Life In Bangkok

Think about the first time I came to Bangkok, way back year 1993. It just looks like the 70's where the country I am from. I came into Bangkok for business for a 3 days visit, everything looks fine in the morning during business operating hours but when the night falls, everything looks so beautiful. The food, lightings, service, cost of expenses, beers and especially the smile from the girls. I started to fell in love with Bangkok.

Ever since than I made alot of mistake in my life in Bangkok due to too many temptations (beers, whisky & girls). Family, work, relationship and divorce everything seems just when upside down lack of self control. I nearly lost everything, finally woke up and found a nice girl, work hard, when through 7 years of understanding and last year we finally got married.

Those days the food is like 12 ~ 15 Baht for a bowl of noddles now 25 ~ 30 Baht or maybe 40 baht depends on the area you are in. Beers is around 55 ~ 75 Baht at the bars or club house but now is 95 ~ 180 Baht a bottle of cold beer. Taxi fare is still cheap here in Bangkok even with lots of traffic.

There is one thing that I have learn from Thais is Mai Pen Rai (means never mind) what ever things happen "Mai Pen Rai". Never challenge Thais to the limit, you will never like to see what is going to happen next and it will never mean "Mai Pen Rai" anymore. Number one thing you must know in Thailand is to learn their language. Even you speak little thai you will gain the respect and will get alway with people trying to cheat on you.

If you are planning to stay short time like couple of days. There are nice hotel ranging from 1,400 Baht ~ 2,800 Baht per night in Bangkok area. The cheaper rate type are small hotel or guesthouse ranging from 300 ~ 1,000 Baht per night. For those who like to have a longer term stay in Sukumvit area for a 230 sq.m condo or apartment will cost you average 38,000 ~ 75,000 Baht per month. For a studio type condo price range from 4,000 ~ 18,000 Baht per month depends on the area you are in. House with living area of 200 sq.m in town Ekamai area is about 35,000 Baht per month. Around in Onnut area where I am in you can get a Town house 2 storey with 4 bed, 2 toilet, 1 kitchen, 1 dinning area and a living area for 12,000 Baht per month - Total living space approx. 175 sq.m. exclude parking area of 2 cars. Water bill for a family of 6 approx. 340 baht per month and electric bill 1,900 Baht per month pay direct to the Electric / Water Authority of Thailand.

Condo for electricity and water will be more expensive normally the landlord will charge 3 to 4 baht more per unit.