ABOUT
Michaela is from the United States. She currently teaches English to young learners. She speaks English, and Spanish (not quite fluently yet). She moved to Thailand in April 2022, so she has almost been there for a year. She moved to Bangkok to teach English after she spent two years in Korea doing the same thing.
Moving to Bangkok
Is life better in Bangkok than in the US?
Oh yes, for sure. I can actually afford to live a comfortable life here without seeing my paychecks dissolve. My friends are what I appreciate the most. I have met a group of wonderful and like-minded people that I would’ve never met back home. I can’t thank myself enough for making this decision to leave.
What is Thailand famous for?
Thailand is famous for things like the islands and nightlife. To me, it’s way more than the dark side of tourism and all of that. Thailand is such a relaxed country with warm and friendly people.
What surprised you about life there when you first arrived?
How relaxed and easygoing everyone is. Sometimes, it can be hard because things don’t run as efficiently as they could, like the public transportation system. Overall, nothing was too much of a shock to me because of living in Asia before.
Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
My insurance is offered through my employer so no, it wasn’t hard for me. In other cases, I really have no idea. I am sure there are plenty of companies offering insurance for expats and nomads.
How to find a job in Thailand?
The Ajarn website is my go-to for teaching positions, but you can also try Seriousteachers
What did you bring with you?
My two giant suitcases that have been holding my life for the past 3 years. I just packed my summer clothes and hopped on the plane.
How did you find an apartment in Bangkok?
I found an apartment through an agent that my employer provided me with. However, there are a ton of websites that have apartment listings and sometimes people just go in person.
I got a deal on my rent, I only pay 9,000 ($230).
How did you get set up? (phone plan, bank ..)
Go to the phone store, I recommend AIS, give them your passport, pick the phone plan, and you’re done. It was so easy to do it here. You can also download the app and pay your bill on there.
Living in Thailand
What are the main differences between Americans and Thai people?
I think the main difference is saving “face” because it is such a common thing in Asia. Thais are very friendly and happy most of the time. However, you have to be careful sometimes because even if they are upset with you, they won’t directly say it. Americans tend to call it like it is.
Do you need to speak Thai well to live in Thailand?
I am a big believer in learning the local language or trying to get as proficient as you can. While you can get by with only a couple of words in your vocabulary, learning Thai will make things slightly easier. Thai people seriously do try to speak to foreigners in English and it’s so heartwarming. The app that I use is Google Translate even though it’s inaccurate.
What are your favorite things to do in Thailand specifically?
I like going to the islands for a short trip because it can be easy to get to. eating street food, exploring quirky bars and cafes in Bangkok. Or, getting on the bus and going to the countryside sometimes.
What do you think about Bangkok?
Bangkok is an amazing but gritty city. There is always something to do, amazing restaurants, cute cafes, and the street food keeps me going. The best time to visit is at the end of the rainy season between November-January. It’s not as hot outside.
Did you feel safe as a woman?
Yes, I feel safer here than I did in the U.S. I can walk alone without getting harassed, especially late at night.
What do you think about Phuket?
I personally do not like Phuket, it just isn’t for me. But, some people do like that vibe so go when it’s not the rainy season in November-January.
Have you seen elephants in the wild?
I personally have not, but I hear you can see them in Chiang Mai. My advice is don’t touch the poor things, just watch them from afar. If you want to check out a sanctuary, do some research.
Where are the best beaches?
This is a hard one but I’d say that Krabi and Koh Yoa Noi have the best beaches.
Where is the best area to live in, in Bangkok?
Ari, Ekkamai, and Thonburi. The other districts are pricier and have way too much traffic.
What are some underrated places in Thailand?
Koh Yoa Noi, Koh Samet, Kanchanaburi, and some others because people only focus on the touristy spots.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
Yes, I think that expats are generally more open in Thailand than they were in Korea. I have been using an app called Bumble for 2 or so years now to make all my friends and it works wonders.
Describe your favorite recreational activities in Thailand.
Bike riding, swimming at the islands, Muay Thai, it just depends but I will always try something new.
Can you tell me something about local culture that people might not know?
Don’t point your feet towards people. always take off your shoes, don’t mention the Royal family because it can get you into a lot of legal trouble.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in your city?
On a teachers salary, because this is from my perspective, you need between 45-50,000 to live comfortably in Bangkok.
What are your favorite restaurants and bars in your area?
I don’t hang out in the area that I actually live in, but some of my favorite spots are in Thong Lor, Ekkamai, and parts of Sukhumvit.
Can you tell us something else about Thailand that we might not know?
Thailand was never colonized by any country which I found so interesting because every other country surrounding it experienced colonization.
Final Thoughts
What are the biggest challenges that Thailand faces today? What can we do to help?
I am not involved in Thai politics or issues. It is hard as an expat because I am on the outside even if I do live here. It is hard for me to answer this question.
What has been the hardest aspect of living in Thailand?
Getting used to the heat is one thing, but there’s a lack of organization here in some areas like going to immigration and things like that. Public transportation has been the biggest thing for me. The buses never leave on time. It can get pretty annoying.
How can Americans immigrate to Thailand?
You can get a teaching/business visa, Non-B Immigrant visa, that is what I am on. You can also get an education visa, by studying at a university, or marry a Thai national.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to leave ESL teaching in the next year or so and go into Digital Marketing plus content creation full-time. Hopefully still living abroad.
Thank you Michaela for your insights into teaching English in Thailand! This country was my first visit to Asia so it has a special place in my heart as well! I hope that your transition into digital nomad will be smooth and I cannot wait to see your own projects! Michaela’s IG here 🙂
