Hackney35

Agree with this. 30-40k a month is a peasant lifestyle in bkk and leaves no room for unexpected expenses. (I know a few TEFL teachers on this and I wouldn't want their lifestyle) 80-100k allows for the occasional trip home, some local holidays in the region and decent health insurance. It doesn't give a hugely luxurious lifestyle but comfortable without penny pinching every day.

I second the place in Ratchada, good dentists at a fair (not cheapest in BKK) price.

Funnily enough the only time I've been really sick in LOS was after a meal at the Shangri La hotel in Silom....