Recording summary · January 2023
[2023-01-03] Why I HATE Living in Thailand [AppdVCxYxCY]
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Overview
Living in Thailand for nearly two months brings distinct pros and cons that factor into decisions between staying longer or returning to Japan.
Significant challenges in Thailand include undrinkable tap water with a metallic taste that requires carrying bottled water, draining daytime heat, severe Bangkok traffic, and reckless driving.
Major benefits in Thailand include inexpensive housing and local food, pleasant evenings, modern urban infrastructure in Bangkok, and convenient airport purchases of renewable tourist SIM cards relative to Japan's connectivity hurdles.
Living conditions, costs, customer service norms, rural landscapes, and belonging in Thailand contrast notably with those in England and Japan, alongside considerations around dual pricing and potential visa routes.
Themes
Evaluating living in Thailand versus Japan and England.
Tap water quality and drinking water challenges in Thailand.
Climate, daytime heat, and evening conditions in Thailand.
Bangkok traffic conditions and driving behaviors.
Affordability of accommodation, hotels, and local versus foreign food.
Mobile connectivity and tourist SIM card acquisition in Thailand versus Japan.
Dual pricing practices at Thai attractions.
Bangkok's infrastructure, retail districts, and urban development.
Visa options for remaining in Thailand, such as education or Thai Elite visas.
Customer service styles between Japan and Thailand.
Personal perspectives on duration of stay and a potential honeymoon phase.
Developments
Daniel arrived at Bangkok Airport and purchased 30-day unlimited 5G tourist SIM cards.
Daniel visited a temple where his girlfriend was admitted without charge while Daniel paid a foreigner fee.
Daniel rented an apartment in Manchester costing nearly £1,000 per month for rent and bills.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether tap water in Thailand is actively treated or completely safe when contacting eyes, mouth, and skin during showers.
Whether mobile providers in Japan currently offer tourist SIM cards directly at airports or if there are existing services Daniel is unaware of.
Whether Daniel would be able to access cheap apartment rentals without a Thai girlfriend.
Whether the National Health Service in England can be considered good healthcare, as Daniel has not used it.
Whether Daniel's positive impressions of Thailand are due to still being in a honeymoon phase.