Henning
Working in Chaiyaphum
Monthly Earnings 35,000
Q1. How is that income broken down? (full-time salary, private students, on-line teaching, extra work, etc)
I earn a 30,000 baht salary from my full-time teaching job and I make another 5,000 from teaching private students.
Q2. How much money can you save each month?
About 20,000
Q3. How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
My apartment rent is 3,000 baht a month.
Q4. What do you spend a month on the following things?
Transportation
About 500 baht.
Utility bills
Another 500 baht a month.
Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping
This comes to no more than 3,000 baht a month.
Nightlife and drinking
I don't go out all that often. Probably a thousand baht a month.
Books, computers
I don't spend anything on these things.
Q5. How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Very good. I have more than I need and often feel overwhelmed with what I have.
Q6. What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food. My collegues and neighbours often bring fresh fruit or snacks as little gifts. My private student's parents often invite me round for a meal as well.
Q7. In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
Living and working in Chaiyaphum, 15,000 baht is largely enough. I often spend money on stupid things and still end up saving almost two thirds of my salary
Phil's analysis and comment
It sounds like a very simple life out there in rural Thailand. It wouldn't be for everyone but it's all about what makes you happy. Henning keeps his food bill relatively low and that always helps with the monthly budget.
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