BCDreamer

I also wanted someplace near the sea. But I had some other set criteria that needed to be fulfilled.

Near the sea with swimable waters. Good food/restaurants of both Thai, Western, and Asian variety.

Relatively close to some good hospitals. Country side environment with some rural roads and generally

low volumn traffic. Easy access to airport, public transportation, shopping and a city environment when

desired. Affordble all round living.

After working and traveling in Thailand for several stints, and seeing the better part of the country,

Ban Chang, Rayong Provance is where I ended up settling.

Background: 62 years old Westerner. Living in Ban Chang, Rayong, Thailand permentaly since retirement

in January 2009. Dual citizen (Thai/Western) spouse. Good health. Enjoying

good food, an occasional adult beverage, swimming, sports (golf, swimming, bicycling, walking, tennis),

reading, occassional interaction and intellegable discussion with Westerners, and going out and about

once in a while to see the sights although I've pretty much seen what I have wanted to see by now.

Ban Chang has easy access to Pattaya and Rayong cites and all the activities that they have to offer

when desired. 40 min to Pattaya and 30 min to Rayong max. The traffic in getting to those locations is

low until you get there. There are major department stores, entertainment complexes, movie theaters

and almost any kind of restaurant one is looking for in these nearby cities, Ban Chang has 2 small hospitals

with many capable clinics. The Thai Govt Queen Suriquit Hospital is in Sattahip about 10 min away and there are

the Bangkok-Pattaya and Bangkok-Rayong hospitals respectfully in Pattaya and Rayong. Ban Chang is

exactly 1 hour and 30 min to the Savernabum Airport. Phala and several other beaches are nearby. Phala

Beach is 5 min motorcycle ride from my house. Ban Chang is near (5-7 min) the Royal Thai Navy Port of

Sattahip so the infrastructure is well supported and U-Tapao Airport is nearby. The Expat community is generally nice

and there are not too many of us. There are occasions to get together with other expats when desired.

There is a rather large TESCO-LOTUS in Ban Chang and another in Sattahip and Rayong as well as a Big C

in Rayong. There are many golf courses nearby, there is ocean fishing, the traffic is very low volumn, the roads

for bicycling or motor cycling are many.

I'll leave it at that and answer any specific questions you ave if directed my way. Cheers and good luck.

The Abhisit government is legit and decent.

"legal" in what sense. Was he demcratically elected? Was the removal of Taksin the democratic way to rid a govt administration?

This is terrible, lets pray it ends with as little casualties as possible,

Don't you mean this is frantastic, lets pray it ends with as little casualties as possible...