Bangkok ex-pat life

Thailand’s commercial and cultural heart, Bangkok is the country’s capital and a huge and booming cosmopolitan metropolis. Located on the mighty Chao Praya River, Thailand’s commercial and cultural centre has an estimated population of seven million. Most of the ex-pats living in Thailand are based in Bangkok.

Around 25 percent of Bangkok’s residents are expatriates. This group contains long term holidaymakers, retirees and many people making a living here.  Most of Bangkok’s ex-pats are westerners coming from Europe and North America. Foreign run and owned businesses provide the majority of the ex-pat jobs. However, there’s also a large Japanese community working mainly for legal companies, which were established in the Thai capital.  Y’s Men’s Club of Bangkok

Other Asian ex-pats come from nations such as the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and China. Many of them occupy teaching jobs or work in the export industry. In a nutshell, it isn’t surprising that Bangkok has become one of Asia’s most diverse cities.

The very affordable living cost is one of the principal reasons why so many foreigners choose to stay and relocate in Bangkok for a long period of time. Daily consumer goods and rental rates are relatively inexpensive in the city. However, the quality of living might depend on your personal demands and earnings but both, an English teacher, making 30,000 per month as well as the president of a reputed international school, earning a monthly 120,000 baht salary, should be able to comfortably live in Bangkok.

Even ex-pats earning about 20,000 baht per month could still enjoy living here. For example, a furnished studio facilitated with hot water, cable and telephone can be rented on a monthly base for 5,000 to 8,000 baht. Also available for a monthly rent of about 5,000 baht are two-floored townhouses, especially in the suburbs.

Ex-pats who really want spacious, beautifully designed and the most comfortable accommodation facilitated with a full set of modern guest comforts should expect a rent of at least 20,000 baht per month. If you really can afford it, a serviced apartment at one of the city’s glitzy condominium complexes can be hired for a monthly amount between 25,000 to 100,000 baht.

A foreign resident in Thailand can own a house or land via his Thai spouse. Another possibility is leasing land for three decades, with an option to extend the lease for another three decades. The first three decades are guaranteed as the Land Department registers it. However, less complicated is buying a condo in Bangkok as this is the sole type of property, offering legal foreign ownership.

Bangkok offers a wide range of apartment accommodation

When it comes to cuisine, a wide range ranging from seafood, authentic Thai, Indian, French, Chinese and Italian dishes are available here. The cheapest but still tasty and nutritious meals can be enjoyed at the shopping centre’s food courts or at one of the numerous street stalls. Bangkok also represents plenty of international as well as Thai top restaurants, offering sumptuous dining and wining within the most luxurious comforts. All you should know about living in Bangkok

Despite the recent inflation, many food products are still quite cheap. However, you should expect to pay much more for western food products such as cheese, cornflakes, peanut butter, pasta, chocolate, canned fruits, and marmalade.

Nearly, all of the western nations operate an embassy in Bangkok, including the American Chamber and Australian Chamber. In addition, there are numerous agencies offering visa services. Medical clinics and hospitals in Bangkok offer world-class services and treatments.