Hi all,
I wonder if anyone can offer me any advice or guidance. I am a 50 year old guy from the UK. I am a veteran of the Army; found myself struggling to get on in the UK recently, and was unable to get any practical support. There’s no sob-story here, however, I manage diagnosed PTSD and ADHD as best as I can. But, these can make life challenging as well as entertaining in parts!
To make a long-story shorter, I left the UK in April this year in the hope to find a better future somewhere else. I am doing my very best to keep moving forward, and have secured a place learning to teach English as a foreign language in Bangkok from early January.
I would like to arrive in BKK as soon as possible, to allow time to study in advance. The course is intensive (full-time for a month).…
Hi all,
I wonder if anyone can offer me any advice or guidance. I am a 50 year old guy from the UK. I am a veteran of the Army; found myself struggling to get on in the UK recently, and was unable to get any practical support. There’s no sob-story here, however, I manage diagnosed PTSD and ADHD as best as I can. But, these can make life challenging as well as entertaining in parts!
To make a long-story shorter, I left the UK in April this year in the hope to find a better future somewhere else. I am doing my very best to keep moving forward, and have secured a place learning to teach English as a foreign language in Bangkok from early January.
I would like to arrive in BKK as soon as possible, to allow time to study in advance. The course is intensive (full-time for a month). Needless to say, my budget is really tight – aiming to keep monthly expenses under 20,000-25,000 THB if possible, covering rent, food, transport, and basics. I need to sort out short-term accommodation near central Bangkok, but flexible.
What I’m really hoping for advice on is:
Affordable housing options: Any recommendations for cheap, safe short-term rentals, hostels, or shared apartments (under 10,000 THB/month)? Any areas that are budget-friendly but still accessible by BTS/MRT?
Food and daily costs: Best spots for cheap, healthy eats (street food, markets, apps for deals)? Tips to eat on 300-500 THB/day?
Transport: Cheapest ways to get around? – Any Rabbit card hacks, bike shares, or walking routes?
Ways to generate any income - Any quick, flexible ways to earn a bit extra before/after the course ( Visa dependent and legal options, bearing in mind my nationality)?
Or resources for expats on a budget, like free community events or discount programs?
General survival tips: How to handle the heat/humidity, avoid common scams, or manage mental health in a new city?
To be really clear: I’m not begging/ nor looking for a handout. I am a decent and proud man, trying to make the most of it. I would be so grateful for any solid, realistic advice from anyone who’s been in similar spots. I am highly experienced; I can and will offer any help or advice in return.
Thanks so much in advance for any steers – this community seems very positive, and your input could really make a difference to me.