AjarnFarangInSuratThani

On a serious note, why not legalise cannabis? Would bring back in the tourists en masse and would show that Thailand, despite it's many many political and judicial flaws, is willing to take the lead on something positive and progressive. Look around the world General! Totally legal in Colorado, legal for medicinal use in nearly 20 states of the US and legal from seed to spliff in Uruguay. Imagine the potential for Thailand!!!!!!

Reminds me of home (UK).

My hero, he has stopped the ban. I totally support the junta, including lack of free speech and these bizarre 'Happiness Days' or whatever they're called. Booze for NY's E WOOOOHOOOOOO Kop khun Mak Khun Prayuth.

Democracy is history, but at least we can all get pissed.

There are a lot of Farangs staying at Wat Suan Mokkh in Chaiya, 70 km North of Surat Thani.

Why? Presumably they are Buddhist farangs then?

Also, I am not ONLY interested in meeting farangs. I would of course like to meet Thais too. Unfortunately my Thai isn't too hot, but I am willing and probably able to learn. Also as an ESL teacher I have heard rumours that the general standard of English amongst Thais in ST is pretty good. Is this true?

If anyone wants to meet up for a Chang at GM or another location in the city then gimme a shout.

No....I am focused on finding fellow farang as this time I will be alone in the LOS. Also I am not there yet; I arrive on Sunday. What u say is of course as true as the UK June day is long, but I don't need to ask a question about things like that, do I?

and before i switch my visa to a non B and get my work permit I am entitled to a VAT refund right? As long as I have a tourist visa in my passport....?

Cheers bino, really good of u to take the trouble to find that for me. It's seems a total snip @ 2600THB. Hopefully Tesco Lotus in Surat Thani stocks this, because if it does i will be buying one! You sir, are a legend.

Head on to Dunsak,take the ferry to Phangan.Go during the Full Moon Party

Kop khun Mak Captain Obvious!

Also, I'm guessing it would make a lot of sense to buy whatever I decide from a shop like Tesco, and avoid the smaller vendors......?

Yes, I understand the difficulty in recommending something which by definition has no name. I was hoping that someone could describe the spec and what it looks like. Also said person could tell me the price and where they bought it from. Thank you anyway for the info bino. You have confirmed what i already suspected. Kop khun khrab.

pfffffft! I'm a married man

Seriously though, I don't look weird or anything. I am just a typical farang I guess.

I am coming to Thailand this Sunday. I will need to buy a tablet PC so I can talk with my wife and friends back in the U.K. Last time I was in Thailand I noticed a number of unbranded tablets (as well as smartphones) for a fraction of the price of their branded counterparts. Can anyone recommend a good one? Also what is the rough (or exact, if you know it) price, and where can I buy it? Also, do they come with a warranty, and can I, as a non thai citizen, pick one up VAT free? On the other hand, are these things nasty as well as cheap, and it's only worth buying something like a genuine Samsung Galaxy? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Ok SichonSteve, I will remember the name. Guess I might see you in there sometime then. I will be clutching a large Chang and a cheap Thai tablet computer.

It all sounds better than the ajarn life in Prachinburi. Mind u, I think rural North Korea would be more entertaining than being the only farang teacher there.

Useful info. Cheers Ianatlarge

A google search revealed this;

GM has a good mix of locals and fa·ràng English teachers who return time and time again for the mellow atmosphere, tasty international menu, and wide selection of beer and cocktails.'

Does anyone know if this is a well known place in ST, or will I have to make a note of the address for tuk tuk drivers? I realise that atm this topic is fairly academic as a 10pm curfew pretty much kills a chance to go there for a decent evening of imbibing Hong Thong and soda, but surely the curfew must be lifted soon...........Right??

No comment RE Suthep. I think it's wise to not talk about politics/politicians in Thailand. Unless that is one likes the ones in question. Read into those sentences what you will

1500 a month seems ludicrously cheap! Does that include a free cockroach infestation? I was expecting to pay around 4000 plus utilities for something reasonable. I have heard about a farang bar called 'GM' or something like that. Has anyone heard of that?

So loppylugs1, does that mean I will be gawped at like I was in Prachinburi? Oh dear........

LOL, nothing 'happened' to her. She is staying in the U.K. to continue her work as a chef. She is coming out in Sept for a holiday, and then returning back with me in October.

Hi People,

I am new to this site, and this is my first post.

I am going to Surat Thani next Monday (02/06/14). I will be taking a teaching post in the city.

What I want to know is general things about the place from people who live there, especially other teachers. I know there is an ongoing curfew, but presumably that will be lifted in the not too distant future. If and when it is, where are the places that farang like me hang out? Also what is the cost of living there like? I have just finished a contract up in Prachinburi, and living there was ridiculously cheap. However, Prachin is in the middle of nowhere and there are hardly any other farang living there. In Prachin I was with my wife, but this time I will be alone. Will Thais in ST stare at me like I come from another planet like they did in Prachinburi, or does the proximity of Koh Samui etc. mean that I won't experience this?

Finally, as I said I will be alone, so if anyone who lives in ST city fancies meeting up for a Chang or whatever and a game of pool, that would be good.

Kop khun khrab,

Phil