Full Version: Austin is an American expat working in Bangkok, Thailand

Austin is an American expat working in Bangkok, Thailand

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Austin moved from the USA to Bangkok, Thailand originally to study the Thai language. It's been many years since he first arrived and since then he has found that his ability to speak, read and write the language has helped him immeasurably to understand the local culture. Some of the other things he talks about here are housing costs and the pros and cons of living in Thailand.
  
Austin Bush



February 12 2007

-Where were you born?
California, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?
Bangkok, Thailand

-Are you living alone or with your family?
Alone

-How long have you been living in Thailand?
Nearly eight years

-What is your age?
29

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Thailand?
Originally I received a scholarship to study the Thai language at a university here.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Initially I worked as an English teacher and my school arranged all of this for me. Now I work as a freelance photographer/writer and it has become more difficult, although it is still possible.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No—my first employer provided insurance. Now I’m uninsured, so I can’t really say.

-How do you make your living in Thailand? Do you have any type of income generated?
I work as a freelance photographer and also do some writing.

-Do you speak Thai and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I can speak, read and write Thai quite well and feel that these skills have made my stay more comfortable and have allowed me to gain a greater understanding of my host country.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Yes, but I miss friends more, as I have a pretty small group of friends here and would like to have more contact with my friends from home.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I’m considering moving to Europe.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I rent a three-bedroom, two-story house located quite far from the center of Bangkok for about $200 a month.

-What is the cost of living in Thailand?
It’s very easy to live on quite a small budget if you make the effort.

-What do you think about the Thai people?
In general they’re OK, but certain things, like the way they drive and the volume of their society, can be very frustrating.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Thailand?
Positives: Cheap, excellent food, an excellent hub for traveling to other parts of Asia, lots of “Western” amenities including food & drink

Negatives: Very hot and humid weather, traffic is horrible, political situation is currently unstable

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about anything related to that country and/or living in Thailand?
My blog on Thai food: Real Thai.