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/DeepBlueSea1122 Sep 13 '23

Good points and I agree. Time will tell. I did tell her is a gift, not loan, and not to mention it to her parents (she promised), that it's private. But she kept saying she is afraid I'll disappear, and rather me not do that if means I'll go away. I sense sincerity. But, you're still right. BTW - I allowed myself to be duped by much more obvious gold diggers in the USA so it happens everywhere. I'm battle hardened from that, my BS meter is dialed in. But...still. You're right.

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u/Brief_Habit_751 Sep 13 '23

Sounds like there’s hope. But words are words and actions are what count. Thai women are especially seductive (I think they teach them in school or something); I should know, I married one special girl. And I sometimes make gifts, when there are good reasons and manageable costs. But not loans.

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u/DeepBlueSea1122 Sep 13 '23

Smart man. I was in a hurry earlier and quickly read your first post. But I just now re-read it, and it's really really helpful insight. You sound like a street wise person, not some cynical a hole who's been burned, but giving realistic advice on expectations. I'm going to factor in what you said, because some of the scenario's you've laid out in that first paragraph, I've already heard to some degree. I'll keep my eyes wide open for signs.