What a month costs
The Office of International Affairs estimates about 16,000 baht a month for housing, meals and transport, with rent the largest part.
Responsible office Office of International Affairs, Thammasat University
Last checked 30 September 2026
Updated 30 September 2026
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The university estimate
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) estimates the monthly cost of living as follows.
| Item | Baht a month |
|---|---|
| Housing | 5,500 to 10,000 |
| Meals | 8,000 |
| Transport | 2,500 |
| Total, lowest rent | About 16,000 |
| Total, highest rent | About 20,500 |
Tuition is separate. See Tuition, fees and refunds.
A student living in TU Dorm Tha Prachan spends less. The OIA accommodation page puts that at 6,500 to 7,800 baht a month.
| Item | Baht a month |
|---|---|
| Room in a double | 2,700 |
| Electricity and water | About 300 |
| Transport | 500 to 800 |
| Meals | 3,000 to 4,000 |
Rent
TU Dorm Tha Prachan costs about 2,700 baht per person a month. Private rooms and apartments listed by the OIA run from about 4,000 to 17,900 baht a month. See Finding somewhere to live.
Transport
| Journey | Fare in baht |
|---|---|
| Chao Phraya orange-flag boat | 20, since 7 April 2026 |
| Ordinary bus | 8 |
| Air-conditioned bus | 15 to 25 |
| Expressway bus 1-9E to Rangsit | 27 |
| MRT Blue Line | 17 to 44, since 3 July 2026 |
| TU shuttle buses | Free |
The free shuttle bus covers the MRT Sanam Chai and Pinklao routes. Thai nationals registered in the Tang Rat app pay at most 20 baht on BTS and MRT lines. International students do not get that cap.
Phone
Prepaid SIM packages differ by operator and change often, so compare prices at the shop. See SIM cards and Wi-Fi.
Set-up costs
- Deposit on a private room, usually 1 to 2 months of rent. TU Dorm asks for about 2,000 baht per person.
- The first month of rent, paid in advance.
- A SIM card and first top-up.
- Visa fees for international students. See Visa rules while you study.
Spending less
Canteens and market stalls cost less than restaurants. See Where to eat and Student discounts.
Related guides
- Finding somewhere to liveTU Dorm Tha Prachan costs about 2,700 baht per person a month in a double room, and private rooms usually ask for a deposit of 1 to 2 months of rent.
- Where to eatCanteens, market streets and Wang Lang market are the cheapest places to eat, and a bowl of duck noodles costs 50 to 100 baht.
- Student discountsShow your student card for discounts at cafés, shops and museums near Tha Prachan.
Sources
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