I'm a graphic designer / marketing person / Website designer and I was wondering what the level of BAHT was needed to live in Thailand. I've stumbled across a freelance website whereby you can bid for jobs. I've applied as a newbie with no recommendations and so I have to bid cheap to get my Star rating up, but the lowest score I could get would be to design two websites each week at a rate of $300 per site = $600.

If I could build up a score rating to get more customers and charge more because of my feedback I would be looking at $1,200 a week, what kind of living could I expect? Is that good for Thailand? I'd be working a normal English week but be in a better position because of the time difference (i.e the business would could me the info at 12am GMT just as I'm starting work) Would you register in England for tax? I don't moind about the new visa because I could just move out to a KL hotel and carry on, or come back to England to work.

My Fianceé is from Sakon Nakhon and there is a reasonable internet connection there - I'd only need it to upload work / search for jobs - i.e go to a hotel and browse the internet for a few hours a day. (I've got an Mac Book Pro to do the work offine)

Any thoughts?

Christopher

quote:

Originally posted by Chris4Cat:
I was wondering what the level of BAHT was needed to live in Thailand.

How long is a piece of string?

Want to live in one room on the outskirts of the city, only ever eat on wobbly plastic stools on the roadside, have no furniture, forget what air-con feels like, wonder what it'd be like to go upmarket and walk into a Starbucks, totally dismiss the idea of ever having a relationship?

Then you can live here on my wages!

Seriously, it all depends on your standard of living. No one can answer your question. But as a guide, the average English teacher (the only thing I know about) earns 30,000 Baht a month here (and a lot of us get by on a hell of a lot less) - so you'll be fine!

Yes it's that I would be in a relationship and be looked on to provide some support to Cat's family too. As long as there's an internet connection I don't mind being away from the big cities.

A figure of around 30,000 - 60,000 (month) is what I should be aiming for (after the family deduction!) - obviously as a freelancer you can never guarantee but two sites per week would seem like a gettable target without working too much.

Thanks Marcus
Christopher

I'd try to do a few jobs before you leave...


Nick

As Marcus says 'How long is a piece of string?'

30,000 Bt is ample for a reasonable lifestyle but once the novelty of living in Thailand wears off you will miss certain comforts from home occasionally i.e. food, decent TV, car etc. also being able to travel around Thailand or holidays abroad/back home, so you'll need to be earning an income that allows you to save. If you're planning to live out there for awhile I'd be aiming to earn at least 40-50,000 bt per month and add another 10 at least if you're thinking of living in Bangkok.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris4Cat:
A figure of around 30,000 - 60,000 (month) is what I should be aiming for (after the family deduction!) - obviously as a freelancer you can never guarantee but two sites per week would seem like a gettable target without working too much.

How much support are you providing for the family? Your low estimate is going to give you B80,000 per month, living upcountry makes that worth far more than in Bangkok. If you can make your upper target you could be the next PM!

Chris

I would try out the business in the UK first for a few months that way you can be more sure of the likely income without burning too many boats.

ash

Chris, I don't want to rain on your parade, but........

Stop! Think!

Out of every 100 people who sign up to schemes such as the one you are talking about, 99 make absolutely nothing. Most actually lose money!

Why should you be different? What is your unique selling point? What makes you stand out? Why should people choose you?

Listen to Prioritypress and Ash. Set up in the UK while still working your day job. This will ensure that you have something to fall back on if it doesn't work. When, and only when, you have regular work and a regular income coming in should you consider moving to Thailand.

You do not want to end up in Thailand with no work and no money.

Finally, have you heard the following?
How do you make a small fortune in Thailand?
Start with a large one!