bhthai

I am a student at Duke.

As I don't work here and am in Thailand with the priority being to study Thai. I looked into a lot of options.

At first I was very interested in Chula because it's definitely the most promoted as an "Intensive course" which is what I was looking for. Living on very limited savings, the price was something I didn't want to jump into straight away without looking into other options.

I attended the seminar mentioned above and was very impressed by the speaker representing Duke language however, I didn't look into attending their school straight away.

I was also ready to enrol into the Chula course, however at that time the course had already started and there was a long wait into the next one...

I read tods danials review of Duke and I remembered being impressed at Stuart Jay''s seminar. From there I emailed Duke and arranged an interview. When I got there I was very impressed. I didn't actual attend any of the classes, but just did a quick assessment with the teachers and I felt really comfortable. I started the next week.

To give you a comparison I have taken the 30,000 baht package which is 360 hours. Compare that to Chulas 27,000 (or is it 30,000?) for 100 hours.

I was doing 2 courses at once in my first month at Duke. 9am-12 /1pm - 4pm. While based on what I read about Chula, I certainly don't have the same homework commitments, but I think it's fair to say being at a Thai language school for 7 hours a day is considered "intensive"

Basically how I feel at Duke it's very friendly and relaxed environment. We do a lot of discussion ON RELEVANT SUBJECTS, one thing I think lacks in a lot of Thai schools. You learn the same bull shit text book copy and paste, that has no use and is not similar to how Thai's use their language. If we want to learn about something in particular, we learn it. Slang, swearing, colloquial speech; speech that is used by Native Thai people.

My only criticism on Duke that being a new school, for the "advanced members" it's not quite as structured. I am in the class "Advanced" and we don't currently use a text book as the development is under way. I don't mind this, but I think some people prefer more structure. That being said, for the beginner stages, while I have not participated in those classes, I do get the impression they offer not only a good, but unique course.

From reading the reviews on Chula, I everyone seems to agree that while there was certainly things that it needed (such as updates), however in the end...it's effective. Not to say I will never go to Chula, but to me, I would go for what it specilises in....teaching to a further level than the other schools. I see little reason to go to such a school as a beginner when the same can be learnt from other schools, at a much lower price. However, as I said; I've never attended their school so it's just my opinion based on reviews.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Before coming to BKK, I had a teacher via skype. Now I live in BKK so now I do 1-1 lessons with her.

Her English is very good by Thai standards - Some people like teachers who can communicate well in English, some do not. I personally do think it has it's benefits, but if you're someone who likes to only communicate in Thai, I'm sure she is willing to do that.

She has a degree in lingustics.

She is now teaching full time (So I assume very good availibity times, however I'm not sure how busy she is at the moment to take on new students)

Very reasonable prices.

most importantly she is very easy to get along with...which I think is important to a teacher/student relationship.

If you are interested, I can ask if she can take on new students and I can give you her email/fb.

Personally, I don't you can judge your level only on vocab.

There would be a huge different between someone who can speak 5000 words clearly and 5000 with the typical farang bad Thai.

Unfortunutly there is a lot of farang who have a decent vocab, but still have trouble being understood.

That being said, 5000 is still a lot...You don't learn that many without effort.

I definitely did the head thing when I was started to practice speaking a tonal language.

Probably once you increase the speed of your speech, it will become more natural.

Don't consider it always as a bad thing. Adam Bradshaw said when he first started he would move his hand direction the tone, when speaking to Thai people. Could be a good may to make it more clear to Thai people, if you still need a lot of practice.

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bhthai.

Remember me lad it's your life and it's for real not a fun run.I have done everything I have wanted to do.

90% has been great 5% well I did it and 5% F***.me gently, I should never have done that, but you learn and you have memories.

See a corner go round it, an open door go through it any opening any opportunity take the chance or you'll spend the rest of your life thinking ''what if?''

Still do it at my age now 68 but a bit slower irks the missus but she understands Thai feminine logic = karma in her mind(s)

Live life to the full, don't be a boring young or old fart,remember when you're drooling away in the old folks home in years to come your memories will be more precious than gold

Appreciate your support and this is my philosophy to what I'm doing with my life at the moment.

As I said earlier, I definitely feel there is people who can't quite understand to live my life this way - and I mean by people in the Western world, wondering why I want to live in a developing country, working towards a shit wage, if at all - And maybe their right, maybe in a few years this will all have no interest to me and I will be back in my nice little suburban home, living the typical western, life. But right now, this is what I want to do with my life and this is what I not only feel interested and motivated to do, but it's something I also do feel happy doing.

I'm doing what I really want to do with my time and life at the moment, not what brings me the most money, not what my parents or friends think I should do, but what I feel most passionate towards - and to me that is truly the most important thing.

I've always been a very big procrastinator, but now I feel different. I don't care whatever happens, I'm never going to say "I regret doing what I felt passionate about and what made me happy, at that time"

Hello bhthai. You have a plan. Now all you need to do is stick to it.

You have a good plan. When you arrive skip Bangkok and Pattaya and all that. Don't go there, even for one day. They can be like magnets for farangs and if you get sucked-in and stuck it could easily eat up your entire six months time and budget, or a couple of decades of your life.

I'm located in Central Thailand, the lower North - not Issan. But your plan could easily be implemented here, Issan, or even in the south. All are good choices - avoid the farang ghettos.

I can't recommend a specific spot in Issan, however you should be aware than Issan has three main cultures.: Thai (This Is Thailand), Khmere, and Lao.

Buriram, Surin are heavily Khmere influenced with many people there speaking Thai and Cambodian dialect. Towards Udon Thani, (anything past Khon Kaen), it is heavily Lao influenced and they speak Lao-Thai dialect. You should experience both, (all three). Note: several years ago there was a big exodus of farangs from the bar scene in Pattaya and they relocated to Udon Thani. (If you are trying to avoid that). I'm not knocking Udon Thani.

Look at the map with a view to transportation. I like the recommendation of another poster who touted Mahasrakham as it is quite central and still very Thai. I hope you are able to stay in the center of the Isaan wheel, and make frequent trips out on the spokes to neighboring cities. All of the big cities in Issan have all the amenities a farang could want including farang food when you get the craving.

The biggest obstacle I had when I was twenty, (I had plans similar to yours), was inertia. I always tended to get stuck in one place.

Expect your new Thai friends to be quite clingy and try to keep you captive in one place. They will tell you tales of the cannibals in neighboring provinces where they make soup from farang bones.

I often found myself sucked into farang ghettos like Phuket, Samui, Pattaya. The attraction of those places can be overwhelming and costly.

Someone posted in this thread that you may have visa problems. I'll leave it to you sort out which type of tourist visa you plan to use and where and how you will get it. Things right now are changing quickly. Don't let that worry you now.

You can certainly be a tourist in Thailand for six months, with border runs. You might need things like letters of invitation from Thai people etc. in order to prove you are a real tourist. Stuff like that, eg. having addresses or letters of invitation will help you when doing a border run to prove you are a tourist. You can get these when the time comes. This forum can help you with that when needed. Check back here.

Another poster in this thread mentioned something along the lines of; "A fool and his money are easily separated". Yes, you are going to need to watch out for that. I hope you can get some help here on this forum. You can. You will first need to sort through the naysayers and bitter old men.

If you are heterosexual, brush up on your knowledge of contraception. This because the young Thai girls are not really adept or proficient with that, so it seems.

Good luck, you have a great plan.

You make a good point about not necessarily having to live within Isan to be away from all the popular farang areas. Something I never really thought too much about, and will think about more.

"They can be like magnets for farangs and if you get sucked-in and stuck it could easily eat up your entire six months time and budget, or a couple of decades of your life."

This is another good point, I will talk about that below.

----

As for the comments suggesting I go to Pattaya and for those defending young guys having other interests than the girls and drinking, I just want to make it clear that I did in fact stay in Pattaya for most of my trip last time.

I'm not shamed to admit I definitely had some great times there and often drank far too much. However, at the time I didn't really have much of an agenda being in Thailand and I feel for the potential farang trap 96tehtarp mentioned above. While I do feel confident I could in fact stay in Pattaya without getting into the habbit of excessive drinking and blowing all my money, this time I want to experience something new.

Pattaya was a great experience (Most of the time, anyway) but that's not the reason I'm coming back to Thailand for, and in fact, it wasn't the first time, either. Originally I decided to live in Pattaya just because I got so sick of BKK and Pattaya seemed a lot more easy going. The girls and everything else came after. This time I'm looking for a new experience.

In fact, if it wasn't for going to Pattaya in the first place maybe I would have never hoped to one day spend some time in Isan. Obviously there is a lot of Isan girls in Pattaya and I've made quite a few connections, which may provide very helpful while being in Isan (Even for just general information)

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I am an 55 year old Aussie living in a village about 30 minutes outside of Khon Kaen. I'd be happy to catch up in town for a drink and then maybe come out to the village. Look around, walk down to the farm, and back for a feast Issan style. I also have a lovely 19 year old neice who would love to meet a falang. She has little English so you could practice you Thai and learn their Isaan/Lao language. I think you can send me a PM if you are interested. Cheers, Charles.

Thanks Charles, really appreciate it. I will be sure to send you a message if and when I come by KK area.

Always keen to see how expats are set up in Thailand. Even just to know basically how you guys came to live over in Thailand and what advice you have to offer.

Being my age and having the desire the one day be set up in Thailand, there really isn't a straight up way to get into that position, so even just hearing everyone's stories is interesting and potentially going to be useful for me in the future, if I decide to do the same.

"This time, I really want to get 'soaked up' in the the real things about loving Thailand. The culture, the food and basically just the Thai way of living. I'm also very interested in learning the Isan Language. I come to Thailand to experience THAILAND. I can't relate to other foreigners, especially my age who do nothing but farang things..."

You can't relate to other foreigners who live here for many years? Do you think all of them are alcoholics and psychopaths? Okay, you're a special kid then.

I think you missed his point. He wasn't slagging all farangs who live in Thailand, just saying that he can't relate to those farangs who spend all their time with other farangs doing 'farang things' (which I take him to mean hanging around westerner-oriented bars, eating at western restaurants, etc.). I think he's just saying that he wants a more genuine 'cultural experience' ... not just to be in a version of Sydney in Thailand. I personally relate to that myself...

It wasn't directed at the expats. It was more directed at the typical traveller my age, who comes to Thailand, sits by their pool, drinks a coconut then talks about how much they love Thailand.

Some will be a bit more adventuress and spend their whole trip at Khao san rd or maybe even do something different like go to a full moon party.

One time in Pattaya I had a young English fella, about the same age as myself, ask me where to find English girls...

I mean, at least your stereotyped fat, beer drinking farang is drinking Thai beer and banging Thai girls (Or perhaps ladyboys )

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20 years old eh? I give you a week or two in Isaan before the pull of some of the larger cities and beach resorts becomes too much for you to resist.

Maybe you're right. Maybe I won't even last a week, but maybe I love the place and want to spend significant time there. Won't know 'till I try and I'm willing to see what happens.

At worst, I hate it, laugh it off then head back to the beach resorts and larger cities. Nothing lost.

If anything I've still gained something from it, since I know I won't need to put thought into deciding if I want to go back or not.

That's just the way I see it.

Spend a month in a farm with a Thai family.

This'll do you good. Good luck alt=thumbsup.gif>

It has crossed my mind and I certainly won't put the idea off - I even looked into staying in a monastery, but I would like to start by putting my feet into the shallow parts of the water...

If I got to the point where my financial situation was running though my desire to remain in Thailand was high, I think doing something extreme like your suggestion could be more much likely.

Good on you for working, saving and experiencing life! Far to many kids today doing naff all with their lives!

Thanks.

I definitely think a lot of people judge me and have their own options on how I should use MY money and MY time, but I personally feel what I am doing for myself is not only something I gain a lot from now, but something I will cherish when I am older, too.

In the end I don't think I'm ever going to think to myself "Damn, I really wish I hadn't spent so much time living overseas and doing things most people will never experience in their lives"

Firstly, I appreciate all the contributions to this thread and I apologise for a late response to my own questions...

I have tried to multi-quote my responses, multiple times, but I keep getting fkd over when trying to submit my post. Not sure if a internet, forum or just browser issue.

Apparently 3 multi-quotes is above the limited...? seems low...oh well, apologize for individual replies.

Best way to travel through Isaan (it's beautiful) would be to find yourself a genuine local soul mate and start moving from place to place.

Without local insight you will miss out on the most interesting part of your Journey; Isaan culture.

I would land In Kurat (large city with every conceivable amenity) and start planning from there.

Having a significant other is something I definitively agree will allow me to get a deeper insight into Thai/Isan culture and I also would enjoy the compony.

For this reason I created an account on TF. I have made quite a few connections already and even if they are only limited to a friendship it's probably still a good idea to make as many friends as possible.

I know what you're talking about. It has 20 or so lessons, based off the Manee books.

This was a great for a beginner and is what I used when I started learning to read.

I found the link, but I'm also getting the "account suspended" popup...

Hi everyone. I am a 20 year old Australian national wanting to spend some time in Isan and I would appreciate if anyone has some recommendation on places in Isan, as it's a large area.

Just a quick into on myself ; I came to Thailand mid way though last year, planning to travel SEA, but decided just to stay the whole 6 months in Thailand, as I wanted to just settle down somewhere and relax.

Quickly after returning back home to Australia in December last year, I planned to come back to Thailand when I was financially able. I am now coming back to Thailand within the month and hopefully will have enough savings to last me at least 6 months.

I don't really have a specific agenda as to why I'm spending so long in Thailand, but I honestly don't feel I need one. I'm young and have worked and saved very hard for my money and this is how I want to spend my time and my money.

If I did have a purpose of coming to Thailand, it would be that I hope to one day be settled there so I'm really trying to go back and decide if this is something I seriously want to work towards (setting myself up in Thailand, that is) I spend a significant amount of time studying the language and it's also something I feel very passionate about. I want to achieve a very high standard in the language, not only because it's something I enjoy, but it may be beneficial if I one day can call Thailand my true home.

When I come to Thailand last year, I originally spent my time in BKK, but got over that very quickly. Overcrowded, noisy, polluted cities don't really appeal to me.

I have not spent much time in Isan at all, but living there has been an idea that has always been attracted to me. I travelled though Isan to go to Laos for my visa and went through Mukdahan. While it was very brief, even just seeing the simple country side was beautiful in it's self.

This time, I really want to get 'soaked up' in the the real things about loving Thailand. The culture, the food and basically just the Thai way of living. I'm also very interested in learning the Isan Language. I come to Thailand to experience THAILAND. I can't relate to other foreigners, especially my age who do nothing but farang things...

I'm prepared for a simple life and it's honestly how I enjoy living, but I do having access to more 'modern' activity/features when they are desired. Therefore while I would like to live in Isan, I would like to live in one of the larger cities so I can enjoy the best of both worlds

I like going to the gym, so anywhere that has a half reasonable gym with weight equipment is a huge plus. I'm sure at least one of the cities in Isan would have a half decent gym. Shopping malls, farang bars and a little nightlife certainly isn't necessary, but it's something I like to be able to do once in a while.

So to get to the real question...do you guys mind giving me basically your experiences on these cities and your thoughts on how they differ from each other...?

....Why do live in X (insert place in isan) over ( insert place in isan) is there anything bad about (insert place in isan)

The cities that have come to mind are the main 3;

Kohn Kaen, Burrirum and Udon Thani. - Is there really any significant differences between these cities or does it basically just come down to personal preference. Examples, cost of accommodation, size of the city, population, amount of foreigners ect.

Of course I am going to have to travel to Isan myself and decide where I prefer, I'd just like to know if anyone has any suggestions of where in Isan may be better suited to my liking.

This is really just getting a rough idea, so any recommendation/advice/opinion is appreciated.

Thank you

Okay, thank you for clearing that up.

Can't believe I had been using this incorrectly, the most basic of learning Thai.

When I first came to Thailand, I thought I Ka/Krap was based on the sex of the person I was speaking too and I thought this is how a Thai explained it too me.

Eg. If I was taking to a female, I would end with "Ka".

"Sawadee-Ka" "hello lady"

Taking to a male, I would end with "Krap"

"Sawadee-Krap" "hello sir"

But I noticed a lot of ....actually all females ending their sentences when talking to me with "Ka" (I'm a male)

So now I have the impression that I've been talking to females wrongly all along and that Ka/Krap is based on YOUR sex, not the person you are speaking too?

Quite posative I will just get the flight to Udon Thani . Seems the most convienent route.

The only thing I'm not sure of now is if I should get the laos visa here in BKK, tonight - Or get it at the boarder.

I've heard some people say get it at the boarder as it's cheaper and doesn't take long, while others saying it can take hours....I guess it depends on the time.

Money is not an issue, I would rather just not spend an unecessary amount. As I know instances like these are where tourists are often over charged.

I've looked up flights to Udon Thani and they're quite cheap. Around 1200 baht. So it's definitely a consideration.

- Thanks for your input ignis, that could be a possible solution if I decide not to get the plane.

It's hard to say no to the flights when they're only 800 more than the bus and it saves about 10 each travel time, each way. Though I guess there is extra cost from Udon Thani to Vientiene.

Okay, thank you.

To travel from Bangkok to Vientiane, there is a rail service, correct? If so, how does it compare to a bus route. Pricing, time ect. I would ideally like an overnight trip.

Edit*

So to my understanding I have 2 options, excluding plane.

Bus - Take bus from all the way to Vientiane. Bus will stop and wait at immigration then continue on.

Train: BKK Hua Langpong station - Nong khai - Thanaleng transtion - Laos immigation - Tuk Tuk to Vientiane.

Anyone have thoughts on which better option?

I'm leaving Thailand on the 30th of November. So far I have been here for 3 weeks. I arrived on the 7th of July.

For some stupid reason, I just assumed I could apply for an extended visa while in Thailand...

So I'm in the situation of only having just over a week left on my 1 month stay, then I must get a new visa.

I am planning to go vietnam mid septemeber where I could apply for a longer visa there, so I'm wondering if until that time, should I do some boarder runs for the limited 15 day entry, or should I go to phnom penh before my current visa expires and apply for an extended visa while I'm there?

Few questions:

if I decide to do the 15 day boarder runs. What is the total estimated cost from BKK or pattaya

If I apply for a longer visa in pnom penh, what is the total estimates cost...

What is the best route to pnom penh? Bus, train?

If anyone can give me exacts on which bus/trains ect to go from, it would be much appreciated.

Better View Talay 1 or VT2 thank living in Pattaya trashcan (pattaya center).

A lot of what I've looked at online has been at the Talay 1 or 2. Is there a preference to which is better?

I will be defectively competing in this.

I'm quite confident I can complete this within the time limit.

I just saw someone from this forum post a link to this site http://www.mirakar.com/ for a price check on iphones. Anyone know if the sellers are legit.

I see an iphone4S 64G for 15.5K, which Is what I'm looking for, but I'm not sure if I could get better deal from tukcom?

I don't really have a good answer to your question, but this may or may not help.

I know there is quite a few websites that steam live sports. VIP box for example, though the problem with this is they require flash player to watch, which an iphone does not have.

What you could do is download a browser that has a flash player installed (puffin for eg) and you may be able to watch it then. Once again, I'm not certain.

Other than that there may be pay channels that you can stream directly to iphone, although I do not watch the cricket so I can not name any. I know bigpond Australia streams rugby to iphone...they may have the cricket which can be streamed in asia.

Thanks guys. The pricing guidelines for apartments and additional bills have been a lot of help.

I've got about 10 places which seem possible choices. Most of my options seem to be in jimotien beach area. I guess I just have to go through them and make a decision. To be honest I just want to be settled in already, so if I end up spending a bit more than what I should have.. oh well.

I think at this point I want a pool...After travelling in Canada for the last year and not being anywhere near water, plus this awful humidity, swimming again sounds amazing to me. For some reason I get the idea that the beaches aren't really that great to swim in..most spots anyway.

If I get a place that doesn't have pool access, is their any public pools that you can pay to use in this area?

No problem, for around 7K a Month plus expenses there are plenty of apartments (in fact only rooms) around the Pattaya Klang area. Has all of the above except pool Try sois 14 and 16....further up at soi 9 Klang there are those pink coloured apartments all within your price range, again no pool. Very quiet and safe, I stay there now.

Thank you for your recommendation.

How much do you guys find you spend each month on utilities expenses? Mainly elec. I'd say I'd run AC a moderate amount, I just really have no idea what to expect with prices. I'm assuming 500-1K b/MO...maybe 2k if I ran it 24/7?

Hello everybody.

I've been staying in Bangkok for the last few weeks, although I have just come to Pattaya and feel it is much more suited to me.

I am planning to stay here until I leave Thailand, which is late November.

I would really appreciate some advise and or suggestions and what I can expect for my price budget and what I'm looking for, within Pattaya.

As I said, I have just arrived in Pattaya, but I am going back to BKK tomorrow (Until I return) so I haven't had much, if any time to look around for places or to understand the various possible locations for my rental.

Where are recommended locations to live in Pattaya? Is there anywhere in particular that should be avoided.

What I am looking for: I have two basically "Guidelines" as of now. I'm not sure if I want to go within around the 5kB mo price range, or go for more luxury around 10KB Mo.

This is what I'm interested in, in an apartment.

- Aircon

- Hot water

- High speed Wifi

- Fridge : Would be great, but not expecting with every cheaper App

- TV/Cable : "Ditto"

- Kitchen : Ditto"

- Pool :"Ditto"

- Somewhere with reasonable security.

So basically if anyone can give me an idea if of what I can get within the 5-10K B range within Pattaya. Areas and luxuries inc in App. If anyone knows of any apartments in mind, that would be much appreciate. If you have an apartment of your own you are looking to advertise, please feel free to PM me.

Also note'

that I am here alone, so single room/Bed area is all that is needed.

I am a young traveler. So I don't necessary need a location that is away from major areas.