Isaan Motivation?

[Boon Mee]

Beautiful women! ???? 

[fishtank]

Isaan is mostly a great place to live.

Only problem is the noise.

Peace and quiet it is not.

 

[jingjai9]

I first came to Issaarn to teach. I was invited to help open a new school. I was in Bangkok and decided life was too short to breathe that air and I needed to move. For me Udon was love at first sight

 

[Damrongsak]

8 hours ago, swissie said:

So far the posts would indicate that it is not the Isaan (per se) that attracts Farangs, but rather a "good solid family life". Something like "My home/family are my castle" and where the "Castle" is located is not really the deciding factor.
This automatically begs the question: Would Farangs still remain in the Isaan in case of a "Family-Breakup"?
Would you pull up stakes or stay?

Interesting question.  If I were there and broke up with my wife, I think I would still have a good relationship with her siblings.  They might even take care of me in my old age.  Just because I'm the "old uncle".  Doesn't hurt that I could pay my way.

 

The younger sister who is here in the USA split with her Thai husband, who also had a "green card" but went back.  Her brother still visits the guy, and doesn't seem too pleased with his sister.  Crazy sibling shit.

 

That said, I don't fancy retiring in Thailand due to some of the hassles as of late.  We have a fairly nice house in Virginia that is paid for in a quiet neighborhood.  We've been in this place about 25 years. I need to figure out a convenient way to spend maybe 3-4 months a year in Thailand. 

 

[soalbundy]

20 hours ago, ThaiBunny said:

I notice you don't mention village dogs. Whenever I visit friends (in a village between Sisaket and Surin) I can't walk by myself outside the family compound because of the dogs in the village that are protective of their own areas and wary of strangers. Don't get me wrong; I enjoy my stays there but I like to get out, have a walk around, get some exercise but I feel physically constrained there unless one or two members of the family are prepared to walk with me. I guess it may just be that village. I once stayed just outside Yasothon and didn't notice dogs at all (in the 18 hours in total I was there!)

Dogs aren't a problem if you are friendly towards them, it would be a mentally unstable dog that attacks a human being. Every village has lots of dogs, the ones in your immediate area get to know your scent as being part of the local pack and leave you alone (unless you have shown aggression towards them) One street further away will result in them barking but usually gentle soothing words stops them and once they get to know you they will ignore you. I do what I call my meditation walks around a lake 500 meters from my house, the dogs all sleep on the concrete path going around the lake and since I start my walks when it is still dark they took umbrage at my presence at first, I offered my hand for them to smell, spoke gently and after a week or so they ignored me. It was amusing that a short time after I had introduced myself to the dogs in this manner that while sitting in my Buddha pose one early morning one of the dogs came over and dumped himself on my lap, tail wagging.

[nervona81732]

Moving to Issan was so my wife could be close to family. She was willing to go anywhere with me but I chose her comfort zone. I'm glad I did. I couldn't be happier here. I'm well respected , comfortable and i know I am in good hands. At peace and love my family and friends in the area.

This was a great decision I made. Cheers from Issan.

[bkkcanuck8]

3 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

Dogs aren't a problem if you are friendly towards them, it would be a mentally unstable dog that attacks a human being. Every village has lots of dogs, the ones in your immediate area get to know your scent as being part of the local pack and leave you alone (unless you have shown aggression towards them) One street further away will result in them barking but usually gentle soothing words stops them and once they get to know you they will ignore you. I do what I call my meditation walks around a lake 500 meters from my house, the dogs all sleep on the concrete path going around the lake and since I start my walks when it is still dark they took umbrage at my presence at first, I offered my hand for them to smell, spoke gently and after a week or so they ignored me. It was amusing that a short time after I had introduced myself to the dogs in this manner that while sitting in my Buddha pose one early morning one of the dogs came over and dumped himself on my lap, tail wagging.

When I moved into this area there were a number of dogs that would bark and growl when I walked by, but generally if you just turn and eye them they would back off.  I do actually talk to all the dogs, say hi and short things - I have always had the impression that the only thing more unnerving for a dog is some animal that does not make any sounds.... A hi, hello in a friendly voice imparts that you are not a threat.  Now pretty much all the dogs know who I am, and I rarely get backed at by dogs in the wild (some locked behind gates will bark to defend their territory).  Walking along in combat mode, carrying a stick is IMHO a stupid thing to do...  In the end karma wins, if you are nice to dogs, you get it returned, if you treat them as enemies... you get that returned.

[SpokaneAl]

We split our time between a home in the US and a home in Korat, just around the corner from where my wife was born. It is a good life and we have also visited many parts of Thailand from the Golden Triangle to Phuket, and always look forward to returning to our home in Korat. I like to think of myself as a serious swimmer, bike rider and runner and can do all in Korat.

With all of my wife’s aunts and extended family, we enjoy ourselves, although she did need to stop the woe is me, if I only had some money visits. We do realize that our position in life is substantially better than most in that area, and help as we decide.

We have been traveling back and forth between the two countries now for eight years. Initially our plans were to do this for ten years and then the house and car would go to my sister in law and her daughters. Now, as we get closer to that ten year time line, we will most likely continue to spend our winters in Issan. Life is pretty good.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bkkcanuck8]

9 hours ago, swissie said:

So far the posts would indicate that it is not the Isaan (per se) that attracts Farangs, but rather a "good solid family life". Something like "My home/family are my castle" and where the "Castle" is located is not really the deciding factor.
This automatically begs the question: Would Farangs still remain in the Isaan in case of a "Family-Breakup"?
Would you pull up stakes or stay?

The criteria probably would be as varied as the people in question.  Some might pack up and move back to what they wanted (Isan being a compromise for them), some might stay in the area, others might move down the road to another area not to unlike their old area -- just without the failed relationship in their face all the time....  If you want the farang nightlife, well Isan is not the place for you.  If you want the hordes of random farang to bump into you - then it probably is not for you.  There are many however where Bangkok/Pattaya option is not what they are looking for and will look around to find a place that is more to their liking.  

[Damrongsak]

15 hours ago, Odysseus123 said:

Ah..Isaan-how I miss it.

Chit happens, then they deal with it in a genteel way.  I went through one flood in Loei about 40 years ago.  Only about one meter of water in the house, but a royal pain in the butt.  Especially after getting off an all-night bus from BKK.

[thaiboss]

On 7/19/2019 at 9:17 AM, SteveK said:

Isaan is relaxing, cheap and friendly. Can't say that about Bangkok.

I NOTICE ALSO BANGKOK IS NO MORE  so friendly lately tuk tuk and taxi at hualumpong train station quiet agressiv

[Chrisswe]

I move to Khao Yai for the totally outstanding environment (the best in Thailand without any comparations) reasons. 

[727Sky]

I met the wife on line and met her in person in Udon. My criteria was someone never married, no bar girl/massage, no kids, and no large family or I would have stayed a visitor instead of a long term resident.  I flew out of Udon back in 73 (service) so I was happy to give the place a look see.. To say it has changed is not even close to an understatement !

 

We tried living in the states for 4 to 6 months then back to Isaan on and off for a couple of years and my wife was happy where ever...BUT... I got tired of the long flights and airport hassles so I sold everything in the states and we now live in a modified farm house (modified for me) with 10.5 Ria her mother owns down the street... Friends/distant relatives work the fields and keep 50% of the harvest and we get the rest... Put it this way... we will never run out of rice unless the rains do not come...

 

Once upon a time I really wanted to move close to Pattaya because of the golfing and clubs for golf there.. Instead I used to go and stay one or two months every year.. Pattaya except for the golf is not my idea of a comfortable place to drive in or do just about anything unless you are a bar fly.. So here we are in Udon and unless the government goes bonkers I will surely remain.

 

We both play golf so Khon Kean, Nong Khai plus the 4 courses in Udon keeps us well supplied with choices plus we do not pay the stupid expensive prices they try to get for some course further south...

[Brunolem]

1 hour ago, soalbundy said:

Dogs aren't a problem if you are friendly towards them, it would be a mentally unstable dog that attacks a human being. Every village has lots of dogs, the ones in your immediate area get to know your scent as being part of the local pack and leave you alone (unless you have shown aggression towards them) One street further away will result in them barking but usually gentle soothing words stops them and once they get to know you they will ignore you. I do what I call my meditation walks around a lake 500 meters from my house, the dogs all sleep on the concrete path going around the lake and since I start my walks when it is still dark they took umbrage at my presence at first, I offered my hand for them to smell, spoke gently and after a week or so they ignored me. It was amusing that a short time after I had introduced myself to the dogs in this manner that while sitting in my Buddha pose one early morning one of the dogs came over and dumped himself on my lap, tail wagging.

That's right. 

Dogs feel you, literally. 

The same goes for other animals. 

When I sit in the paddyfields, I sometime have cows come visiting me and start licking my arm with their very rough tongue... ouch! 

 

That's an animal thing, can't explain it (check with Vin Diesel or Crocodile Dundee, they have it too). 

 

Otherwise, like many others, I came to a remote village in Isaan (not one farang for kilometers around) because of my wife. 

 

Not having the means to buy a big ranch in Argentina, or forrested land in New Zealand, Isaan is for me the next best thing to escape most of the troubles when the global s.. t is going to hit the fan, in the not too distant future. 

[lagavulin1]

On 7/19/2019 at 5:52 AM, kenk24 said:

Not quite Isaan but rural Central Thailand - - I would have preferred to live by the Gulf but my wife is happiest living in her village. She has a wonderful large family and I have enjoyed living with them. So, it turned out to be a positive for me, helping me learn about language and culture.  

Same same. Udon Thani. 

Paul. 

[Surasak]

I've lived in Khon Kaen province Esaan for the past 15 years, having moved up from Phuket It is the wife's home area and we enjoy a very easy life here. The other family members are not to close but close enough to visit on a day's outing from time to time. We have a small business which keeps us occupied and earns a reasonable income. It wont make us rich but keeps the wolf from the door.

It used to be a nice quiet area until the road was paved over.

Now we get the local hooligans disturbing the peace twice a day.

[geoffbezoz]

6 minutes ago, Surasak said:

I've lived in Khon Kaen province Esaan for the past 15 years, having moved up from Phuket It is the wife's home area and we enjoy a very easy life here. The other family members are not to close but close enough to visit on a day's outing from time to time. We have a small business which keeps us occupied and earns a reasonable income. It wont make us rich but keeps the wolf from the door.

It used to be a nice quiet area until the road was paved over.

Now we get the local hooligans disturbing the peace twice a day.

You mean those Buffaloes are the local hooligans ?

[Odysseus123]

My new house in the foreign ghetto in Ubon..(worth 17.3 million baht if it's worth a satang)...and the splendid view..

 

 

[Surasak]

21 minutes ago, geoffbezoz said:

You mean those Buffaloes are the local hooligans ?

I certainly do. They are almost as bad as the extinction rebellion mob, blocking the road. They are not fussy about who's car they dent either, so yes, Hooligans.

 

[Odysseus123]

13 minutes ago, Surasak said:

I certainly do. They are almost as bad as the extinction rebellion mob, blocking the road. They are not fussy about who's car they dent either, so yes, Hooligans.

 

Up yours mate!????

Maxy-the village pig-sorry for the shaky camera but she was just about to charge..

 

[4MyEgo]

Moved to a small village between Udon Thani and Sakon Nakhon about 4 years ago, the river separates us between the two provinces, and unfortunately for me, that means that I have to go to Sakon Nakhon to see my parole officer at the immigration office every 90 days, an hour 20 journey by car, and yes I know I have other options, but as its quick and there's no issue with the lads there, we will also go to a cattle station and buy our Thai/French meat. Udon Thani would have been a better choice as we travel to Udon Thani more often as it has a big shopping centre (Central), and better quality eye-candy ????

 

Met my wife 12 years ago in a bar in Phuket when I was on holidays with a mate, she was relatively a newbie (7 months) as she had twin boys to support from a failed Thai relationship in Bangkok, the boys were almost 3 years of age when I met them.

 

I have to be honest, even though I met my in a bar, I have never never met a more relaxed, confident, passionate and balanced female in my entire life, she is tops, no tantrums, jealousy, possessiveness, and is undemanding.

 

Took her back to Sydney Oz on a tourist visa for 3 months and after that realised that I needed this girl in my life as I had never felt so balanced, we married, got a bridging visa, all up she spent 9 years there until I retired and we moved here, so we planned the move for a while and had the house built when we were living in Oz, sister-in-law supervised with photo uploads at every stage that I wanted, all materials were purchased by us beforehand and the 6 bed, 3 bath house came along nicely and we enjoy our little single level castle with our 4 kids.

 

We have two girls together 5-10 and wanted to raise them in the village with all the extended family, well that was the plan and, well things sometimes don't go to plan due to unforeseen things or things you just didn't clearly see.

 

Fortunately for us we don't have any neighbours behind us or to one of our sides, on the other side is a lady my wife calls Yai, her house is about 20 metres to our side and then there are other houses that go along to the heart of the village, so we are almost the last house out of the village so we are away from all the noise etc etc, it's very peaceful here compared to the rat race that I came from.

 

The heat has started to get to me, but not as much as the smoke, you see no one here uses gas, e.g. they cannot afford it, so they burn there charcoal, ok so I will go around and close up all the windows at around 5.30pm because after that it's as if a rocket is taking off, yes smoke builds up as everyone apparently lights up at the same time, and if that charcoal smoke gets in the house, it irritates the crap out of me, so I have to be on the ball, but it doesn't irritate me as much as the burning that goes on in the fields, be it rice or sugar cane fields, the whole village for as far as the kids school is 25km away is filled with smoke, so you cannot open windows in your own home or car before 10.00am, this is a big problem for me as I don't want my kids growing up in this, assembly is 45 minutes while the kids stand there and get their lungs filled with smoke, so I take them late, nothing more I can do about it, it's just so dumb and there is no law to enforce them to stop it. To add to that everyone burns their rubbish, no garbage bins, no garbage truck, they are too poor to even consider it, been there, done that, so its, plastic smells, or anything else you can think of, even leaves and branches.

 

I could go on and complain about many things, but then I could also do that back in the old country, suffice to say we have to find the right balance if we can, and whether that means moving back to a suburb about an hour out of Sydney or more or to the coast in Thailand and come here when the kids are on school holidays is something to think about, the thing is with kids, you just can't just up and go and if we move overseas, it will be expensive trying to come here for a holiday with all the kids.

 

Affordability here is perfect here around 60,000 baht per month, moving to the coast will probably be double that, and back to Sydney probably double again.

 

Now as the boys are 15, one plan is to wait till they finish year 12 here then go back to Oz, they can work and also contribute to the rent/food while we put money aside from their earnings so that they can buy something here for their future, or alternatively they can stay in Sydney and give it a go, up to them, bloody expensive though.

 

I suppose one could say one is caught between a rock and a hard place, although when I am in my castle, I am fine, although I do need to get to the local waterhole at least 2-3 nights a week to socialise with a variety of x-pat drunks to get my mind off things ????

 

At the end of the day, if I just close my mind, I love it here, but I have always been a thinker and see things for what they are, sadly or not.

 

 

[SoonOh]

Cheap land, Cheap life, Cheap girls 

[Moonlover]

3 hours ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

3 hours ago, soalbundy said:

Dogs aren't a problem if you are friendly towards them, it would be a mentally unstable dog that attacks a human being. Every village has lots of dogs, the ones in your immediate area get to know your scent as being part of the local pack and leave you alone (unless you have shown aggression towards them) One street further away will result in them barking but usually gentle soothing words stops them and once they get to know you they will ignore you. I do what I call my meditation walks around a lake 500 meters from my house, the dogs all sleep on the concrete path going around the lake and since I start my walks when it is still dark they took umbrage at my presence at first, I offered my hand for them to smell, spoke gently and after a week or so they ignored me. It was amusing that a short time after I had introduced myself to the dogs in this manner that while sitting in my Buddha pose one early morning one of the dogs came over and dumped himself on my lap, tail wagging.

 

3 hours ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

When I moved into this area there were a number of dogs that would bark and growl when I walked by, but generally if you just turn and eye them they would back off.  I do actually talk to all the dogs, say hi and short things - I have always had the impression that the only thing more unnerving for a dog is some animal that does not make any sounds.... A hi, hello in a friendly voice imparts that you are not a threat.  Now pretty much all the dogs know who I am, and I rarely get backed at by dogs in the wild (some locked behind gates will bark to defend their territory).  Walking along in combat mode, carrying a stick is IMHO a stupid thing to do...  In the end karma wins, if you are nice to dogs, you get it returned, if you treat them as enemies... you get that returned.

Some really excellent advice here. We only ever here about the 'aggressive soi dogs' on TVF. Never mentioned is that, actually dogs are genetically programmed to live alongside man in more or less peaceful harmony.

 

My experience mirrors, almost to the letter, those expressed above and in 5 years of daily walking I have never encountered an aggressive dog. Barking yes, but barking is not aggressiveness. But now they've got to know me, I don't even get barked at.

 

Interested to note @bkkcanuck8 comment above, that dogs behind gates are the ones that do the barking. That's also my observation. It seems that caged dogs and those that are chained up (my two pet hates) are the ones that are stressed. The best bit of advice, IMO was this:

 

''Walking along in combat mode, carrying a stick is IMHO a stupid thing to do...  In the end karma wins, if you are nice to dogs, you get it returned, if you treat them as enemies... you get that returned''.

 

I'm also an adopted 'Issan lad' and really enjoy the country life. I was in Bangkok recently for just one night and I was really glad to escape from that hell hole.

[Captain 776]

There is only ONE reason a farang would move to Issarn.

[Brunolem]

3 minutes ago, Captain 776 said:

There is only ONE reason a farang would move to Issarn.

But there are plenty of reasons why a farang would move to Isaan... 

[connda]

Initial motivation?  A teaching gig.  It might have lasted longer but the company hired a young moron without management experience but with a huge ego to run the local school.  He did a bang up job and drove the school right into the ground. <que the sound of a B737 MAX hitting the ground nose first> I saw the writing on the wall and cut the lines at the end of my contract.  Didn't feel like going down with that ship (yeah, I know...mixed metaphors)  ????
Now - why not stay in Isaan?  Flat.  Too hot during the hot season, dry, no water.  Too rainy during the rainy season - floods like crazy.  I did meet many really nice people - Thai and farang - but that's wasn't enough to keep me in Isaan.

 

I packed up and headed to the North. I like the village life in the Northern mountains.  Cooler during the hot season; no major flooding where I live during the wet season.  Works for me! 

[jimmyyy]

My wife and I spent almost 10 years in the USA, and when i finally retired, we decided to move back to Issan.  We have a nice western house and the village is about the size of the town we lived in America.  I have been farming most of my life prior to military, college and work so it is familiar to me.  The kids take a van for 30 minutes each way to a international school and the wife and I enjoy our country life.  Been thinking about moving down to Baan Chang now as the kids get older.  Better schools down that way, but we will be back up here as soon as they complete school. 

 

Its just a better pace of life for us.  

[marcusarelus]

5 minutes ago, Captain 776 said:

There is only ONE reason a farang would move to Issarn.

1.  Cheap land to lease.

2.  Cheap food to eat.

3. Cheap companionship to rent.

4.  Cheap labor to hire.

5.  Cheap moonshine to drink.

6.  Cheap elephants for pets.

7.  Cheap rice to export.

8.  I could go on but is 7 enough of a difference from one to admit you are in error?

[1FinickyOne]

4 hours ago, soalbundy said:

Dogs aren't a problem if you are friendly towards them,

The strays used to accompany me on my walks... 

[Odysseus123]

The strays..

"Plug Ugly" "Dodo" and "Lola-the saucy dog.".once the gang adopted me I was okay but then they moved in and I knew that they were after my pension..