martinjakobsen

On 1/25/2020 at 10:53 AM, KrabiWhite said:

Hi there,

 

I would recommend Krabi International School out of the others listed. It is an impressive development, and has education up until the age of 18, which is convenient if you're here for a while. I also hear that it's strict when it comes to hiring and vetting teachers, ensuring they're fully qualified. It has a good reputation and seems to be constantly growing. I guess an added bonus is that it's Western-run and pretty forward-thinking, which can be hard to come by in Thailand. I'm sure they'd welcome any prospective parents looking around so maybe arrange for that when you visit. With regards to the other option, I didn't know the British school was still open - it's hard to find any details about it. 

 

Finding places to stay can be tricky, a lot is still done through word-of-mouth. There are some facebook groups such as Krabi Real Estate that might be a place to start, as well as just looking on Facebook Marketplace. Krabi International School is in Khao Tom/Nong Thale, so anywhere from Krabi Town to Nong Thale would be within a 25 minute commute. Nearby beaches/districts of Klong Muang and Ao Nang might yield some fruit. Failing that, it might be worth asking the school if they know of anywhere to rent.

 

Good luck with your move.

Thank you very much for your great reply! Almost strated to think the Krabi forum had been abandoned...

I have submitted a request to join the Facebook groups and checked your listings.

Thanks again! I really, really appreciate it!

Dearly beloved Krabi residents,

My wife, our two children and I are moving to Krabi in June/July 2020. We have lived in Thailand for 10 years, and we both speak fluent Thai.

We have been to Krabi before, but never really looked into the province with the intention of living there. Our oldest child will need to attend school (Anuban 3, she is 5), but we are not sure what school to choose. I have found three different international schools: Krabi International School, Krabi International Montessori Academy and The British International School of Krabi. We are particularly interested in Krabi International School and would love to hear from anyone on this forum who has had experience with either of the aforementioned.

Furthermore, we are looking for a place to stay as well. We are interested in long-term rentals (preferably house with garden, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) - or we might just go ahead and buy a house somewhere a bit outside the touristy areas. I have looked online, and most of the Thai-based real estate listings do not have much to offer. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places?

Lastly, can you recommend areas to stay in? Just looking for a couple of wise words and pointers before visiting Krabi in February. If I know a little bit more by then, I believe it will be easier for us to navigate through the options, and at least have a point of entry to enquiries.

I appreciate your time - thank you!

All the best, Martin

Hi, I am an American woman living here in a small village. I have lived here in my husband's village for about 5 years. Most foreigners living in villages are married to Thais from that area. There are many new housing developments and apartments here, so finding a place to live should not be hard. We have Tesco, Big C and Macro and a new Robinson's mall with a Tops supermarket. There are a couple of private hospitals and a big public one that looks like the apocalypse every day. More and more private clinics are popping up all the time. There are also a couple of private schools. There are not many good restaurants, and you better like spicy food if you plan to eat with the locals.

I think most people are nice here, especially if you can speak Thai. Very few speak English. The traffic has gotten a lot worse lately, especially Friday through Sunday. I am from a small town, so I like it here much more than other areas where there are many foreigners. But then, I am mostly a homebody. It is very difficult to interact with other foreigners here. The cost of living is much lower than Bangkok. You will need a car, unless you live in the main city. Not much transportation here. I don't even have access to a songtaew here. Living in town might be the easiest thing, especially when you first move here. Then, you can meet people and get out and about in the villages. You may be able to rent a house in a village at a very cheap rate. I would be happy to show you around, but don't know how to give out contact info privately on here. If you have a way to get in touch to chat about it, I can meet you one day in the city and show you around a bit. I have an old truck and can drive you around if you don't have a car. You should definitely visit before you decide. It is not as developed for foreigners here as many places. Hope this was helpful.

Your comment was very helpful! Thank you very much

My wife and I are visiting from the 23rd to the 26th and we would love to meet with you and understand more about your experience with life in Kanchanaburi! The idea of driving around introducing us to the different areas is great! Exactly what we need! Please contact me on [email protected] and let's talk more there

Thanks again!

There are dozen's of mid-sized towns located near major rivers in Thailand. If you have seen one, you have seen them all.

What differentiates "Kancha" from all the rest is: There is a "Farang-Mile".(Mae Nam Kwae Rd). Something that other "mid-sized-towns" along a river usually don't have.

On the "Farang-Mile" one can find plenty of Farangs, that have come to the conclusion that Sukhumvit Rd in BKK is just too expensive in the long run.

Surely, OP has done some research beforehand and has chosen "Kancha" as the best of 2 worlds as many others have before.

Cheers.

I just sat here for 10 minutes thinking about what to reply. And then it hit me; "Swissie" is probably just mad and discontent with his or her life in Thailand. And I accept that. It has nothing to do with me. But some people just don't have the same skills or chances to navigate aroung this country as others. And it must be a pretty big pill to swallow. I, for one, would feel like shit, having to live a life like that... It is what it is... Yet I do feel sorry for people like this...

How would you ever know about my reasons for concidering living in Kanchanaburi? Other than the ones I spoke of here? Your comments are presumptuous and I wholeheartedly wish for you to get well soon. I actually love people like you. Weak-minded individuals with a lack of experience and talent citing the next guys dilemma. Like kindergarten retards. Cute

I really like you. You are cute. Like, really... Thanks for making us all smarter by joining the thread here!

Have I hit a "raw nerve"? You don't seem to be interested in feedback's that describe something "as it is", as instead of how it should be in your imagination. Instead of asking productive follow-up questions to a post, you fire off a barrage of personal insults as soon as a reply is not according to your expectations. Bravo!

I visit Kancha and Cha-Am regularly. I have a strange feeling, we would not make for good neighbors in either city. Sorry "Buddy".

Cheers.

My apologies for ranting. You didn't deserve that. I was in a dark place with other people commenting, calling my wife a prostitute and stuff like that. The amount of BS one has to deal with here is pretty amazing, but luckily there are nice, helpful people here as well. I don't react well to the BS. However I still don't find your comment very useful and have no follow-up comments really. We might not make good neighbors, but let's not worry about that. My apologies again

I'd say good choice, although everybody has different needs and priorities, but I often travel to Kan for the day from suphanburi, nice bike ride,, good scenery around the area, as you say it's easily accessible to Bangkok and also not too far to beaches in Cha am and surrounding area

I am pretty sure it will be great! I like the beach area in Cha-Am and I have lived in Hua Hin for two years some time ago. We are all excited to move there Thx!

I enjoy Kanchanaburi. It is pretty self-contained with regards to shopping, so you wouldn't need to go to Bkk often. There are numerous hospitals. Internet is the same as the rest of Thailand in my experience. The dining selection is good, which shouldn't be a surprise considering the number of tourists and expats there.

There do seem to be quite a number of long term retirees there. I didn't find them the friendliest. In my 20 odd trips to Kanchanaburi I didn't find much in the way of younger long timers. I am sure there are some, but not sure where they spend time.

Kanchanaburi is a great province if you love the outdoors. I have done a fair bit of motorbike touring, hiking, and general exploring. The further you get away from the city towards the Myanmar border, the better. having said that there are caves, temples, cave temples, and much more to explore less than a 30 minute drive away. I would certainly consider living there if work allowed.

Thanks a lot for your advice!

I have only passed through a few times. Loved Erawan and I think there is now quite a growing resort area near Kan in the mtns... tons of resorts popping up nearby... I live rural too but we do not have tourists here and I think that aspect of Kan would be nice... more farang restaurants and maybe an enjoyable social aspect to having tourists coming through.

If it were me looking and unsure - I would work out a deal for a months stay in a small resort and take the time to look around. These decisions are better made with a little time under your belt in the area... give it a try and see how it goes...

Good luck.. Hope it works well for you.

Thank you! I will go there in two weeks time and have a look

erm ... so how much did you pay for your laos bought wife

Nice one, buddy!

Call this expat and permanent residence in Kancha; has the only reality office there (and a great guy): 'Irish John' & Nam: 0822929912

I loved Kanchanaburi; (moved to Phuket, a sea/beach lover) many wonderful qualities of easy/relax living with a beautiful country-side. As well as great (small number) bunch of expats. I think you already know..

Good luck, mention Ricardo says "Hello"

Thx for the tip! i will give him a call and give him your best wishes

Can only put my 5 satangs worth in as a tourist but I liked it there.

Compared to hot and smoggy Bangkok, Kanchanaburi was much cooler, breezy, very fresh air.

I saw some houses on the river that did not look occupied, the thought of some cold drinks and a fishing line (as I saw locals with nets pulling out big fish), looked like a great thing, bit of noise from the speedboats and the party cruiser, but not over the top noisy.

As Kan Win mentions town has everything you need. Best of luck with the move !

Thanks a lot

Hi Martin.

Welcome to Kan "The Land of Peace and Love".

Been living here for 14 years, visited Kan many time before that and yes it would be a place for you and your family to stay and chill out.

BLACKJACK2 mentioned the areas that have some houses for rent so have a look there first.

We also have a Robinson Shopping Mall (Tops) on the outer ring road .

All in all everything you need is in Kan together with the

the beautiful natural scenery

Views of Kan as I have seen them

http://www.pbase.com/win13/muang_kan

and Maps

http://www.pbase.com/win13/maps

Hope this helps you.

Win

Thank you very much for the pictures and tips! Great of you to help

we note that you are so successful at integrating into thai community that you have a laos wife. look admit you got it wrong and look elsewhere than kan and region.

Haha! You really got me there, buddy... I bet you are a real genius. handsome as Hell, and succesful as f"#k! Get well soon, buddy

Go be a pest somewhere else, little, angry fellow. You are not contributing at all.

Should be a little masochistic to help your problem "buddy". You are imbued with your person and you ask you judge interventions to meet you.

While doing all by yourself to settle down in that hole in the world's ass that is Kan

Please refer from using Google translate, when you clearly have no clue on how it works. Buddy. Contribute or see your way out, sweetheart.

we note that you are so successful at integrating into thai community that you have a laos wife. look admit you got it wrong and look elsewhere than kan and region.

Haha! You really got me there, buddy... I bet you are a real genius. handsome as Hell, and succesful as f"#k! Get well soon, buddy

Go be a pest somewhere else, little, angry fellow. You are not contributing at all.

There are dozen's of mid-sized towns located near major rivers in Thailand. If you have seen one, you have seen them all.

What differentiates "Kancha" from all the rest is: There is a "Farang-Mile".(Mae Nam Kwae Rd). Something that other "mid-sized-towns" along a river usually don't have.

On the "Farang-Mile" one can find plenty of Farangs, that have come to the conclusion that Sukhumvit Rd in BKK is just too expensive in the long run.

Surely, OP has done some research beforehand and has chosen "Kancha" as the best of 2 worlds as many others have before.

Cheers.

I just sat here for 10 minutes thinking about what to reply. And then it hit me; "Swissie" is probably just mad and discontent with his or her life in Thailand. And I accept that. It has nothing to do with me. But some people just don't have the same skills or chances to navigate aroung this country as others. And it must be a pretty big pill to swallow. I, for one, would feel like shit, having to live a life like that... It is what it is... Yet I do feel sorry for people like this...

How would you ever know about my reasons for concidering living in Kanchanaburi? Other than the ones I spoke of here? Your comments are presumptuous and I wholeheartedly wish for you to get well soon. I actually love people like you. Weak-minded individuals with a lack of experience and talent citing the next guys dilemma. Like kindergarten retards. Cute

I really like you. You are cute. Like, really... Thanks for making us all smarter by joining the thread here!

I never found Kanchanaburi to be the friendliest place in Thailand.

Been there a couple of times and had a good look around the area

for a couple of weeks at a time to get a feel of the place.

Some people might like it, but it's certainly not for me.

Thanks for your comment. Can you specify it a bit more? I would love to hear more about why it is not the place for you. Thx

Specific advice and personal experiences would be more helpful than cynical remarks.

I agree, thank you

Thai wife or another expat ? It seemed from your OP that you stated both pretty much fluent in Thai which leads me to believe expat wife. So then the question is why choose kanchanaburi ? Work related ?

Thanks for asking She comes from Laos. We are choosing Kanchanaburi because of the easy access to Bangkok, the nature and climate - and to have a fresh start as a family where good hospitals are not too far away. I have income from Denmark and do not need to work anymore. I have been there twice and I liked the area. I am sure there are some places around the city, that are more quiet and those are the places we will try to find vacant houses in.

Thanks for all your comments so far!

My wife is Lao. We have lived in Thailand for 7 years. My daughter is 1 year and 2 months old, so she will not start school anytime soon.

We have lived in Chiang Mai and Hua Hin before, so the tourist town doesn't worry me. I have found that you can make it whatever you want regardless of tourism and other factors. Especially if you speak the language and use your brain

We are looking for a nice and quiet life. And as far as I remember, one is able to get that - but just not at the river promenada with hordes of tourist families stampeding the area, naturally.

I have never been around a community in Thailand, that I was not welcome to join. That statement is useless to me and probably says more about the author than the community possibilities in Kanchanaburi. Save all the falang-man/ATM trivia for the birds. This thread is about factual advice on living in Kanchanaburi - not someones overall cultural challenges or lack of adjustment skills.

A special thanks to @Muggi1968 for a pretty thorough list of pros and cons. Please keep 'em coming

Thanks again to all!

""I hope to hear from you and look forward to become a part of the community"" no that aint going to happen

Would you please care to explain your comment? What is not going to happen? Me becoming a part of the community? Or hearing from people with advice?

I have been there twice, and I liked it.

Hi guys,

I am concidering moving to Kanchanaburi with my wife and baby daughter in May or June. I have tried to find a house for rent online, but the selection is pretty limited, and I am sure it would be better to go and see for myself and find a house "manually". I am interested in knowing about hospital standards in the city and furthermore about what areas to stay in. We are planning to live a quiet, relaxed life and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery as often as we can.

We have lived in Thailand for 7 years, and we both speak Thai pretty much fluent. Getting by will not be a problem, but are there certain things about Kanchanaburi that stands out compared to other Thai cities? How is the Internet speed? Do you have a Big C or tesco etc.? How about Immigration police in terms of 90-day reporting? All the tips and advice that you can give me will be greatly appreciated!

I hope to hear from you and look forward to become a part of the community

Best regards, Martin

Hi guys,

My friend has a limited partnership (NOT a company limited) and has offered me to come and work for him. However, he does not know if I will be able to obtain a work permit in a limited partnership. I suggested to investigate further and naturally my journey of wisdom begind here.

Does anyone have experience with limited partnerships and foreigners working there? If so, what is the procedure to get a Non B visa done followed by a work permit?

Crossing my fingers and hoping for good advice

Thanks you!

I have a Lao girlfriend (soon to be wife, although we're having to do that in the UK) and son. She has lived in Thailand for 6+ years and does a border run to Cambodia every 30 days for a visa exempt stamp. This seems to be unlimited although in the current climate I am keen to get her added to my Extension which I will hopefully do once we are married.

The border run from Pattaya is fairly easy - leave at 6am and back by 2pm for 1,000 baht.

So you are in the same situation as I - except you are getting married in the UK. Very smart! However take notice that Laos does not recognize foreign marriages between outsiders and Lao citizens. In other words, they dont care if you are married in other countries if you are not registred in Laos. Getting married in Laos is the most difficult thing that I have had to through overhere in 7 years. I strongly advice against it. Staying with your girlfriend in Laos can get you fined up to 5000 usd and she can get in legal trouble here as well. It is said that they dont really uphold that paragraph anymore, but 2 months ago I was questioned - communist-style - and had to pay 20.000 baht for nothing. They can return and collect whenever they see fit, so now we cant stay together. Troublesome it is to not be able to stay with the woman you love and your own daughter. The marriage process here can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years!

Can I ask what work you were doing in laos to support yourself.

Just curious, as mine is thai/lao/cambodian

Pondered about moving to laos or cambodia, as its even cheaper, but cant imagine any work that would be worth it

Sure. I do online entrepreneurship, working with content/traffic marketing and affiliate marketing worldwide.

Laos is in no way cheaper than Thailand. Only thing cheaper here is beer and cigarettes.

Why are you staying in Thailand? What's the allure? Why not stay in her country or yours?

Not relevant at all, but nice of you to ask

We both prefer to stay in thailand and used to stay there together. It is more convenient, cleaner and in Laos a foreigner can not stay with a Lao national except if the are married. It might be hard for anyone to picture, but in my opinion traffic is scarier here. I like Thai food way better than Lao food. I do love Isan food, but up here it's more the prototype of Isan food than the dishes we are used to in Thailand No you know!

Well, good fortune to you both, and also to the little one.

I lived in Thailand for well over two years. Cannot say I liked it much at all. There are a myriad of much better places to live. So, naturally I get curious when people say they actually want to go live there. I immediately feel the need to ask, what for?

Thanks, for your reply.

well than why did u not like it? I have been living here over 30 years and raised a daughter here and she attended international schools

where did u find better?

to the op

Does your daughter have ur last name and is your name on the Birth certificate. it has to be for her to be attached to your visa.

There is an EXCELLENT thread on k440 concerning marrying a Cambodian outside Cambodia ( and so it could apply for you to marry ur Laos gf outside laos

Read thru it. http://www.khmer440.com/chat_forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=53999

If the link is taken off here, do a search for it, on k440 dot .com forum marrying a Cambodian in Singapore

Getting a Migrant ( L-A visa) is not that easy but it can be done, do some research on the MOU between Thailand and Laos

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/277986-registration-for-illegal-burmese-lao-and-cambodian-migrant-workers/

http://wp.doe.go.th/wp/index.php/en/mou

She has my last name and my name is on the birth certificate. Thank you for advice.