Following my 14-day solitary hotel quarantine I was shocked by the bustling streets in Pathum Thani. I spent my first ten days at one of the local hotels as I wanted to make sure that I choose the best possible accommodation for the next six months.
The area around the university is packed with street food vendors and restaurants. You can try new dishes everyday for a full semester without eating the same meal. I fell in love with the local cuisine. Many street food vendors became my friends as they were really happy to talk to me while they were cooking my food. Many of these vendors had very basic English level, however we were able to have a conversation mixing my “nid-noi” Thai with their English. I strongly believe that Thai street food is nicer than the same food in the restaurant as they are specialised in just a few specific dishes while a restaurant provides a wide range of dishes. The food prices are surprisingly cheap at these vendors, depending on the dish you can easily get full meal from 1-2 euro. Personally, I loved mala style, where you can choose many different skewers which cost normally 30 cents and they grill it for you. Restaurant wise South-Korean Shabu is very popular where you have a pot filled with stock at the centre of the table. Then waitresses will bring you raw ingredients such as thinly sliced beef and different vegetables which will be cooked by you. Thai people love to meet up in these Shabu places.
After my stay at the hotel, I decided to move to the Bundit Apartment complex which was equipped by Gym and Swimming pool as well as a roof terrace for a considerably low price. I loved my apartment as I was surrounded by Thai and South-east Asian students. I made many friends while I was training in the gym or chilling at the swimming pool. The atmosphere is calm at this complex and people are very kind. I think the owner of the apartments is obsessed with the South American Arowana fishes as there are 15 of them around the building in huge tanks.
I noticed that there are many artificial zebras in Pathum Thani, especially around shrines. I found out that these zebras represent “safe” animals which protect you from dangers on the roads. It is fascinating that you can find a shrine at about every street corner.
Due to the pandemic, I spent limited time at the Rangsit University as most of our classes were conducted online. However, I had couple of classes which I was able to attend on-site. I loved these occasions as my classmates were very welcoming as well as my teachers and we spent lots of time talking to each other. Teachers were really interested in our “European” view therefore they kept asking the exchange students to express their view. Even with the limited physical contact we were able to enjoy the classes.
Overall living and studying in Pathum Thani was amazing. Since there are not too many “farangs” white people, you will stand out from the crowd and people will be interested in talking to you. Thanks to the location you will experience the real Thai cuisine which is totally different from Bangkok City Centre.