Help If I Come To Thailand

[bina]

clare, i dont know how to say this politely, but u are 18 and female and u dont seem to have a clue about thailand let alone bangkok so unless u are super citywise, or just very naive, u are leaving yourself open to a lot of problems... i suggest u stroll around the forum for a while before posting and go over to our ladies forum since there are some pretty saavy ladies living in bangkok that can u give u a better 'low down' on life there.

second, do some real research. showing up as a foreign woman and young is just asking for problems unless u are the 'trekker' type, but actually settling down and living is a 'nother ball game... im married to a thai man and speak thai and i wouldnt just show up to live in the middle of a bustling and somewhat third world city without doing some basic research. there are programs especially geared towards teaching and living in thailand legalling (with visas) that could maybe give u a better picture (realistic) of life in thailand. unless u have unlimited finances that is, or someone to bail u out in times of trouble. and times of trouble do happen .

scout around, read the board, take much wiht a grain of salt, and research research research....

bina

israel

[IanForbes]

Bina gives VERY good advice, Claire. And, the woman's forum IS a good place to hang out on thaivisa for less "hostile" replies. On the general forum it is more like a shooting gallery where you have to be prepared for potshots. The female moderators on thaivisa don't let that happen on the woman's forum. And, I'll still say that a smaller, tourist type city like Chiang Mai would probably suit you better than Bangkok. I say tourist type city because that is where you will find enough English speaking people. Many cities in Thailand have very few English speaking people and unless you know Thai you will quickly become lonely.

Bangkok is a dynamic city with much to see and do, but getting around can be a pain, and you wind up staying in one small part of it. I would come for a few months and stay for a week or so at each of the main tourist areas. That will give you a pretty good idea of what suits you best. When you finally get to Thailand then that is the time to start asking more questions. Most people are willing to help an honest enquiry..

[travelmann]

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<br />Sorry but anyone that doesn't need a fridge is a Troll. <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />' /><br />

<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If I living simply I can do without a fridge because air conditioning keeps things cool enough in the room. In my hotel room it actually was 17 degrees when it was 31 degrees outside and I just kept my water and orange juice by the bed. And fresh food is best used on the same day anyway.<br />

<br /><br />Oh dear do you think it might be cheaper to have a fridge in your condo or have the aircon on all day and night to chill your drinks? Evere been here to Bangkok in April when its a bit warmer?<br />Have you done any research at all on staying in Thailand, youv'e got a degree right???<br />

<br /><br /><br />

No Ive never been to Bangkok in April so I dont know what its like, is it much worse?

And I wont want the aircon *just* to chill my drinks, I just preferred leaving it on so I found it had that effect too. So why run a fridge at the same time?

I havent got a degree, so Ill be hoping to do a TEFL while Im in Thailand.

I REALLY do you wish you good luck!!

[soulboymark]

Clare, you should avoid the "really" cheap accommodation - there's likely to be a very good reason why it's so cheap ie filthy and riddled with cockroaches, in a very bad location......or both.

It's difficult for foreigners to find work in Thailand unless they have a degree of some kind - many jobs are also simply not available to you if youre not Thai. There are teaching courses available and they generally come with accommodation included in the price so that might be a way forward for you.

Good, clean, private and quiet rooms are available away from the city centre with private bathrooms and air-con for around 4000baht/month. They come with a bed and a wardrobe too, but no stove. You can buy a top cooker for 500baht though no problem..........or just eat the local food, it's great and cheap.

Good luck.

[Tonto21]

<br />Sorry but anyone that doesn't need a fridge is a Troll. <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

If I living simply I can do without a fridge because air conditioning keeps things cool enough in the room. In my hotel room it actually was 17 degrees when it was 31 degrees outside and I just kept my water and orange juice by the bed. And fresh food is best used on the same day anyway.

Hi Clare. Let me get this right.....You going to get a long term rent and knock the idea of needing a fridge on the head, to save money, and cunningly solve the problem of keeping your food and drink fresh by running your A/C 24/7................No comment.

[bifftastic]

<br />

<br />

<br />Sorry but anyone that doesn't need a fridge is a Troll. <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />' /><br />

<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If I living simply I can do without a fridge because air conditioning keeps things cool enough in the room. In my hotel room it actually was 17 degrees when it was 31 degrees outside and I just kept my water and orange juice by the bed. And fresh food is best used on the same day anyway.<br />

<br /><br />Oh dear do you think it might be cheaper to have a fridge in your condo or have the aircon on all day and night to chill your drinks? Evere been here to Bangkok in April when its a bit warmer?<br />Have you done any research at all on staying in Thailand, youv'e got a degree right???<br />

<br /><br /><br />

And I wont want the aircon *just* to chill my drinks, I just preferred leaving it on so I found it had that effect too. So why run a fridge at the same time?

Because, unlike in your hotel, you'll be paying the electric bill so, it will be considerably more expensive to turn the whole room into a fridge when you can just have.... a fridge

[mrtoad]

Because, unlike in your hotel, you'll be paying the electric bill so, it will be considerably more expensive to turn the whole room into a fridge when you can just have.... a fridge

Surely you meant to say bridge, rather than fridge?

[Old Croc]

Clare, Claire, Clare.

(sorry, don't know how to spell your name, as usual Ian has muddied the waters )

A number of queries - emigrating by visa runs? Have you checked?

You want to make friends here before you come! Good luck.

You got the responses you were looking for here I suppose.

I noticed you placed a couple of threads in the Ladies forum with no bites yet.

The people there are very astute,and frankly scary (I generaly stay away).

If you are a troll, 5 out of 10.

If you are not, go back to your boyfriend.

[clarebangkok]

<br />Clare, Claire, Clare.<br /><br />(sorry, don't know how to spell your name, as usual Ian has muddied the waters <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> )<br /><br />A number of queries - emigrating by visa runs? Have you checked? <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <br />You want to make friends here before you come! Good luck.<br /><br />You got the responses you were looking for here I suppose. <br />I noticed you placed a couple of threads in the Ladies forum with no bites yet. <br />The people there are very astute,and frankly scary (I generaly stay away). <br />If you are a troll, 5 out of 10.<br />If you are not, go back to your boyfriend.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

I guess one letter isnt important but its Clare not Claire.

Theres no point posting here I guess... God knows why people think Im a troll for asking sensible questions here... I thought they were sensible anyway... I tried registering at Lonely Planet instead but for some reason I cant...

When I looked into getting a TEFL course in Thailand with a visa it was clear its not a *real* emigration, but its lpossible to stay by doing visa runs to neighbouring countries, and Thai embassies in some of those countries will just do it for you.

I suppose I should try penpal sites to contact people there before I come... I know theres Thai manga and anime fans on them who speak English, but I dont know if theyre genuine so I didnt email them... maybe Im paranoid. But noone answered where young people go if they dont speak Thai and dont drink or like bars, or where I can pre-order books or DVDs. I suppose that depends where I end up though and I dont even know if Ill go yet.

And I dont have a bf right now lol

[Old Croc]

<br />Clare, Claire, Clare.<br /><br />(sorry, don't know how to spell your name, as usual Ian has muddied the waters <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> )<br /><br />A number of queries - emigrating by visa runs? Have you checked? <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <br />You want to make friends here before you come! Good luck.<br /><br />You got the responses you were looking for here I suppose. <br />I noticed you placed a couple of threads in the Ladies forum with no bites yet. <br />The people there are very astute,and frankly scary (I generaly stay away). <br />If you are a troll, 5 out of 10.<br />If you are not, go back to your boyfriend.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

I guess one letter isnt important but its Clare not Claire.

Theres no point posting here I guess... God knows why people think Im a troll for asking sensible questions here... I thought they were sensible anyway... I tried registering at Lonely Planet instead but for some reason I cant...

When I looked into getting a TEFL course in Thailand with a visa it was clear its not a *real* emigration, but its lpossible to stay by doing visa runs to neighbouring countries, and Thai embassies in some of those countries will just do it for you.

I suppose I should try penpal sites to contact people there before I come... I know theres Thai manga and anime fans on them who speak English, but I dont know if theyre genuine so I didnt email them... maybe Im paranoid. But noone answered where young people go if they dont speak Thai and dont drink or like bars, or where I can pre-order books or DVDs. I suppose that depends where I end up though and I dont even know if Ill go yet.

And I dont have a bf right now lol

There is such a thing as too much research Clare.

If this is what you want, go for it! You can sort out everything on arrival.

[Old Croc]

<br />Clare, Claire, Clare.<br /><br />(sorry, don't know how to spell your name, as usual Ian has muddied the waters <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> )<br /><br />A number of queries - emigrating by visa runs? Have you checked? <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <br />You want to make friends here before you come! Good luck.<br /><br />You got the responses you were looking for here I suppose. <br />I noticed you placed a couple of threads in the Ladies forum with no bites yet. <br />The people there are very astute,and frankly scary (I generaly stay away). <br />If you are a troll, 5 out of 10.<br />If you are not, go back to your boyfriend.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

I guess one letter isnt important but its Clare not Claire.

Theres no point posting here I guess... God knows why people think Im a troll for asking sensible questions here... I thought they were sensible anyway... I tried registering at Lonely Planet instead but for some reason I cant...

When I looked into getting a TEFL course in Thailand with a visa it was clear its not a *real* emigration, but its lpossible to stay by doing visa runs to neighbouring countries, and Thai embassies in some of those countries will just do it for you.

I suppose I should try penpal sites to contact people there before I come... I know theres Thai manga and anime fans on them who speak English, but I dont know if theyre genuine so I didnt email them... maybe Im paranoid. But noone answered where young people go if they dont speak Thai and dont drink or like bars, or where I can pre-order books or DVDs. I suppose that depends where I end up though and I dont even know if Ill go yet.

And I dont have a bf right now lol

There are a lot of people who think you can't exist in Thailand if you don't speak the lanquage. Most on this forum can't. It's not a problem.

Maturity and confidence are important.

If you have a very good reason for wanting to live here, and the will to make a life on your own, without someone holding your hand, then you can have a good life here.

Think carefullyh before you commit.

[Old Croc]

duplicate

Edited September 27, 2010 by Old Croc

[clarebangkok]

<br />

<br />

<br />Clare, Claire, Clare.<br /><br />(sorry, don't know how to spell your name, as usual Ian has muddied the waters <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />' /> )<br /><br />A number of queries - emigrating by visa runs? Have you checked? <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />' /> <br />You want to make friends here before you come! Good luck.<br /><br />You got the responses you were looking for here I suppose. <br />I noticed you placed a couple of threads in the Ladies forum with no bites yet. <br />The people there are very astute,and frankly scary (I generaly stay away). <br />If you are a troll, 5 out of 10.<br />If you are not, go back to your boyfriend.<br />

<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I guess one letter isnt important but its Clare not Claire.<br /><br />Theres no point posting here I guess... God knows why people think Im a troll for asking sensible questions here... I thought they were sensible anyway... I tried registering at Lonely Planet instead but for some reason I cant...<br /><br />When I looked into getting a TEFL course in Thailand with a visa it was clear its not a *real* emigration, but its lpossible to stay by doing visa runs to neighbouring countries, and Thai embassies in some of those countries will just do it for you.<br /><br />I suppose I should try penpal sites to contact people there before I come... I know theres Thai manga and anime fans on them who speak English, but I dont know if theyre genuine so I didnt email them... maybe Im paranoid. But noone answered where young people go if they dont speak Thai and dont drink or like bars, or where I can pre-order books or DVDs. I suppose that depends where I end up though and I dont even know if Ill go yet.<br /><br />And I dont have a bf right now lol<br />

<br />There are a lot of people who think you can't exist in Thailand if you don't speak the lanquage. Most on this forum can't. It's not a problem.<br />Maturity and confidence are important.<br />If you have a very good reason for wanting to live here, and the will to make a life on your own, without someone holding your hand, then you can have a good life here.<br />Think carefullyh before you commit.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Thanks.

Itll be a few months before I decide... but Ive never lived alone before, thats why I wanted contacts in Bangkok or Chiang Mai or wherever *first* before I came, especially people close to my own age so I could talk to them more. But when I visited Thailand I felt safe, there I was only scared of getting lost... I did get ripped off by a taxi driver because I wasnt used to paying in baht but I *felt* safer than I do here.

[Bangkokhatter]

Hi Clare

there are many second hand book stalls around Bangkok where you can buy good quality books and they give you half your money back when you return them

[clarebangkok]

<br />Hi Clare<br />there are many second hand book stalls around Bangkok where you can buy good quality books and they give you half your money back when you return them<br />

<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hi<br /><br />I was thinking of pre-ordering new books and DVDs in English because the anime and manga I read isnt available in Thailand in English. And I cant understand Thai or Japanese languages so they have to be pre-ordered from outside Thailand where I could get them in English. In England I get American manga and anime from an importer when its not available in the UK... In England we dont get everything the Americans do and Id rather not spend money online across countries anyway. Its really my only hobby so I dont want to miss out if I live in Thailand.

But thanks to everyone whose tried to help.

Edited September 27, 2010 by clarebangkok

[William Osborne]

...

[llso]

<br /><img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> My Advice< STAY HOME!<br /><br />LL<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Can I ask you why?

It cant be worse than living in England... for me anyway.

Sorry Clare, I must apologize.

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and post while drunk.

Not a nice thing to do.

I guess you need to come and give it a try, find out for yourself. It will be quite an adventure. It is just that you seemed a bit unsure and uncertain about many things.

I believe some others are correct you might fare better outside of bangkok. Cost of living would be cheaper and would be more enjoyable.

LL

Edited September 27, 2010 by llso

[IanForbes]

Old Croc gives good advice, Clare. Don't worry so much. There is enough of an English speaking infrastructure in Thailand to help you get your feet under you, so long as you stay near tourist centers. It's only when you want to travel into rural Thailand that you might need help. And, even then you can do okay by traveling with a group.

I'm not familiar with the books and DVDs you want, but you could consider asking George at Gecko books in Chaig Mai. Considering that you are young, then learning the Thai language should not be too hard for you. I've known a few young people who learned to speak basic Thai in 3 or 4 months. It's harder for us old folks.

Come and have the adventure of your life. Don't worry too much because Thais are very helpful... even if they DO send you in the wrong direction some times. Just have a few backups such as a return ticket and some money saved for emergency. A Garmin GPS with Thai maps installed can be a saviour when traveling on your own. It's easy to get turned around if you can read the road signs.

[clarebangkok]

Old Croc gives good advice, Clare. Don't worry so much. There is enough of an English speaking infrastructure in Thailand to help you get your feet under you, so long as you stay near tourist centers. It's only when you want to travel into rural Thailand that you might need help. And, even then you can do okay by traveling with a group.

I'm not familiar with the books and DVDs you want, but you could consider asking George at Gecko books in Chaig Mai. Considering that you are young, then learning the Thai language should not be too hard for you. I've known a few young people who learned to speak basic Thai in 3 or 4 months. It's harder for us old folks.

Come and have the adventure of your life. Don't worry too much because Thais are very helpful... even if they DO send you in the wrong direction some times. Just have a few backups such as a return ticket and some money saved for emergency. A Garmin GPS with Thai maps installed can be a saviour when traveling on your own. It's easy to get turned around if you can read the road signs.

Thanks Ian and llso... and everyone else helpful.

I think Chiang Mai mignt be better, is there a Tops Market or something like that there too? And what about somewhere like a camping shop to buy a *cheap* stove for my room?

[IanForbes]

Thanks Ian and llso... and everyone else helpful.

I think Chiang Mai mignt be better, is there a Tops Market or something like that there too? And what about somewhere like a camping shop to buy a *cheap* stove for my room?

No need for a proper stove. You can buy a little electric hot plate at one of the big supermarkets and use it to boil water for tea, or warm up some noodles for soup. You are unlikely to go camping on your own, so I would leave the little propane stoves at home. The big superstores have camping supplies such as sleeping bags and tents at a reasonable cost. I wouldn't do much cooking INSIDE your room, though. I'd get a room with a balcony for that.

The group tour hikes usually arrange for cooked meals at specific locations, and cover normal needs such as accommodation. It's been my experience that the group tour hikes usually have a lot of young people, and most speak English. The tours have ALREADY picked out the more scenic areas to visit and you needn't try doing it on your own. Once you've done a few then you'll know which ones you might want to return to on your own. It's also been my experience that most young travelers from all parts of Europe can speak pretty good English, so it's not a problem in conversing with them.

[IanForbes]

Of course, if you REALLY need to heat up the coffee then you can always get creative...

[clarebangkok]

Thanks Ian and llso... and everyone else helpful.

I think Chiang Mai mignt be better, is there a Tops Market or something like that there too? And what about somewhere like a camping shop to buy a *cheap* stove for my room?

No need for a proper stove. You can buy a little electric hot plate at one of the big supermarkets and use it to boil water for tea, or warm up some noodles for soup. You are unlikely to go camping on your own, so I would leave the little propane stoves at home. The big superstores have camping supplies such as sleeping bags and tents at a reasonable cost. I wouldn't do much cooking INSIDE your room, though. I'd get a room with a balcony for that.

The group tour hikes usually arrange for cooked meals at specific locations, and cover normal needs such as accommodation. It's been my experience that the group tour hikes usually have a lot of young people, and most speak English. The tours have ALREADY picked out the more scenic areas to visit and you needn't try doing it on your own. Once you've done a few then you'll know which ones you might want to return to on your own. It's also been my experience that most young travelers from all parts of Europe can speak pretty good English, so it's not a problem in conversing with them.

Hi

I wasnt thinking of going hiking or anything Ian lol. For some reason I never thought of an electric hot plate, maybe because we dont have one but we have the butane stove?

Wouldnt you cook indoors because of the smell or the heat or some other reason?

And lol at the kettle!

[bifftastic]

i guess it depends what you're cooking, smell, heat, condensation are all considerations. I think the main reason is that food is so cheap and readily available outside you probably wouldn't need to cook

[clarebangkok]

i guess it depends what you're cooking, smell, heat, condensation are all considerations. I think the main reason is that food is so cheap and readily available outside you probably wouldn't need to cook

I did notice lots of street food but I dont know what a lot of it was... anyway a lot of people think Im a fussy eater lol. I dont eat meat or fish, so most of the street foods seemed to be things I wont eat.

And the reason I asked about Tops Market in Chiang Mai before, is I went there in Bangkok and I saw ingredients I know.

[geriatrickid]

Good grief. Does anyone really believe this? Girls with functioning brain cells don't think like this. If you guys have daughters, do your daughters think like this? I don't think so. Show this thread to your teenager and get an opinion. I guarantee your kids will be a lot quicker on the uptake. phooie.

[longstebe]

Clare, my advice would be to look up a TEFL course online. They are a little pricey but everything is usually taken care of. They even meet you at the airport so your not alone. Like Ian has mentioned Chang Mai is an option along with Phuket. A course may last about a month with a possible job placement at the end.

Just out of curiosity whereabouts are you from in the UK?

[CNF55]

Good grief. Does anyone really believe this? Girls with functioning brain cells don't think like this. If you guys have daughters, do your daughters think like this? I don't think so. Show this thread to your teenager and get an opinion. I guarantee your kids will be a lot quicker on the uptake. phooie.

You took the words right out of my mouth...

[Daewoo]

lol, you're using the wrong forum if you are not a troll you are about to be insulted by depraved sex tourists ( mainly dribbling oldies who have purchased wives in some way) from around the coutnry, if you are a troll you are probably doing good.

Go to ajarn.com instead, at least the majority of posters won't insult you and won't be sex tourists

I was going to suggest ajarn.com (ajarn is Thai for Teacher) as you are going to get much better advice, more relative to your circumstances... Thai Visa is over represented with dribbling oldies, but I think calling the majority sex tourists is going a bit far...

Just a comment, you do seem to have your priorities a little be arse about... before you worry about having anime to read, worry about where you would like to study and live... Unless you have money, Bangkok is a tough city... Chiang Mai is much more laid back and cheaper... Phuket is like being on holidays 24/365... Chiang Mai is a very big city, so there isn't much you can get in BKK that you can't get in Chiang Mai... lots of supermarkets stocking imported stuff...

Before you worry about how to cook your food, worry about how you will earn enough to stay... You will earn nothing as a teacher without a degree (even with TEFL)... You will earn even less with ONLY TEFL, because most decent places just won't employ you... Thailand is overun with backpackers extending their stay by doing TEFL and taking up teaching... OVER RUN... You have a lot of competition...

Before you worry about whether you need a fridge or not (this I just don't understand, if you can't afford a f^cking fridge, how do you expect to buy imported anime magazines?), worry about how you will get home to your fridge-less appartment without getting raped by the Taxi driver/tuk tuk driver... If you can't afford to live in a decent area, personal safety might become a real problem for you...

I am not saying don't do it... I am sure most of the penniless teachers here are having the time of their lives (granted most are young guys screwing their students, lots of their students)... and I am sure in 30 years time, they will still be living of their tales of living in Thailand while it was still a 'Less Developed Country'... I am sure half of the old dribblies here wish they had done it at 18 instead of 68... but you need to do a bit of soul searching... If you were to move 1 street way from your parents, how often do you think you would be running home to mum and dad for a hand with something??? Doing it in Thailand is about 10 times harder, with no safety net...

Daewoo

[clarebangkok]

Clare, my advice would be to look up a TEFL course online. They are a little pricey but everything is usually taken care of. They even meet you at the airport so your not alone. Like Ian has mentioned Chang Mai is an option along with Phuket. A course may last about a month with a possible job placement at the end.

Just out of curiosity whereabouts are you from in the UK?

Like my full name Im not giving where I live on a public forum but Im from up t'north lol... if youre English and you know the towns there, you should know why I want to get away lol

Theres too much drinking and violence... I felt safer in Bangkok.

[clarebangkok]

lol, you're using the wrong forum if you are not a troll you are about to be insulted by depraved sex tourists ( mainly dribbling oldies who have purchased wives in some way) from around the coutnry, if you are a troll you are probably doing good.

Go to ajarn.com instead, at least the majority of posters won't insult you and won't be sex tourists

I was going to suggest ajarn.com (ajarn is Thai for Teacher) as you are going to get much better advice, more relative to your circumstances... Thai Visa is over represented with dribbling oldies, but I think calling the majority sex tourists is going a bit far...

Just a comment, you do seem to have your priorities a little be arse about... before you worry about having anime to read, worry about where you would like to study and live... Unless you have money, Bangkok is a tough city... Chiang Mai is much more laid back and cheaper... Phuket is like being on holidays 24/365... Chiang Mai is a very big city, so there isn't much you can get in BKK that you can't get in Chiang Mai... lots of supermarkets stocking imported stuff...

Before you worry about how to cook your food, worry about how you will earn enough to stay... You will earn nothing as a teacher without a degree (even with TEFL)... You will earn even less with ONLY TEFL, because most decent places just won't employ you... Thailand is overun with backpackers extending their stay by doing TEFL and taking up teaching... OVER RUN... You have a lot of competition...

Before you worry about whether you need a fridge or not (this I just don't understand, if you can't afford a f^cking fridge, how do you expect to buy imported anime magazines?), worry about how you will get home to your fridge-less appartment without getting raped by the Taxi driver/tuk tuk driver... If you can't afford to live in a decent area, personal safety might become a real problem for you...

I am not saying don't do it... I am sure most of the penniless teachers here are having the time of their lives (granted most are young guys screwing their students, lots of their students)... and I am sure in 30 years time, they will still be living of their tales of living in Thailand while it was still a 'Less Developed Country'... I am sure half of the old dribblies here wish they had done it at 18 instead of 68... but you need to do a bit of soul searching... If you were to move 1 street way from your parents, how often do you think you would be running home to mum and dad for a hand with something??? Doing it in Thailand is about 10 times harder, with no safety net...

Daewoo

I guess youre right... Ive never left home before so I asked the questions that seem most important to me.

Its not that I cant afford a fridge its that I reckoned I dont need one... I might be wrong in the hottest months.

Im not really bothered about safety because I felt safe in Bangkok. I saw the safety tips in the womens forum and one or two of them were about cultural differences like not sitting in the front of the taxi but most were common sense... I dont go out after dark in this country anyway.