1500usd a month is about my budget. A few pointers:
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I'd like to possibly rent a small house if possible
In the suburbs no problem, in bkk downtown or any touristy place no way. I mean you could but it would be more than half your budget.
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I could stand a small apartment
Food. I'd like to be able to cook on my own
It's going to be very difficult to find a kitchen in a
small apartment in thailand. Most people just eat outside/go to the market.
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I'd want some place with impressive scenery
Aim for the south then, you might be able to find something decent for cheap if you don't mind living away from town centers.
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maybe get some golfing in
While cheap compared to western countries playing golf often on 1500 bucks is going to be frustrating. The good courses are around 100usd for a round.
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is it impossible to own a motorcycle/scooter or anything there? I'd prefer to be dependent on myself for transportation.
It's easy if you can pay it cash, renting can be a pain in the neck.
The big question is : what about your party habits? can you handle thai food or do you need western food often? if you do not go out that often to party / not into the nightlife scene it's going to be ok. Otherwise i suggest going for a cheap apartment, you won't spend much time inside anyway.
Western food can be costly too.
I'm cheating because i pay 3000bahts a month for accommodation and i have free food everyday. But if you cut the apartment budget to the max you can have a ton of fun and save money at the same time in thailand.
With your 50k let's say you go : 10k apartment with electricity/water.
40k for food, golf,party and gas : enough for hours of fun imo.