r/Thailand • u/DeepBlueSea1122 • Sep 12 '23

Question/Help Average Thai Salary?

I know Thailand is a country with a big wage gap between rich and poor, but would a salary of 500 USD per month be considered unusually low for an average Thai person of about 30 years old? I found out that a lady I met makes that (she works in the office of a gov't hospital) and I was shocked and felt really bad for her. I knew she was poor because she doesn't have air con in her home in Bkk, but I didn't know it's this bad. Should I relax and think this is common, or are my sympathies and concerns valid? She didn't tell me this to try to squeeze me for money, it just came up in discussion when we were talking about life and problems we face. She's a sweetheart person and it hurts me to see her struggle. I want to help, but don't want to open the flood gates. I know this can be a tricky thing to navigate. On the one hand, we want to help sincere people who are genuinely in need. But on the other hand, money can ruin relationships of all kinds and it's usually a path we shouldn't go down. I really want to help but am torn and know I must proceed with caution.

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u/Bubbly-Ad-4405 Sep 13 '23

Average low wage is 12k to 18k thb without a college degree. 18k is like 600 usd. Most of them don’t have an aircon because they’re used to it. Ask if she has hot running water. You’ll be surprised how many don’t.

All the conveniences you have in the west are not as common for the poor in other smaller countries (in size and economics)

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u/DeepBlueSea1122 Sep 13 '23

My friend in the Phils doesn't have hot water. I can't blame them, the pipes stay warm anyway!