Why is it westerners are so adamant about trying to turn Thailand into the country they left behind for retirement here. I've spent alot of time in Isaan myself and came to the conclusion that my retirement years wouldn't be spent there. But, I'm against changing the Isaan way of life. Leave em be. It pretty neat to see how they survive.
I had the financial resources to leave behind the place I built in Isaan and move the family to a place that offered a better education for the kid and a wider range of activities for myself. It's good for the kid to be around richie rich kids here but still be intune with the Isaan way.