Blogs on Teaching and Living in Thailand

Are you a new teacher looking for a cheap and comfortable place to stay in Thailand? If you’re just starting out, you may not be able to afford expensive accommodations and you may be worried about the commitment of a long-term lease. Don’t worry! There are plenty of options for teachers looking for cheap long-term accommodation in Thailand. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of finding cheap long-term accommodation in Thailand, how to find the best deals, resources and tips for finding the perfect place for you.

Benefits of Finding Cheap Long-term Accommodation in Thailand

When it comes to finding a place to stay in Thailand, there are many benefits to finding cheap long-term accommodation. The first and most obvious benefit is that it’s much cheaper than other accommodation options. With long-term leases, you can usually find a much lower rate than you would get with a short-term lease, staying in hotel accommodation for example. This makes it much easier to budget for your stay in Thailand.

Another great benefit is that you can usually find better facilities and amenities when you opt for long-term accommodation. This includes things like a gym, a pool, and other luxury features that you won’t find in most short-term rentals. This can make your stay much more comfortable and enjoyable.

How to Find Cheap Long-Term Accommodation in Thailand

The best way to find cheap long-term accommodation in Thailand is to start looking as early as possible. This will give you the best chance of finding the best deals and you’ll be able to compare different options.

A great way to find cheap long-term accommodation in Thailand is to ask other teachers and expats. Many teachers have been living in Thailand for a while and can give you advice on where to look and what to expect. They may even be able to give you a few tips on getting the best deals.

The most popular way for newbie teachers in Thailand to go about finding suitable accommodation is to locate a neighborhood close to public transportation, for instance a subway station.

There are two different types of subway stations in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, the underground “MRT” and elevated one i.e., trains running on elevated rail tracks “BTS Skytrain”. Both options are excellent. The traffic is often horrendous, especially in the capital Bangkok during rush hour 7:00 am - 9:00 am and 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

It is recommended new teachers in Thailand to stay for their first few days in the Thai capital in an apartel (an apartment that also doubles as a hotel) near public transportation e.g., Witchuwan Apartel on Rachada Rd. Soi 3, not far MRT station Praram 9. For information on how to get there from Bangkok’s main airport click here.

You can ask the apartel’s receptionist to write down in Thai that you're looking for an apartment with aircon maximum of let's say 3,500 Baht in a particular area WIFI included. Next, walk to a queue of waiting motorcycle taxis in your preferred neighborhood and show them the paper. Within minutes you're on your way to an apartment costing 3.500 Baht. Don't forget to negotiate the fee in advance with the motorcycle taxi driver. Visiting 5-6 places will cost you approximately 300 Baht. Alternatively, if it's a small area, simply walk around and ask. All apartment buildings look pretty much the same and are super easy to spot. Most receptionists at Thai apartment complexes speak basic English. Speak slowly and clearly.

Types of Accommodation Options Available in Thailand

When it comes to accommodation options in Thailand, there are plenty of options to choose from. The most common options are apartments, condominiums, and houses.

Apartments are usually the cheapest option and are great for those on a tight budget. Condominiums are a bit more expensive but offer more amenities e.g., a gym and a swimming pool, and often offer more communal space too.

Houses are the most expensive option but can be great for those looking for a home away from home. Houses on the outskirts of big cities are very affordable if you know where to look; the best way to go about it is to either rent a motorcycle taxi to take you around your preferred neighborhood or going on foot. The latter is probably not advisable due to the cheer number of stray dogs in most smaller roads (Sois) in Thailand and the fact that you won’t be able to read the sign hanging from the gate of an empty house as it’s almost always in Thai. It can be anything from “house for rent” or “house for sale” to “room for rent”. A motorcycle taxi driver in the neighborhood will know exactly which houses are for rent and which aren’t. The majority of Thai homeowners don’t speak English. This can be a real headache if you don’t have someone to call on your behalf. Remember, motorcycle taxi drivers don’t speak any English either, and apart from taking you to the house, they won’t do much more. What you could do instead is to jot down the telephone number and on your return to your hotel accommodation try ask the hotel receptionist to call the landlord on your behalf after his work hours, and tip him a few hundred Baht for his efforts.

You’re new in Thailand, renting a house entails getting connected to the internet, water supply and electric network. It won’t be easy and unless you have a real Thai friend helping you settling in, it is better to stick to renting an apartment until you’ve acclimatized yourself to the local culture, made some friends, and perhaps speak basic Thai.

Internet speeds can vary greatly from apartment to apartment. This could be an issue if you’re teaching online, don’t be afraid to ask and test it with your smartphone or tablet. Even better, ask if you could have your own private internet connection with an internet provider of your choice. Some landlords will allow you to have your own internet provider, the majority won’t.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Long-Term Accommodation in Thailand

Finding the best deals on long-term accommodation in Thailand can be tricky but there are a few tips that can help you find the perfect place for your budget. The first tip is to do your research. Look online here and ask other teachers and expats for advice on where to look and what to expect.

Another great tip is to be flexible. You may be able to get better deals, especially on houses for rent if you’re willing to look at different neighborhoods or areas. You may also be able to negotiate a better rate if you’re willing to sign a longer lease.

Apartments and condos can cost anywhere between 3,000 Baht and 15,000 baht depending on amenities.

Renting a house can cost anywhere between 5,000 Baht and 30,000 Baht depending on the location, neighborhood, amenities e.g., a private pool or gym, how large the garden is, the size of the house itself, and whether the house is located in a working class neighborhood in a “Soi” (small side road), or a open “moobaan” (housing compound / village), a closed “moobaan” with security guards, a shared swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds for small children etc.

If you're staying in a hotel and are new to Thailand, ask the receptionist to write down in Thai on a piece of paper that you're looking for an apartment with aircon maximum of let's say 3,500 Baht in a particular area WIFI included. Next, go down to a queue of motorcycle taxis in your preferred neighborhood and show them the paper. Within minutes you're on your way to an apartment costing 3.500 Baht. Don't forget to negotiate the fee in advance with the motorcycle taxi driver. Visiting 5-6 places will cost you approximately 300 Baht. Alternatively, if it's a small area, simply walk around and ask. All apartment buildings look pretty much the same and are super easy to spot.

What to Consider When Choosing an Accommodation Option in Thailand

When it comes to choosing an accommodation option in Thailand, there are a few things to consider. The first is your budget. Make sure you know how much you can realistically afford until your first paycheck and stick to it.

Another important factor to consider is the location. Make sure you choose a place that’s close to where you’ll be teaching. This will make it much easier to get around and save you time and money. Or, pick a place near an MRT or BTS station.

Remember that when it comes to moving into your new place, there are a few things to expect. The first is that it can take time to get settled. This is especially true if you’re moving into a new city or country. It’s also important to remember that it can take time to get used to your new home. This is normal and it’s important to be patient and give yourself time to adjust.

it’s important to consider the amenities and services available. Make sure the accommodation you choose has all the amenities and services you need. This can make your stay much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Remember that there may be some unexpected expenses. This includes things like setup fees, deposits, and other costs that may come up. Be sure to budget for these expenses and you’ll be much better prepared for the move.

To wrap things up, when you commit to a long-term lease, you’ll have more stability. You won’t have to worry about finding new accommodation every few months and you’ll be able to build a relationship with the landlord or property manager. This can make it much easier to stay in the same place for a year or more.

Be sure to read the contract carefully before signing. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions and know what you’re signing up for. This can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.

Tip: never pay more than a two-month deposit to your new Thai landlord as the likelihood that you will never see your deposit again is real!

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Blog by Reindeer

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Note that the author of the blog is expressing personal thoughts and musings, which do not necessarily reflect those of KruTeacher. Therefore, KruTeacher.com cannot be held responsible for any potential inaccuracies that may be present in the blog.