Julie
Working in Udon Thani
Monthly Earnings 80,000 (after tax)
Q1. How is that income broken down? (full-time salary, private students, on-line teaching, extra work, etc)
I make 80,000 Baht after taxes per month working for an international school. I could make some money on the side by teaching private students but decide not too.
Q2. How much money can you save each month?
Around 10,000- 40,000 baht depending on if I'm traveling or not.
Q3. How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
I pay 11,000 for a nice one-bedroom condo and an additional 3,000 baht for cell phone, internet, water and electricity (I use the AC a lot.)
Q4. What do you spend a month on the following things?
Transportation
I ride a cheap scooter to work (paid 20,000 for it.) and an additional 1,000 baht per month for gas.
Utility bills
3000 (see above.)
Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping
I eat a lot and like to eat organic foods. On weekends I go out and eat at Western type restaurants plus a couple of beers. So my food bill is my biggest expense (15,000 per month)
Nightlife and drinking
Included above.
Books, computers
I bought a new laptop when i arrived in Udon Thani (25,000 baht.)
Q5. How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Overall, I live very well. However, if I need to travel, visit family back home, or make a big purchase then I don't really save as much as the other months. I usually save about 35,000 baht per month if I stay in Udon Thani and don't make any big purchases.
However, the salary is still very low compared to the larger international schools. In addition, Udon Thani (Issan) is a lot more expensive then what people think it is. Living in downtown Udon Thani would be equivalent to living in the suburbs of Bangkok (Bang Wa or the ends of the BTS line) to give you an idea.
Q6. What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Thai massages and Thai food. In addition, the metered taxis (the taxi situation is improving here.)
Q7. In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
To survive? Maybe 40,000, which would be enough to save in case of an emergency. (Thais live off 10,000-15,000 here so you can too if necessary.
Phil's analysis and comment
80,000 baht a month in Udon Thani is a heck of a salary. I certainly wouldn't feel guilty about spending 26,000 baht on accommodation and food. There's still plenty left over at the end of each month. You must have a very comfortable life there, Julie!
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