Should I Spend On Food Or Save? How Gen Z Is Budgeting In Bangkok | Money Mind | Thailand

19-year-old Film has moved to Bangkok for a better life. But will she be able to make ends meet in Thailand's biggest city?
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[@weltschmertzz]

I used to have to choose between having 3 meals a day or having 1 meal a day for a month and saving enough to go see the doctor. Whoever said money doesn't buy happiness has obviously not experienced poverty. I'm pretty dang happy whenever I don't have to worry about food, water, health, or a roof over my head. It's amazing how these necessities make me happy.

[@headkandywhore]

Wishing you prosperity my friend ❤

[@Foodwithoutlabels]

Money does buy happiness.

[@Foodwithoutlabels]

@@khaosmue2114 no you can't

[@milky3ay566]

Let me rephrase what you said. "Money will not guarenteeed you the happiness, but not having money definitely will not bring you any happiness"

[@pastaboy1338]

Money solves money problems. 'Money doesn't buy happiness' is the most brainwashed thing to spit out.

[@MforWealth]

The problem always same, the inflation vs stuck wages.

[@alien13579]

wages hasn't really changed in the past 30 years but cost of living has....by a lot

[@spikefivefivefive]

The result of overpopulation

[@fahlou2019]

overspending is one of the major issues

[@denzel1877]

@@spikefivefivefive Nah nothing to do with overpopulation, it has everything to do with corporate greed. A lot of food is still being thrown in the oceans instead of being GIVEN to poor people.

[@iqbalindaryono8984]

​@@spikefivefivefiveAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA no

[@reformationday]

Poor girl works hard and her dream is to help her mother and her grandmother. Very touching. May God bless her.

[@franglais-riders]

True, she is supporting two other adults ( at least) and trying to buy land and renovate the house and create something so they can have a small farm over there. It is a lot of pressure on her! Wow. But she has vision and a plan. Admirable and she will succeed no doubt.

[@bayplaytoy1313]

True,May God bless her

[@Mic01851]

Common thru out the Buddhist countries

[@geraldjohnson8871]

This is the problem in America. Lack of control of one's appetite And free money even if you can work but refuse to do that. Well on our way to a communistic Nation, where the government takes and gives you little in return. AMEN.

[@thalesrossi01]

Sorry, but only more money could help her, why you're comparing God with capitalism? So tiring---

[@truongngo4786]

Gap between poor and rich in BKK is just enormous! U see millionaires everywhere but also see ppl who work very labour jobs earning about 200USD/month too

[@tainanking]

I see a lot of women especially that they can party all night everyday and they say they work the next day but their time is so free. No idea what they do. My friend is one of ‘em and she drives a Tesla. I don’t even know her job 🤣

[@jefri4176]

Not only bkk. Gap between rich and poor is big in many south east Asia country except Singapore.

[@truongngo4786]

@@tainanking probably from rich family. Lots of family bangkok based own good real estate so they just lease out and have stable + big income monthly

[@truongngo4786]

@@jefri4176 true, Im Vietnamese and ive seen this trend increase very significantly for past 5-8 years

[@user-jg3wm6hh7o]

⁠@@jefri4176as Singaporean, we focused on our career and savings. Leisure is our luxury

[@FreeYoutube-on4gl]

we in indonesia experience the same thing. our salary only $120 a month Rent costs us $50 Electricity $10 Phone billings $10 Transportation $15 Every day we survive to buy $0.5 food. It only contains one portion of rice and half portion of vegetables. Then we split it in half so we can eat it for lunch and dinner. Meat? Once in 2 or maybe 3 weeks. Drinks? we only drink mineral water, no coffee, tea, or soda because everything is expensive. We work to survive, not to live a life

[@patriciavandevelde5469]

Stop having kids! They will have the same shitlife!

[@ralone8314]

What kind of job do you do ? Your English quite good and i think $120 is too low for your kind of skills

[@FreeYoutube-on4gl]

@@ralone8314 thankyou for the appreciation. I work as social media manager in creative agency in jakarta. My job is to make content plan for many clients (approx 18 contents/client/month and i manage 10 clients, so i need to make 180-200 content ideas/month). And i also responsible on how the content perform because i get evaluated based on content performance. $120 (IDR 2.000.000) is far below Jakarta's minimum wage but trust me many people in Jakarta doesnt even get paid on minimum wage. i (and also most people in jakarta) live paycheck to paycheck. If our paycheck get delayed 3-4 days, it's a nightmare because we need to survive couple days only eat once a day

[@Pry0g9O]

​@@ralone8314 tau sendiri kan bang, ekonomi dalam negeri

[@elisabetjuliwati803]

Instant coffee or anything related

[@rogeneclariece]

I remember when I was in college I had to ration out my meals for the week. My budget was $30 for the week. During that time it did make me stressed and anxious not having enough money for certain things. But now that I’m older and making money, I realize how integral that time of my life was. I’m super grateful to understand the real value of money. It’s a blessing to eat what I want but I still have a lean budget for food simply bc I remember surviving on very little. I know I don’t need much and I’ll always be okay.

[@tavuong666]

At my lowest point in my adult life, I ration out $30 for food for the month. Back when taco Tuesday was 2 for $1, i got a few, saved up for a few days. Got left over foods from the gas station where i work. I don’t eat much, never broke 100lbs.

[@harukrentz435]

back in college, i bought a rice cooker and that thing saved me a lot of money.

[@nakamag-trader3319]

indeed.

[@2wickie686]

It wasn't integral, it was survival and a lesson you could've learned in other ways. Stop glorifying poverty, it's not cute.

[@rogeneclariece]

@@2wickie686 somebody's obviously triggered lol weird but go off

[@Bubblyluvee]

She is such a sweet daughter and she always putting her mom first before herself. I hope things works out for her 🙏🙏🙏

[@leigh7507]

her mom is probably not even 50 and could just get a job

[@siriwatsinkittiwut4061]

@@leigh7507In our culture mostly adults are think their kids are kind of money printing for them and yes they aren’t even trying to make more money for the living of families.

[@thomasauslander3757]

Family probably Farmers without a man.

[@northerncoloradotransparen1454]

that is the Thai culture which the west could learn a little about

[@leigh7507]

parents retiring early isnt thai culture @@northerncoloradotransparen1454

[@genie4539]

For almost 8 months when I was unemployed, I was eating eggs and bread for lunch and dinner. Used to eat out cheap once or twice a week. That time is now in the past. It was a difficult phase and hope people get something better.

[@billykulim5202]

arent you still lucky, i seen woods searcher in my country they only have white rice with a litte chilly sauce, because they priority sending money to their family at home

[@DaruSegu]

Not judging you. Where do you live? In my country, bread and eggs can be considered quite costly

[@Rosemary46840]

Why were u unemployed for 8 months tho? Unless you were physically disabled that's your own doing

[@iaincowell9747]

@@Rosemary46840 What a stupid and ignorant comment

[@chaneliswell89]

Dont go there because u never know and u dont want to incur karma for just not minding ur business and not passing judgement.

[@jacksprat73]

I have a Thai friend living in Bangkok who used to work in Singapore for several years in the field of market research but she eventually decided to return to Bangkok because she said Singapore's cost of living was way too high and rent was extremely expensive.

[@rod9829]

This is Singapore propaganda lol, everything is perfect in PAPland

[@littleowlfamily]

Absolutely, in Thailand there's more than just surviving there's space there's happiness and lesser regulations

[@catchingfeelings2691]

Lmao of course, Singapore has one of the highest cost of living here

[@shadowangel8005]

Rent is still affordable in Bangkok but the food prices are mental. When she means that was the cheapest food she could find, shes probably right. I'm in a smaller city, i could get 3-4 meals at the market for the same price. Chicken rice, is starts at 20baht which is less then 1usd.

[@eduardochavacano]

or maybe she got fired.

[@vanessab.6682]

I graduated from University. Everytime someone asks if I miss been in college, I say no. They ask why not. I always say because I don't miss running after the bus or having hunger pains (or pangs, whatever) all the time.

[@valerietaylor1124]

I always worked in restaurants during college because they fed me and I got really good tips. Blessed to be where i am today and give back to the community.

[@expansioniskeyrn]

Instant noodles, eggs, & rice my friends. Every now & then get a pack of hotdogs to throw in your noodles w/egg. Then add rice to the soup after eating all the noodles. That’s how you get by when you broke. Did it for decades.

[@Gaibreel]

I buy Quinoa 3 dollars amd frozen veggies 2 and canned beans 1... you can eat healthy. I spend under 50 a week

[@SerdceDanko]

Yeah and at 40 you will find yourself to be a walking corpse.

[@bosmer3836]

Instant noodles are too expensive and the flavor packets are unhealthy. Just make regular pasta instead.

[@lawsome2068]

Instant/ Ramen noodles are hella expensive in my country unfortunately, but it would have been such a quick and easy alternative otherwise.

[@cube5750]

Fr you can do lots with rice

[@adog3461]

I'm a university student in Tokyo. When I'm broke, I always try to cut down on my food expenses too. I often buy a loaf of bread that costs around $1 and that's all I eat for the day 😂

[@hannesRSA]

I used to get frozen vegetables and dilute it with rice. Paying my own student loan and apartment mortgage. Today I earn 40 times more, but my mortgage debt is 150 times more. These are accurate figures, no jokes.

[@CNAInsider]

We'd love to hear more about your experiences! Could you email us at [e-mail]?

[@john0094]

No Jam or peanut butter

[@mindwreckRC]

same in USA. bread and jelly or butter. or rice with soysauce and spices for dinner. frozen vegetables mixed in

[@chauminh]

Gezez that is t healthy opt for sushi

[@catherinecariazo8963]

Nowadays is hard, the inflation always catch up. To save and give healthy food for me and my elderly parents and aunt, I grew vegetables that we always eat in sacks and pots. It organic and nothing beat the flavour of fresh produce.

[@itsacookie1]

The fact that she can live within a 5 min walk from her job and still save money... She is still better off than the vast majority of New Yorkers lol.

[@jilianemorales2074]

Facts!🙌🏼

[@CyclingMartialartswithMusic]

Yup. I travel average 1 hr. If Im not lucky 2 hours going to my work to Long Island. Currently in vacation. Will leave when I go back. 😂

[@ColouredPixels]

but im sure they're earning more than US$365 per month?

[@itsacookie1]

@@ColouredPixels That's kind of my point, it really doesn't matter how much your earning as long as cost of living is proportional to the income. There is a crazy stat that a large percentage of Americans aren't equipped to handle a $1000 emergency because they live paycheck to paycheck (even while bringing in $1000 or more per week).

[@tavuong666]

“She is still better off than the vast majority of NYers lol” wanna trade place with her? I guarantee you either work less than her or eat way better than her, spend of luxury shlt more than her.

[@Voxabonable]

You earn 2x more but costs are 3x higher. Whether that's an improvement or not really depends on how you manage your life.

[@BedtimeTalesforMamas]

Millenial here '92. I went through the same thing through my 20s, but when health took a toll, I started doing grocery shopping. Small groceries can fill up your tummy for the long run much more than the prices of food at the vendors.

[@catherinecariazo8963]

True. Cooking your own meal is healthier and cheaper.

[@gringopapi6985]

Same here, people want high salt MSG soda HFCS and refined vegetable oils, otherwise its not "good". then they complain about being poor. Well ofcourse they are poor, food like that makes you lazy, laziness leads to poverty.

[@mrmartin2079]

The vast vast majority of lower end accommodation in Thailand are just simple rooms with an en-suite and maybe a small balcony - they don’t have kitchen areas in which to cook ( properly )

[@BedtimeTalesforMamas]

@@mrmartin2079 Same I didn’t have a kitchen before as I was living in my car, but I purchased a portable stovetop

[@gringopapi6985]

@@mrmartin2079 a cooking plate costs $20, dont need a kitchen. Some people will always be victims

[@krystlea5210]

great short report about what financial and market education may really mean for us daily in face of inflation and stuck wages plus tendencies towards development aggression. It is a worthwhile theme to continue exploring in news features as a money education series across asia. Thank you CNA Insider news team

[@thetravelingfoodshow]

A lot of respect to this woman, she does what needs to be done! Such strength & drive.‼️💯

[@mL-pq6hs]

*dude sees poverty and woman starving* wow!! Beautiful!!! Inspiring ❤

[@Adam-nc6qg]

These videos feel like they are glorifying poverty@@mL-pq6hs

[@WokOverEasy]

well she's in poverty and skimping because she's supporting others. It seems like she can still eke out a living and had she not been supporting her family could probably live fairly comfortably. On the other hand in comparison, I don't see how a Starbucks worker in NYC could even support themselves never mind anyone else. @@mL-pq6hs

[@abcdedfg8340]

It's disgusting in my opinion. We are now normalizing people not being able to afford basic shelter, clothing, transport, and food? Is this how we want to treat the people who do the actual work that runs the economy or need the health to be ready to contribute when they are done school or similar? Just make the rich richer? Is that what the goal is?

[@thetravelingfoodshow]

@@abcdedfg8340 Go and change the world then mr abcde!😂🤷🏻‍♂️ I admire this woman for making sacrifices to better her life. Even with nothing she is smart. She is missing a meal to save money, It's admirable. Most people waste money on crap and still say they can't save.

[@CharlieC738]

She is so selfless. God bless you

[@savagebyreason]

Let us visit Anan Cafe and be kind to Film! I live in Bangkok and these hawker stalls have always been the highlight of my stay. Seeing them cook your food in front of you and even making small talk is far better than seeing your food come from behind a wall. Transportation is a huge cost especially if you're not near your work place I know friends spending more than their rent on transportation. Rent is cheaper here in Thailand overall most of my friends spend about 20% of their salary on rent.

[@catchingfeelings2691]

Visiting the cafe won’t increase her salary, it will only benefits the owners more. These salaries won’t changed. A local here.

[@savagebyreason]

@@catchingfeelings2691 I’m sure tips are welcome & I myself will still pay a visit this week.

[@toknnomad1424]

@@savagebyreason THIS!

[@BestMods168]

​@@savagebyreasondepending on where you are originally from, a 100 baht tip from me is like $3. Doesnt hurt me, but can mean a lot to people in Thailand.

[@LAInDisBiaxxxy]

Don't go be a passportbro and exploit her

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

It sucks that she's struggling, but even with the little money she earns, it stretches way further than in some western countries

[@tututututudien]

Can you please explain further on this.

[@method341]

@@tututututudien many Thais manage to get by on just USD$15 a day, some even less.

[@marcoprolo1488]

@@tututututudien A Barista in a western city cannot pay for a rent, food, and send money to the family.

[@notslav6053]

By learning English she can really increase her income. I've had 2 Thai friends who just hung around foreigners and learned within 2 years.

[@method341]

@@notslav6053 just because they speak English it doesn't mean their income will go up automatically. However, it does open up opportunities if that's what you're referring to.

[@tracyaskew1651]

She works in a high-end neighborhood but gets paid a low-end neighborhood salary. That's terrible. She is a very selfless young lady, taking care of her family even though she is struggling.

[@sabrinamystified]

That's what I experienced in Canada as well. The luxury hotel company made billions of dollars in profit almost every year, which was located in the downtown core, but paid a little more than minimum wage to the room attendants. I heard from at least two employees that they couldn't afford to have 3 meals in a day.

[@BBradshawProductions]

Majority of college jobs pay low these days as inflation continues and with student loans, college graduates are living in poverty these days.

[@AhmedAli-jk2xz]

Meanwhile, people have a tough time calling their moms to say hello once a week. Nothing but respect for her!

[@Tonse6]

we need more content like this. its awesome

[@ellis_artyana]

Bless all young generation who still manage to support their family even in the hard situation. Sandwich generation is a real issue, but I put high appreciation for those who value their family, especially parents.

[@mrlaoben]

Really puts things into perspective seeing her monthly salary is lesser than the amount of cash some singaporeans bring into Bangkok for wekeend trips.

[@BonelessPeanutbutter]

Im gen y living in the US and Ive been eating about once a day for years now. Usually rice and beans and occassionally with meat if I can splurge. I can hold $100 worth of groceries with one hand.

[@ksoosk]

Hmm. We bought from Aldi in DC for a 2 week camping and our grocery cart was full for $200. Veggies, meat, eggs, bread, camping essentials. I think US style of buying groceries is bulk?

[@navygf86]

I was in Boston and we did a grocery shop for $110 bucks and lasted all week 3meals for two people breakfast dinner and snacks and drinks !

[@tanjongmalim6869]

Food is the basic ... you can only lower down the quality but there is always a minimum calories a person must have. Saving is just gathering of money for expenditure... you cannot be saving while you are staving

[@spikefivefivefive]

In this case her "saving" was money she send back home to her family. She was also making a motorcycle payment for them. She's making a huge sacrifice for them.

[@BestMods168]

​@@spikefivefivefivethe parents put huge burden on their kids. The parents are just probably sitting around all day. This info is a common cultural trait in thai country life.

[@fahmraktnul4279]

​@@BestMods168Yeah, it's horrible. I'm surprised that there are hardly any comments condemning the parent(s). Her mother should be of working age herself. Yet, she's treating her daughter like a work horse.

[@AchiraDasgupta]

​​@@fahmraktnul4279always happens in south east Asia. Then they actually have the nerve to criticize their working kids. Some downright abuse them for not getting a better job. In India it's very common. Also, certain jobs are good. Rest are bad. That's that. If you do the bad job, you might be in for more scolding.

[@lisah2173]

Was in Bangkok end of 2023....the amount of Expensive Cars on the Roads that i saw in Asoke whilst having a Coffee in Starbucks was insane. Then the next minute you look outside with Local people pushing their Food Carts maybe making a Pittance Profit....the Divide between Rich and Poor is insane over there. In Western Australia and other Western Countries we think we are hard done by... which i do agree with in some respect always worse off than us.

[@notslav6053]

Even on my soi we have a mansion next to a shack.

[@therock8224]

There are far more luxury cars per capita in Laos and Cambodia than in Bangkok. They're also 3 times cheaper there but expensive by local standards. A Landcruiser sold in Laos costs around US$80000 but a Landcruiser sold in Thailand is more like US$250,000, which explains why hardly anyone owns one. Yet in Vientiane, you can see 50 Landcruisers in an hour.

[@EarthVanderer]

But You know that Asoke is the most expensive area in Thailand right? It being full of millionaires should be expected.😂

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

I have mad respect for this young lady trying to survive in BKK while helping her mother and grandmother. Never take things for granted.

[@shubhamtariyal439]

2:35 She is really hard working doing her best in this economy. I am amazed that she is spending a considerable amount on personal care products(which is almost twice her rent & utilities) even though she has to stay hungry on some days and even work extra shifts for $14 which is only one-sixth of her personal care expenditure. The income is not going to increase in this economy until one switches jobs but he/she can easily reduce our expenditures especially on non-essential items like beauty products. No one talks about financial planning in such videos.

[@jdurham2666]

A portion of this expense must be going towards her monthly feminine care products for her and possibly her mother as well. Imo - a need such as this, should be free and readily available to women everywhere.

[@hannaansari2921]

Ever heard of sanitary pads?they don't distribute it for free,plus women are required to look presentable at work places so she has to spend some on skincare,haircare and cosmetics too

[@grlseifh5153]

​@@hannaansari2921Sanitary pads are cheap though

[@sonyaberry9805]

I remember moving from the country to the city. The jobs pay more, but the cost of living is higher.

[@burgerjointgame]

Love this video, it's very well made and informative! One of the biggest problems for service workers like Film is that there's no tipping culture in Thailand - Thais rarely tip except for things like massages. Also, most places don't add a service charge to the bill, so workers just have to survive on their low basic wages. I went to a restaurant recently in Mega Bang Na called 'On the table' and was surprised they actually added a 10% service charge to the bill. If more places did this, the workers' lives would be better.

[@DaveEPie]

Unfortunately in SEA , if the workers receive a tip , the owner expects some of it also. Try to place to tip in the workers hand when no one else is looking.

[@satriaamiluhur622]

I'm already married and still living with my parents in law. Housing is expensive, daycare is also expensive. I and my wife work full time job and it's still difficult to save money. If not for my mother in law's helping to raise our daughter, maybe we would've been childless by now

[@truongngo4786]

Well this is pretty normal for Vietnamese like me but consider Vietnam is poorer than Thailand and many SEA countries

[@mikethemechanic7395]

So you do not get a house before kids? You cannot work a different shift opposite of your wife?

[@N0noy1989]

@@mikethemechanic7395 You're saying it like jobs fall from trees.

[@mikethemechanic7395]

@@N0noy1989in my field it is..

[@user-kx5en8dg7u]

@@N0noy1989no, but it’s a bit irresponsible to have a child when you can’t afford your own home… and living with parents by choice and living with parents because you are too poor to live alone are two different things.. what kind of future will that kid have being raised in poverty? it’s not good

[@klchan988]

Eating only 1 meal per day is actually good. 1st it can help people save and make people to plan for a proper diet. Most of us taking multiple meals a day are the one not eating healthy. I know this video is focusing on challenges to survive, but diet is one area ppl spending a lot without the nutritional value in mind.

[@AlohaPanda]

I feel so guilty watching this…because I spend anywhere from $30-$100 a day on food here in California. Yes, I can afford to do so and I’m not struggling….but seeing this video makes me kinda sad that people have to go through life like this.

[@unicorn_unicorn6252]

Gurrll what do u work as??😂

[@lgee9027]

You are truly blessed🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@lorettacarroll6015]

Considering the price of fast food, probably In and Out since it is so popular in California

[@ChupraCumbra]

This could be just for clicks....no one in Thailand goes Hungry.

[@annea5781]

Happy for you. I’m behind on rent after being sick for months and as sad as it may sound, food isn’t even one of my priorities atm which could turn into a vicious circle healthwise but I can’t even afford to take food seriously atm

[@christypham3386]

I also to eat 1 hot meal a day. the other meal times is either ramen noodles, PBJ sandwich, some kind of cold cuts sandwiches. I work 48-56 hours a week. I live in California. I work hard and live frugally. People everywhere struggles. But I guess i am more fortunate because I have a job. After several years I earned enough to own 2 bedroom house.

[@encycooper]

Ive eaten at that kau mon gai place and been to that coffee shop many times.

[@jefferytay3225]

To be honest, if you have any indications of Thai culture, you will wonder why majority families rely on their daughters to make money. But that's another story. You have to also think why the men in Thailand ain't making money and take responsibility of the children they bear. This is not mere economics,. This involves more

[@mavec200]

Hint: young women have additional methods of generating income than their monthly salaries as baristas.

[@charlyy1337]

Hint: Thai men do work hard as well.

[@cookingrabbitty]

My brother and I had to send money back to family too, what the heck are you talking about 😅

[@jefferytay3225]

@@cookingrabbitty to each it's own. I admire you are doing your part as men and women. but the same can't be said with most of your countryman. If you can tell me why there are so many single young mothers in Thailand, please do

[@winnerwinnerchickendinner8809]

Applied everywhere in southeast Asian countries where strong tide to family come first

[@ditsygirl5409]

The irony is that more highly educated and rich people are starting to do vegetarian diet or OMAD(one meal a day) for health reasons and reverted to eating like the poor while the poor aspires to eat meat and 3 meals a day like a rich person!😂

[@d15z1sux]

A balanced vegetarian diet can actually be more expensive. Poor aspire to eat more meat because of the protein which benefits a child's growth and development physically and mentally to give them a good chance in life.

[@ditsygirl5409]

@@d15z1sux I would say yes and no. Vegetarian food can be expensive and it can also be cheap depending on individuals. A simple vegetarian meal can consist of oatmeal/rice/potato, vegetables and legumes/tofu/eggs/nuts/seeds etc for one’s daily basic needs of Carbohydrates, Fiber and Protein. It’s not expensive to get the common ingredients. However, I understand that the poor have aspirations and would prefer meat as that’s something they don’t usually have in abundance.

[@brooklyn6264]

its the way of the world

[@zeroedout]

The way Westerners do OMAD is they eat food that is like 3 meals worth so that is not the same

[@ptrgr72]

​@@ditsygirl5409try being a vegeterian and do hard physical labor.

[@shikhab2250]

Some 20 years back we had a layover in bangkok for about 14 hours so the airplane officials decided to put all the passengers in a hotel that we reached around 11pm. With the kitchen closed some of us decided to eat from nearby. The only place open was this tiny place. I remember a plate of white rice and chicken stew with veggies costing around $30 i was quite shocked since we could get better meals at better restaurants in usa for less. As a student that was very expensive for me

[@whateverm.9417]

When I hit 18, I got kicked out and was still in the middle of high school. Ended up living in a homeless shelter for a while, and when I finally got my own place, it was pretty empty - just an air mattress that wouldn't even stay inflated. Didn't have anything to cook with except a pan that was left in the kitchen. My meals were mostly homemade bread with ketchup, instant noodles, or whatever cheap snacks I could find. But looking back, I'm actually grateful for those tough times because they shaped me into who I am today. Now, I've got an amazing husband, a cozy home, a job that pays well which lets us travel a lot and enjoy all kinds of food.

[@gloriawilson4691]

Good for her ..She doesn't make much, but she still sends money home to her family.....🤗🤗🤗

[@littleowlbooks8514]

She definitely deserves more. It's just not fair. There's a huge middle class in Thailand. There's a lot of wealth

[@SimonBeisl]

No ... there isn't a huge middle class .... the only thing huge is the difference between the rich and the rest.

[@Peterachy23]

Why do you think she deserves more ?

[@SimonBeisl]

@@Peterachy23 Because she could maybe afford to buy 4-5 of these coffee cups she is selling with her salary. Would you work all day for 5 coffee cups?

[@therock8224]

Yes there is. The middle class in Thailand is very large. If it wasn't, Thai roads wouldn't be clogged with more than 20 million cars!!

[@SimonBeisl]

@@therock8224 This say's more about how easy it is to buy a car on credit then size of middle class.

[@filausopoako]

Lesson here for me is always be grateful for what you have.

[@koutouyo]

It would be nice if they do the research in VN, we have the same situation here.

[@wobbuffetbuffet]

She spends more on personal care than rent, just take some of that and put it towards food. I never did make up and even if you do make up you just just do less (at home nails, not a full face of make up) and save. In the US people spend an average on $1,754 a year on beauty and cosmetics... which is fine if that is how you want to spend your money. When people complain about not being able to afford things though and get their nails done professionally it just shows how out of touch they are with reality. Cosmetics are optional for most people (some people need it for work). I get some people feel ugly without make up but I'm a fan of learning to love yourself. It also seems like my friends who have heavy makeup use sure aged really fast while those with no or little make up look younger. It seems like the stuff in makeup itself might be the cause of that. Either way I'm not against people wearing makeup, we should all be able to dress up how we want and all, it is just if you are struggling with money it is an easy place to cut. Remember if the average person is spending $1,754 on cosmetics in the US and there are a bunch of people who don't wear makeup that means the cost to those who do is actually greater. Kudos to Film though for supporting her family back home. I'm grateful I have only had to help financially support my adult siblings on occasion and my parents not at all. I hope she can have a good life / work balance and can enjoy herself. :)

[@BestMods168]

Still living under a rock in your world I see.

[@jdurham2666]

Include monthly feminine care products (for her and possibly her mother) in that expenditure, not just make up.

[@gxguy2906]

It's good to see that she is battling through this. Most girls would just turn to street life which may be easier. To all Thai people, you would make a lot more money breeding tropical fish such as betta, guppies, and shrimp. I used to spend thousands of dollars monthly ordering fish from Thailand. Those fish farmers are pretty well off if they get a connection to the West.

[@manosparavida3551]

The same meal in Soi Lenke, Pattaya is, if I recall correctly 30-40 baht, as I'd always round the bill off to 50, which the vendor was always appreciative of twice a day.

[@Paintress]

The cost of living in Australia has gone up astronomically too, I guess it has globally. I’m currently in Thailand and wish I could live here as it’s affordable for me personally. I try and tip every single time I catch a taxi or eat at a restaurant as long as I know it goes directly to who are serving and helping me

[@pounamu2394]

Germany is so expensiv too!!

[@SniperMayer]

It’s quite interesting how the lecturer seems to be surprised by food prices not going down with inflation. Inflation is the speed at which prices increase, not the price itself.

[@picadosinferno]

The dark side of all this is that many girls are pushed to the sex industry because of the low wages, and they have to travel to Pattaya or Phuket so they can save enough to make ends meet. The wages need to be higher in Bangkok, at least 18.000 for a retail worker.

[@youtubee1766]

BS. Many girls? What percentage? You talk llke hundreds of girlsl in Thailand have priority to be in that industry. Maybe I am innocent enough don't know your fact. To be in the sex Industry not necessary to be in Thailand.

[@michelleflood8871]

yes and no, you can survive with most jobs in Thailand, but ofc people want shortcuts in life so sex-worker it is. But nah, I wouldn't say they NEED to do it or they will be homeless (a lot will claim that to get more money out of each session but it's total bs). However, I definitely agree on increasing wage for all and increase tax on the very rich Thai people. And start collecting tax from street food sellers too. Some earn A LOT and none of that ever get distributed to improve the country in a form of tax. That's why I stop buying from them and foreigers should too.

[@BestMods168]

No. You dont understand. People are paid low wages but everyone has a job even though there are little sales. In the US, if there are little sales, employees are forced to go home.

[@sergeantblue6115]

As a Thai, this situation just saddens me on what’s going on for my fellow brothers and sisters back in the country. Because I am studying abroad and came from a pretty well off family I was basically oblivious to this issue until just years ago. When I come back I will help my homeland in the best of my abilities. Goodluck to all of you.

[@MisiThailand]

how exactly ?

[@sergeantblue6115]

@@MisiThailand already cooperating with the government on the EEC project. Im still in a scholarship though so thats gonna be a while.

[@helotmotto]

I live and work in Austin, TX and I feel fortunate to have free healthy lunch at my job. I probably eat out at least 3-4 times a week but I try not to spend more than $20 per outing.

[@mindful47]

I am dealing with a group of kids who come from poor family yet generally everyone still can afford a handphone and eat McDonalds. Maybe this video will show them what poverty is.

[@ccmbrli]

I know it’s a difference in culture and in the West we don’t necessarily prioritize taking care of our parents in the same way. But it doesn’t seem fair that children who didn’t ask to be born have to become responsible for taking care of their families by dropping out of school and/or spending the rest of their lives sending money home when they barely make enough to get by.

[@Turkey-xk4qv]

no pensions in Thailand , its tough i agree

[@mesamis144]

I live in a border town next to Myanmar in Thailand, the food price is more or less the same in Bkk 40-100 baht per dish.

[@isisathena5237]

The wealth gap is huge just like the US. I stayed in high end hotel area in Phrom Phong that had two high end department stores on either side of the station. But it’s obvious people most people can’t shop there :/

[@tonythaiger93]

This is just a general problem for Gen Z living in a big city. Downside of aging population holding onto majority of assets and housing 😢😢😢😢😢

[@Epitin]

We don’t have that problem as much in Asia. Houses in Tokyo (largest and cleanest metropolis in the world) are completely demolished in Tokyo every 30 years, modern building codes and a low interest for EVERYONE. Singapore leases for 99 years. These methods prevent people from getting lazy. The most expensive city in the world is Hong Kong, but that’s due to the government gatekeeping. Just like the way boomers are gatekeeping their bucks.

[@inuhundchien6041]

You are just jealous because the old people with houses are not your parents or grandparents...a lot of people don't mind because they know they will inherit. It is asinine to blame older generations for having wealth. Even when you get older and they die you will never get it because the wealth will fall into their own kids, not you. The wealth divide is not between boomers or millennials (for example) , its between millennials with wealthy parents and millennials with poor parents.

[@datingandlifeadvicechannel7534]

Exactly 🎉 right 👎

[@l33wan]

This is something i noticed among my Gen z colleagues in SG who recently entered the workforce and are in the starting rungs of payscale. They have Starbucks almost everyday, cafe food, Grab or taxi almost everyday. Holiday almost every month or 2. And than complain everything's expensive and pay is not enough.

[@PRSer]

Everything is expensive in Singapore. It's a very complicated situation socially and economically. I'm 40 but looking at my own circle of family, relatives and friends. Life now is different from when I was young. I can't really blame the young ones if they want to spend their money and enjoy their youth. I myself only dare to say that I'm only financially stable at this age but at the same time I wished I had my youth to enjoy some of the things I can only enjoy when I was young.

[@themadiblom]

You watched this whole video and THIS is what you gathered from it?

[@woodyexplorer]

Maids in our office they buy dishes to share. One bag of food lasts two meals in a day. They also share the apartment. This way she can be a bread winner for her family of 3.

[@snowymuffin]

This is so sad and painful to watch 😢 because I used to be in her situation before. It was really hard. There days that I only had to spend $1 each day to survive, and not pay my other bills until I was able to save some money to just pay for my bills. I hope the best for her 😢

[@user-jg3wm6hh7o]

This is sad just for Asian countries specially ASEAN, you need to provide and support your parents even grandparents once you finished college or just having a job. Luckily for me i ran away from home 8 years ago, now i have my own house, 3 cars and enough savings to enjoy my life. I will pay for my parents funeral tho.

[@albertteng1191]

you are not asian if you dont care about your family, you just think of your own happiness. You are like a westener. That is why a westener is always sad and angry

[@nationalguard226]

dont forget the suicidal rate over the westerners

[@therock8224]

Nonsense! Thais are increasingly selfish too, many poor Thais have been abandoned by their parents and you have zero clue about western culture. Most westerners would never live away from their children like the majority of working class Thais do.

[@therock8224]

You mean Thais and Japanese, which have a much higher suicide rate than any western country.

[@tanhouzer]

For us, having a family is an advantage and not a hindrance. Having family doesn't mean your the only one who will sacrifice.. It's a give and take here in ASEAN, When you are down, your family will be there to help you.

[@LILIBOSSY]

When I was a child my family was poor. My mom used to make so many delicious meal with rice, pasta, beans and frozen vegetables. We would also eat so many sausages, the cheap hot dogs ones. Haha I used to offer grilled sausages to my friends when they would chill at my house and I thought that I was so fancy😂

[@Seekr-rc5ft]

Very informative God bless this young women she's a good one

[@mikereid7580]

I live in Thailand, have for 10 years. 3000 baht a month for a rented motorcycle is crazy! Must be a high class bike! Prices have increased, far more then 17%. 2 yrs ago, 1kg of chicken was 35b, now it is 70-95b a kg. Shrinkflation is a thing out here as well. She could buy a baby boy cow for 4000 baht.

[@ptrgr72]

I traveled this year for the first time. It did not seem so cheap as people used to say it is. 60-70 baht (2 usd) for a soup is not that extremly cheap, considering you eat it in the street.

[@wood6454]

I was able to optimize my daily food cost to just a little more than a dollar a day without sacrificing nutrition, and you can do it too. I'm sure there are lots of cheap and healthy options at your local market and they are less affected by inflation compared to the supermarket. If you do not have time to cook, then I recommend meal prepping over the weekends or sticking with oatmeal (whole grain) for breakfast.

[@jimbo1480]

This is why i always tip heavy when i go Thailand. I usually tip at least 50%. Also, one more thing. I have so much respect for this woman over the 304's that do only fans in uk/us. This woman is perfect in so many ways. Working hard for her family. Truly amazing person.

[@Qwerty.240]

Teach your children to cook. I learned to save so much money being an international student with exhausted student loans, and away from my parents back in India. Cooking was trial and error but once i became better, i could survive on 20 euros a week even in an expensive country like Ireland!

[@TheBluecha]

Omg I work as an engineer in Bangkok for 4-5 years and get 3-4 times more than her but still couldn’t save any bath a month 😢…She is such a sweetheart and selfless girl

[@mibox8302]

In America many people intentionally do OMAD ( one meal a day) because we're too fat

[@andrewtsai7646]

More like one meal an hour

[@OunNa]

Yep so true

[@SimonBeisl]

I think 50% of US population could sustain from their body fat for up to 2 month 😄

[@whosaidthat4299]

😂​@@andrewtsai7646

[@abcdefg-oj5wn]

Eating only 1 meal a day sounds kind of dangerous, especially if you’re already thin… maybe if someone is morbidly obese that is a good idea…

[@emmafrost13333]

Wow rent is so cheap. I'd pay 5x my food bill on rent for a room in London. On a barista salary it would be the same everywhere if you rented...hopefully rent/house prices won't start to spiral upwards there as well

[@notslav6053]

I've never seen a room so cheap before! The cheapest I've seen is $100/month. My place is $200 but it comes with AC, electricity, water, wifi, and landlord cleans once a week. She probably has just a basic room.

[@Savescreen]

SEA is super cheap for western people. It just shows how for locals this situation is very similar to a lot of countries.

[@nationalguard226]

​@@Savescreenespecially heaven for remote workers 😂

[@therock8224]

No it isn't and why are you singling out westerners when Singaporeans are just as wealthy.

[@Savescreen]

@@therock8224 okay then *lots of SEA countries are cheap for people who are wealthy***

[@BobGoodi]

Lived in Thailand Bangkok for some years and can tell you that Thailand people are hardcore survives. Honestly. Now the problem here is cutting down on things like 3 meals per day to 1 or 2 has become a globle thing unfortunatly. If you can eat or cook Thai food you can get by and NO...its like you will die in Thailand because of hunger. Theres no such thing.

[@phyoye2126]

god bless you you can do it , dont give up

[@hiteshparashar]

I feel so blessed to be born in India. In my country no one needs to sleep without full stomach meal. We have so many religious ocassion very frequently in our country that people serve ( bhandara ) good quality food to the needy. People serve food to others on their child's birthday, on any religious event, or just for generosity. Temples, Gurudwaras serve good quality free food almost daily. Also we have many social activists who serve either free or dirt cheap prices food. Other than that the usual food can still be found at local dhabas or carts again at reasonable prices. India is great.

[@baublelove9658]

Wow no wonder we rank high in the hunger index given everyone gets food.

[@hiteshparashar]

@@baublelove9658 smart head, same can be questioned about these countries why they rank higher in the hunger index given people are forced to skip at least time meal a day.

[@tonysaidhi]

The story about Film is sad but the lives of Burmese refugees in Thailand is worst. I have been to Thailand multiple times in the last few years and witnessed their struggles personally. The life of Thai from rural area are difficult and especially for those that goes to the major cities for jobs. The Burmese refugees from neighboring Myanmar are 10 times worst. Most Burmese refugees don't have proper registration, illegal aliens. They are exploited by the Thais. Film earns 13,500 baht a month, a refugee family with 2 parents working only makes about 10,000 baht. One of the worst job is to work a seafood processing center. Someone had to peel and devein those shrimps that we enjoyed. The working conditions are terrible and dangerous. All the lower level construction workers are the refugees. They are performing jobs that are too dangerous or difficult for the Thais. Most of the kitchen staffs in restaurants are Burmese. They have the worst job and get paid less than half of a Thai. I'm sympathetic to Films struggles but she is using a major portion of her earning to pay for a motorcycle. A motorcycle is a luxury item that most refugees can't even dream of. This video talks about only having enough money for 1 meal a day, but she chose to use her salary to buy a motorcycle. Film drop out of school when she was 15, at least she got to go to school. Both of my kids volunteered at The Good Shepherd School in phuket which try to provide some basic level of education for the children of the refugees. The school is always short on funds and can only provide basic education up to the 4th grade. Every year the school chooses 2 to 3 kids to get a further education that may land them in a job equivalent to Film's job. My son told me one of the hardest thing to do is to choose which kid get to go foward while the majority will be left behind. Most of the kids I meet there will never have a chance of working in a coffee shop. Thailand is full of street food vendors, hawkers, but none are openly refugees. If the police notice a food stall open by refugee, they will automatically shut it down and confiscate all the equipment. My son told me about an incident when a parent of his student bought a large amount of groceries for a upcoming celebration and the police confiscated all the groceries because they suspected her running a food stall. I understand and sympathize with Film but her situation is nowhere close to the Burmese refugees.

[@notslav6053]

My friend fits this category and got into the cannabis industry. Maybe more should consider this route?

[@OunNa]

This is sad how Thai officials treat refugee

[@candriqa12]

This is absolutely horrific is there another ways they can go about? I hope CNA shed some light about this so more ppl are aware. I hope cannabis or prostitution are not the only ways they can lead a normal life.

[@vassanab4243]

It’s bad situation for the refugees but if they come ‘illegal’ then that’s their problem right? It’s like this anywhere in the world not only in Thailand, illegal immigrant always be paid lower than normal salary because nobody want to tell the police or they will be sent out of the country. FYI street food vendor is allowed only for Thai nationality, it’s a law, just respect the law of the country that you are living in.

[@therock8224]

Tony. Exactly and I like your story. Thanks for sharing.

[@Gaibreel]

I eat one meal a day. Some days I'm really agitated but once I eat, I'm over it. Lemon water is my life . I've lost weight but I still eat healthy. Its not easy and I see amazing food all around me. I can't go out to dinner or events. 😢

[@shawnaellcey6970]

I was confused until it dawned on me that she has no place to properly cook! That is a challenge when budgeting. She could perhaps buy in bulk and prepare at home, but not if she doesn’t have room. A rice cooker is easy, but the main dish would be vegetable based and not meat. I am thinking her rental unit doesn’t allow for easy preparation.

[@Trgn]

Asia food price is still relatively affordable. We have it good when it comes to food. Greens and vegetables are of abundant supply. Places like Europe food inflation and shortages had always hit much harder. People eating mostly cans. Baked beans and and tuna to subtitute for meat is a reality for low income family. Fresh greens are always super expensive and not part of daily diet.

[@jefri4176]

Not really. The one who said affordable are middle class minimum. The poor Asians can't even buy baked beans and tuna. But yeah greens are cheaper than meat in Asia of course since we still have lots farms.

[@notslav6053]

@@jefri4176 Why would they even want baked beans? Tuna is only 30 baht. They can easily get that too.

[@SimonBeisl]

Not if you put them in relation with income.

[@nationalguard226]

​@@notslav6053the income related to the market prices

[@miklee4834]

Hard working young girls. Just like them, I am also eating instant noodles.

[@Devilishlybenevolent]

She would be better off if she didn't eat out so much and she spends DOUBLE the money of her rent on beauty care products. Learning to cook, meal prep, will save you so much money.

[@Smallmanbigworld1]

​@@DevilishlybenevolentTell me you know nothing about Thailand without telling me. Buying the ingredients to cook Thai food would cost more than buying from these stalls. Everything you think of as essentials is expensive in Thailand for Thai people.

[@mavec200]

@@Devilishlybenevolent You're right about the beauty care products, typical airhead Thai girl. But eating out at street stalls in Thailand is basically as cheap as eating at home.

[@mavec200]

@@Smallmanbigworld1 She needs $85 a month in beauty care products? Really? Oh yes she does, she is a typical dumb Thai girl.

[@noonehere_kasut]

@@Smallmanbigworld1 Yep. I'm in Malaysia and not all rented places (especially the more affordable ones) come with cooking equipment and refrigerators installed. I assume it's the same in Thailand, which is why not everyone can cook at home.

[@OssE082]

As Thai, who lives in Bangkok. Use to eat stall food 3 times a day. it's cheaper and convenient. But after 30 years old. I realise health problems from daily diat, so I start preparing food by myself (luckily I have small kitchan), focusing on cheap but healthy. I can not afford to eat in restaurants after all. OK, it's not tasty as stall food and take some of my sleep time. I am more healthy and save money from going to the hospital.

[@theanimeboy9953]

As a gen z person who also experienced what its like to be broke during my college days, this video is depressing. Those 1 meal days were tough, but you just had to push through it because you dont really have a choice.

[@zeposwald2541]

One of the problems is that cheap apartments, even mid-range condos, don’t come with kitchens. So, it’s hard to save money by cooking at home. However, thanks goodness, street food in Thailand is quite cheap and at least most food you can find is not highly processed fast food like in some western countries, so we can say that the amount of money one can save by cooking at home in Thailand is not noticeable and not a life breaker.

[@danand4918]

Rice cooker is enough to make lot of thing

[@mavec200]

What are you on about, you can buy a hot pot for like $5 at Lotus hypermarket there, the apartment doesn't need to come with one.

[@littleowlfamily]

Things are expensive everywhere. In Thailand you get more values than Singapore like in terms of food

[@truongngo4786]

Yeah but your base salary is higher tho + u definitely have better social cares

[@jefri4176]

Spending power in SG is much higher than in Thailand. For example Thailand minimum salary can get you maybe 300 plates of food. But in Singapore low salary can get you 600 plates.

[@SimonBeisl]

Then just give up your SG job and start as a barrista in BKK ... get rich fast.

[@someone862]

I am also trying to budget on food, cheers from Latvia

[@reallyseriously7020]

Saving is important but the money means nothing if you are sick from malnutrition. I admire her helping family but you have to care for yourself also.

[@TheAmbrosia1996]

I’m surprised she can even send money to her family with 13k/month. I spend at least 9k/month on food and transportation alone.

[@enso3555]

When people grew their own food, had cows and poultry.. beautiful cottage homes that time was something else.

[@gwb8445]

One meal a day? If you eat the right kind of food it's very doable and actually a very healthy way to eat. I've been doing it by choice for years.

[@user-id4ne9gf3p]

My questions is why aren't they cook at home? I kinda did not get it. Why depend on the street food providers?

[@rammone5241]

She makes less than $400 US a month as a barista and still tries to save, just pure dedication. My family went to Bangkok in 2019, stayed at a 120US dollar a night hotel there, the sister had to since she is so posh, it has to be no less than 4 stars accommodation, then spent half the time sick in her her room. Right down the street is probably where this girl was working too. I will be better with my money from now on, sometimes what I make in a day is her month salary, sometimes a year. I am thankful for what I can do, time to tighten things up.

[@s._3560]

The fact that she lives 5 mins from home, it is so much easier for her to cook her own lunch and dinner! It is very easy to make some one pot rice!

[@silence1869]

In many buildings where you rent a room you are allowed to boil water but if they catch you using a rice cooker you get kicked out. Plus there is no good place to wash kitchen stuff.

[@BestMods168]

​@@silence1869why do they get kicked out?

[@kagumiharuna7511]

What's more sad is that i am a nurse only get paid $153 a month, saving almost like imposible for me now. Even buying coffe from a typical coffe shop i have to think its 100 times to spent money on that.

[@rtask]

Where do you live? That wage is horrible

[@iz9494]

I feel this lol I've had to do this as well.

[@garyleow70]

Total Respect to the two young girls. Do tip generously those working in the service, F&B industry. It doesn't hurt but it helps them

[@rikinendo3496]

How about employers pay more.

[@mavec200]

Don't tip, Thailand is not a tipping culture.

[@BrianBBBB]

khao mun gai is definitely my favorite

[@AsHx47]

I dont refrain myself spending for food, well right after I take out some for saving No use having all that money if I die tomorrow. 50% saving and 50% enjoy food

[@AnnnaNym]

It is so surreal, my husband and I earn more than her yearly salary every month. Yet, i would Not consider us to be rich. Crazy how the cost of living etc. are different