Settling Down to a New Life in Minburi

I often get asked, see it on YouTube videos, or read posts on social media from people who want to know where to live if they move to Thailand. Much of this depends on age, finances, interests, and why they want to stay in the Land of Smiles. Minburi was my chosen location for the following reasons.

Sihaburanukit Road , Minburi, with the monorail construction

Minburi – A Brief Overview

Many of you might not even have heard of Minburi. Well, it’s one of Bangkok’s 50 districts. It’s located in the furthest east of the capital, 15km north of Suvarnabhumi Airport and has a population of around 150,000. 

Moving to a new country is a massive step in anyone’s life. It is exciting but also nerve-wracking. Therefore, choosing somewhere familiar is a good idea. As I explained in A New Beginning in Thailand, I had friends in Minburi, and I often began and ended my regular visits there.

I knew that if I needed advice or had any real hassles, help would be close at hand. Plus, I would have trusted people to talk to or meet up with, thus avoiding loneliness. And I knew that it was a safe area, even late at night, with friendly people living there.

By the Saen Seap Canal

Minburi’s Advantages

In my opening, I mentioned age. I was 56 when I arrived to make a full-time move. I was past wanting to go to downtown bars every night, which I did when on holiday. There is a massive difference between being a two-week millionaire when spending cash is no object and budgeting as a resident.

Finances played a big part in choosing Minburi, where I knew I could get somewhere safe, clean and affordable to live compared to areas closer to the centre of town. To enjoy an occasional evening out in the tourist areas, take time and effort from Minburi, which reduces its attractiveness and leads to cash savings.

My interests in Thailand have always been to visit new places, integrate with locals and use bars and restaurants that not too many other Westerners are likely to frequent. Sure, I’d mix now and then, but I could never see the point of moving to an exciting new place and living the same life as I would in the UK. 

We’re all different, thank goodness. Otherwise, there would be some very crowded bars. Minburi had some options regarding food and drink, not least the Pak Soi Night Market, close to the condo I had moved into. 

Minburi Museum

Lots of Options

There were lots of places to shop, including a large Lotus and a Big C supermarket. As well as the night market, there was one off the main road for fresh foods, with lots of sois (Thai streets) off it with more open-air stalls and shops. A smaller Chatuchak Market than the famous weekend one sold a range of goods.

To save cash, occupy my time positively and learn and seek out new places, I used the local bus routes after finding a website listing them. I read and listened to music during my journeys, and because time didn’t matter, I could relax. 

Walking was another way I filled my time, stopping at cafés and discovering unexpected slices of local life. Like a man firing at fish in the canal using a crossbow or a gaggle of ladies snacking outside in the street and inviting me to join them. The exercise helped me lose weight and increase my love for the place as smiles were constantly exchanged.

It was a slightly surreal experience when I arrived with some pandemic restrictions still in place. There were far fewer people on the streets. For instance, my first time in town for drinks with my mate Steve saw only bars that also served food open, with many using impromptu menus and scuttling off to bring orders back from elsewhere.

I never thought I would be able to cross Sukhumvit Road at street level, but that’s how it was in December 2021. Some places asked for proof of a negative Covid PCR test before allowing you inside, while wearing face coverings on public transport and in shops was still mandatory.

Coffee Stop on Khlong Sam Wa

New Adventures

Despite this, there was fun in looking for places, such as where to get my hair shaved and locating stores to buy certain things. The Google Translate app on my phone certainly got plenty of use. Locals were invariably helpful, sending me elsewhere if their shop didn’t have what I required.

I also discovered the Saen Seap Canal and walked along its banks, along with a small museum where friendly staff showed me around free of charge. New cafes began to open while older ones disappeared from my previous visits.

Much of this was due to the pandemic, while the construction of the new MRT monorail high above Sihaburanukit Road split it in two. This made it awkward to cross, and businesses became out of sight and forgotten about to those on the other side. Demolition to widen the road also meant the end of the Sudtong Club bar, where I had enjoyed many great nights over the years.

The YouTube video I made around Minburi

Having a 7/11 at the end of my condo block was convenient, with several others scattered around Minburi. They are shops that open 24/7 and stock almost anything, including many food and drink options. They heat them if required, ideal for someone without cooking facilities at home.

Little did I know that my time in Minburi would be just the beginning. Before I could truly settle into my new life, there was still the challenge of navigating the visa process—and, perhaps more importantly, meeting the woman who would become my wife.

If you enjoyed this story, feel free to check out my YouTube Channel, where I share videos about everyday life in Thailand, local football, and travel across the country.

Thanks for reading.