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Wife is no horse run!
Brand studio founder Brandon Yeo, 29, who is based near to Bangkok, said the culture in Thailand has also been a boon for him, both in business and personally.
He was “boxed into a small echo chamber” in Singapore that made it hard for him to think differently, he said. But in Thailand, he said, people are less judgmental and have more appetite for risk.
“Singaporeans are always under pressure to make sure that all of their time is efficient and fully maximised. When I was studying at the National University of Singapore, we discussed very money-minded things,” he said.
“But here, Thai people treat me with the love of a friend. It just felt more real, like there weren’t any hidden motives of trying to sell me property or insurance. When someone meets me, it is really just to meet.”
In terms of lifestyle, the greater physical expanse of neighbouring countries means more travel opportunities within the country for weekend getaways or entertainment options.
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Mr Yeo said that when he is on road trips to certain provinces in Thailand, he sees no one within his field of vision, just grass and tall trees – a stark contrast from the dense concrete jungle he grew up in.
“For someone like me in the creative space, we need varied stimuli. When you are always looking at the same things, it’s very hard for you to think differently,” he said.
“I vividly remember when I was stuck on a project, I didn’t have any fresh ideas. And then when I changed my environment, I went to a different province, the inspiration just hit. That kind of change has an effect.”
Lower prices are a major plus point for super commuters as well. While not every item may be cheaper, most of those interviewed by CNA TODAY agreed that the cost of living is more affordable overall.
Local food in the outskirts of Bangkok is half the price of an average hawker dish in Singapore, said Mr Yeo, noting that he typically pays less than S$2 for a Thai meal.
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He also felt that starting a family would be impossible in Singapore because of the costs involved. However, in Thailand, he is now married to a Thai wife and has two young children and they live comfortably.
Mr Yeo recalled how his own mother, who single-handedly raised him, missed out on witnessing his milestones such as winning school awards because she was too busy working.
So he now wants to make sure that he and his wife are present for their children. The lower costs and the fact that his wife does not have to work make that goal realistic, in his opinion.
“Dual-income families are the norm in Singapore. And for example, spending about S$2,900 each month is the bare minimum to support a family of four.
“That is assuming there is no recreation, no tuition, discretionary spending, hospital fees or insurance costs. For that amount, we can thrive and be comfortable in Thailand.”
Brandon Yeo, 29, lives in Thailand with his wife and children. He returns to Singapore every 1-2 months where he stays for a week. (Photo: Brandon Yeo)
Brand studio founder Brandon Yeo, 29, who is based near to Bangkok, said the culture in Thailand has also been a boon for him, both in business and personally.
He was “boxed into a small echo chamber” in Singapore that made it hard for him to think differently, he said. But in Thailand, he said, people are less judgmental and have more appetite for risk.
“Singaporeans are always under pressure to make sure that all of their time is efficient and fully maximised. When I was studying at the National University of Singapore, we discussed very money-minded things,” he said.
“But here, Thai people treat me with the love of a friend. It just felt more real, like there weren’t any hidden motives of trying to sell me property or insurance. When someone meets me, it is really just to meet.”
In terms of lifestyle, the greater physical expanse of neighbouring countries means more travel opportunities within the country for weekend getaways or entertainment options.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mr Yeo said that when he is on road trips to certain provinces in Thailand, he sees no one within his field of vision, just grass and tall trees – a stark contrast from the dense concrete jungle he grew up in.
“For someone like me in the creative space, we need varied stimuli. When you are always looking at the same things, it’s very hard for you to think differently,” he said.
“I vividly remember when I was stuck on a project, I didn’t have any fresh ideas. And then when I changed my environment, I went to a different province, the inspiration just hit. That kind of change has an effect.”
Lower prices are a major plus point for super commuters as well. While not every item may be cheaper, most of those interviewed by CNA TODAY agreed that the cost of living is more affordable overall.
Local food in the outskirts of Bangkok is half the price of an average hawker dish in Singapore, said Mr Yeo, noting that he typically pays less than S$2 for a Thai meal.
ADVERTISEMENT
He also felt that starting a family would be impossible in Singapore because of the costs involved. However, in Thailand, he is now married to a Thai wife and has two young children and they live comfortably.
Mr Yeo recalled how his own mother, who single-handedly raised him, missed out on witnessing his milestones such as winning school awards because she was too busy working.
So he now wants to make sure that he and his wife are present for their children. The lower costs and the fact that his wife does not have to work make that goal realistic, in his opinion.
“Dual-income families are the norm in Singapore. And for example, spending about S$2,900 each month is the bare minimum to support a family of four.
“That is assuming there is no recreation, no tuition, discretionary spending, hospital fees or insurance costs. For that amount, we can thrive and be comfortable in Thailand.”
