posted by nongp View Post

      Hi, Anthon.

      I couldn't resist this thread.

      Glad to hear that you love Chiangmai. Great place for internet marketers.
      ... and Welcome to Thailand. :-) .. kinda warrior's welcome.

      I'm Thai and I live in HuaHin. Small quite town along southern coast.
      Many tourists. Great spot for internet marketers too.

      Have fun + Good food.
      I did not know there were a lot of Internet marketers in Thailand.... I knew Indonesia and Singapore had a lot, but not Thailand. Is it a pretty big community?
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      • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
        Originally Posted by Congrats View Post

        How do you guys get your money cashed in from your online business? You get send a check to Thailand?
        We're in the Philippines, but the principle is the same. We have a US (business) bank account attached to a US Paypal...allowing us to take Paypal payments for almost everything. We also have a merchant account via FirstData that allows us to charge credit cards.

        If you still need to take physical checks, I'd definitely recommend getting an account with EarthClassMail. They will give you a permanent address in the US you can send your mail to (which is nice) but they ALSO allow you to receive checks and will even deposit them in your account. (Once you've jumped through a few administrative hoops) Nice touch...

        Originally Posted by fin View Post

        Thanks for the detailed advice.

        Would you say Boracay is comparable to Bali for prices, things to do, etc?

        I think I'll choose one out of the two.
        Both Boracay and Bali are extremely Westernized/Touristy versions of their prospective countries...which is just to say that prices are higher, there are more things to do, etc.

        I love both beaches, but you're stuck with pretty slow internet on both islands too. Both are great places to visit (and maybe live once you're business is up/running) but I don't really know if they're great for those who are bootstrapping and just starting off...too many distractions, possibly?

        Originally Posted by fin View Post


        I also like the look of Davao as well, seems like money will go much further there. Some places are decent and only $300 bucks per month.
        Thanks for the Davao mention, Fin! It's a great place to get yourself up and running. It's a slower, quieter place in the Philippines, but big enough to get most of the things you need. We have a small but growing community of expat entrepreneurs here in Davao - if you visit definitely let us know so that we can meetup/hangout! Here's a post we wrote on Davao.

        Originally Posted by hbsjcd3 View Post

        I did not know there were a lot of Internet marketers in Thailand.... I knew Indonesia and Singapore had a lot, but not Thailand. Is it a pretty big community?
        Tons of 'em. While some of the Angel/VC-backed startups are in Singapore, Thailand attracts the bootstrapping entrepreneurs so that they can save the cash and reinvest in their (growing) business.
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  • Profile picture of the author harvie316
    You pay for a group of Thais when you go out, why dont you spread the bill 6 ways, 200 euros there is just a total waste unless they are business clients or something.

    in Bangkok if I go out with a group of 5-6 friends, I can get 2 bottles of whiskey with mixes and only spend 1,000baht/£20

    when people live in Thailand they also are partying everynight, they maybe go out once a week. Living for $900-$1300 a month is very doable in Bangkok, I lived there for over a year and my budget was never higher than $1100 a month.
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    • Profile picture of the author hbsjcd3
      Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

      You pay for a group of Thais when you go out, why dont you spread the bill 6 ways, 200 euros there is just a total waste unless they are business clients or something.

      in Bangkok if I go out with a group of 5-6 friends, I can get 2 bottles of whiskey with mixes and only spend 1,000baht/£20

      when people live in Thailand they also are partying everynight, they maybe go out once a week. Living for $900-$1300 a month is very doable in Bangkok, I lived there for over a year and my budget was never higher than $1100 a month.
      Just stay away from the spicey food or your hospital bill will take over your budget
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      • Profile picture of the author harvie316
        Originally Posted by hbsjcd3 View Post

        Just stay away from the spicey food or your hospital bill will take over your budget
        never been ill from eating food, well I did have food poisoning once, but that passes after 24 hours.

        I also have travel insurance.
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      • Profile picture of the author gjd6599
        This thread brings back a lot of memories. I was in Thailand and the Philippines many times, when I was stationed in Okinawa 1972 to 73. You could get three big delicious hand made egg rolls, with a beverage, for one dollar. It was a great experience being in those countries.

        This thread makes me want to go back.

        Glenn
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  • Profile picture of the author carlamae
    I am so jealous right now! I wish I could have known about this when I was single and had no family...a decade or so too late. What an amazing lifestyle for you!
    To your success!
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    • Profile picture of the author hbsjcd3
      Originally Posted by carlamae View Post

      I am so jealous right now! I wish I could have known about this when I was single and had no family...a decade or so too late. What an amazing lifestyle for you!
      To your success!
      Just because your married and have a family does,'t mean you stop to live.....come on be adventurous 1!
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      • Profile picture of the author DR0832
        Most people give up their life in exchange for kids.
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  • Profile picture of the author brettb
    Having a family is no excuse not to travel around Asia. I see many families here, and they're not just on vacation.

    People often focus too much on MMO, but there are actually jobs throughout Asia if you want to live here. Smart people are needed in Thailand, and English teachers are needed in China.

    Kind of enjoying my build websites by day, party by night lifestyle
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  • Profile picture of the author Startingstartup
    What a deadly thread!

    Lots of good info!
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    • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
      Originally Posted by fin View Post

      You can open a bank account with tourist visa in Bangkok Bank.

      And transfer money through New York or London branch for free international transfer.

      Done the first, been told about the second. I always just used Aeon cash machines because they didn't charge.

      "What if I don't have an account?
      Go to your nearest Bangkok Bank branch with your ID card or passport to open a current or savings account, and you will be offered a Be1st Debit card."

      Be1st Visa Debit Card
      It's hit and miss whether they give you one. Mostly not IME.

      Originally Posted by fin View Post

      Be interested in hearing about a few beach resorts. At the moment I think I will just go to Bali because I've been there before, but does anyone know about:

      Sihokville
      Langkawi
      Boracay

      ?????
      Sihanoukvilles main beaches and the surrounding area is a dump. Filthy beaches with rubbish strewn everywhere, polluted water, dirty streets, aggressive street kids and beggers harrassing yo, lots of young backpackers drunk on buckets at beach shacks (maybe some people like that thing and I did a few year ago too but bores me now)

      Some of the more remote beaches are very nice though.

      Originally Posted by Congrats View Post

      And Clickbank? Been always a bit of a problem for me to cash checks.
      Clickbank pay me direct into my bank.

      Originally Posted by hbsjcd3 View Post

      I did not know there were a lot of Internet marketers in Thailand.... I knew Indonesia and Singapore had a lot, but not Thailand. Is it a pretty big community?
      I've never heard of anyone moving to Singapore (very expensive) to run their online business nor Indonesia. Thailand is a hub for IM'ers and online business people.

      Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

      It's definitely not so cheap anymore, people talk about spending $800/month, what can you do for that really. When I don't go party too often I still spend about 1500 euro/month. That's like $2300,- or something?

      Have to say that $1000,- of that is rent.
      Thailand IS cheap if you want it to be but if you want to spend a fortune you can too, especially in Bangkok.

      It's the great thing about BKK that even though it's a capital city there's very affordable and decent apartments with all mod cons, pools, fitness, restaurants on site in decent parts of town close to BTS.

      Food is super cheap and very tasty. Alcohol IS cheap unless you go to high end bars and clubs. My local bars do big bottles of Leo for 70-95B and large Sangsom and mixers for around 400B.

      Transport cheap and plentiful.

      Bills not too high unless you have aircon on 24/7 I guess. I get free wifi and cable at my place which cuts costs.

      Really it IS super cheap here unless you are frivolous or want high end luxury and lots of Western goods.

      If you're going to party in Ekkamai and Thong Lor every night eat top steak dinners, drink wine and over priced imported whisky and pay for bar girls then yeah you'll spend a lot.

      When I take a group of Thai friends out I spend about 6000-8000 baht (that's like 150-200 euro) or maybe $250,-, do that 4 times a month and there is another $1000,- gone.

      Total $2000,- on rent and going out 4 times a month with Thai friends, obvious the bottles of whisky flow fast but 6 bottles is nothing special with 4-6 people

      Now what I'm gonna do the other 26 days? Get my drift
      Why are you taking Thai people out and paying for their nights out? Why can't they split the bill? I have Thai friends and they wouldn't dream of letting me pay for them, we split everything evenly.

      If you want to live in a basic studio and don't go out partying, yeah then you can live for $1k/month comfortably here but that's not really my way of the Thai lifestyle.

      Definition of going out:

      - Going to some bar at 6pm, play some pool
      - Dinner
      - Bar again
      - Going to a club around midnight till 5am
      - Move to the beach to drink & play volleyball
      - Go home 10am (perhaps a breakfast in between).

      Yeah call me crazy, I love it here
      A standard night out for me is over 20hrs of continuous drinking and partying. Sometimes I don't stop for 2 days.

      I still don't spend anywhere close to 6,000 to 8,000B. Maybe half that at most.

      Going out with farangs would obvious be a lot cheaper but still, you play around with the ladies etc so it will never be a cheap night out.
      Farang or Thai it shouldn't matter they should pay their own way.

      Personally I don't "pay to play" with the ladies.

      I always found it strange that anyone under the age of say 40 (give or take a few years) would pay for sex in a place where there's so many beautiful, young, single and lonely women around who'd love a gik / boyfriend / casual dating partner.

      Even the guys over 40 I think could get it for free if they approached it properly.

      Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

      You pay for a group of Thais when you go out, why dont you spread the bill 6 ways, 200 euros there is just a total waste unless they are business clients or something.

      in Bangkok if I go out with a group of 5-6 friends, I can get 2 bottles of whiskey with mixes and only spend 1,000baht/£20

      when people live in Thailand they also are partying everynight, they maybe go out once a week. Living for $900-$1300 a month is very doable in Bangkok, I lived there for over a year and my budget was never higher than $1100 a month.
      I agree it's a waste of money to take 6 people out who aren't going to contribute. No need. Get better friends with money. Not all Thai's are poor and if they are good friends they won't expect the "rich farang" to pay for everything.

      I don't party every night because that would be counter productive and I'd get no work done. Wouldn't want to either tbh.

      I spend about similar to you and I don't exactly count every penny or scrimp and save.

      I drink too much, I spend too much on food (1,500B today in Villa Market), I have big nights out (3,500 at Soi 11 on Wed night) a couple times a week, spend too much in coffee shops on cappuchinos and sandwiches, date new women often and pick up the tab for dinner / drinks / ice cream / whatever and don't fee like I'm denying myself anything yet I don't spend that much money.

      A lot of people I know spend much less than me and are perfectly content. They enjoy just eating Thai food, work during the week so don't drink or go out until the weekend, and don't feel the need to throw money around. Hard to spend their wages.


      Originally Posted by hbsjcd3 View Post

      Just stay away from the spicey food or your hospital bill will take over your budget
      Nah the food is just fine being spicy. No ones ends up in hospital because it's spicy and I've yet to meet anyone who's had food poisoning surprisingly despite the often poor hygiene standards in street stalls at local restaurants.
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      • Profile picture of the author hbsjcd3
        Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post


        Nah the food is just fine being spicy. No ones ends up in hospital because it's spicy and I've yet to meet anyone who's had food poisoning surprisingly despite the often poor hygiene standards in street stalls at local restaurants.
        Iam really referring to the food that is served all over the crowded sidewalks... tons of outdoor sidewalk vendors and the way I saw them prepare those foods, was not that hygienic.....if you know what I mean.. This is in Bangkok, where its hard to walk, on the sidewalks, especially in the old part of the town near Chinatown
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        • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
          Originally Posted by hbsjcd3 View Post

          Iam really referring to the food that is served all over the crowded sidewalks... tons of outdoor sidewalk vendors and the way I saw them prepare those foods, was not that hygienic.....if you know what I mean.. This is in Bangkok, where its hard to walk, on the sidewalks, especially in the old part of the town near Chinatown
          These stalls are probably more hygienic than the restaurants where you can't see what is going on in the kitchen, at least with the sidewalk vendors you are seeing the food cooked fresh in front of you.

          I've been traveling to South East Asia for 22 years and I had the odd one or two day bout of sickness, once every few years but the worst food poisoning I've ever had is from an Indian restaurant in London and a restaurant in France.
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      • Profile picture of the author fin
        Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

        It's hit and miss whether they give you one. Mostly not IME.
        There is more than one branch in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The point is: if someone wants one they can have one within a few hours.
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      • Profile picture of the author nik0
        Banned
        Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

        Why are you taking Thai people out and paying for their nights out? Why can't they split the bill? I have Thai friends and they wouldn't dream of letting me pay for them, we split everything evenly.
        Most people here don't have too much too spend and still like to party.

        Call it charity.

        When people make 8k baht/month, kind of average, spending 1k baht on a night out is quite a bit of money.

        I know it can be done for less, for example when we go to Isaan concert where we take bottles of Blend or Sangsom from the 7/11 and buy the coke and ice there and not sit in the bar in advance buying bottle after bottle.
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        • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
          Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

          Most people here don't have too much too spend and still like to party.

          Call it charity.

          When people make 8k baht/month, kind of average, spending 1k baht on a night out is quite a bit of money.

          I know it can be done for less, for example when we go to Isaan concert where we take bottles of Blend or Sangsom from the 7/11 and buy the coke and ice there and not sit in the bar in advance buying bottle after bottle.
          I am sure they are good guys but still even people I know who don't earn much would never let me go out and spend 6-8k and not contribute not that I'd even consider doing that anyway.

          Thankfully most of the Thai's I would consider friends earn much more than minimum wage so they can go out and split everything 50/50.
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          • Profile picture of the author nik0
            Banned
            Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

            I am sure they are good guys but still even people I know who don't earn much would never let me go out and spend 6-8k and not contribute not that I'd even consider doing that anyway.

            Thankfully most of the Thai's I would consider friends earn much more than minimum wage so they can go out and split everything 50/50.
            Friends is kind of a big word, mostly it are friends from my "girl friend" at that time, my relationships never last long here lol.

            The first 6 months I didn't care too much about money and I partied on daily base and switched "girl friends" bi weekly

            Nowadays a bit more quite and I think it's been a while that I spend 6-8k on a single day. Last time I spend about 4k at a bar but that's cause some friends just opened the bar so I gave drinks away here and there. After that I was so drunk that I couldn't even walk anymore so around 3am I was done.

            I'm staying in Pattaya and when you end up with some girl they kind of expect you to take their friends out as well, and the friends often don't have a nail to scratch their butt. Sure I can say no but I'm on a good budget so care less. However I know plenty of tourists who get dragged into it and spend way more then they planned to so it's more like a warning.

            In other words, like many always say, you can definitely NOT live like a King here with a budget of let's say $1500-$2000/month, unless people have a complete different image of living like a king. A king takes care of his people right?

            And imo it really doesn't matter much whether the girl works at a bar, a restaurant, manager at a hotel or at a bank (I had them all, believe me). When they leave in the morning they all hold their hand up and they all expect you to take all of their friends out as well. Maybe it's different in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I haven't spend much time in Bangkok and haven't been to Chiang Mai.

            Right now I'm single as I'm a little bit tired of running into the same type of people over and over here and actually I enjoy butterflying around these days

            Btw it's not always like pick them up/take them off, have sex, bye bye, I tried it with taking time, going out for dinner two or three times, like the normal dating process (that was with the hotel lady and the one who worked at the bank as well). No idea where you run into them but perhaps I visit the wrong places lol, or maybe whole Pattaya is just screwed
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            • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
              Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

              or maybe whole Pattaya is just screwed
              I think that might have something to do with it

              The great thing over here is that depending on what sort of person you are and at what stage in your life there is something for everyone. My big partying days are over I'm married with kids and my life tends to revolve around them.

              I often hear about 'Living like a King' but for me it is just the lifestyle I live in Chiang Mai as opposed to the lifestyle I would lead in London where I come from.

              For instance here I live in a 3 bedroom detached property on a private housing estate with security and swimming pool. Yesterday morning we all went swimming in the pool which we had to ourselves and is only 5 minutes walk away.

              Today my wife and I are joining some friends and driving up to some hot springs for the day before picking the kids up from school later.

              A budget of around $1,500 is what I spend a month on food, bills, going out etc for the 4 or us and a dog and 2 cats. We own the house, but I also have to pay school fees twice a year and also I head back to the UK on occasion so this adds to the costs but compared to a similar lifestyle in the UK it's peanuts.
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              • Profile picture of the author nik0
                Banned
                Originally Posted by Stevie C View Post

                I think that might have something to do with it

                The great thing over here is that depending on what sort of person you are and at what stage in your life there is something for everyone. My big partying days are over I'm married with kids and my life tends to revolve around them.

                I often hear about 'Living like a King' but for me it is just the lifestyle I live in Chiang Mai as opposed to the lifestyle I would lead in London where I come from.

                For instance here I live in a 3 bedroom detached property on a private housing estate with security and swimming pool. Yesterday morning we all went swimming in the pool which we had to ourselves and is only 5 minutes walk away.

                Today my wife and I are joining some friends and driving up to some hot springs for the day before picking the kids up from school later.

                A budget of around $1,500 is what I spend a month on food, bills, going out etc for the 4 or us and a dog and 2 cats. We own the house, but I also have to pay school fees twice a year and also I head back to the UK on occasion so this adds to the costs but compared to a similar lifestyle in the UK it's peanuts.
                Agreed, when you live a normal live you can get around on such budget, even with a family.

                But what's mostly get spread around to youngsters is living like a king for $1500/month, and that just ain't gonna work when living a holiday style and going out on daily base.

                When I came here last year November my typical day expenses were (you won't have a condo right at the day you arrive in most cases):

                - hotel 1000 baht
                - western breakfast for two 300-500 baht
                - drinks at beach 500-1000 baht
                - drinks at bar after beach 500-1000 baht
                - dinner 1000 baht
                - going out a night 3000-4000 baht

                Tips/sightseeing/shopping not included, so it's real easy to spend up to 10k baht/day here and most people forget that as it's overall a cheap country.

                While the above list is kind of what I imagine when people say living like a king, doing what you want without having to look at your wallet.

                The first 6 months that I was here I spend about 5k euro/month and obvious I had a great time and could do whatever I want, but that's obvious a lot of money which also gives you a great lifestyle in western countries.
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                • Profile picture of the author nik0
                  Banned
                  Ok, now that we got out of the party mode after almost 8 months my daily expenses when I don't go out partying look more like this:

                  - cigarettes 100 baht
                  - food 300 baht
                  - few drinks 300 baht
                  - rent 900 baht

                  So that's like 40 euro/day, all together with going out now and then I manage it here for around 2000 euro/month.

                  ps: Most people might not know, a beer here cost on average (80-120 baht) 2-3 euro a bottle, so that's not much different then in your own country. A bottle of whiskey go's for (800-1200 baht) or 1600-2000 baht for Red Label. Which is obvious a lot cheaper, I don't know any clubs in my country where I can get a bottle of whiskey for less then 10k baht (250 euro).
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      • Profile picture of the author Beatinest
        Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post


        Personally I don't "pay to play" with the ladies.

        I always found it strange that anyone under the age of say 40 (give or take a few years) would pay for sex in a place where there's so many beautiful, young, single and lonely women around who'd love a gik / boyfriend / casual dating partner.

        Even the guys over 40 I think could get it for free if they approached it properly.
        I pay for them to go away and not call me every 10 minutes or send me emoticons on Line chat all day long...or show up at my place at 3am trying to hang out when I'm trying to work or hang out with another one.

        Freebees are easy here too but there is a lot more time involved that I would prefer to spend doing other things.
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        • Profile picture of the author nik0
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Beatinest View Post

          I pay for them to go away and not call me every 10 minutes or send me emoticons on Line chat all day long...or show up at my place at 3am trying to hang out when I'm trying to work or hang out with another one.

          Freebees are easy here too but there is a lot more time involved that I would prefer to spend doing other things.
          Lol, I have to start paying them less, the last one that I paid 2000 baht who stayed sleeping called me 60 times in the days following

          After the 3rd time I was luckily wise enough to silence my phone, put off buzzing and lights blinking and the peace restored. Once in a while checking whether someone else didn't call me and then seeing 20 missed calls, 30 missed calls and so on LOL

          Got to admit that the sex was awesome but I don't like to see the same on daily base, simply don't have time for all that nonsense.

          Line chat oooh boy, luckily I never started that.
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  • Profile picture of the author visimedia
    Philippines are very well-known of a good and cheap outsource services there. When I went to singapore I think one of the cheapest employee there is Philippine, they're nice too. Most of them are.
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    For best hostel in malang https://bedpackers.com & mold inspectors orlando : https://waterdamagerestorationorland...d-inspections/

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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Carter
    I'm also working on web business to move to Bangkok, hopefully in 3 months from now.

    Spend 3 months on that city winter 2012.. it was amazing!
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    - Jay

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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    Yes I live in Bangkok and I eat street food all the time. Never got sick so far thankfully. Don't know anyone who has either.

    I agree lots of unhygienic practices but maybe in the West we are just too obsessed with it?

    Most of Bangkok is eating this stuff every day and are fine so best not to worry about it and just get on with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    I wonder how many people are in Thailand currently doing IM, freelancing, building online businesses, making money online (traders, poker players, gamblers etc).

    Would be good to know a rough figure.

    There's a market for an apartment block / hostel / hotel to open in BKK or CM that caters to them I am sure.

    One place in Bangkok was being pitched as that by the SE Asia magazine but if you look at their website or speak to them about it they don't mention it at all so I think the magazine just made that twist up by themselves.
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  • Profile picture of the author brettb
    You can save a load of money here by being selective on where to party. The cheaper bars charge 70 baht for a big bottle of Chang beer - it's 55 baht in a 7-11. But some of the farang bars on Soi 4 will charge you 200+ baht for a small Chang.

    If you're a party animal then Pattaya is also way better than Bangkok.

    Once you've been here a while then you're gonna grow wise to the Thais/other fartangs who want to party with you because of your ATM card.
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  • Profile picture of the author xenter
    What kind of place could you get if you are willing to pay say 2000$ for a place in Chang Mai?
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    • Profile picture of the author thedog
      Originally Posted by xenter View Post

      What kind of place could you get if you are willing to pay say 2000$ for a place in Chang Mai?
      4 - 5 bed luxury house of a luxury penthouse apartment I'd imagine.
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    • Profile picture of the author KevinRB
      Originally Posted by xenter View Post

      What kind of place could you get if you are willing to pay say 2000$ for a place in Chang Mai?
      $2,000/month = 60,000Thai Baht/month gets you 4-5 bedroom including private swimming pool in a gated community within 10-15 minutes of the center of Chiang Mai....I own a house in one of them.

      Alternatively if you wanted a condominium you could get something really nice located within the city itself.
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by xenter View Post

      What kind of place could you get if you are willing to pay say 2000$ for a place in Chang Mai?
      haha yeah $2k/month could get you whatever you want... I've only seen one place priced that high and IMO it was wayyy overpriced for what you get.
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  • Profile picture of the author createyouwealth
    I would really like to stay in Northern Thailand and experience their culture. I have traveled across the world but haven't got to Thailand yet, but I will soon so I would definitely keep in touch so you can tell me about the local spots to visit.

    Thanks for looking out.
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  • Profile picture of the author nik0
    Banned
    Food tip:

    Avoid those red colored spare ribs that they smoke in these wooden tons, I can eat literally everything here but once i eat that I always have to visit the toilet a dozen times a day in the days after. No idea what they do with it but there's definitely something wrong with the smoking process.


    Laos money tip:

    In case you go to Laos, make sure you have enough cash with you, I had to try almost a dozen different ATM's to be able to withdraw money and it only gave me 1 million KIP which equals about 100 euro I think. Quite nasty when you are staying in a somewhat expensive hotel. There was only 1 bank where I could with draw money and that was the France/Laos bank if I remember correctly. Later on someone told me you can also withdraw 2 million but then you have to ATM twice afaik and after one time it's done for the day, at least with my bank. If you have a CC it will probably be easier but if you only have a bank card with the Maestro logo you won't get far.


    Visa tip:

    Be careful with those 60+30 days visa's, they can put a red stamp in your passport and make problems when you plan to stay a couple of years. At the Laos embassy they aren't that tough on it but there go a lot of stories around that the embassy in Cambodia is getting quite strict. An education VISA for 1 year would solve the problem btw. Not that expensive, about 20k baht/year. Better then a business visa where you have to pay a minimum of 15k baht/month tax (min. income 60k, 25% tax).


    Wireless internet tip

    Truemove is hell expensive, when you have to do extensive, bandwith eating work on the internet you'll easily run through 1k baht/day.

    DTAC on the other hand is hell slow most of the time.

    Best solution for me is working at night, especially cause I live in a hotel/bar area where the WIFI codes get shared massively so in day time you easily share the connection with a dozen or more people playing poker and watching Youtube and cause of the dozens of WIFI signals the aircard isn't going to work very well either. It seems to conflict all together.
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  • Profile picture of the author seonutshell
    Hey Niko, how much do you reckon the minimum would be to live comfortable there? I dont drink or smoke but would want to live by a beach.
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    • Profile picture of the author harvie316
      Originally Posted by seonutshell View Post

      Hey Niko, how much do you reckon the minimum would be to live comfortable there? I dont drink or smoke but would want to live by a beach.
      check my blog, I have answered that question in good detail.
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      • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
        Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

        check my blog, I have answered that question in good detail.
        Good blog and bookmarked
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    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by seonutshell View Post

      Hey Niko, how much do you reckon the minimum would be to live comfortable there? I dont drink or smoke but would want to live by a beach.
      I suppose you can get around for $1500/month when you don't smoke and drink, not sure if you go out often? If so I would aim at at least $2500/month.

      You can rent a condo (studio or 2 room apartment) near the beach for about 10k-15k baht here, that's about 250-375 euro/month but when you come in high season they are probably not available anymore. If you like Thai food you can easily eat for 200-300 baht/day.

      Keep in mind that they charge quite heavily for electricity, 9-10 baht/unit is not unusual in the big condo complexes. I mostly had an electricity bill of 6000-7000 baht, often we forgot to put the airco off in the bed room or when we left, that type of things so then it adds up quickly.

      You also need a motorbike I think, which is 2500 baht/month when you rent it on month to month basis.

      So total:

      15000 for condo (studio is not always available)
      6000 baht for electricity (airco)
      6000 baht food if you don't care about fancy restaurants
      2500 baht for motorbike
      3000 baht for visa

      (you need to take those visa trips every 90 days, and then you need to wait there 2 days in a hotel and pay a for the entry visa to Laos or Cambodia, pay for the Thai VISA, pay for transportation, so a visa trip will easily cost you 9000 baht with all included / 3 months = 3000/month, assuming you don't fly to a nearby country, otherwise more expensive)

      That's 32.500 baht in total or slightly over a thousand dollar and then you only live, eat and have transportation.

      An education VISA costs you about 20k baht/year, business VISA is more expensive cause then you have to start a company and hire yourself and pay 25% tax over your minimum income of 60.000 baht).

      Anyway, that's how far I know it.
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      Originally Posted by seonutshell View Post

      Hey Niko, how much do you reckon the minimum would be to live comfortable there? I dont drink or smoke but would want to live by a beach.
      This was when I stayed in beach bungalow on Koh Phangan:

      Accom - 12000-15000pm (stove, hot shower, fridge, etc)

      Electricity - 700pm (no aircon, don't need it because of the sea breeze)

      Food - I cooked in my little kitchen and food from market is peanuts. 100bht+ depending on where you go if you eat out.

      Moto - 2500pm + very cheap gas

      Laundry - 30bht per kilo wash and dried

      I guess those are the basics then you just have to add on luxuries.

      And cheapest visa run is Penang. You can actually hand in your passport to a company on the main street and they will take it away and bring it back with a visa stamp by 4pm.

      Just get boat to Surat Thani and train straight to Penang.
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  • Profile picture of the author harvie316
    all your figures are way off, who pays 6k a month for aircon/electric unless your in a 4 bed room apartment with aircon on all day. Your getting ripped off if that's not the case. I never had a bill over 1.2k, although I stay in a studio and use a fan sometimes.

    IF anyone is charging you 9/baht a unit, you should not stay there. You can find condos near Hua hin/ Pattaya and Phuket from 8-12k range.

    Visa is once every 3 months, and if he enters with a tourist visa, he will only need to do a visa run which are like 2100baht (every 3rd month)

    some examples of cost of living

    Bangkok Prices, Thailand - A Farang Abroad

    The Cost of Travel in Bangkok, Thailand - A Farang Abroad

    one can live in Thailand for under $1100 a month and have a great time, I did it for over a year. Sorry if I come across as pushy/arrogant, I would hazard a guess at around $600 would be the minmum amount of money needed for a wesntern to stay in Thailand each month (excluding visa runs), but I would not want to live in Thailand on a $600 budget.
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    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

      all your figures are way off, who pays 6k a month for aircon/electric unless your in a 4 bed room apartment with aircon on all day. Your getting ripped off if that's not the case. I never had a bill over 1.2k, although I stay in a studio and use a fan sometimes.

      IF anyone is charging you 9/baht a unit, you should not stay there. You can find condos near Hua hin/ Pattaya and Phuket from 8-12k range.

      Visa is once every 3 months, and if he enters with a tourist visa, he will only need to do a visa run which are like 2100baht (every 3rd month)

      some examples of cost of living

      Bangkok Prices, Thailand - A Farang Abroad

      The Cost of Travel in Bangkok, Thailand - A Farang Abroad

      one can live in Thailand for under $1100 a month and have a great time, I did it for over a year. Sorry if I come across as pushy/arrogant, I would hazard a guess at around $600 would be the minmum amount of money needed for a wesntern to stay in Thailand each month (excluding visa runs), but I would not want to live in Thailand on a $600 budget.
      It are quite standard rates, although a bit expensive but that's what you pay in most condo complexes in Pattaya.

      Right now I pay 4 baht/unit and sell electricity to the Thai owned bars at the opposite for 6 baht/unit. They are totally fine with that. Before I came one of them used to pay 7 baht/unit. So paying 9 baht/unit as a tourist is not that far sought.

      You seem kind of delusional about visa costs, do you actually stay in Thailand or are you just basing your thoughts on theories? You can do a visa trip for 2100 baht as advertised, but that doesn't take you to the Thai consulate/embassy where you have to wait 1 or 2 days for your visa, the 2100 baht also doesn't include the price that you pay for the visa. The 2100 baht visa trips are with a minivan where you cross the border and go back straight away, good for a two week visa with 1 week extension.

      If you want to live like cheap charlie over here at $1100/month then I won't stop you!

      Hey. maybe you should read your own blog post again about VISA's that you posted a few posts above, there you talked about ED visa coming down to 3000 baht/month:

      "Staying in Thailand this way works out at an average of around 3,000 Baht per month."

      And now you're accusing me of making up numbers, it shouldn't get funnier then that

      And no visa trips do not turn out cheaper:

      - Taxi from Pataya to Bangkok and back 3000+ baht
      - Two way plane ticket 5000 baht
      - 2 nights hotel: 4000 baht
      - Taxi's inside Laos: 500 baht
      - Visa at Thai embassy: 1900 baht (or close)
      - Entry visa for Laos: 1200 baht (or close)

      That's nearly 16.000 baht, sure you can stay at a cheaper hotel or sit in the bus for many hours, and not take taxi's but then it still comes down to about half, so still close to 3k baht/month.

      Besides, what the heck are you arguing about a lousy 100 bucks LOL


      Hey for the record, you can also live here for $150/month

      - Share a room with 2 people for 2500 baht/month = 1250 baht/month
      - Eat from food cars for 100 baht/day or cook with some people to bring it down to 50/baht a day = 1500 baht/month
      - Take the 10 baht bus to the beach twice a day = 600 baht /month or better walk, I'm 200 mtr from the beach and still have a room for rent upstairs. Perhaps if you find a Thai girl she likes to share it with you same like the other guys upstairs, I don't hear them complaining.

      Done for 3250 baht same like the Thai people who work at bars and that don't get taken off.

      Heck you could even work in my bar but you must be taken of at least twice a month and get drinks on regular base. I pay 100 baht/day, then you live for free

      Any way I congratulate it how you managed to stay 1 year in Bangkok, the hottest city on earth, with most of the time a fan and only going out partying once a week, what the hell you did there for the rest of the week in such crowded polluted city? Sounds like Hell in Bangkok, I think they even wrote a book about it.
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    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

      all your figures are way off, who pays 6k a month for aircon/electric unless your in a 4 bed room apartment with aircon on all day. Your getting ripped off if that's not the case. I never had a bill over 1.2k, although I stay in a studio and use a fan sometimes.
      Nope when I stayed in a 4 room bungalow I paid 10k baht/month with the same airco schedule, there I did get ripped off for sure yes. Probably unit price at 12 or 15 baht, didn't stay long there though, but that was more caused I took over a bar and live above it now.

      Offer for the room stands, we're not far from the beach so you might get some breeze

      Fan included!
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      • Profile picture of the author nik0
        Banned
        More then 14 years ago I was in Samui btw, costs there:

        - wooden bungalow with just a fan 3000 baht/month
        - motorbike 2500 baht/month (those prices never seem to change)

        No electricity to pay for.

        Food + drinks/going out: 2500 baht/day, and there we shared the costs when going out.

        After 2.5 months I was broke and happy to go back after the non stop partying best holiday of my life, I wouldn't have done it differently!
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  • Profile picture of the author harvie316
    in previous post I stated if you got a triple entry visa, you just have to use a company like Bangkok buddy and they will drive you over and back for 2,100 baht. Or you could do it yourself for a bit less, but with more hassle.

    But its quite clear we live two different lifestyles, for example you go and take a whole group of people out and pay for them. I on the other hand am more sparingly with my money.

    I stayed in central bangkok for over a year and my budget was around $1100 each month. Sometimes as low as $850. I had a great time went out clubbing once a week. gym/sports every day. Your numbers on some things are way off, no one ever pays 6k for electricity, like I said unless your getting scammed or live in a huge huge house with everything plugged in all the time.

    Taxi from Pataya to Bangkok and back 3000+ baht
    - Two way plane ticket 5000 baht
    - 2 nights hotel: 4000 baht
    - Taxi's inside Laos: 500 baht
    bus from Pattaya to Bangkok is 125 baht so im not sure why you mentioned taxi fares when the guy said he wants to do it on the cheap.
    you can easily find hotels in any city in SEA which will charge you 400-500 a night refer to agoda). The guy asked for what is the minimum needed. your estimated of 2k a night for a hotel is once again WAY off.

    Remember he asked for the minimum amount of money needed, he didn't say he wanted to ball out of control. Anyway I guess we can just agree to disagree, and people can use both of our information and take what they will from it.
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    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

      in previous post I stated if you got a triple entry visa, you just have to use a company like Bangkok buddy and they will drive you over and back for 2,100 baht. Or you could do it yourself for a bit less, but with more hassle.

      But its quite clear we live two different lifestyles, for example you go and take a whole group of people out and pay for them. I on the other hand am more sparingly with my money.

      I stayed in central bangkok for over a year and my budget was around $1100 each month. Sometimes as low as $850. I had a great time went out clubbing once a week. gym/sports every day. Your numbers on some things are way off, no one ever pays 6k for electricity, like I said unless your getting scammed or live in a huge huge house with everything plugged in all the time.

      bus from Pattaya to Bangkok is 125 baht so im not sure why you mentioned taxi fares when the guy said he wants to do it on the cheap.
      you can easily find hotels in any city in SEA which will charge you 400-500 a night refer to agoda). The guy asked for what is the minimum needed. your estimated of 2k a night for a hotel is once again WAY off.

      Remember he asked for the minimum amount of money needed, he didn't say he wanted to ball out of control. Anyway I guess we can just agree to disagree, and people can use both of our information and take what they will from it.
      True point about the minimum.

      Not so true about the electricity, almost everywhere you pay that kind of amounts when you rent things as a tourist, you can easily end up with 6-7k/month when you have 2 airco's running almost 24/7. We're talking about March, April, May here, it's bloody hot at that time of the year so it's only convenient to keep them running so that when you come home you enter a nice cool house. The huge plasma TV, which was also on a lot of the time to provide music lol, gives of a ton of heat as well and I bet it also eats a nice chunk of electricity. But yeah with some thinking and using the fan more often you can cut down in costs so the minimum applies there as well.

      Yesterday I had a chat with someone from my country at a bar and he also says he pays around 1500 baht/month for electricity but he rents a condo that's rented to Thai people mostly and 4-5km out of the center. He spends all his days on the beach and puts the airco off, in the evening he uses a fan and 1-2 hours before he go's to bed he puts the airco on and then puts it off again.

      The costs don't stop at 2100 baht, no matter what transportation you use, you have to wait there 1-2 days for the VISA, it's never done a la minute and you also need to pay for the VISA, all costs that you chose to ignore.

      Yes there's a bus going for 125 baht, I took it several times before but it's not always convenient as it only go's once an hour and when your plane leaves early there's no bus going yet.

      In my younger days I also thought, when I have a passive income of $1500/month I go live in Thailand. Nowadays I think completely different about that, sure living in Thailand has some benefits like the weather so it's a great place to stay during the cold winter months but if I had only $1500/month to spend I think I would rather stay in my home country during the low/rainy season for several reasons:

      - the weather isn't that great, many people say it rains 30 minutes a day and then clears up, not really true, I've seen 2 weeks of non stop raining here in Pataya and when it wasn't raining the sun didn't break through either due to the clouds

      - the costs of going out don't differ that much from my home country, in Holland we also pay 2 euro for a beer

      - it's overall kind of quite in the low season, almost feels like a deserted city, sure exagarating a little bit here but that's how I felt it, especially in the area where I stayed back then, you could hear a needle drop on the streets, all restaurants and bars kind of empty.

      - with such few money there isn't a ton you can do, what I did in the low season was travel around a bit, to Nongkhai, Buen Khan (or however you spell it), Laos, Macau.

      - in my home country I would have all my friends, family, and the weather is ok there when it's raining half of the time during those months in Thailand.

      So if I have to give an advice to people on a budget, just go there from November till April and go back with great memories instead of getting bored to death in the low season. Especially if you depend on your life savings for your 1 year break. If you depend on an online income then your work will provide a good distraction.

      Some other things that people tend to ignore:

      - health and travel insurance
      - risks of accident

      For example when you make a motorbike accident and crash into a car the bills can add up quite a bit, and not just the hospital bill, you're also supposed to pay for the damage to the car and/or motorbike. Those motorbike insurances don't cover much.

      So last tip: Make sure you have enough backup money or you can get yourself in serious trouble.
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  • Profile picture of the author illiptic
    So many places around the world where you can get absolutely LUXURY accomodations for a fraction of the price it would normally cost
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  • Profile picture of the author chrris
    Who here remembers George Montague Brown? He dropped out of the scene after his latest product (which got a lot of scrutiny) but I really like the guys personality. He lived in Thailand and I developed a love for the place from him.
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  • Profile picture of the author elijahdean24
    This thread info is killer
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  • Profile picture of the author magiclouie
    I have been wanting to live in Thailand too. This country is one of the best of Asia.
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  • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
    How are places like Chiang Ma for families?

    I can understand the appeal for the YFS crowd, but what about expats with families, children.

    Anybody doing the family thing out there?

    What's possible for say $1,500 a month in rent , I would need a 4 bed house with gardens and ideally a separate office , parking for 2 cars in a decent area, doable?

    What's the overall feeling about the education system and healthcare, are their reciprocal arrangements with any countries like the UK or US or do you just pay as you go?

    Anybody got kids in an English school there?
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    • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
      Originally Posted by Midas3 Consulting View Post

      How are places like Chiang Ma for families?

      I can understand the appeal for the YFS crowd, but what about expats with families, children.

      Anybody doing the family thing out there?

      What's possible for say $1,500 a month in rent , I would need a 4 bed house with gardens and ideally a separate office , parking for 2 cars in a decent area, doable?

      What's the overall feeling about the education system and healthcare, are their reciprocal arrangements with any countries like the UK or US or do you just pay as you go?

      Anybody got kids in an English school there?
      There is a link on page 1 or 2 of this thread with a link to local property place. lots on offer. and Like you I am looking for a nice quiet (ish) place for myself and wife, I'm 45 and not looking for club lifestyle but people say its fine for us elders :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
      Originally Posted by Midas3 Consulting View Post

      How are places like Chiang Ma for families?

      I can understand the appeal for the YFS crowd, but what about expats with families, children.

      Anybody doing the family thing out there?

      What's possible for say $1,500 a month in rent , I would need a 4 bed house with gardens and ideally a separate office , parking for 2 cars in a decent area, doable?

      What's the overall feeling about the education system and healthcare, are their reciprocal arrangements with any countries like the UK or US or do you just pay as you go?

      Anybody got kids in an English school there?
      In fact

      Chiang Mai Real Estate | Condos for Rentin Chiang Mai - 10,000 To 15,000 THB/Month
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by Midas3 Consulting View Post

      How are places like Chiang Ma for families?

      I can understand the appeal for the YFS crowd, but what about expats with families, children.

      Anybody doing the family thing out there?

      What's possible for say $1,500 a month in rent , I would need a 4 bed house with gardens and ideally a separate office , parking for 2 cars in a decent area, doable?

      What's the overall feeling about the education system and healthcare, are their reciprocal arrangements with any countries like the UK or US or do you just pay as you go?

      Anybody got kids in an English school there?

      If you PM me I can put you in contact with a woman from South Whales who lives here with her husband and children while running her business full time.

      I know there are a lot of great international schools here because I have friends from the states and from all around the world that teach here but she would be the one that can provide the most info.
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      • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
        Originally Posted by alksense View Post

        If you PM me I can put you in contact with a woman from South Whales who lives here with her husband and children while running her business full time.

        I know there are a lot of great international schools here because I have friends from the states and from all around the world that teach here but she would be the one that can provide the most info.
        You mean South Wales right lol... The Welsh are very protective ;-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
      Originally Posted by Midas3 Consulting View Post

      How are places like Chiang Ma for families?

      I can understand the appeal for the YFS crowd, but what about expats with families, children.

      Anybody doing the family thing out there?

      What's possible for say $1,500 a month in rent , I would need a 4 bed house with gardens and ideally a separate office , parking for 2 cars in a decent area, doable?

      What's the overall feeling about the education system and healthcare, are their reciprocal arrangements with any countries like the UK or US or do you just pay as you go?

      Anybody got kids in an English school there?
      Yes you could rent something matching your requirements for that sort of money though you'd have to live a few KM's out of town.

      I have kids but being half Thai and growing up here they go to a school with a bilingual program which is probably 70/20 Thai orientated. International schools are fairly expensive here. I'd say you are talking somewhere between 100,000 - 300,00 baht a year, not including exam costs,books, uniforms etc.

      Healthcare is good but can be expensive, you'd be probably best checking out BUPA or similar and getting a family health insurance plan of some sort.
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  • Profile picture of the author djtrillian
    If anyone knows of an RC helicopter club in Chiang Mai let me know!
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  • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
    Im a member in this ex pats forum, it will help some more

    Thailand : British Expat Discussion Forum
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  • Profile picture of the author djtrillian
    This thread has been a great overview of travel to Thailand and has put Chiang Mai on the map for me as a very likely destination for early next year.

    I'd be interested to hear more about Davao City in the Philippines as well.

    I am hoping to accomplish three things when I visit (and most likely it will just be for a month or so at first)

    1. Focus on my online business and writing projects and maybe network a bit with others.
    2. Mix some songs I am recording in a good studio with low rates (I have seen one in Chaing Mai already)
    3. Have plenty of sunny weather and some place to fly my RC helicopter.
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    • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
      Originally Posted by djtrillian View Post

      This thread has been a great overview of travel to Thailand and has put Chiang Mai on the map for me as a very likely destination for early next year.
      Thailand : British Expat Discussion Forum
      I'd be interested to hear more about Davao City in the Philippines as well.

      I am hoping to accomplish three things when I visit (and most likely it will just be for a month or so at first)

      1. Focus on my online business and writing projects and maybe network a bit with others.
      2. Mix some songs I am recording in a good studio with low rates (I have seen one in Chaing Mai already)
      3. Have plenty of sunny weather and some place to fly my RC helicopter.
      How much are the studio costs out there?
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      • Profile picture of the author djtrillian
        Originally Posted by wholesale blogger View Post

        How much are the studio costs out there?
        Well one that I looked at briefly was about £8.00 per hour but I was on my laptop and so I don't have those bookmarks or details with me on this machine at present.

        There was also a drummer over there doing drum tracks for demos etc. and I need to get his info again and get in touch because I would also like some live drums done and he might have a good idea of the music / recording 'scene' there.
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        • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
          Originally Posted by djtrillian View Post

          Well one that I looked at briefly was about £8.00 per hour but I was on my laptop and so I don't have those bookmarks or details with me on this machine at present.

          There was also a drummer over there doing drum tracks for demos etc. and I need to get his info again and get in touch because I would also like some live drums done and he might have a good idea of the music / recording 'scene' there.
          £8 is good but you can get studio time at not much more here in the UK. I was gonna take my lad to this place

          FAQ's : Crosstown Studios

          Good luck with it all anyway ;-)
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          • Profile picture of the author djtrillian
            Originally Posted by wholesale blogger View Post

            £8 is good but you can get studio time at not much more here in the UK. I was gonna take my lad to this place

            FAQ's : Crosstown Studios

            Good luck with it all anyway ;-)
            Yeah I would imagine you can but not all studios are created equal :-) Plus, that's not the main reason I would go over there but if I had the choice and all things being equal I'd much rather be somewhere warm and sunny.
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            • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
              Originally Posted by djtrillian View Post

              Yeah I would imagine you can but not all studios are created equal :-) Plus, that's not the main reason I would go over there but if I had the choice and all things being equal I'd much rather be somewhere warm and sunny.
              As most would from how this thread is going :-)
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              • Profile picture of the author nik0
                Banned
                Just curious no offense but why are people so thrilled about Chiang Mai?

                You know when I was young I was always dreaming about a tropical paradise, and the sea / beach was obvious part of that. You know the photo's with a palm tree on the beach.

                But Chiang Mai is pretty damn far from the beach, let's say a 1000km?

                Aren't you guys missing that in the north?
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                • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
                  Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                  Just curious no offense but why are people so thrilled about Chiang Mai?

                  You know when I was young I was always dreaming about a tropical paradise, and the sea / beach was obvious part of that. You know the photo's with a palm tree on the beach.

                  But Chiang Mai is pretty damn far from the beach, let's say a 1000km?

                  Aren't you guys missing that in the north?
                  I definitely hear what you're saying about the beaches, but there's a cool, small-town vibe up in Chiang Mai that I kinda dug when I was there last year. The coffee shop culture is alive and kicking, the weather is cooler (aside from a couple of months when everyone leaves CM), etc.

                  Ultimately, though, I think it's about the people. It's a smaller area overall and there's a high % of cool expat entrepreneurs up there right now.

                  I REALLY despise HCM/Saigon...but there are a ton of people I know/dig there right now, which is why I went to visit. Maybe the same thing going on in CM?
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                • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
                  Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                  Just curious no offense but why are people so thrilled about Chiang Mai?

                  You know when I was young I was always dreaming about a tropical paradise, and the sea / beach was obvious part of that. You know the photo's with a palm tree on the beach.

                  But Chiang Mai is pretty damn far from the beach, let's say a 1000km?

                  Aren't you guys missing that in the north?
                  To tell you the truth I love spending time on the beach for a few days but then I get bored with it all. To me the beach is great for a holiday but I wouldn't want to live there.

                  I've just got a friend who has moved up here from Pattaya and he is fed up with the traffic and noise and also he wants to get away from the hedonistic temptations to a certain degree as well

                  Chiang Mai though it has it's faults has a very easy going vibe and a village like feel to it though it is a big city.

                  Like I mentioned in a previous post the great thing about Thailand depending on finances, your age, your commitments, likes and dislikes there is something for everyone. Avoid if you don't like sun or spicy food and women though

                  I think it is also a bit cheaper in general up here... I pay around 1,600 baht max for electricity for a 3 bedroom house and that is at the height of the hot season, normally it is less.
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                • Profile picture of the author thedog
                  Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                  Just curious no offense but why are people so thrilled about Chiang Mai?

                  You know when I was young I was always dreaming about a tropical paradise, and the sea / beach was obvious part of that. You know the photo's with a palm tree on the beach.

                  But Chiang Mai is pretty damn far from the beach, let's say a 1000km?

                  Aren't you guys missing that in the north?
                  Chiang Mai's not the typical, tropical image of Thailand, but what I like about the place is...

                  It's not too busy for a city, not like BKK
                  The prices are still pretty cheap, much cheaper than the islands and BKK
                  Great business contacts, I've a friend living in Phuket, not making any contacts
                  Close to Burma for a visa run
                  Good night life and choice of food
                  Cheap travel to Islands, if you book in advance

                  So, business wise, Chiang Mai is a great choice.
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                  • Profile picture of the author nik0
                    Banned
                    Ah okay, I love the business actually but not too busy like Bangkok, been there for a couple of days but there I have the idea that it's ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE busy. Although I don't know Bangkok very well.

                    I actually stay in Jomtien instead of Pattaya.

                    What I like about it is:

                    - a little bit more quite while still everything to offer, and Pattaya is only 4km away
                    - the beaches are a bit more clean in Jomtien
                    - Koh Larn is only a 30 minute fairy trip away, as long as the damn thing won't sink
                    - and overall I like the people here
                    - great party scene and plenty of choice


                    What I like a bit less:

                    - the sea is not clean in high season

                    - most long stayers here are 60+ year old so not too easy to find people of my own age, most friendships build here are with tourists that stay for 2-3 weeks and then go again, although there's also a good side to that, now after a year and the high season starting again I regularly run into people that I went partying with before, so that's cool.

                    - slow internet although that has to do with the location as well, I live in the middle of a bar/hotel area so tons of wifi connections, in fact I own a bar here and live above it. (TIP: Never start a bar in Thailand unless you start it as a hobby same like me lol, it will always cost you ).


                    I would definitely not want to miss out on the ocean though, it's not like I go swimming every week but I like the view, it gives me a good feeling, and I love to sit on the beach and read a book now and then or chill down there after going out and watch the sun rise.
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                    • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
                      Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                      Ah okay, I love the business actually but not too busy like Bangkok, been there for a couple of days but there I have the idea that it's ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE busy. Although I don't know Bangkok very well.

                      I actually stay in Jomtien instead of Pattaya.

                      What I like about it is:

                      - a little bit more quite while still everything to offer, and Pattaya is only 4km away
                      - the beaches are a bit more clean in Jomtien
                      - Koh Larn is only a 30 minute fairy trip away, as long as the damn thing won't sink
                      - and overall I like the people here
                      - great party scene and plenty of choice


                      What I like a bit less:

                      - the sea is not clean in high season

                      - most long stayers here are 60+ year old so not too easy to find people of my own age, most friendships build here are with tourists that stay for 2-3 weeks and then go again, although there's also a good side to that, now after a year and the high season starting again I regularly run into people that I went partying with before, so that's cool.

                      - slow internet although that has to do with the location as well, I live in the middle of a bar/hotel area so tons of wifi connections, in fact I own a bar here and live above it.


                      I would definitely not want to miss out on the ocean though, it's not like I go swimming every week but I like the view, it gives me a good feeling, and I love to sit on the beach and read a book now and then or chill down there after going out and watch the sun rise.
                      If you're in the Jomtien/Pattaya area and really dig the beaches, I'd seriously consider checking out Phuket...specifically, the Kata beach area. (Or other beaches AROUND Patong) The beaches are absolutely beautiful, clean, etc.

                      I was just there a couple of weeks ago and had a blast. It's more expensive than Chiang Mai, definitely...but probably similar to Pattaya. There's PLENTY of party-party if that's what you're into, but there are also beautiful beaches all around with a very laid-back vibe if you get away from Patong a bit.

                      I honestly don't understand why more expat entrepreneurs don't hang out there. I know a few, but not even close to what's around Chiang Mai, BKK, etc.

                      One of the things I just couldn't stand about living near a place like Pattaya is the tired, old expats that have no business sense, but think it's a good idea to open a bar...ugh. It's kind of a sad expat community, IMO. Even though it's not fantastic in Phuket, I'd prefer that to Pattaya.

                      I've never been, but a friend has lived all over Thailand and absolutely loves Krabi...maybe another place for you to check out?
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                      • Profile picture of the author nik0
                        Banned
                        Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

                        If you're in the Jomtien/Pattaya area and really dig the beaches, I'd seriously consider checking out Phuket...specifically, the Kata beach area. (Or other beaches AROUND Patong) The beaches are absolutely beautiful, clean, etc.

                        I was just there a couple of weeks ago and had a blast. It's more expensive than Chiang Mai, definitely...but probably similar to Pattaya. There's PLENTY of party-party if that's what you're into, but there are also beautiful beaches all around with a very laid-back vibe if you get away from Patong a bit.

                        I honestly don't understand why more expat entrepreneurs don't hang out there. I know a few, but not even close to what's around Chiang Mai, BKK, etc.

                        One of the things I just couldn't stand about living near a place like Pattaya is the tired, old expats that have no business sense, but think it's a good idea to open a bar...ugh. It's kind of a sad expat community, IMO. Even though it's not fantastic in Phuket, I'd prefer that to Pattaya.

                        I've never been, but a friend has lived all over Thailand and absolutely loves Krabi...maybe another place for you to check out?
                        I don't think anyone starts a bar here with the expectation to make money from it, people get bored after some time and want to do something, and thus they start a bar or a small restaurant. My neighbour is Dutch, he lives here for 3 years now, he also started a restaurant, he bought the building, he drives in a brand new Fortuna, so he's not short on money, he just wanted to have something to do.

                        But then the stress of running a business shows up, people steal, people don't show up on time, people don't show up at all anymore, people become lazy and more of that stuff then it isn't even worth all the hassle. He closed his place, I closed my bar as well after 3 months already cause the relationship broke up. I'm thinking to open it again but not too sure, sometimes it's tempting.

                        A holiday to Phuket is still on my to-do list for quite some time already. I have to check if I can get my ED visa extended for 3 months as I didn't show up a single time at school so far. If not then I'll probably fly over to the Phillipines to check out Manilla for a bit, never been there either.

                        Koh Samui is also great but a bit too limited for me, I love to butterfly
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                        • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
                          Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                          I don't think anyone starts a bar here with the expectation to make money from it, people get bored after some time and want to do something, and thus they start a bar or a small restaurant. My neighbour is Dutch, he lives here for 3 years now, he also started a restaurant, he bought the building, he drives in a brand new Fortuna, so he's not short on money, he just wanted to have something to do.

                          But then the stress of running a business shows up, people steal, people don't show up on time, people don't show up at all anymore, people become lazy and more of that stuff then it isn't even worth all the hassle. He closed his place, I closed my bar as well after 3 months already cause the relationship broke up. I'm thinking to open it again but not too sure, sometimes it's tempting.
                          Hey, nik0, definitely not beating you up about the "buying a bar" scenario, hehe. You know the drill though, man, and I'm sure you've heard dozens of horror stories from guys who don't know WTF they are doing. In fact, they typically have bars that are in a constant state of buying, selling, someone new buying, selling, etc.

                          For every one that does well with their bar, I'm sure there are dozens who fail spectacularly/miserably. I get the idea of opening it to give yourself something to do, but there is something sad about that scenario, IMO.
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                          • Profile picture of the author nik0
                            Banned
                            Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

                            Hey, nik0, definitely not beating you up about the "buying a bar" scenario, hehe. You know the drill though, man, and I'm sure you've heard dozens of horror stories from guys who don't know WTF they are doing. In fact, they typically have bars that are in a constant state of buying, selling, someone new buying, selling, etc.

                            For every one that does well with their bar, I'm sure there are dozens who fail spectacularly/miserably. I get the idea of opening it to give yourself something to do, but there is something sad about that scenario, IMO.
                            I was kind of forgetting some stories and only focusing on the ones that just opened a bar and closed it again, but yeah there are numerous stories going around of people going broke on their business. They come with a few million baht, buy some stupid small business that loses money, party a bit too much, and broke they go home.

                            I think I would be in the same situation if I didn't have an online job
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                            • Profile picture of the author nik0
                              Banned
                              How does it actually work in the Phillippines with long time stay?

                              Here in Thailand you can get ED visa but afaik you can only repeat that a few years.

                              Retirement visa is only given of to people above 50.

                              And you can't keep doing border runs forever as they might put a red stamp in your passport and then it becomes pretty damn hard to get a new visa the next time, if at all.

                              That's also a reason why people open a company/bar, employ their selves to achieve a work permit and thus apply for a business visa.

                              In fact that was partly my plan however we never officially formed the company as the problems started fairly quick and I didn't feel confident about putting 125k baht on the Thai bank account at that moment lol.
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                              • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
                                Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                                How does it actually work in the Phillippines with long time stay?

                                Here in Thailand you can get ED visa but afaik you can only repeat that a few years.
                                It's insanely easy in the Philippines, man.

                                Most countries get a 21-day (moving to 30 day?) visa-on-arrival. A trip to immigration easily gets that extended to 60 days. From there, you can continue to renew your tourist visa every 60 days for up to 2 years with a quick trip to immigration. If you miss a visit or two and end up overstay...no problem...you just pay the fine of 500 Php ($12 USD) per month in addition to the regular $35-$40 you're paying for the tourist visa.

                                That's staying in the country continuously for up to two years on a tourist visa. If you're leaving the country every 6-9 months like many of us are, even easier.

                                Some years ago they came out with the SVEG visa. (Special Visa For Employment Generation) It's a permanent, multiple-entry visa that includes a small fee every year. It was created for expats that own a corporation in the Philippines and employ (on the books with taxes paid) 10 people or more in the company.

                                My biz partner (Joe) has one of these, but it was a bit of a pain to get, just because of the red tape involved. I had my probationary 1-year, but it expired and when I went to get another they weren't accepting applicants and I had to downgrade...ugh. It was a hassle for me, but it's been a while now and I think I'll apply for this again - it gets you perks at immigration (short line) and you don't have to pay the Philippines exit tax.

                                One warning or thing to add - when you fly into the Philippines you're going to need to have an outbound ticket, usually. It's the airlines that enforce this and many won't let you board unless you show them proof of an outbound ticket. You can always look for a crazy-low deal and buy a ticket you don't mind burning (I usually pick them up for $12-$30 USD) or you can *ahem* put your photoshop skills to work. Immigration has never checked, it's just the airlines that push the issue.
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                                • Profile picture of the author nik0
                                  Banned
                                  Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

                                  It's insanely easy in the Philippines, man.

                                  Most countries get a 21-day (moving to 30 day?) visa-on-arrival. A trip to immigration easily gets that extended to 60 days. From there, you can continue to renew your tourist visa every 60 days for up to 2 years with a quick trip to immigration. If you miss a visit or two and end up overstay...no problem...you just pay the fine of 500 Php ($12 USD) per month in addition to the regular $35-$40 you're paying for the tourist visa.

                                  That's staying in the country continuously for up to two years on a tourist visa. If you're leaving the country every 6-9 months like many of us are, even easier.

                                  Some years ago they came out with the SVEG visa. (Special Visa For Employment Generation) It's a permanent, multiple-entry visa that includes a small fee every year. It was created for expats that own a corporation in the Philippines and employ (on the books with taxes paid) 10 people or more in the company.

                                  My biz partner (Joe) has one of these, but it was a bit of a pain to get, just because of the red tape involved. I had my probationary 1-year, but it expired and when I went to get another they weren't accepting applicants and I had to downgrade...ugh. It was a hassle for me, but it's been a while now and I think I'll apply for this again - it gets you perks at immigration (short line) and you don't have to pay the Philippines exit tax.

                                  One warning or thing to add - when you fly into the Philippines you're going to need to have an outbound ticket, usually. It's the airlines that enforce this and many won't let you board unless you show them proof of an outbound ticket. You can always look for a crazy-low deal and buy a ticket you don't mind burning (I usually pick them up for $12-$30 USD) or you can *ahem* put your photoshop skills to work. Immigration has never checked, it's just the airlines that push the issue.
                                  That works pretty easy indeed.

                                  And for permanent you need 10 people to work for you, that's quite a few.

                                  Here you can also over stay costs 500 baht/day, quite a bit more expensive but not the end of the world, however when you over stay there is a good chance they won't let you in next time. Anyone experience with that?

                                  I'm always pretty easy going with the one way tickets and already got a few odd looks when I went to Macau, but they still let me in, luckily I also had enough cash with me in case they would ask but they didn't. I thought maybe I can make some money playing poker there but the luck wasn't with me
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                              • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
                                Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                                Friends is kind of a big word, mostly it are friends from my "girl friend" at that time, my relationships never last long here lol.

                                The first 6 months I didn't care too much about money and I partied on daily base and switched "girl friends" bi weekly

                                Nowadays a bit more quite and I think it's been a while that I spend 6-8k on a single day. Last time I spend about 4k at a bar but that's cause some friends just opened the bar so I gave drinks away here and there. After that I was so drunk that I couldn't even walk anymore so around 3am I was done.

                                I'm staying in Pattaya and when you end up with some girl they kind of expect you to take their friends out as well, and the friends often don't have a nail to scratch their butt. Sure I can say no but I'm on a good budget so care less. However I know plenty of tourists who get dragged into it and spend way more then they planned to so it's more like a warning.

                                In other words, like many always say, you can definitely NOT live like a King here with a budget of let's say $1500-$2000/month, unless people have a complete different image of living like a king. A king takes care of his people right?

                                And imo it really doesn't matter much whether the girl works at a bar, a restaurant, manager at a hotel or at a bank (I had them all, believe me). When they leave in the morning they all hold their hand up and they all expect you to take all of their friends out as well. Maybe it's different in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I haven't spend much time in Bangkok and haven't been to Chiang Mai.

                                Right now I'm single as I'm a little bit tired of running into the same type of people over and over here and actually I enjoy butterflying around these days

                                Btw it's not always like pick them up/take them off, have sex, bye bye, I tried it with taking time, going out for dinner two or three times, like the normal dating process (that was with the hotel lady and the one who worked at the bank as well). No idea where you run into them but perhaps I visit the wrong places lol, or maybe whole Pattaya is just screwed
                                So your girlfriend invites all her friends out and expects you to pick up the tab?

                                Personally I'd never let this happen. If a girl I've arranged to meet tells me she's bringing a friend I tell her no she isn't or we don't meet. They always meet and there's never a friend there.

                                You need to learn to say no. I suspect you think you're impressing them but in all honestly they are just taking advantage of you and likely think bad of you instead.

                                Staying in Pattaya is part of the problem seeing as it's the worlds biggest brothel. I can't stand the place.

                                Maybe in Pattaya every girl you meet asks for money in the morning but it's not the case in Bangkok for me personally, but what do you expect when living in a sex tourist resort?

                                I've never been asked for cash but then I avoid going to bars and clubs in the red light and main tourist districts for the most part, you only find trouble when you go to these places.

                                All over Bangkok (and the rest of Thailand) are single girls who never, ever, go to these places. Really no need to be dealing with prostitutes IMO, each to their own.

                                A lot of guys into p4p claim it's cheaper than dating. Most of my dates are me sending loads of girls on LINE a picture of me chilling at the pool drinking a cocktail and then asking "Want to join me?". Sorted! Aside from that ice cream dates work just fine, total cost 300B max.

                                No need to spend 8k on drinking for her and friends.


                                Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                                ps: Most people might not know, a beer here cost on average (80-120 baht) 2-3 euro a bottle, so that's not much different then in your own country. A bottle of whiskey go's for (800-1200 baht) or 1600-2000 baht for Red Label. Which is obvious a lot cheaper, I don't know any clubs in my country where I can get a bottle of whiskey for less then 10k baht (250 euro).
                                Big Leo in my local bars is 80-95B (there's a restaurant that does them for 75B) which is much cheaper than back home.

                                Sangsom / Blend / Hong Thong is around 350-500B in most places near me for a big bottle. 50baht for bucket of ice + soda / coke.

                                Why buy Red Label or anything other than the cheap local shit when everyone adds ice and mixers to it? Red Label isn't even a good whisky.

                                Originally Posted by harvie316 View Post

                                all your figures are way off, who pays 6k a month for aircon/electric unless your in a 4 bed room apartment with aircon on all day. Your getting ripped off if that's not the case. I never had a bill over 1.2k, although I stay in a studio and use a fan sometimes.

                                IF anyone is charging you 9/baht a unit, you should not stay there. You can find condos near Hua hin/ Pattaya and Phuket from 8-12k range.

                                Visa is once every 3 months, and if he enters with a tourist visa, he will only need to do a visa run which are like 2100baht (every 3rd month)

                                some examples of cost of living

                                Bangkok Prices, Thailand - A Farang Abroad

                                The Cost of Travel in Bangkok, Thailand - A Farang Abroad

                                one can live in Thailand for under $1100 a month and have a great time, I did it for over a year. Sorry if I come across as pushy/arrogant, I would hazard a guess at around $600 would be the minmum amount of money needed for a wesntern to stay in Thailand each month (excluding visa runs), but I would not want to live in Thailand on a $600 budget.
                                Indeed 6k per month for aircon is crazy. I just had this months bill for aircon and water - 880B and I pay double Government rate. I'm out nearly all the day and most nights at coffee shop, restaurant, bar, hanging at pool, meeting friends / girls or whatever so it's never on and half the time I don't need it on anyway.

                                Originally Posted by Beatinest View Post

                                I pay for them to go away and not call me every 10 minutes or send me emoticons on Line chat all day long...or show up at my place at 3am trying to hang out when I'm trying to work or hang out with another one.

                                Freebees are easy here too but there is a lot more time involved that I would prefer to spend doing other things.
                                I don't engage in silly conversations on LINE. They can send me as many stickers as they like I'm not going to pay any attention to them.

                                I send them messages only when I want to make plans and tell them I'm too busy in the day time so there's no point to send me messages all the time.

                                What time is involved? How hard is it to go meet a girl for 1hr and have ice cream / coffee / cheap food or get her to meet you at a local bar for a few drinks. Or my favourite tell them to come to my swimming pool.

                                Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                                Just curious no offense but why are people so thrilled about Chiang Mai?

                                You know when I was young I was always dreaming about a tropical paradise, and the sea / beach was obvious part of that. You know the photo's with a palm tree on the beach.

                                But Chiang Mai is pretty damn far from the beach, let's say a 1000km?

                                Aren't you guys missing that in the north?
                                I don't rate CM at all. Boring. Don't rate the beaches or sea either. Bored of that even quicker than CM.

                                Big happening cities all the way, BKK it is!

                                Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                                Ah okay, I love the business actually but not too busy like Bangkok, been there for a couple of days but there I have the idea that it's ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE busy. Although I don't know Bangkok very well.

                                I actually stay in Jomtien instead of Pattaya.

                                What I like about it is:

                                - a little bit more quite while still everything to offer, and Pattaya is only 4km away
                                - the beaches are a bit more clean in Jomtien
                                - Koh Larn is only a 30 minute fairy trip away, as long as the damn thing won't sink
                                - and overall I like the people here
                                - great party scene and plenty of choice


                                What I like a bit less:

                                - the sea is not clean in high season

                                - most long stayers here are 60+ year old so not too easy to find people of my own age, most friendships build here are with tourists that stay for 2-3 weeks and then go again, although there's also a good side to that, now after a year and the high season starting again I regularly run into people that I went partying with before, so that's cool.

                                - slow internet although that has to do with the location as well, I live in the middle of a bar/hotel area so tons of wifi connections, in fact I own a bar here and live above it. (TIP: Never start a bar in Thailand unless you start it as a hobby same like me lol, it will always cost you ).


                                I would definitely not want to miss out on the ocean though, it's not like I go swimming every week but I like the view, it gives me a good feeling, and I love to sit on the beach and read a book now and then or chill down there after going out and watch the sun rise.
                                I stayed in Jointiem in the 10 days or so I spent in Pattaya. It wasn't much better than the main part of Pattaya tbh (which I REALLY hated).

                                Nightlife is only good if you have an interest in hanging out with sexpats and bar girls, there's little outside of that as far as I could see or have heard of. Not my scene for sure.

                                Filthy and polluted beach swamped with touts.

                                Don't see the appeal. Definitely not a tropical paradise or even close.

                                Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                                How does it actually work in the Phillippines with long time stay?

                                Here in Thailand you can get ED visa but afaik you can only repeat that a few years.

                                Retirement visa is only given of to people above 50.

                                And you can't keep doing border runs forever as they might put a red stamp in your passport and then it becomes pretty damn hard to get a new visa the next time, if at all.
                                ED visa is good for 3 years.

                                You won't get any stamp in your passport for doing a border run. They might refuse you entry if they think you're up to no good or working illegally on a tourist visa but doing border runs back to back is not illegal.

                                I've met guys doing them every 2 weeks for years and they don't even get asked what they are doing. Bit of a hassle though.

                                They might eventually clamp down (and apparently are at the moment) on back to back tourist visas / border runs but it's all money for them and at the moment it's perfectly legal to do it so no chance of getting banned from the country or anything.
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                                • Profile picture of the author nik0
                                  Banned
                                  Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

                                  So your girlfriend invites all her friends out and expects you to pick up the tab?

                                  Personally I'd never let this happen. If a girl I've arranged to meet tells me she's bringing a friend I tell her no she isn't or we don't meet. They always meet and there's never a friend there.

                                  You need to learn to say no. I suspect you think you're impressing them but in all honestly they are just taking advantage of you and likely think bad of you instead.
                                  I should learn to say no, however I also enjoy it myself when there are some friends around, especially when I run into someone that hardly speaks English, it gets boring fast. Why chose someone who hardly speaks English, well, most who do speak great English are diehard prostitutes and that kind of puts me off, yeah who am I fooling here lol.


                                  Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

                                  Staying in Pattaya is part of the problem seeing as it's the worlds biggest brothel. I can't stand the place.

                                  Maybe in Pattaya every girl you meet asks for money in the morning but it's not the case in Bangkok for me personally, but what do you expect when living in a sex tourist resort?

                                  I've never been asked for cash but then I avoid going to bars and clubs in the red light and main tourist districts for the most part, you only find trouble when you go to these places.

                                  All over Bangkok (and the rest of Thailand) are single girls who never, ever, go to these places. Really no need to be dealing with prostitutes IMO, each to their own.

                                  A lot of guys into p4p claim it's cheaper than dating. Most of my dates are me sending loads of girls on LINE a picture of me chilling at the pool drinking a cocktail and then asking "Want to join me?". Sorted! Aside from that ice cream dates work just fine, total cost 300B max.

                                  No need to spend 8k on drinking for her and friends.
                                  Ice cream and then under the sheets? Kind of strange way of going out.

                                  Girls who work at the bank or hotel I like to impress a little bit more, like going out to a bit more fancy restaurant, club and so on, and then I still end up spending a lot of money.

                                  Don't get me wrong, I know how to do it for a lot less if the only goal is sex and I also had a few girl friends who didn't like going out so much at all so that was pretty cheap, mostly when we went out we did like you, go for an ice cream at center plaza or eat in a cheap restaurant for 500 baht, watch a movie at central, buy some booze from 7/11 and chill at the beach.


                                  Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

                                  Big Leo in my local bars is 80-95B (there's a restaurant that does them for 75B) which is much cheaper than back home.

                                  Sangsom / Blend / Hong Thong is around 350-500B in most places near me for a big bottle. 50baht for bucket of ice + soda / coke.

                                  Why buy Red Label or anything other than the cheap local shit when everyone adds ice and mixers to it? Red Label isn't even a good whisky.
                                  Here I pay about 90-120 baht for San Miguel, I love that stuff. Bottle of Blend or Sangsom or the like go's for 800-1200 baht in the bars that I visit, mixer included. I don't know of any bars around here that sells big Leo. We have a karaoke bar here that charges 200 baht for small Chang and 1000 baht for a bottle of Blend. I do know some karaoke bars where you can get big bottle Leo but no idea what we paid for it.


                                  Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

                                  Indeed 6k per month for aircon is crazy. I just had this months bill for aircon and water - 880B and I pay double Government rate. I'm out nearly all the day and most nights at coffee shop, restaurant, bar, hanging at pool, meeting friends / girls or whatever so it's never on and half the time I don't need it on anyway.
                                  I spend a lot of time at home as I prefer to work in a more quite scenery without distractions, especially as work added quite up so sitting 10 hours at home working with airco on full blast was not too uncommon. Earlier I worked in coffeeshops and the like but it turned out not to be too productive as I always run into people for a quick chat and such, just didn't work out.

                                  Right now I don't even have an airco, I live in those garage door style livings (but then on the 2nd floor as the bar is below), the "garage door" is almost wide open and I placed my desk at the edge so it feels like working outside while stilling sitting inside, there's a huge condominium on the left of me so the place hardly heats up as it blocks the sun so I don't need an airco here, just a fan at hot days but even that one I hardly put on lately.


                                  Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

                                  ED visa is good for 3 years.

                                  You won't get any stamp in your passport for doing a border run. They might refuse you entry if they think you're up to no good or working illegally on a tourist visa but doing border runs back to back is not illegal.

                                  I've met guys doing them every 2 weeks for years and they don't even get asked what they are doing. Bit of a hassle though.

                                  They might eventually clamp down (and apparently are at the moment) on back to back tourist visas / border runs but it's all money for them and at the moment it's perfectly legal to do it so no chance of getting banned from the country or anything.
                                  When you do a 2 week border run I think they don't put a stamp indeed, but when you have to apply for the 3 month visa each time they can put the red stamp inside. I read plenty of stories about it at that forum called thaivisa.com I think.

                                  I also heard that Thai immigration can interview you in Thai after a few 3 month extensions (even with ED visa you need to visit immigration every 3 months). As I haven't attended school a single time thus far I wonder how that will go, I have to go next week but I think I'll get away with it this time.

                                  Even if problems arise money is probably the solution

                                  Earlier I just used to buy my 3 months visa here in Pattaya, not cheap, 15.000 baht for 3 months, but after the 2nd time it couldn't be done that way anymore. In other words in the first 9 months I never left the country.
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                • Profile picture of the author alksense
                  Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

                  Just curious no offense but why are people so thrilled about Chiang Mai?

                  You know when I was young I was always dreaming about a tropical paradise, and the sea / beach was obvious part of that. You know the photo's with a palm tree on the beach.

                  But Chiang Mai is pretty damn far from the beach, let's say a 1000km?

                  Aren't you guys missing that in the north?
                  It's all about the people up here...

                  Like I said in my first post I'm really not missing anything from back home in my day to day life besides family and friends because this city offers just about everything I need.

                  On top of that the locals are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Everyone is always smiling and they are more than happy to help you in anyway they can.

                  The main reason this place is go great though is because of the HUGE community of online entrepreneurs and networking opps.

                  The coffee shops are full of biz owners, the coworking space has dozens, there are meetups, we do a "money Monday power lunch" that over 20 people consistently attend to talk biz and strategy for the coming week. The networking opportunities are endless.

                  One of my friends just got into town two days ago and he already found someone to code his new site and someone else to help set him up with going offshore.

                  I can just keep listing more and more great things about the networking here.. just this Friday my friend started a mini startup weekend at his house that over 12 people are participating in. 55 hours of masterminding and validating new business ideas. I don't have anything I'm working on but I went anyway in the beginning to give feedback to everyone as they shared their ideas and was able to help a few people that are working on eCommerce.

                  That's what's so great about this community. Everyone wants everyone else to succeed and strangers treat each other like family to help move them forward. Everyone wins.
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    • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
      Originally Posted by alksense View Post

      haha, yep. That's him.

      I'm looking forward to seeing how this works out for him and then possibly bringing out someone myself.

      Has your guy started with you yet?
      Yep, he just arrived in Davao on Sunday! I've been getting him up to speed the last couple of days...we talk about it a bit in our upcoming podcast on Thursday.

      He's a sharp dude and we have some big plans for him in the coming weeks and months. He'll start off with some of the more basic tasks (podcast show notes, pre-interviews for podcasts, etc.) and we'll involve him more and more as time goes on.

      I gotta say, I love the apprenticeship model...a true win-win, I think.

      Originally Posted by djtrillian View Post

      I'd be interested to hear more about Davao City in the Philippines as well.

      I am hoping to accomplish three things when I visit (and most likely it will just be for a month or so at first)

      1. Focus on my online business and writing projects and maybe network a bit with others.
      2. Mix some songs I am recording in a good studio with low rates (I have seen one in Chaing Mai already)
      3. Have plenty of sunny weather and some place to fly my RC helicopter.
      In addition to the post I wrote about it, I'd be happy to have a chat with you when you make it out to Davao, for sure. Shoot me an email a week or two before you're heading out and we'll set something up. We regularly meet up for a "social dinner" on Thursday nights and there's a more formal meetup every third Thursday of the month. I'd be happy to answer your questions, plug you in to the scene, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author ParkerFar
    that sounds like a great way to live, alksense. i like the idea of maintaining your business while backpacking (or whatever you find pleasure in) which is something Tim Ferris preaches in his books. it appears you have found yourself and niche. i have outsourced some business abroad but never considered making it a lifestyle by fully automating and traveling extensively. bravo sir. you are a real inspiration.

    i would be interested in your current program when it becomes available again.
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    i guess this is where i tell everyone i have a blog, among other things - www.parkerfarington.com

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  • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
    How do you guys deal with US clients, the hours are a total mismatch ?
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    • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
      Originally Posted by Midas3 Consulting View Post

      How do you guys deal with US clients, the hours are a total mismatch ?
      We very rarely do any consulting (if at all), so there's not much need to be online during US hours. We do have staff up at night, though, that can handle customer service inquiries. Most of our customers know/like/trust us, are comfortable purchasing online, and we have a process post-sale that's (usually) pretty smooth and explains the process every step of the way.

      The few times we do have to talk to someone in the US (Australia and the UK aren't too difficult) we just setup the call in the morning our time (evening US) or night our time (morning US). These aren't sales calls (usually podcast interviews, finalizing a larger purchase or site to list, etc.) so we're not stuck on their timetable and can find a mutually agreeable time.
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    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by Midas3 Consulting View Post

      How do you guys deal with US clients, the hours are a total mismatch ?
      I use a call center in the states for my eCommerce businesses but I was using them even when I lived there... if there's any questions that they can not answer they send me an email and I respond in the morning so that they can call the customer back.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    Ice cream and then under the sheets? Kind of strange way of going out.
    What is strange about it? Why is there a need to go out for fancy dinners and nights of drinking?

    Swimming pool dates, ice cream dates, coffee dates. Quick and cheap.

    Girls who work at the bank or hotel I like to impress a little bit more, like going out to a bit more fancy restaurant, club and so on, and then I still end up spending a lot of money.
    Why do you feel the need to impress them?

    Girls who work at a hotel or bank are hardly high on the social ladder, they probably make min wage of 300B a day, and even if they weren't and were 'hi-so' and earning a fortune still no need to try and impress with fancy dinners and expensive bars etc.

    If you start out down that road they'll expect it every time.

    If a girl is only interested in meeting me because of my money or because I'll take her to fancy restaurants etc then I'm not interested in going out with her anyway.

    800+ for a bottle of Sangsom or Blend is crazy. I can get a big liter bottle of Red Label for 1,100B in a few places I visit but I'd rather just drink Sangson or other cheap shit because we're going to add ice and mixers to it anyway so what's the point in spending more?

    When you do a 2 week border run I think they don't put a stamp indeed, but when you have to apply for the 3 month visa each time they can put the red stamp inside. I read plenty of stories about it at that forum called thaivisa.com I think.
    I've not heard of people getting a red stamp in their passport denying them from being able to come back to Thailand or get future visas.

    If they don't want to give you another visa they will just say no. Usually if you've got too many back to back tourist visas they'll just issue the single entry rather than double or refuse you completely.

    I also heard that Thai immigration can interview you in Thai after a few 3 month extensions (even with ED visa you need to visit immigration every 3 months). As I haven't attended school a single time thus far I wonder how that will go, I have to go next week but I think I'll get away with it this time.
    Yes they can and do speak to you in Thai to check you are studying and often check with the school to make sure you're going.

    Why not go and actually learn? Don't you speak Thai?

    Things are definitely getting stricter with visas but I'm not too worried about it. I'll do the EDU visa if getting double entry visas becomes too much hassle or simply go somewhere else.
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  • Profile picture of the author nik0
    Banned
    All I have to say is what an incredible cheap ass are you lol.

    Anyway each to it's own, I might spend a bit too much but I definitely ain't gonna avoid places cause a bottle of whiskey is a few 100 baht cheaper somewhere else.

    I speak a tiny bit of Thai but I live in a night rythm so it's hard to free up time to go to school. Anyway I'll buy my way out one way or another.
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  • Profile picture of the author brettb
    Got a 1 year ED visa. This is the easiest way for you guys to live here, unless you're older in which case you can get a retirement visa.

    You need to apply for the ED visa outside of Thailand (so I had to go to Malaysia and back - hmmm, KL is a nice city!).

    Anyway, you have to extend your visa IF YOU STAY IN THAILAND FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS. They didn't ask me if my Thai was any good. 6 months here and I know half a dozen words. Ah well, I'm a true digital nomad and if they crack down I can go somewhere else.

    The clock resets if you leave and come back - easy to do if you live near a border.

    I'd learn more Thai but there doesn't seem much point. It's not an important international language, and I only know one farang who can read the written language. I found Chinese easier to learn, and much more interesting.
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    • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
      Originally Posted by nik0 View Post

      All I have to say is what an incredible cheap ass are you lol.

      Anyway each to it's own, I might spend a bit too much but I definitely ain't gonna avoid places cause a bottle of whiskey is a few 100 baht cheaper somewhere else.

      I speak a tiny bit of Thai but I live in a night rythm so it's hard to free up time to go to school. Anyway I'll buy my way out one way or another.
      I'm by no means cheap but I don't see the point throwing money about trying to impress people or spending it people who just want to leech off you.

      500B difference in a bottle of whisky is considerable in Thailand so why pay that extra when you don't need to. Just makes no sense.

      Excuses excuses for not learning any Thai. No need to go to school practice just do some self learning or practice with some Thai's you know.

      Originally Posted by brettb View Post

      Got a 1 year ED visa. This is the easiest way for you guys to live here, unless you're older in which case you can get a retirement visa.

      You need to apply for the ED visa outside of Thailand (so I had to go to Malaysia and back - hmmm, KL is a nice city!).

      Anyway, you have to extend your visa IF YOU STAY IN THAILAND FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS. They didn't ask me if my Thai was any good. 6 months here and I know half a dozen words. Ah well, I'm a true digital nomad and if they crack down I can go somewhere else.

      The clock resets if you leave and come back - easy to do if you live near a border.

      I'd learn more Thai but there doesn't seem much point. It's not an important international language, and I only know one farang who can read the written language. I found Chinese easier to learn, and much more interesting.
      Yeah why bother to learn the language of the country you live in, eh? :rolleyes:
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      • Profile picture of the author nik0
        Banned
        Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever View Post

        I'm by no means cheap but I don't see the point throwing money about trying to impress people or spending it people who just want to leech off you.

        500B difference in a bottle of whisky is considerable in Thailand so why pay that extra when you don't need to. Just makes no sense.

        Excuses excuses for not learning any Thai. No need to go to school practice just do some self learning or practice with some Thai's you know.



        Yeah why bother to learn the language of the country you live in, eh? :rolleyes:

        You know what bothers me about this? Thailand is a damn poor country where most work for less then 200 euro/month (more likely 100-150 euro in the North), as the minimum wages don't get honored at most places. And then we have some close to broke internet marketeers we go live there in the cheapest way possible, watching every single cent they spend and if possible hijacking away the cheapest places to live.

        You're not the only one, I've heard plenty of stories where tourists go for short time and don't even bother to buy them a drink and if possible give them a tip of 500-700 baht afterwards. Which is just abusing their situation in the worse way possible. Personally I never pay less then 2000 baht and often 3000-4000. Why? Cause I can afford it and in my home country the rates would start at 10.000 baht. So paying 2-3k baht on average is still amazingly cheap.

        Besides there's nothing wrong with taking out some people, giving them a great time, for FREE.

        ps: You have to search for miles to find a place that offers a bottle of whiskey for 500 baht, plenty of places where you can take your own 250 baht bottle inside though but then you pay for the ice, coke and soda which still makes it close or depending on the club more then 800 baht.
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    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by brettb View Post

      Got a 1 year ED visa. This is the easiest way for you guys to live here, unless you're older in which case you can get a retirement visa.

      You need to apply for the ED visa outside of Thailand (so I had to go to Malaysia and back - hmmm, KL is a nice city!).

      Anyway, you have to extend your visa IF YOU STAY IN THAILAND FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS. They didn't ask me if my Thai was any good. 6 months here and I know half a dozen words. Ah well, I'm a true digital nomad and if they crack down I can go somewhere else.

      The clock resets if you leave and come back - easy to do if you live near a border.

      I'd learn more Thai but there doesn't seem much point. It's not an important international language, and I only know one farang who can read the written language. I found Chinese easier to learn, and much more interesting.
      Yeah I went to Laos as we visited the GF's parents in Nong Khai first so that was a short trip.

      Good to hear they didn't ask if you spoke Thai, and even if they do I bet there's a way out, I used to only pay for 3 months visa multiple times, without ED/Business/Retirement or anything like that.

      I didn't feel very comfortable about that when I left and re-entered the country later on as I could only do that twice (good for 9 months stay) and I never read anything on the internet about it even being a possibility to stay for an extended time period with no leaving or sending passports to the border. I bet it made up for a nice/lucrative side business. At the immigration in Bangkok they didn't even seem to frowns up on it.

      Actually, some people here in Pattaya advised me against learning the Thai language as Thai people LOVE to gossip a lot. Lately I made a (light) sexual joke about a fat lady and her response was: "Ma mai dek". My response: Same you!

      So actually I do know a few words of Thai

      Ma mai dek - literally translated - dog no eat

      (not suitable to use in restaurants
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  • Profile picture of the author wholesale blogger
    I think learning some of the language makes it easier on us and we are not seen so much as typical ignorants
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  • Profile picture of the author bostjan33
    Banned
    and the Thai girls, hehe
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    You know what bothers me about this? Thailand is a damn poor country where most work for less then 200 euro/month (more likely 100-150 euro in the North), as the minimum wages don't get honored at most places. And then we have some close to broke internet marketeers we go live there in the cheapest way possible, watching every single cent they spend and if possible hijacking away the cheapest places to live.

    You're not the only one, I've heard plenty of stories where tourists go for short time and don't even bother to buy them a drink and if possible give them a tip of 500-700 baht afterwards. Which is just abusing their situation in the worse way possible. Personally I never pay less then 2000 baht and often 3000-4000. Why? Cause I can afford it and in my home country the rates would start at 10.000 baht. So paying 2-3k baht on average is still amazingly cheap.
    You know what bothers me even more?

    Sexpats and sex tourists making things more difficult for guys who aren't interested in whoremongering and giving all farang a reputation as being hopeless, seedy, losers who come to Thailand to have sex with the lower rungs and poor of Thai society.

    They ruin it for everyone. These people are MUCH worse than a few IM'ers on a budget.

    BTW you are assuming that because I don't splash the cash and buy expensive things I'm broke...that's not very wise.

    Hijacking away the cheapest places to live? What does that even mean?

    Who cares if some tourists don't want to buy hookers a drink. They are paying for sex not to sit around making small talk. The less sitting about drinking and talking the girls are doing the more customers they can get, so surely that's a win win for them?

    Boasting about how you (over)pay prostitutes is embarrassing btw. I hope you're an old man or otherwise I find it quite sad you need to pay for sex with girls at the bottom of the social ladder in a 3rd world country.

    You have to search for miles to find a place that offers a bottle of whiskey for 500 baht, plenty of places where you can take your own 250 baht bottle inside though but then you pay for the ice, coke and soda which still makes it close or depending on the club more then 800 baht.
    I know dozens of bars where Sangsom / Blend / Hong Thong is UNDER 500 baht. My local does large Sangsom for under 400B.

    There's no girls dancing around on stage with next to no clothes on or girls you can pay for sex in these venues so perhaps that's why you don't know them?
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  • Profile picture of the author fin
    Let's not ruin a great thread and get it closed, Cheap Charlie and Randy Ross.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
    I'm probably missing out on a lot of the networking opportunities because I live around 10km out of town and work from my home office but I try to meet up at least once every couple of weeks with my mentor who lives here in Chiang Mai.

    I've been all over South East Asia and I've visited some great places but Chiang Mai has been the only one where I have wanted to settle.
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