Why Thailand is SO CHEAP

[@JohnSkyLey]

I got to Thailand 4-5 times a year. It's my favorite place in the world

[@uptin]

I’m definitely coming back! Haha

[@fellysmith2623]

Wow! Best flight routes?

[@ViolentCabbage-ym7ko]

Anyone using the dollar will find it cheap in Asia but the people earning their local currency find it expensive, just like how Americans find the cost of living in the US expensive.

[@dodoreact]

Make more videos, Uptin. I live for your content brother 😀

[@uptin]

Thank you, I will! More to come 🫶

[@kirksulu]

It's cheap, yet sometimes I see western bloggers complaining about 25 cents rise in noodle price and complain that Thailand is getting more "expensive" that they'd consider to relocating to Cambodia or Vietnam. 🤣

[@LegendNinja41]

Perception probably plays a role in this, it's still very much a developing country even though alot of us outsiders probably don't view it like that because Thailand has alot of tourism and people generally don't see the bad sides of the country.

[@kevinstrong7520]

The author was just pointing out the economy and pricing. Every country has negatives.

[@MrWongnawa]

Actually public transport in Thailand is pretty expensive compared to Thai wages. BTS/MRT/Monorail train systems are different private companies and the government had a hard time controlling the ticket fare. Ticket starts at almost 20B for 1-2 stations while the minimum wage is 300B per day.

[@FabledCity]

One thing to keep in mind is that a large part od the economy is cash based and the atm withdrawal fees are crazy high. If you're there for a month or so those fees really stack up.

[@lucca_lee]

It depends on what kind of bank and card but normally there is no fee within the province you opened the account for all the card and bank company

[@FabledCity]

@@lucca_lee Oh sorry I meant being there as a tourist.

[@kevinstrong7520]

The US is teaching our kids to question their gender at 5 years old but let's focus on fees LOLOLOL. There is always someone drinking from a glass HALF EMPTY

[@lucca_lee]

​@@FabledCityBeing Thai, when I travel abroad, I also have to pay a fee every time I withdraw money from the ATM outside of Thailand it as expensive and getting 1 hour massage in my own country. It costs at least 100 baht plus a 2.5% currency exchange fee each time, compared to nothing when I use the same card in Thailand. I would blame it on the dollarization system. Normally, international banks won't exchange currency directly between the local currency, but they will first exchange it to US dollars and then exchange it again to the local currency. ASEAN countries and China are now working on a QR code system to avoid the dominance of VISA/Mastercard. In this way, each bank can exchange money in the local currency without transaction fees, and it can all be done through a mobile app. It has already started with banks in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, and they can all use the same QR system without transprovinces fee either in Thailand most people use this kind of payment system instead of the card.

[@jwg9338]

Lots of those foreign banks won't even let you go in as a foreigner.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

One economic theory I just learned about that makes 100% sense for the situation of Thailand is the theory that as long as there are still large number of subsistence farmers moving to cities for jobs, the economy has a large pool of very low wage labor. It’s only after that pool of poor farmers moving to cities for work runs out that business start competing for labor and labor rates increase

[@dudepubgm]

Honestly the $2.50 per massage isnt bad money at all. I mean If she works like for 8 hours a day, thats like $20 a day

[@uptin]

Good point!

[@lucca_lee]

In Bangkok the cost of livng is way higher than most provinces, it is considered very bad because security guards get at least 500-600 baht a day for doing nothing, but it is all they can get. If the massage is as cheap as 150 baht, it is considered cheap for the locals. I live in Bangkok, where the standard massage price is 300 baht per hour. For the cheaper ones, if they don't downgrade anything, they expect tips, which people usually give between 50 to 100 baht or more!. For the more expensive ones, you probably don't have to tip because it's already expensive, and in Thailand, tipping isn't mandatory; people give tips when they are satisfied with the service after massage if you feel good and you dont tip = shame on you

[@DerDudelino]

@@lucca_lee Which is a beautiful thing as a westerner. I've tipped for almost everything, because it's not a big deal for us. People are very happy with a 50 Baht tip, which is like 1 Dollar, 30 cents or so and it puts quite a smile on their faces because it's a nice bonus for them. And they put a lot of efforts into for example cocktails in the evening, especially in decoration - much more effort than in the US, where people don't care but charge you 10 bucks easily for a drink.

[@sisixu2038]

Make more videos Uptin！Your video is really helpful for me to learn English！Keep it up！

[@terryevp4084]

I always learn from your video's Many Thanks for creating these wonderful content, Uptin...!!!

[@uptin]

Thanks so much.

[@DerDudelino]

I think it's going to stay roughly the same - the biggest reason so many people do holidays in Thailand is because it's very affordable but you actually have great hotels. There are a lot of cheap places in the world but they are often either not safe - unfortunately often the case in South America. Or hotel rooms are way below our standard without a proper shower and so on. It's also important to remember that Thailand is only cheap on a western budget because our salaries are massive in comparison. We earn like 4-5x of the average Thai salary which is roughly 1.200 US-Dollar.

[@bisayacookgensan]

philippines should learn from them, it make sense when you take care of your farmers that means food is no problem, subsidy for the farmers is what philippines needs same here in the US

[@PassportPowell]

Sheeet I'm looking to move to Thailand in about a year. Going to visit southeast Asia again in Dec this year (Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia)

[@uptin]

Great choices!

[@armorbearer9702]

Did you happen to see a lot of Japanese people in Thailand? I heard the country is a fairly popular tourist destination for Japanese people.

[@lucca_lee]

Thailand itself faces a labor shortage due to a low birth rate and an increasing number of people pursuing higher education. There are many occupations that Thai people are reluctant to engage in, especially in the service sector, those Thai low skill labour tend to flee to work in Taiwan/South Korea/Middle East for higher salary. As a result, you may encounter illegal workers without even realizing it. Fortunately, the economies of most neighboring countries around Thailand are struggling, except for Malaysia, which is doing relatively better than Thailand. I believe this is one reason why Thai people aren't rushing to implement innovative solutions to reduce labor costs. Some Thai governments have considered raising the minimum wage with the aim of discouraging foreign factories that rely on cheap labor from neighboring countries. However, this move could potentially lead to higher inflation and push Thai people toward innovation. While the government may not explicitly state this intention, they might present it as a means of helping the less fortunate. Nevertheless, manipulating salaries in this way could have complex consequences that may be difficult for people to grasp.

[@lucca_lee]

Highly skilled Thai laborers earn well above $400 USD per month. Additionally, the official Thai GDP doesn't account for the significant informal or grey business sector, which is estimated to be nearly 40% larger than the official Thai GDP, you may spot street vendor or brothel everywhere these wont pay tax they can avoid using cash but it about to change after the latest government successful on implated cashless payment this way the revenue can track down those who suppose to pay tax but they wont be able to include dark grey business in the system anyway. You're correct in pointing out that many businesses manage to evade taxes, making it challenging to determine their true earnings. Thailand is incredibly diverse in terms of its socioeconomic classes living together. In most countries, wealthy individuals tend to live in specific areas, but in Thailand, the cost of living can vary widely depending on one's lifestyle and spending habits. Middle-class and upper-class Thais may dine in shopping malls where prices can be expensive by local standards, yet this doesn't deter lower-middle-class individuals from enjoying these malls once or twice a week. The economy of scale helps businesses survive despite high rents. Southeast Asia is fertile, and the climate is mild, so people don't face life-or-death struggles as frequently as in harsher environments. However, those with innovative ideas and strong work ethics can achieve greater wealth. For those in routine jobs, being in a less innovative country can live just fine but not as good as innovative country after all Thailand is still a factory OEM country that dont own the brand of it own. PS. If you still in Bangkok It would be good if you check out shopping malls around town it where the middle class like to spend time such as Siam Paragon/Central World/Icon Siam/The Emquartier or Mega Bangna you will be surprise how good management they are.

[@dexterspeights3484]

Educated people leave Thailand because of limited opportunity to get a good job without being connected!

[@hanglee5586]

The average monthly wage in the Philippines is also $300.

[@dexterspeights3484]

The Philippines has NO UNIONS just like Thailand.

[@zachninja07]

I’m curious how Thailand gets the funds to support all these public subsidies when the majority of business isn’t taxed.

[@harukrentz435]

Exports, tourism, and big businesses still get taxed.

[@michaelconnolly7681]

Excellent video

[@uptin]

Appreciate it!

[@kaffir76]

0:02 where is this ? Up North or down South?

[@touringthecitywalking9209]

Thailand is great but you, after shredding some pounds and coloring and grooming your hair, are looking far cuter than before lol! Liked the video.

[@jayliao7480]

Wondering which city did you go？that looks really nice and affordable. I heard a lot of people said they have had experienced local people (near beach area) tried to bamboo them and charged them twice or even three times higher than the price it should be. Make people feel that don’t wanna go there again. This is the less thing we wanna see in these days. No matter where we’re going, Its better stay away from touristy area.

[@Neo-gd5jy]

Pretty much Bangkok and its suburbs. As a Thai, I recognized every area.

[@michaelcaceres6870]

Come to Argentina my friend, if you know the right places it is super cheap

[@daa1635]

I’m from PH and visited Thailand last May, I can say that you’ll have more VALUE of your money there than in PH. Even though most will say our country is also cheap.

[@FunkyChild718]

PH is next up, it's developing fast and the natural beauty is unrivaled.

[@Siddharth-dc4hf]

india and indonesia are def cheaper

[@karankapoor2701]

In india you'd be able to enjoy best meals for just 10$

[@johnl.7754]

Rom what I’ve heard countries that depend on tourism usually has lower wages.

[@Tanjiro99883]

Interesting video ❤

[@uptin]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼

[@kirksulu]

Maybe it's just everywhere else are priced way too high. 🤣🤣

[@AmbiKitKat]

Love the video 📹 ❤ are you able to create a documentary about travelling overseas for cheap plastic surgery? 🤔

[@1AmSwapnil]

The thumbnail makes it seem like you are getting arrested

[@ansan5411]

Thailand and Switzerland basically ☯

[@ftheworlds]

I can't afford to retire in Canada. If Thailand becomes expensive, I choose another country to retire in.

[@lavina58]

🙌👍 For video

[@asspartacus]

How about the real estate market

[@AimbyFrame]

For only $5 you can get your spine rearranged? As someone with scoliosis, I'm sold!

[@uptin]

😂😂😂

[@thingsthatinterestedme7962]

It looked like she was doing a mortal combat finisher on you

[@uptin]

Hahaha! Felt very relaxed after though 🙏🏼

[@far_centrist]

​@@uptin any harder it will be a permanent relaxation

[@TheLolz1988]

Thailand is expensive bro phuket was just as expensive as melbourne australia! It ain't cheap unless u go to a village

[@loreleifajardo2430]

The opposite of the Philippines.

[@dexterspeights3484]

Thailand is cheap for two reasons #1: Thailand has NO UNIONS to fight for HIGHER WAGES or BENEFITS #2: Thailand is cheap for anybody getting paid in a major currency than is stronger that the Thai baht.

[@dexterspeights3484]

Get paid like a THAI with many degrees: Thailand becomes EXPENSIVE like NYC in America!

[@Sam..3115]

Are you iranian?

[@FunkyChild718]

Yes obviously. American though.

[@TheOnlyName]

Really interesting!

[@uptin]

Glad you think so!

[@Fluskar]

isnt most of SEA cheap? i could be wrong

[@dexterspeights3484]

Get PAID like a THAI without UNION PROTECTION and Asia becomes expensive.

[@FunkyChild718]

Yes you're correct. Except Singapore.

[@d3r3kyasmar]

Singapore is not

[@wuthichaiauomsin6237]

yeah it's cheap for tourist but not for the thai people and we gonna lose the chance to owning a home here.

[@tkpctt2001]

I like this 🤣🤣🤣

[@kaffir76]

Yeah try telling the farangs who say Thailand IIs SO EXPENSIVE 😂😂

[@fridge_magnet]

5$ is the base price . Most of them make money from happy ending 😅

[@shaduck06]

ANY videos on taiwan

[@uptin]

Taiwan is on my list to visit. I really want to go.

[@leponpon6935]

Chaep mak mak ...chaep ching ching ...chaep mak mak~~~

[@yingdoge9228]

First

[@uptin]

🫶

[@Moira_Gloucestershire]

Uptin, how much is your favourite ladyboi?