Hello David48at TD
Thanks for the reply and for showing interest .
The site is naturally elevated from the surround by about four to five feet and the ground is very stable and solid red soil. Even when very wet only the surface seems to become that clinging slush and there is plenty of natural drainage to all sides. So I am confident that a relatively small lift to the build will ensure a flood free house. I have been there when there has been torrential rain and watched the water flood the soi outside but never encrouch within a metre and a half height wise of the site.
I have two options for the siting of the house but I am not sure of the orientation. I will check this out when I visit in early September.
I have no disabilities and remain in reasonably good health at the moment
I am 65 years old so I should know better than to do this to myself but hey ho.....
I have planned for a downstairs loo and separate shower/wet room , four double bedrooms of which two will be en-suite and a further family sized bathroom upstairs.
I have a good gang of friends with whom I regularly have at least one month per year with in Thailand so the extra accommodation will get used.
I expect that I will be living in the house together with my wife and one child for at least six months per year, maybe more when I retire from work in a couple of years, but I fully expect that there will be an invasion whilst I am away. To be honest, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy the company of Air's family. They are good hard working folk and they have always looked after me to the point that I am embarrassed by their generosity. Papa and Mama never drink and Papa might have one cigarette in the evening whilst he relaxes. Sound honest hard working folk.
Air has three sisters, one older and married and living miles away in Ubon Thani, one about 14 years old and a joy to have around ,and an adopted 'daughter' who is about eight years old and seems to call everyone Mother because all the ladies in the family raised her from a baby jointly. This young lady seems to have taken to me because her big sister/mother has seen fit to marry me.
I don't support the family financially but I'm sure that the monthly money that I send my wife looks after everyone.
I regularly take boxes of biros, pencils, pencil sharpeners , coloured crayons and A4 writing pads to donate to the local school which is next door (gladly received). I do this anonymously but they know damn well where they come from.
This is a pretty poor farming community. I've been blessed in my life and I don't mind giving back a bit, but only when I choose to do so.
So sorry ,I'm rambling on .............
I hope that that has filled in some of the blanks for you.
Any more information that you would like I am happy to supply.
Once again , Best regards to you all .
Mike