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But, Kobchai Songsrisanga, 26, studied on a Monbusho scholarship at Yamakata University and he says you can get by on about 100,000 Japanese yen, or Bt26,800, a month.

"Everything depends on how you want to live your life. If you think saving up is the best thing, then you should save. But if you think exploring is important, then you will spend more than this."

Kobchai suggests the best way to control your spending is to set an amount for expenses each month and stick to it - strictly.

For example, you might set rent at 50,000 yen, or Bt13,400, a month and 20,000 yen, or Bt5,350, for utilities. That leaves 30,000 yen for food and other stuff.

"We can't do much about the fixed costs but we can save on food or partying."

Some easy tips from Kobchai include saving a bit from the fixed budget such as riding a bicycle rather than the bus. Eat at the university canteen rather than restaurants.

A set meal at the university costs about 600 yen, or Bt160. But off campus a single bowl of ramen is 650 yen.

You can save money on more expensive items by checking out the second-hand shops. For example, second-hand DVD movies cost 700 yen, or Bt190, compared with 2,000 yen, or Bt540, for new ones.

Even though Kobchai says he gets by just fine on his scholarship he did work as a part-time waiter in a Thai restaurant.

"I get paid 20,000 yen each month working twice a week from 5pm until midnight."

The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology awards Monbusho scholarships.

Kobchai currently works as a coordinator between schools in Japan and Thai students at J-education.

 

Kobchai's monthly spending from his 170,000-yen, or Bt45,500, allowance

Accommodation - 50,000 yen (Bt13,400)

Internet - 4,500 yen (Bt1,200)

Water - 3,500 yen (Bt940)

Electricity - 2,000 yen (Bt540)

Gas - 2,000 yen (Bt540)

Mobile telephone - 5,000 yen (Bt1,340)

Food - 30,000 yen (Bt8,000)

Miscellaneous - 3,000 Yen (Bt800)

 

By Watchara Saengsrisin

The Nation