Whoa! Whoa! Hold up a second. I'm not sure that I feel safe. Change of plans. I couldn't find a minibus.
I'll just take a motorbike taxi instead. I'm coming!
I'm coming! I want it, but I can't afford it.
It's 160 baht per cup. If I manage to get one today,
I'd feel so refreshed. Why do you keep pushing me to take a bike taxi, Os? Why do you keep trying to make me spend money? It's generosity for your colleague. Usually, when P'Prince gives me a ride,
we always split the parking fee. Fine! Next time you split the bill with me then. Os, I'm serious.
If you're so adamant about going Dutch! Hi, everyone!
Welcome to MARCHU. In this video, we'll be focusing on the minimum wage. The current minimum wage is 353 baht (approximately $12). But there's a new government forming right now. While we wait for the process to be completed, we'll be discussing one of the proposed new policies, where they suggest increasing the minimum wage to 450 baht (approximately $15). Today, I've set a goal for myself. I've got 450 baht in cash, which is the new minimum wage amount. I'm gonna spend my entire day with this money. And along the way, we may reach the benchmark of the current minimum wage, which is 353 baht. We'll see how different it feels with the increased amount. Today, I have a meeting with the Meenakom team in the Kaset area. What time is it now? It's 7:30 am. I'll be heading out soon. Our meeting is scheduled for 9 am. Usually, I'd leave home around 8:30 am
and still manage to make it on time. But today, I need to give myself extra time because I've never traveled there this way. I'll be using public transportation for the entire trip. Because in the 200 baht video (spending the day with only a 200 baht budget), many of you pointed out that I was cheating by using my own car. So, today, I'll show you the real deal. I'll take public transportation to Kaset. But right now, I have no idea how I'm gonna get there. Anyway, I'll bring two of my crew members with me, Kyu and Os. 'Cause I'm afraid I might get lost. Give me a sec.
I'm getting hungry now. There they are, pork skewers. The most budget-friendly meal ever. - Good morning.
- Good morning. Can I get three pork skewers and a pack of sticky rice, please? Got it. Hang on a second. Sorry.
Can I actually get two skewers instead? That'll be 29 baht, please. 29 baht? It's actually 12 baht per skewer. - Oh, it's already 12 baht?
- Yes. I thought it was 10 baht. I haven't updated the price on the board yet. Ah, got it. So, it's 12 baht then. Okay. Here you go. 12 baht... 29 baht. - Thank you.
- Thank you. I've got my breakfast. The board says 10 baht,
but they've actually updated the price. Well, with inflation lately, it's understandable. So now it's 12 baht. You're not a big eater, huh? Well, I... I don't want to eat small portions!
I want five of them! I also want some coffee, but maybe later. I asked around, and apparently, I need to take a minibus first. Because there's no public transportation around here. I'm just gonna walk up there. Kyu, pan the camera in that direction. Our destination is over there. I feel really unsafe with my back exposed. Whoa! Whoa! This feels so dangerous. I'm not sure that I feel safe. See? Pebbles keep hitting me when cars pass by. I'm not sure if we'll make it through today in one piece. Check out these electric cables. Take a look at this! This is dangerous. It's like a hazard zone. Where are we going, by the way? We're going to the minibus stop. What if we just take a motorcycle taxi there? Honestly, that sounds like a good idea. Right? Change of plans. I couldn't find a minibus,
so I'll take a motorbike taxi instead. First, let's make our way to the entrance of the street, and we'll figure out the rest later. 'Cause we're running late now. Hi there!
We need three bikes to get to the entrance. How much is it? 25 baht each. Here you go. [54 baht spent so far] I'm gonna grab some coffee. You guys coming? I'm setting my coffee budget at 25 baht. There it is!
It says "fresh coffee" over there. Found it! Hi, how's it going? Can I get an iced Americano, please? 35 baht? 35 baht. Oops! [Every baht counts]
I can't afford to lose even a single baht. What show are you shooting for? Yeah, we're filming a show. It's for my own channel. MARCHU, right? Yes, ma'am. - So, you've seen it?
- Yep. She's one of MARCHU's viewers.
Awesome. Os, want something to drink? But you gotta pay for it yourself. She's a fan of MARCHU.
You gotta show support. You know I can't treat you today. This cup costs 35 baht. A little over my budget, but it's fine. I need it now.
I'm feeling sleepy. There's one on the left, but they say the other one over there is closer. Hold on, Os.
I wanna get some Patongko. But... It's 2 baht each. Let's split it, one baht each. Let's get half-half. - You got some change to spare?
- We can share. Or you, Kyu.
Got any spare change, like one baht? Kyu's got it. Nah, I won't ask you for it right now. That's so cool, Kyu. But if you spend two baht, you'll only get one. Can I get just one Patongko? Sure. Just grab one from there. Really? I'll leave two baht for you right here. - Thank you.
- Thank you. [90 baht spent so far] I'm gonna share it with you, Kyu. Can I get a bite? You're so stingy. You didn't give me any change. Where are we going? Just follow me. Follow me, and I'll blow your mind. Watch your step. Check out this sidewalk. Let's take a minute to send a message to P'Chadchart. Can you please help fix this?
It's in my neighborhood. This sidewalk here is in bad shape. This is Ramindra km 18. Please come and check it out. There are many spots with this problem. Please take care of the people in this area. P'Chadchart, help us out! See, Os? This is what I wanted to show you guys. There's now a skytrain station in my hood! There it is! Kubon Station. PK 23. We're gonna chill and just take the skytrain. It's already open.
I see trains passing by the station. It's a single-track station. I see trains all the time when I'm driving. Hey, Os, I'm getting a weird feeling. Now I'm not so sure. Do you think it's open? Sh*t! It's not open yet. Looks like they'll start free rides in September. Seriously? No kidding. The skytrain station is closed. Can they even close skytrain stations? So it has never opened yet? Not yet. Damn! It’s okay.
We have to cross the street anyway. Change of plans. Can't take the train anymore. 'Cause it's closed. Or maybe it hasn't opened.
I don't know. From what I see, in my neighborhood, there are public vans and buses. I think the bus might be easier. [Taxi already?]
Or maybe we take a taxi? Nah, just kidding. - Is there an app where you can search for bus routes?
- Yes. Google Maps? Yeah, Google Maps has it. Oh, really? Got it! Bus No. 26. - Right?
- Yeah, that's right. No. 26. Right.
No. 26. I heard they have AC buses for No. 26. AC, that's right! AC means Air Conditioned, right? I'll catch an AC one. I've seen three buses pass by,
but none of them were AC buses. I'll wait for an AC one. You know, Baifern talked me into taking the bus during our trip in Hong Kong. They show the estimated time of arrival for each bus on the app. [It's been too long.] Do you pass the Wat Phra Si stop? It's on the route. Let's go. I'm coming!
I'm coming! Sit here. Good morning. Wat Phra Si bus stop, please. How much is it? For all three of you? - Just one person.
- 8 baht. 8 baht. Aren't you gonna treat them? Nah, not today. I thought you were gonna get on an AC bus. This one will take us there right away,
and it's nice to feel the breeze. I just realized now they have an option to scan and pay. You can even scan and pay for just 8 baht. They didn't have that when I was a kid.
They only had this. Can I take a look at the conductor, please? I've always dreamed of using one of these. - We call it a "clipper."
- Clipper? I'm the conductor. So you're the conductor,
and this is the clipper. How long have you been using this? - Must be something sacred to you.
- It is. Thanks, ma'am. [Next stop: Ramindra 14] There's an escalator here.
Easy-peasy. Seems like we've got some extra time. Os, how about we go to the temple and make merit first? What do you say? How much budget do you have for that, anyway? Right, I forgot. Let's save the merit-making for later then. Alright. Oh? Usually, you don't have to pay for it. - What do you mean?
- It's free. - So, do I need to pay?
- No. Just go grab a ticket. Really? Why didn't you tell me earlier? I almost paid for it. I'm going to Kaset University Station.
Is the ticket free? Yes, it's free. [0 baht]
Okay, thank you. Three tickets, please. - Thank you.
- Thank you. Kyu, my treat. Follow me. It's nothing. I can pay for my team. Wat Phra Si. What's the code for that? From N17 to N13. I just checked the map. And since I'm not a regular skytrain commuter, I didn't realize how much the routes had expanded. I just found out I can travel from my place to Aree now. Back when I was a kid, there were only two routes intersecting each other, with a few interchanges to the MRT. But now the routes have become so extensive. I'm actually pretty stoked about it. By the way, this is coming from someone who doesn't use the skytrain often. If any of you frequent commuters have faced issues or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know in the comments. Maybe this video can serve as a platform for your voices to be heard. If the authorities come across your comments, they might find them helpful. Come on, let's head to Kaset. It's almost time, just a few minutes to 9. [How do you insert it?] It's so obvious that you rarely use the skytrain. I thought I had to tap the card. Can you tell us where Krungsri Bank is in Kaset University? I suggest you take a bike taxi to get there. It may be too far to walk. It'll cost you 15 baht each. We can walk there. Once you reach that point,
just keep going straight. - Thank you.
- You're welcome. Why do you keep pushing me to take a bike taxi, Os? Why do you keep trying to make me spend money? I just wanted to ask for directions. For information. You were trying to trick me into taking a ride. No way. Oh, they have electric scooters in Kaset University. And now people will criticize me for not spending money on a bike taxi. Yeah, that's what I was gonna say. It's nice to try new things. I'm returning it now. 8 baht. See, I paid for it. I returned it. Let's go. Oh, hey, Mew! What time did you leave your house? Seems like we got here at the same time. [Time to start bluffing.]
I left my house at 7:30 am. I left at 4 am. Let me see your face. You've just rolled out of bed. This AC is so refreshing. We've been through a lot, don't you think? I'm so tired. Hey, guys. Hey. See? Not that hard. So, we've reached our destination. Now let's get to work. - It's noon.
- It's noon. Time for lunch. It's lunchtime, but it seems like an issue just came up. My ankle is swollen. My Achilles tendon suddenly hurts. I can't walk right now. The symptoms started yesterday. And this morning, it was still fine. The doctor is calling! [His personal doctor] Seems like it's inflamed. Well, let's go grab some lunch then.
Somewhere nearby, okay? I can only spend a maximum of 100 baht for lunch. ํYou'll go as far as 100 baht? These days, I think a meal and a drink cost around that. This is the second time now. The doctor insists on seeing you since you're injured. Alright, let's go. Thanks for your help, bumpy path. You're such a lifesaver. Wow, Kraprao with shrimp for 60 baht.
Everything is 60 baht. It's affordable.
Student prices. What does it actually say here, 50 or 60? Looks like 50 is written on top of 60. More like they raised the price from 50. Maybe they brought down the price. - You really think so?
- Sale. They reduced the price because the ingredients got cheaper? Did any ingredient in this dish ever get cheaper? Pork is expensive. Let's place our order. Oh, that's a Starbucks! Oh, I can't afford it. Just now, it felt like I saw something I love. In normal situations, I'd already be heading there. I'd be drinking it right now. And they just launched a new menu item, Cold Brew Homsuwan. It tastes freaking amazing! It's coffee with pineapple juice,
topped with a big piece of pineapple. Hmm. Maybe I should try it. Hold up. We'll get them together. [He left some of the egg.] Can we have the egg? Here you go, your egg. 18 and 80.
That'll be 98 baht in total. 98 baht. Here you go. 98 baht is a bit over my planned budget. So far, I've already spent 204 baht. You know what? That egg actually costs 8 baht. Give me 8 baht for that egg yolk. You didn't say that earlier. Alright, just give me 4 baht then. Give me 4 baht. See? I can make some money during the day by selling stuff. I acted like I gave it for free, but no. - You charged her later.
- Yeah. You're so sneaky. I know, right? I'm even sneaky with my own colleagues. Come on, let's go.
I need to get some medicine. [Still haven't moved on]
Damn, my Cold Brew Homsuwan. Was it really that good? - It tastes amazing.
- It does look tasty. So delicious. So why did you bring me here? I want it, but I can't afford it.
It's 160 baht per cup. If I manage to get one today,
I'd feel so refreshed. Let me check my budget first. Should I sacrifice some portion for that? I can't. I really can't. Because I need to buy medicine. I have to buy the medicine first. If I have some money left later,
we'll come back for the coffee. Aren't you gonna save some for dinner? Right. First things first, the medicine. It's more important now. As we're heading to buy medicine,
it got me thinking... that this is an emergency expense. And now that we're passing dental clinics, it also got me thinking... Can you reimburse dental fees? Yes, but only up to 900 baht per year. That'd be the cost for teeth cleaning once a year. But... In reality... If you find out you have a cavity, you'll also have to decide if you want to get it filled. Hey, should we make a deal? We'll pass Kamu Kamu (a boba tea shop). Let's get it for Jenny and ask her to buy a Cold Brew Homsuwan for me in return. - Sounds like a plan.
- Sounds like a plan. Interesting. I'll call her later after I get the medicine. You know they charge you for parking? It's okay, I'll take care of it. He took me for a ride. That's called generosity, dude. It's generosity for your colleague. Usually, when P'Prince gives me a ride,
we always split the parking fee. Fine! Next time you split the bill with me then. Os, I'm serious.
If you're so adamant about going Dutch! Hello. We're in front of Kamu Kamu. Do you want some? If you do, I'll get one for you. But in return, you have to buy a Cold Brew Homsuwan for me. Please go back there.
I'm begging you. How about this? Text me right now what you want from Kamu. Deal. And I'll have a Venti Cold Brew Homsuwan, less sugar. Only half syrup. Homsuwan. It must be the Cold Brew Homsuwan. Okay. See? Negotiation always works. You did tell her she could order anything. What if she wanted extra toppings and all that? I don't think it would cost as much as the Cold Brew Homsuwan anyway. Still, it could be around 100-something baht. [Life Lessons
Lesson 1: Emergency Medical Bill
Injuries and illnesses are inevitable and can happen anytime.
You can't avoid spending money on that. Your health is the most important thing, after all.] Here, I got it. For pain relief and inflammation. Actually, Yelly told me to buy this specific medicine. But it costs 290 baht. I couldn't afford it. So I decided to get the one that only costs 50 baht. It might have some effect on the stomach, though. - But you did have a big lunch. You'll be fine.
- Yeah. Now you have to buy the drink and complete the deal. Seems like Jenny wanted to change the deal. She texted me, "Have you bought the drink yet?" And I told her "Yes." She said, "What did you get?
I haven't even ordered yet." Is she being tricky with me? I'm at the shop now.
Tell me what you want to order. I'll have a dark chocolate frappé. With the white balls? Wait, wait, wait. That's not on the menu. It's sold out. Sold out. All toppings are sold out. [We still have it.] They really are sold out! Oh! You have a promotion for this? But the frappé is not included. You want the bubbles? Can I add the bubbles, please? For this promotion, you can only add bubbles if you order the iced version. Can I get you the iced one instead?
They've run out of frappés. They've run out of frappés. So, the iced one? Okay. What even... How on earth would they run out of frappés? "They've run out of frappés"? No, I mean... Earlier, I was in a rush, right? And she believed it! Pay first. 64 baht, right? Here you go. Thank you. Thank you. 64! In exchange for Homsuwan.
Makes sense to me. Basically, you'll get a free coffee. Here's a pro tip. When you care about your colleagues,
you'll know their favorite items. That's their weakness. Because it's not available where she is. It's all about strategy. "They've run out of frappé." - That was so silly! That was such a terrible excuse. But the point is Jenny believed it. This is unbelievable. I was just blurting out that excuse in a rush. This is such a new feeling for me. Usually, when I spend money on this stuff, I never really... - Care about the promotions?
- I never really care about the promotions. I just order whatever I want at that moment, or whatever I feel like having that day. But in this case, the promotion turned out to be very helpful for me. And I was lucky because she happened to order that menu item in the promotion. The "Cup of the Day" helped me save 11 baht. Now I understand why Yelly did what she did. Do you know Yelly once caused a scene at a shop counter? She asked the staff if the promotion was really unavailable. She didn't believe that they didn't have the promotion. The staff insisted there was no promotion. So Yelly looked it up on the internet and went back to the counter to ask if they have the promotion. And they did! Maybe that staff member was new to the job and wasn't aware of it yet. Anyway, promise me you won't tell her about me claiming they ran out of frappés and the "Cup of the Day" promotion. [But now everyone knows.]
Okay? I'm gonna get rid of the receipt. 64 baht. [Life Lessons
Lesson 2: Promotions and Discounts
The privileges offered by shops can help you save a lot of money.
They shouldn't be overlooked. Remember: an 11 baht discount times 10 equals 110 baht in total!] This is our exchange deal. Quid pro quo. 49 baht? I don't know. Didn't you order this one? You're sneaky. [Sneaky!!] It's a deal, after all. I've spent 313 baht so far. Based on the current minimum wage, which is 353 baht, I still have 40 baht left. So... How am I gonna get home if I only have 40 baht left? BTS (skytrain)? BTS is free. That's helpful! BTS is free. And 8 baht for the bus. 8 baht, plus the motorcycle taxi fare. 25 baht for the motorcycle taxi fare. That'll be 33 baht. So I'll have 7 baht left, based on the current minimum wage rate. But if we base it on 450 baht, I'd have 137 baht left. And this doesn't even count the money I cheated from Jenny yet. We're gonna teach March another lesson. He should know that sometimes even when you have your entire spending planned, you can still end up having to pay a "social tax," like fundraising, donations, and other things where you need to spend extra cash. We're gonna make him realize that such additional expenses exist. March. For Mecha's ordination. What? Is he qualified to be ordained already? Well... He will when he turns 20. But I need you to donate in advance. I'll do it later. No, you can't. I'm actually doing this to show you what it's like to pay a "social tax." This is what you may experience in your work life. [Two baht] You should make a wish first, or you'll donate for nothing. I can't afford to donate more. Really? Are you really gonna give only two baht? Maybe think of this as a donation for monk robes. Consider it a donation for monk robes. Then give my two baht back. Really? You're taking it back? Let's make merit together. [20 baht] This might be too stingy if it were for an ordination. [334 baht spent] Why did you raise funds today of all days? For Mecha's ordination, I see. [Life Lessons
Lesson 3: Social Tax
Social tax refers to expenses incurred based on one's societal position.
It could be occasional gift-giving to colleagues, funeral donations, wedding donations, or other merit-making occasions.
The higher your social position and the larger your circle, the higher the likelihood of incurring these expenses.] What are you looking at? See my keyword? "Budget meal near Kaset." Can I interrupt you for a second? How about we have steak? I searched for "budget meal near Kaset" and this came up. You looked it up? What are we having for dinner? Moo Krata! I vote for Moo Krata too. I vote for Moo Krata too. That's four votes. Bowling also chooses Moo Krata. Seriously, I don't have enough money for Moo Krata. I'm gonna need to borrow from someone. And how will you get home? If my ankle wasn't in pain, I'd walk home. So I'll have extra budget for the meal. I'll walk home after the free BTS ride. Well, it's not really free since I'll have to take a bus first. - 8 baht for the bus.
- 8 baht. I have 7 baht. Please give me one baht so I'll have a total of 8 baht. Sure. One baht, please. Say, "Spare me some change." Can I get one baht, please? I think this meal will probably cost more than the current minimum wage, which is 353 baht. It's already exceeding the rate, but... I'm gonna try to save some money as I order the meal anyway. Premium beef set with three cuts and fresh beer. [Life Lessons
Lesson 4: Hanging out with Colleagues
Another form of social tax that adds complexity to managing your money.
On one hand, you want to join them, but it means you have to choose between spending your money or missing out on hanging out with friends.]
Two pork. [Life Lessons
Lesson 4: Hanging out with Colleagues
Another form of social tax that adds complexity to managing your money.
On one hand, you want to join them, but it means you have to choose between spending your money or missing out on hanging out with friends.]
Five bacon. Maybe start with two first.
You can order more later. Trust me, go with two first. If you order too much, you'll probably end up feeling too full. Let's just fill our tummies with rice. Raise your hand if you want rice. 2,200 baht. It's 2,200 baht. The average price per person is not even 300 baht yet. Now it's around 200 baht each. About the same price as those budget places. I think we're good with this. Let's place our order. By the way, does anyone mind lending me some money? Can I borrow your money? Just now Os helped calculate the split price for this meal. It's 240 baht per person. I was almost not going to come here! But if I didn't come, I'd seem like the odd one out in the company. So I eventually came. But now I'm 240 baht in debt. My spending is negative for today. If this was a real situations, I'd have to be careful with my money tomorrow. As compensation for today. So, I'll add 240 baht to my expenses. Now, let's enjoy the meal. I can't wait any longer.
It looks so yummy. Look at these glorious smoke, guys. Finally, I'm home. What a long day it was. I don't know why. Maybe because I had a lot of activities today. I had to attend a meeting, film a video, and have dinner with the gang. It's been such a long day. I'm completely exhausted. And maybe it's also because I had to rely on public transport, which drained my energy more compared to using my own car. Let's review my spending summary. For the return trip, someone gave me a ride part of the way, and then I took a car ride which cost me 86 baht. That's the baseline. However, I haven't even accounted for the 240-baht debt I have from Moo Krata. If this was real life, I'd have to be careful with my spending tomorrow and the following days to compensate for that debt. So, yeah. It's been a long day for me, and I didn't get to indulge myself much. Anyway, I did take note of the lessons I learned today. There were so many things I learned. First, when I don't have access to a personal car, it's crucial to plan my travels more carefully. Today I just went ahead without a plan and kept asking people for directions. Also, I need to allocate more time. Buses don't have a fixed schedule yet, so you never know when the bus you're waiting for will arrive. And when it comes to well-being and meals, I had to be less self-indulgent. I had to be more cautious before spending money on food due to my limited budget. I wanted to keep my budget within 450 baht, but in the end, I failed. And then there's coffee. I'm a huge coffee lover. I didn't think much when I bought the first cup, but when it came to the second cup, I started to worry. It turned out that it took up a significant portion of my budget. In the end, I couldn't resist and made a deal. But those kinds of situations won't happen frequently. I convinced Jenny to buy me coffee in exchange for a chocolate frappé. Now, let's talk about the unexpected expenses. Medicine. I suddenly felt pain in my Achilles tendon, so I had to spend 50 baht on medicine, even though it may not have been the best choice for my treatment because it has potential side effects on the stomach and such. But I had to go for it because it only cost 50 baht. The higher-tier medicine would have cost me around 200-300 baht, which was impossible for me since it would have exceeded my daily budget. Not to mention other expenses like rent, electricity bills, water bills, and phone bills. And on weekends, you also have expenses for things like meeting up with your partner and having family meals. You have to allocate a portion of your daily income for those occasions as well. I'm not sure what percentage it would be,
as it varies for each person. And let's not forget about savings. Savings are important in my life. Everyone has different goals and things they desire, so saving money is crucial. You might allocate 10% or 20% of your income for savings. I also want to save up for things I dream of or for future necessities, like health insurance or emergency funds in case of accidents or medical emergencies. You need money when those situations arise. Now, let's discuss the increase in the minimum wage from 353 baht to 450 baht. Well, I think the increase will definitely help. But if you ask me whether the minimum wage of 450 baht is sufficient considering the current cost of living in Bangkok, personally I still think it's inadequate. Maybe it's just me not being economical enough, I don't know. Perhaps it's because of all the extra expenses, like beverages. So, please share your thoughts on whether you consider the minimum wage of 353 baht or 450 baht to be sufficient for you. Let me know if you have any suggestions on how to save money or any tips on how I can be more economical. Any suggestions are welcome, so please leave your comments. I would love to hear from you all. Essentially, this is about macroeconomics, new government policies, and future plans. Things will gradually improve, step by step. I do believe that if the minimum wage continues to increase and becomes balanced with the cost of living and inflation rates, people will be able to enjoy a better quality of life and be happier. I learned a lot from this experience, and I hope MARCHU fans also learn something along with me today. As I mentioned earlier, if you have any suggestions,
please feel free to share them with us. Sending my encouragement to each and every one of you. I understand that life can be challenging, so I want to offer my support. Just take it step by step and plan your finances and life gradually. One day, when the numbers align, we will all have a better quality of life. I'll see you later. Whoa, I was being quite constructive. Bye-bye.
See ya! Don’t forget to hit like, share and subscribe, if you like MARCHU and our uploads on Meenakom channel. I’ll see you later.
Bye-bye.
