Community Members spill the chai on how they have become cost-conscious without compromising on living life to the fullest. Skimping, but still living.

Thai-Indians are nothing if not flexible and adaptable, so it is with no doubt that with the tough economy, they are deal-finders, opportunity-grabbers, creative compromisers, and enthusiastic priortisers. They are making it work, even though, as the uncles say, “the market is bad.” Dialing it back has never looked so dashing, and being cost-conscious has never been classier.

PARVEENA PASRICHA

Vice Principal

Whoever said, “Having kids is like running a blender with no lid,” really wasn’t lying. I didn’t fully understand that until I was in the middle of it: chasing a toddler, caring for a newborn, and trying to stay afloat in a world where everything feels like it costs double.

Since being on maternity leave here in Bangkok, I’ve had to rethink how I spend money. I used to be the queen of late-night Amazon and Lazada scrolls, half asleep and buying stuff I thought I needed. Now, I actually stop and ask myself: “Is this something I need, or is this just me trying to survive a sleep-deprived moment?” More often than not, I just close the tab.

I also did a full clean-up of my monthly expenses by cutting off a bunch of subscriptions I didn’t even remember signing up for and letting go of services that weren’t adding much value.

But I will say this, being in Bangkok has made it a lot easier to stick to a budget. Compared to California, I can actually enjoy outings with the kids without feeling guilty or stressed. We go to Harborland, visit the aquarium, hang out at indoor play spaces, and it doesn’t burn a hole in my wallet. These little adventures have become our version of luxury.

Like a blender without a lid, life still feels loud and messy, but at least in Bangkok, it’s running on a budget setting.

PRERNA SINGHPATHOM

Kindergarten Teacher

The changes I have made may seem small, but they are intentional, meaningful, and have benefits that go beyond cutting costs. Firstly, I’ve been recycling my clothes and playing around with mix-and-match styling. It’s amazing how much you can do with what you already have. This thoughtful change has also helped me reduce waste and avoid over-storing my clothes. Secondly, I’m a big Grab user, so I’m constantly looking out for promotions or deals. It’s such a simple way to keep everyday spending in check without feeling like you’re missing out. Moreover, I’m more conscious about how and where I travel, prioritise quality over quantity with purchases, and enjoy the process of finding hidden gems that ooze charm and character (without the hefty price tag) to socialise in. It’s all about being smart, staying grounded, and still enjoying life. A penny saved is a penny earned after all.

ROSHNI GOOMANY

Small Business Owner

We feel very lucky to live in the beautiful Peak District, especially during these challenging economic times. We’ve embraced free and low-cost activities with the kids, exploring nature trails, visiting local parks, and enjoying long family walks. It’s been a lovely way to save money while teaching my children to love and appreciate the outdoors. I’m also much more mindful about where I spend, choosing to support the many wonderful local businesses we’re fortunate to have, rather than the big chains.

As a Thai-Indian living in Bangkok, I’ve definitely felt the pinch of the current economic climate. With rising costs across everything from groceries to utilities, I’ve become a lot more intentional with my spending. One of the biggest changes I made was cutting down on impulsive food deliveries, opting instead to cook more at home—it’s healthier and surprisingly therapeutic too.

Furthermore, instead of always meeting friends at expensive cafés, I now host BYO (bring your own) dinner nights at home. It’s chill, fun, and way more personal. Plus, everyone gets to show off their cooking skills (or pretend to). I’ve also started tracking my monthly expenses more closely and limiting unnecessary shopping, especially on fast fashion or random beauty splurges I used to justify way too easily. For example, I’ve stopped buying those THB 200 sandals from the street that fell apart in two weeks. I finally invested in a proper pair of leather flats—more expensive upfront but I’ve worn them for over a year and they still look new.

I think these small changes add up. These little switches save money and make sense long term.