Recording summary · January 2023
Why I HATE Living in Thailand
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Overview
Living in Thailand for nearly two months brings low living expenses, modern urban areas, and accessible tourist SIM cards, balanced against challenges such as undrinkable tap water, intense daytime heat, and hazardous traffic in Bangkok.
Evaluations of long-term residence weigh remaining in Thailand through an education or Thai Elite visa against returning to Japan or England, noting differences in rental access, dual pricing, and retail customer service styles.
Themes
Costs and living standards in Thailand compared to England and Japan, including rent, amenities, and food pricing differences.
Daily living challenges in Thailand, such as undrinkable tap water, extreme heat, and heavy traffic conditions.
Tourist SIM cards, mobile connectivity, and administrative setup in Thailand versus Japan.
Accommodation accessibility, rental regulations, and dual pricing policies for foreigners versus Thai locals.
Bangkok urban infrastructure, modernization, and long-term visa options including education and Thai Elite visas.
Retail customer service interactions and atmosphere in Japan compared to Thailand.
Developments
Daniel relocated to Thailand and resided there for nearly two months.
Daniel bought 16 large bottles of water for approximately 80 baht per 8 bottles.
Daniel purchased multiple 30-day unlimited 5G tourist SIM cards at Bangkok Airport upon arrival.
Daniel secured a phone contract in Japan with the assistance of an ex-wife.
Daniel visited a temple where entry was free for a Thai girlfriend but cost a couple hundred baht for Daniel as a foreigner.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether to commit to residing in Thailand for over a year or return to Japan for six months remains unresolved.
Whether tap water is treated in Thailand and whether showering in it is completely safe remain unknown.
Reports that the current period is the coolest time of year in Thailand and that February, March, and April are much hotter are unverified hearsay.
Whether Japanese airports currently provide tourist SIM cards or foreign visitor connectivity services is not confirmed.
Whether National Health Service care in England qualifies as good healthcare is unverified by direct experience.
Whether favorable impressions of Thailand merely reflect an initial honeymoon phase remains unconfirmed.