tonika

Lot's more info required here.....Not a life story.....But lot's?

Been married to my wife for about 18 years. Lived in both Issan (still have a house and business there) and the UK. Due to retire April/May 2012. Would like your views on how things are there at present.

It will also be interesting to know where in Isaan, north, south, east, middle, etc........

The village is a few kilometers east of Bungkan ( opposite Pak San in Laos )

I've always found in life that when I go back to a place, it is always less pleasant than I remembered it. Maybe that's just me!

I can remember both good and bad experiences when I last lived in Issan. But this time it could be longer than the three and a half years I spent before. Anyway,thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.

Can you be more specific? Will you be residing in a city or village?

Thanks for your question.

Regards,

Keoki

Wife, would like to stay in the family village and run a business (near Bungkan). I found village life to quite when I lived there before. I'm proposing to move to Udon Thani. She reluctantly agrees. But, to help me make my mind up, I would like to get the opinions of fellow expats, on how they are finding all aspects of life in Thailand, at present. Both in the city and villages.

Used to live in Issan a good few years back. (Only been back once since). I am thinking of coming back to stay, permanently. Obviously, the place must have changed a great deal. Would appreciate any views on how ' Farangs' are finding life in general in Issan these days, financially or otherwise.

Thanks again for the advice, and the replies.

My wife is obsessed about buying a Rubber Tree plantation in Issan. Seems there is one that's going cheap. Apparently there is a sale of approx. 20 rai of mature trees ,ready to tap, for a bargain price of B 1,000,000. . She insists that there is a regular income to be made from them. And, that if we don't buy immediately, we will lose out. As I know next to nothing about Rubber Trees I'm rather sceptical. Would appreciate anyone who can give me any help or advice on this matter..

Thanks again guy's for the info. Will let you know the outcome when I return.

I've been reading of other members of the forum, in other areas of Thailand, having difficulties in opening a new bank account. Could anyone from Udon Thani or Nong Kai areas tell me if they encountered any problems recently, regarding opening an account?. And if so, can you give any advice on getting one open?.

When I lived in Issan a few years back I had my own account, but closed it, when I went back to the UK.. I'm coming to Thailand in mid August to organise buying a new house etc., for my retirement in April (2012). And was hoping to open my own account, so as to deposit the B 400,000 for my visa. So I'm a bit concerned.

I would be grateful for any replies.

For 3.5 million Baht we can negotiate a better rate for you than quoted. Larger amounts like this are more "wholesale" than "retail". Please PM me and I'll get somebody to contact you via phone or email. Our London Branch next to the Gherkin can even handle this to make calls and timezones easier. I am sure they can fix in a rate for you that you will like. Thanks.

Sorry I haven't been in touch sooner but been away on a course. I actually live in Scotland If it's possible can you give me a call on 0141 647 8732 regarding your offer. My flight is booked for 25 th August 2011 and I need the money to be in place by the 29th August 2011 if I wish to proceed with the sale of the property.

Regards

Tony Cano

Thanks guy's for all your replies and concerns. Been married just over 18 years, lived in Issan just over 3. Wife from Issan, I'm from UK. ( wife never worked in a bar as far as I'm aware, but she has worked in Primark and Asda.). It's me rather than her who's pressing to buy the house in Udon as there are more Farang there. And I'm thinking of retiring next April.

House in Udon according to the lawyer, land cannot be owned by a foreigner but the house can. It has a Red chanotte, as well as a Ufsufruct contract. I've to apply for a Yellow 'Ta Bien Baan' from Immigration, I've to sort out all other legallities when I come in August. We already have 2 properties near Bungkan but never had this trouble in the past. The house is a 2 storey, 4 bedroom, 2 ensuite bathrooms plus 2 toilets, fully furnished and A/C throughout by a small lake. There are also special facilities (Gym, pool etc.) for residents on site. It might sound expensive but when you think what I paid for this 3 bedroom Barrat house here in the UK it's the difference between day and night. Also looked at new housing developement in Bungkan last April, the price was over 4 million for the cheapest property, all with small gardens plus they were all sold.

Anyway thanks again, ALL replies really appreciated.

I am proposing to buy a house in Udon Thani in August 2011, when I return to Thailand. I have already put down a deposit when I was in Thailand in April. The amount outstanding is approximately 3.5 million baht. I've read that there is a 10% tax on large sums sent to Thailand, if, that is the case would I be better bringing the money in cash ( Sterling) or can someone suggest an alternative way ?.

Also, the exchange rates, if I decide to bring in cash. For instance, today on the BBC the baht closed at 49.46, whereas Thaivisa gives it at 48.92 the Bangkok and Kasikorn banks were 48.48. Would it be better to try and exchange here in the UK or elsewhere. ( If, that's possible) ?

Any help on the above would be appreciated.