calliopejen

I just got a job offer at Bangkok law firm for this summer, and I was wondering if any of you have any thoughts about what it would be like to live (as opposed to just travel/pass through) there. I imagine I would be working 40-60 hour weeks (I don't know yet), so it wouldn't be as though I was traveling the country, at least during weekdays. I think it could be a really great experience, but I don't know if it would be a better option than, say, working at a US firm most of the summer (and making much more money), then taking some of that money and doing a shorter trip to Thailand where I have all my time free to travel around.

Some concerns I have:
* I speak no Thai, and while I probably could learn some useful phrases before June, it looks ridiculously hard. Do many people in Bangkok speak English?
* How are women (and in particular, foreign women) treated?
* I would be staying in an apartment a fifteen-minute walk (I don't know which direction) from the office, which is on Sathon Rd near Lumpini Park. Is that a safe area?

Any advice appreciated!

lost in texas

That sounds like an incredible opportunity! I didn't have any trouble with the language when I was there. Especially in Bangkok, you'll find most people know at least a little English. Learn the basic greetings and you'll be fine. I can't answer from a woman's perspective, but I never felt unsafe walking around. I stayed in a mostly residential area, and sometimes walked for blocks without seeing another expat. I felt like I was three feet taller than everyone around me, but that couldn't be helped...

Living and working there will give you much more exposure to the local culture than a short trip, even if it means less sight-seeing. I guess it depends on what your interests are, but I'd go for it!

Good luck, whatever you decide!

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florencia9699

What a great opportunity!! I think you should take it!! Even though you might make more money in the US the experience you'll get just by living in Bangkok will be much more valuable!!

And besides, it's just for the summer, so you won't be away from home for too long if you start missing (which I doubt!!) Thai food is to die for!!

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Next trip: Still pondering the possibilities for January 2009... * OH THE MYSTERY!! *

The travel bug is insatiable

travelpunk

This has the making of one of those stories that I'll hear from time to time that goes, "I went to another country to work on a contract for one summer...and stayed for 7yrs!"

Ditto what Flo said about money vs the experience. Money is easy make, but the experience can be priceless.

What does your gut tell you?

joe7f

You should definitely go for it so you can tell stories that start like "Back when I was living in Bangkok..."

Flo is right, Thai food is fantastic!

--Joey

foofiter

I am in Bangkok now.

English is not a problem here. As said above everyone knows at least the basics. Good news is that even in Thai writing they use our numbers so there is no mistaking prices. I have never seen any foreign women here treated badly. There are tons here that are teaching English full time.

If you come here you won't regret it. That much I can tell you. And yes I had some amazing food last night that set me back about US$2. That was at a restaurant with a beer!

So go, enjoy, and keep us posted! The weather is always hot here so you have no need for a jacket or any sort of winter clothes. Maybe work and stay an extra month to travel as well?

Foo

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I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...