superglue

I emigrated in 2003 & then purchased a condo from a Thai.

Prior to the transfer of title some visits to the local Amphur office were necessary.

Net effect on my life since - nothing worth mentioning.

You planned well. As a result, the chances of it going tits up are minimal.

Live for today. You are a long time dead.

Lady boys??? - 555

14 years in LOS - 12 in CNX & 2 in Fang.

CNX deteriorated in my final years there - air & noise pollution plus it has become a serious tourist destination.

Now, in a town of 20k people, it is a pleasure to live each day.

Peak hour traffic - what???

Friendly neighbors whom I trust.

Would I go back to the Gold Coast, Australia??? - 555.

It takes time to get the full picture.

Do as much research as you can prior to arrival.

Ask questions.

I have been here 14 years. Rural LOS is my home.

No matter who you are; no matter where you live, it is a matter of attitude and quality decision making. Be prepared to adjust to the 'NOW'.

My thinking in my 20s is far from what it is now.

'How important is it.'

Consider your loved ones and especially yourself.

Be realistic. Don't set unrealistic goals as in doing so you are bound not to achieve them.

I will never play guitar as well as Mark Knopfler. In fact, I would prefer to be a listener.

Sport has always been my fortay but due to any injury it is now out of the question. I could be a coach or a 'lounge lizard.'

It is all about priorities and today that is my wife.

Language is my biggest headache. I did learn Thai in Chiang Mai but the Isaan region is a new learning curve.

Having a Thai wife overcomes almost all obstacles.

By saying Thai wife, my wife is university educated and family oriented in my case.

The more in common you have the better.

If $$$ is tight, retiring to LOS will not make it better.

We live in Fang - 150km from CNX & 100km from Chiang Rai.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Local Immigration Office for 90 day reporting. Its prime purpose is to cater for the Burmese.

Facilities include Makro & LOTUS.

No golf course.

Very few expats live in the area.

Compared to BKK and Pattaya/Phuket, the cost of living is much cheaper.