Bangkok, Thailand Report of what it's like to live there - 09/05/26
Personal Experiences from Bangkok, Thailand
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Bangkok was my ninth expat experience. Previously, I lived in the Middle East, Latin America, and western Europe.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
It took about 24 hours from the east coast of the US with one connection.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2026.
4. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My housing is a government-owned apartment located about 20 minutes from the Asok BTS. It is fairly new and modern but quite small compared to the older inventory in the housing pool. The advantages are a great pool and relatively few maintenance issues, but the disadvantages are too numerous to include in one sentence.
First, there is crazy traffic in the area, a long commute to work (30-50 minutes of slow-moving traffic to travel two miles), lack of sidewalks on roads for the 15-20 minute walk from the apartment to Sukhumvit which are full of speeding motorcycles, taxis and cars, tuk-tuks, and street food vendors.
The apartment has small square footage & a lot of space dedicated to low-value areas (e.g. tiny spare bedrooms with separate bathrooms). The kitchen is like a center city apartment in Western Europe with unusually small stove/oven set-up. It did not have a dishwasher when I moved in. In my opinion, the building security is similar to a prison for non-violent criminals with extensive processes for vehicles entering to deliver food/packages or guests. All in all, in my experience, the housing destroys any hope of Bangkok being an enjoyable assignment.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
About the same price as the east coast of the US though quality is far lower. Quality proteins will cost a lot more than the US, but cheaper and less healthy options are available. Anything imported will be ridiculously priced (e.g. wine, cheese, dark chocolate). Local laundry detergent should be avoided, but imported laundry detergent will cost 5-10x the western price.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
No need to ship in advance. First learn what you need that is too expensive locally & then develop a strategy.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Lineman and Grab deliver from pretty much all restaurants for a reasonable fee. This is one of the best parts of living in Bangkok, but you will quickly notice extra inches on your waistline. Upon arrival, I got sick quite often for the first 1.5 years & needed to avoid salad or any other uncooked food religiously. I never tried street food, not even once & encourage others to similarly avoid it.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not in my mine, but I've heard of others with issues.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I have a maid that works one full day per week broken into two sessions, and I pay about $6.50 per hour plus an annual bonus of one month's salary (~$210).
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
From a crime perspective vis-a-vis expats, Bangkok is very safe. Normal city behavior is sufficient to stay out of trouble. Walking or running, however, will almost invariably result in sprained/broken ankles. The sidewalks are extremely poor quality: uneven, broken, or often non-existent. Even walking to work could prove medically debilitating. Be warned.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots of gym with varying quality. Virgin Active, Jetts, and Fitness First seem to have a lot of locations with varying pros and cons. Virgin Active is a bit nice, but Jetts and Fitness First have a higher-end line of gyms to compete. A big factor will be the location of your housing relative to their footprint. Virgin Active has a pool at most locations. Personal training is cheaper than the US but not nearly as cheap as one would expect. The prices are really based on expats ability to pay.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes. Easy to use Apple Pay or cards. Cash is not really necessary. If you get a local bank account, it is easy to pay with QR code at smaller merchants.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I imagine all are available if you go looking.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None required. Classes are surely available.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. OMG.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. I take Bolt or Grab taxis everyday & they cost about $5-6 per trip. I have also tried the BTS/MRT public transportation & it can be easy to use if conveniently located to both your point of origin and destination. However, it will often be jam-packed so be prepared to get up close and personal with your fellow passengers. Taking public transportation means you will arrive at your destination sweaty due to the invariably hot and humid climate.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
A car is not required. Leave it at home unless you are a very good driver & don't mind driving on the opposite side of the road in intense traffic. I've heard some people like taking the car for trips outside of Bangkok.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It is available and decent but not as fast as developed countries. You'll need to restart it now & then, deal with slow loading times, etc. The Embassy can help you set it up prior to arrival at personal expense.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I brought Google Fi and also got a local SIM because data is much cheaper here. It works well.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work varies based on position. Ask your office for guidance. Ranges from business suit and tie to business casual depending on role and location.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I've heard that single straight men either get married to a Thai or refocus their dating life on other expats.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Food quality is poor from a health perspective. Air quality is hazardous for much of the year. Wear a mask and use your air purifiers. Medical care is good & available at expat-oriented private hospitals like Bumrungrad. They can handle pretty much everything but it is not as good as western Europe or Singapore. Communication is often a serious issue with everyone, including medical personnel.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is pretty bad all year, especially in January and February. If you are sensitive, you will hate it. Everyone will notice it & suffer the health tax. The Embassy will tell you that only long-term exposure reduces lifespan. For example, people who live in Bangkok for their whole life can expect lifespan reduced by about eight years due to pollution.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Don't eat anything raw unless you are willing to potentially get diarrhea. Wear a mask and exercise indoors. Use your air purifiers on full blast.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is hot and humid all year long. The seasons are hot, hotter, and hottest. There are a few months where it rains a lot & that the the benefit of freshening up the air but the cost of even more intense traffic.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Excellent schools, both in Nichada and downtown.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Most people recognize that even though Bangkok is not as good as they expected, it could be worse. People with housing and families in Nichada seem to love it because they have great houses and a short commute, though admittedly at an early hour. People living downtown deal with a lot of traffic and hassle, but those close to BTS seem happier than the majority who are isolated in housing located deep in the Sois. In my opinion, housing is a serious concern in Bangkok.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Restaurants, events, parties.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes. There are plenty of opportunities to go on dating apps, but most of the expats are transient tourists. It's my understanding that the locals seem to prey upon expats for green cards.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Not really. If they want to be your friend, it is usually because they want something from you.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, Bangkok has a well-developed LGBT presence like many other large cities.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Great shopping malls. Beach opportunities. Access to travel in Asia and Australia/New Zealand.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lots of stuff to buy if you are into that.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Inexpensive spas.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Communication issues get annoying.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Probably not.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes, though in my experience, many Thais of means will brag to you about buying a winter coat at the mall.
4. But don't forget your:
sunscreen, face mask, SPF hat with wide brim.
