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Affordable Must-Haves for Migrant Workers and Budget Expats in Thailand
Living in Thailand as an expat or migrant worker often means adapting to small rental rooms or shared dormitories, especially for people from Myanmar, Laos, or Cambodia. Cooking your own meals can help you save money and eat healthier, but space and budget are real concerns. Fortunately, online stores like Shopee and Lazada offer a wide range of kitchen tools under 300 baht that are compact, functional, and highly rated.
In this article, we’ll show you the most practical kitchen gadgets you can order online right now—even if you don’t have a full kitchen setup.
🍳 1. Mini Non-Stick Frying Pan (Under 200 THB)
🍳 1. Mini Non-Stick Frying Pan (Under 200 THB)
A small non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking eggs, stir-frying vegetables, or heating leftovers. Look for ones with heat-resistant handles and reviews that mention even heat distribution. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
Shopee Deal: Starts at ฿129 – Click here to view product
🍚 2. Rice Paddle & Soup Ladle Set (Under 150 THB)
🍚 2. Rice Paddle & Soup Ladle Set (Under 150 THB)
These basic utensils are essentials in every Southeast Asian kitchen. Choose BPA-free plastic or stainless steel for long-term use. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
Best for: Dorm kitchens without shared utensils.
🔪 3. Compact Cutting Board with Knife (฿99 – ฿199)
🔪 3. Compact Cutting Board with Knife (฿99 – ฿199)
Space-saving cutting boards that come with a small knife are perfect for limited kitchen space. Some even include juice grooves to reduce mess. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
🥣 4. Microwave-Safe Bowls with Lids (฿80 – ฿250)
🥣 4. Microwave-Safe Bowls with Lids (฿80 – ฿250)
Ideal for meal prep, storage, or reheating, these bowls are stackable and reduce the need for multiple containers. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
Tip: Choose leak-proof lids if you plan to store soups or curries.
🍴 5. Foldable Tableware Sets (Under 100 THB)
🍴 5. Foldable Tableware Sets (Under 100 THB)
Look for compact sets that include a spoon, fork, and chopsticks in a plastic case. These are hygienic and easy to carry to factory cafeterias or food courts. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
🥄 6. Silicone Spatula or Turner (฿69 – ฿120)
🥄 6. Silicone Spatula or Turner (฿69 – ฿120)
Safe for non-stick pans and easy to clean. A flexible silicone spatula is better than metal for small cooking spaces. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
🥤 7. Mini Manual Whisk or Egg Beater (฿49 – ฿99)
🥤 7. Mini Manual Whisk or Egg Beater (฿49 – ฿99)
Perfect for whipping eggs or blending instant drinks. It takes up almost no space and works without electricity. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
🍽️ 8. Drain Baskets or Collapsible Strainers (฿120 – ฿299)
🍽️ 8. Drain Baskets or Collapsible Strainers (฿120 – ฿299)
Useful for washing vegetables or draining noodles, especially in rooms without sinks.
Best for: Migrants living in dorms with shared water areas. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
🔥 9. Stainless Steel Food Tong (฿59 – ฿89)
🔥 9. Stainless Steel Food Tong (฿59 – ฿89)
Tongs are safer than forks when frying or turning food on hot pans. Look for rubber grips to prevent slipping. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
🧽 10. Scrub Sponges and Dishwashing Sets (Under 80 THB)
🧽 10. Scrub Sponges and Dishwashing Sets (Under 80 THB)
Basic cleaning supplies are often forgotten until needed. Get scrubbers with holders or dishwashing liquid combos to keep things tidy. Buy SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
💡 Quick Shopping Tips for Expats and Migrant Workers:
💡 Quick Shopping Tips for Expats and Migrant Workers:
✅ Filter Shopee or Lazada results by price (under ฿300).
✅ Check seller ratings and product reviews.
✅ Look for items with “Free Shipping” and COD (Cash on Delivery).
✅ Use Shopee coins or PayLater for even more savings.
✅ Translate product descriptions to your native language using the Shopee app settings.
🎯 Why This Matters
🎯 Why This Matters
Many workers from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia live in tight conditions. Investing in compact, affordable tools can make a big difference in daily comfort and nutrition—without overspending.
📌 Where to Buy
📌 Where to Buy
Most of these tools are available through:
SHOPEE | LAZADA | TIKTOK SHOP
You can also check community groups that provide translated instructions in Burmese, Lao, or Khmer.
🛒 Start Building Your Kitchen Today
🛒 Start Building Your Kitchen Today
No matter your budget, you can build a basic kitchen set for under 1,000 THB. Start small with the essentials, and expand over time. Having the right tools empowers you to cook better, save more, and feel more at home in Thailand.
Need recommendations in your language? We’ve got a guide for you.
👉 How to Order SIM Cards or Shopee Products in Burmese, Khmer, or Lao (coming soon)
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