Where next.

[chassamui]

I came her exactly 4 years ago and decided to retire. Personally I have few complaints because I have learned to avoid the worst excesses of the culture, but it does see to be getting worse rather than better.
News of another killing alone, is not enough to persuade me to move, but when you add up some of the downsides, maybe now is the time to consider where next?

Building goes on apace with little regard for supporting infrastructure. Immigration offices make up their own interpretation of rules for foreigners. Examples of good customer service and smart marketing and after sales service are so rare they make the news.

Taxi and tuk tuk drivers, jet ski operators, hotel staff and vehicle hire companies all happy to scam you or rip you off. Corruption at all levels is seen as normal and acceptable.

Do the freedoms and laid back mai pen rai lifestyle outweigh all the negatives? Do you still hope things will change for the better for farang and Thai?

If you have considered moving on, which places would be on your list and why?

[Thetyim]

Move away from the tourist centres and life will be much better

[kingwilly]

You do realise that where ever else you go will have similar problems of corruption etc ?

[Thetyim]

Corruption is not a problem as long as you gain from it.

[FlyFree]

Do the freedoms and laid back mai pen rai lifestyle outweigh all the negatives?

Some days. Some days not.

Do you still hope things will change for the better for farang and Thai?

No.

Move away from the tourist centres and life will be much better

To quite a large extent but does not mean much less frustration.



Anywhere else? Most of Asia is basically the same shithole. HK and Sing I hate.


Maybe Latin America. Cape is still my no.1 spot though. Much more civilization with much less straightjacket crap than developed countries.

[somtamslap]

I'll always be affiliated with this country due sowing a few wild oats, but I don't intend to live here full-time anymore.

I'm gonna pop back to Blighty and do over a few banks and post offices then access the situation from there.

I'd like to live in France for a while, the U.S for a bit and finally back to Asia I suppose..

[chassamui]

Thetyim, i moved to the jungle of Bumfuk Nowhere in May last year and it has been an improvement. I just don't see a sustainable future here in the long term.
I live in the least populated province in the south and my nearest ATM, pharmacy, and 7/11 is 12kms away.
I visit civilisation once a month to stock up on luxuries like bread and shoes and to remind myself how to speak English.

[slackula]

If you have considered moving on, which places would be on your list and why?

Give Phuket a shot!

It's a lot bigger than Samui and has some pretty nice, affordable non-touristy areas.

Krabi and Phang Nga are also quite nice and scenic, and although they are rather fucking boring you are only a shortish drive away from HKT.

[Marmite the Dog]

I think many of us are in a similar predicament. Ideally, I'd like to live away from anyone but my family, still have good internet and have quick access to essentials such as proper food and occasional like-minded company. The thing is, you can't really have it both ways.

[threestags]

I'd like to live in France for a while,

Can't wait for the installment "garlic breath slap does frog"

[Albert Shagnastier]

I think if you live here you can't judge it on anywhere else (developed nation) or you simply will go nuts

You have to take it for what it is - which is mickey mouse in a lot of ways.


Personally me and my lot are economic prisoners here at the moment, and there are a lot of worse places to be in this current predicament.

Everywhere has good and bad points, I miss the UK but it has its own set of downsides, especially at the moment I think.

[Thetyim]

The thing is, you can't really have it both ways.

I think I have struck a fair balance.
I live half way up a mountain in the middle of nowhere so it's very quiet.
The "city" is only 12 kms away so I get a 10MB internet connection.
Zero problems with the locals.

I have a few local farang friends who I see regularly.
There is no farang restaurants here but we can always make our own food.
We make our own bread so I don't really miss anything.

[Marmite the Dog]

The thing is, you can't really have it both ways.

I think I have struck a fair balance.
I live half way up a mountain in the middle of nowhere so it's very quiet.
The "city" is only 12 kms away so I get a 10MB internet connection.
Zero problems with the locals.

I have a few local farang friends who I see regularly.
There is no farang restaurants here but we can always make our own food.
We make our own bread so I don't really miss anything.

I do like where you live and that to me is great except for the lack of proper food and the scarcity of pasty people. Good climate too - much preferable to sweltering next to the sea.

[Thetyim]

^
There's probably more than 50 whiteys living near me but I choose not to see 45 of them.

[Orroz]

When I go back to the UK for any length of time, there are always aspects of Thailand that I miss and visa versa when I'm here. I imagine this to be true of any country you choose to live in. The 'grass is greener' syndrome is powerfully strong but I try to be as realistic as possible. I know that living in Panama, for example, is not necessarily the answer to my happiness.

[Necron99]

Thai corruption is visible, western corruption is largely hidden and dwarfs whatever few dollars Thailand hits you up for on a scale that is unimaginable.
Bkk and all tourist areas are to be treated as a theme park for occasional visits and I will stay happy in my little slice of manicured tropical paradise insulated from the perils of what we laughingly refer to as civilization and insulated from the yokels by a large fence, a locked gate and several aggressive dogs and an armed response.
I have a very measured amount of time left,I want to relax.

[chassamui]

Give Phuket a shot! It's a lot bigger than Samui

See post #7. I would endup drinking and eating with you and the Fox and I would end up the size of a bus with a drink problem.

[Airportwo]

I think many of us are in a similar predicament. Ideally, I'd like to live away from anyone but my family, still have good internet and have quick access to essentials such as proper food and occasional like-minded company. The thing is, you can't really have it both ways.

Yes, not an easy decision, I have lived in Thailand over 20 years, my intention was to retire in Pattaya where I have lived for the past 16 years or so, but Pattaya has become a place I really don't wont to stay in! so currently selling off assets I have there with the intention of moving up to Issan, I will be in a position to retire by the end of this year, but not fully convinced I will be able to live happy ever after in Issan, KK area to be exact! But at this time I see no better options being available? hate to get retirement in place then find out I should have gone to ?

[Davis Knowlton]

It's all a trade off. My little valley in the province is quiet, pollution-free, little traffic, good schools, and great weather most of the time. No foreigners, no bars, and no decent restaurants. Every fast food outlet in the world, and a good market and two big malls. Civilization is 45 minutes away, with some decent restaurants, a great hospital, good food outlets, and a pub or two. Nightlife is about 90 minutes away. Good enough for me.

[Dillinger]

If you are getting fed up of living in the arse end of nowhere, just take a break from it every month or 2. Travel in Thailand is dirt cheap and you will be hard pressed to find a Country that has as much to offer in terms of beaches, countryside, culture and pushy

Have an adventure and look at Chiang Mai/Rai,Prachuap Kiri Khan, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang

[slackula]

I would endup drinking and eating with you and the Fox and I would end up the size of a bus with a drink problem.

You say that as if it is a bad thing..

PS: Drink is no problem, you can get it here any time even if you haven't stocked up

[Marmite the Dog]

I think many of us are in a similar predicament. Ideally, I'd like to live away from anyone but my family, still have good internet and have quick access to essentials such as proper food and occasional like-minded company. The thing is, you can't really have it both ways.

Yes, not an easy decision, I have lived in Thailand over 20 years, my intention was to retire in Pattaya where I have lived for the past 16 years or so, but Pattaya has become a place I really don't wont to stay in! so currently selling off assets I have there with the intention of moving up to Issan, I will be in a position to retire by the end of this year, but not fully convinced I will be able to live happy ever after in Issan, KK area to be exact! But at this time I see no better options being available? hate to get retirement in place then find out I should have gone to ?

May be worth spending a month or two in a few places in Isaan? For its size, KK has bugger all for westerners, even when compared to a small town like Nong Khai. Udon may have too much for some.

[Airportwo]

^ I have spent a air amount of time in Isaan over the years, been looking for land/house/property for some time now somewhere between Udon and KK, would prefer to buy somewhere and alter it than go through the agony of building another house in Thailand - to no avail, will probably end up renting somewhere then looking further, sincerly hoping I don't have to endure the build process again, I dont require too much, peace and quiet and a decent pint of English ale and I will be satisfied!

[Neo]

Where to live? How much can you afford to pay to live there would certainly narrow that question down. One of Thailands attractions and probably the reason you put up with the many negatives is the cost of living, although of course that is not as cheap as it used to be.

The weather has to be a factor as well as the availability of young ladies to get your rocks off with, you may not need to hang out the back of a young filly every day, but having that option taken away sure does take the shine off your lifestyle.

[chassamui]

If you are getting fed up of living in the arse end of nowhere, just take a break from it every month or 2. Travel in Thailand is dirt cheap and you will be hard pressed to find a Country that has as much to offer in terms of beaches, countryside, culture and pushy Have an adventure and look at Chiang Mai/Rai,Prachuap Kiri Khan, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang

On the contrary mate. (see post 7) I already have the best of both worlds. I enjoy the peace and quiet here but being a lazy sod I miss having access to decent farang food/beer and company on a regular basis. Maybe i can alternate between Samui and Phuket for my monthly jaunts?
I have recently fixed up a trip to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to visit some friends I met online. Will hopefully do a road trip so I can include a few bevvies with Withnail and a few others. Taking GF with me as she needs a break more than me.