You know some 14 yrs ago I visited Isaan with the lady. Same as many before me. I grew up in the country back in US and I thought staying in Isaan was like going back in time and I loved it. It was me who brought up the subject of buying land and we (she) bought 7 rai rice paddy. I was working and making good money. Built a 2 mil house, had a child together. As I neared retirement I decided the life there wasn't for me.
I wanted better schools for the kid and I wanted more scenery than rice fields, poor people and drinking. I set myself up for failure by allowing her mother to live there. 6+ years ago we loaded up my truck with out clothes and MB and moved to a seaside village where I bought a small house 1 km from the beach, It's a 45 min drive to pattaya, I've got restaurants galore around me. The kid has an EP school.
Each to their own but you don't have to live in Isaan to live in the country. It will cost a bit more for the land but in my view it's well worth it.