Thai Students: Partying On A Budget

Thailand is a popular destination for international students due to its rich culture, diverse landscape, and affordable living costs. The cost of living in Thailand is lower than in many Western countries, but it can vary depending on individual lifestyles and spending habits. Thai university students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week to support their living expenses. The pay for part-time work is low, with students earning around 350 baht per hour. The cost of living in Thailand for international students ranges from USD 600 to USD 800 per month, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. The official currency in Thailand is the Thai baht (THB), and the exchange rate fluctuates, but as a reference, 1.09 USD is equivalent to approximately 37.70 THB.

Thai university students' part-time work

Thai university students can take on part-time work to fund their lifestyle and partying. The cost of living in Thailand is lower than in Western countries, but expenses can still add up, especially for students wanting to enjoy Bangkok's nightlife.

There are several part-time job opportunities for Thai university students. The hospitality and tourism industry is a good place to start, with hotels always looking for fresh employees. Retail and customer service jobs are also popular choices. For those with a talent for languages, tutoring is a lucrative option, with rates of 500+ baht per hour. Programming, graphic design, and other IT-related skills are also in high demand and can be done alongside studies.

International students are permitted to work part-time in Thailand, but they must obtain a work permit and ensure their visa allows employment. They are limited to working 20 hours per week.

The minimum wage in Thailand is around 350 baht per day. A decent one-bedroom apartment can cost around 20,000 baht per month, with utilities costing an additional 2,500 to 7,500 baht. Food is relatively affordable, with a meal at a local restaurant ranging from 1.64 to 3.28 USD. Transportation is also inexpensive, with a monthly public transportation pass costing around 36 USD.

With the right combination of part-time work and money management, Thai university students can afford to party and enjoy the vibrant city life that Bangkok has to offer.

Low living costs in Thailand

Thailand is known for its low living costs, which are significantly lower than in Western countries. This is especially true when it comes to food, transportation, and housing.

For example, a meal at a casual diner or street food stall in Thailand may cost around 45 to 200 baht per person, while a mid-range restaurant would cost between 500 and 2000 baht for two people. A one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok can be rented for as little as 218 USD per month, and even less in other areas.

Transportation is also very affordable, with buses costing between 10 and 50 baht for a one-way trip. The BTS and metro are also popular modes of transport for expats and can cost between 600 and 2000 baht for a monthly pass.

The low living costs in Thailand allow for a comfortable lifestyle, including dining out, wellness treatments, and adventures, all at a low cost.

Scholarships and financial aid

Thai university students can benefit from a range of scholarships and financial aid options to support their studies and enhance their overall university experience. These opportunities can help offset tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with higher education. Here is an overview of some notable scholarship programmes and financial assistance available:

Royal Thai Government Scholarships:

The Royal Thai Government offers scholarships for both master's and doctoral programmes to qualified candidates with excellent academic achievements. These scholarships are managed by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and aim to foster diversity and international understanding among students from various Asian countries. The scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, providing a valuable opportunity for students to pursue their academic goals.

Thailand International Postgraduate Program (TIPP) Scholarships:

The Thailand Government, under the Thailand International Postgraduate Program (TIPP), offers fully funded master's scholarships to international students. TIPP focuses on development topics, including Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), Public Health, Agriculture and Food Security, and Climate Change. The scholarships cover a range of expenses, such as living and accommodation allowances, settlement money, books allowance, thesis allowance, and health and medical coverage.

University-Specific Scholarships:

Some private universities in Thailand provide scholarships and financial aid to international students. For example, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) may offer financial assistance to help offset the high tuition fees for bachelor's and master's programmes. It is important for students to research and compare the financial aid options available at different institutions before applying.

Exchange Programmes and International Scholarships:

Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its affordable living costs and high-quality education. Exchange programmes, such as those offered by Asia Exchange, provide opportunities for global learners to study in Thailand with affordable tuition fees. Additionally, international scholarships like the Fulbright Program, the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship, and the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) can provide financial support for students from various countries to pursue their studies in Thailand.

Part-Time Work for International Students:

International students in Thailand are permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week to support their living expenses. This option allows students to earn an income while studying, contributing to their overall financial stability and enhancing their ability to afford social activities and entertainment.

Thai university students can leverage these scholarship opportunities and financial aid options to help fund their education and enjoy a more comfortable student life, including socialising and partying. It is important for students to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application processes for each scholarship to maximise their chances of receiving financial support.

Cheaper food and entertainment

Thai university students can save money on food and entertainment by taking advantage of the country's affordable food options and free attractions.

Eating out at restaurants in Thailand is generally inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as 1.64 to 3.28 USD. Street food is also a budget-friendly option, with one person reporting that they spend just 100 Baht per day (approximately 3 USD) on food.

In addition to cheap food options, Thailand offers a range of low-cost entertainment choices. The country is known for its vibrant culture and natural beauty, including lush forests and relaxing beaches. Students can explore these attractions during school breaks without spending a fortune.

Public transportation is also affordable, with a monthly pass for buses, subways, and trains costing around 36.06 USD. This makes it easy for students to get around and explore different areas without breaking the bank.

By choosing budget-friendly food and entertainment options, Thai university students can stretch their money further and afford to party more often.

Support from family

Thai university students can afford to party thanks to support from their family. Many Thai students are supported by their parents, which helps them cover their living expenses.

The cost of living in Thailand is generally considered affordable, especially when compared to Western countries. However, it can still vary depending on individual lifestyles and spending habits. For example, renting an apartment in Bangkok can range from 218.56 to 327.84 USD per month, while a meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as 1.64 to 3.28 USD.

Thai students also have the option to live on campus, which can be more affordable than renting a private flat. On-campus dormitories cost between 163.92 and 273.20 USD per month, and utilities may be included in these charges.

Additionally, Thailand offers a diverse range of transportation options, such as trains, taxis, tuk-tuks, and buses, which are the most common mode of transportation in the country. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around 36.06 USD.

By having support from their family, Thai university students can afford their living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation, which leaves them with some disposable income to spend on partying and other entertainment.

Frequently asked questions