Isaan hard to like after 3 months

[bignok]

1 hour ago, dingdongrb said:

Melbourne is nice as I traveled a lot to Satellite Beach for work. However most of my time was at the relatives in Ft Lauderdale. I could never live in Florida. The only things I enjoyed going there for many times were Disney, cruises to the Bahamas, and of course all the boobies one could see on any given day at South Beach.

 

Living in Isaan (Surin area) sucks n my opinion. Boring and not much to do. Hard to find any western items (for home cooking) unless you order online and have it delivered.

 

I lived in Chiang Mai for many years and enjoyed it there but didn't like the traffic or tourist areas. I considered it as miniature Bangkok. The food that can be found there is excellent in my opinion and I do miss the friends I made there, both Thai and foreigner.

 

My favorite place and where  plan to move to in the near future is Nan.

Never been to Nan. I would like to have a look. Northern food and scenary are 2 pluses.

[bignok]

4 hours ago, 2009 said:

The food in the northeast is definitely better than Central Thailand. Nice barbequed meats, spicy salad, and sticky rice. Beats the ass off eating pad krapao every day, lol.

Meat everywhere. Papaya sucks, rice is boring.

[bignok]

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Didn't get out much then while you were here? There's a whole different social scene once you escape 'Soi Sampan'.

 

But first, you have to try and escape.

Udon has a decent bar restaurant called the Brasserie. Its ok town. Nothing to compare to Old City in Chiang Mai or the food.

[ChaiyaTH]

I would not even consider Isaan itself for a second, my wife not either, even she is from there. Just family visits and no more. 

 

We did try various places from the north to the south in the recent years, helped to escape during covid too and have beach life for a year or so, my son is now going to school soon so we decided for once and all to move back to Chiang Mai, truck comes next week.

[2009]

50 minutes ago, bigt3116 said:

Benjamarachutit School; Nakhorn Sri Thammarat, listed as 12th best high school in Thailand

Benjamarachutit School; Ubol Ratchathani, listed as 15th best high school in Thailand

Khon Kaen Wittayayon School; Khon Kaen, listed as 28th best high school in Thailand

Ratchasima Witthayalai; Nakhorn Ratchasima, listed as 31st best high school in Thailand

 Satit Demonstration School of Khon Kaen University; Khon Kaen, listed as 32nd best high school in Thailand

Kaen Nakhon Wittayalai School; Khon Kaen, listed as 45th best high school in Thailand

Suranaree School; Nakhorn Ratchasima, listed as 46th best high school in Thailand

 

Khon Kaen university is listed as 6th best university in Thailand

Suranaree University of Technology is listed as 18th best university in Thailand

Korat Rajabhat university listed as 42nd best university in Thailand

Udon Thani Rajabhat university listed 43rd best university in Thailand

Sisaket Rajabhat university listed as 50th best university in Thailand

 

????

 

Gonna need to see where you got that information 

 

I know some of these schools from personal experience living in Isaan and teaching in the region (I even taught at one of the schools you mentioned).

 

I have also taught at a couple of elite top-tier schools in Bangkok too. I can see the difference easily from being part of these schools throughout my career and looking over their exam scores

 

A few years ago, I actually looked through a list of schools ranked by their ONET scores and some of the ones you mentioned came around the 200 rank.

 

The Benchama schools you mention definitely don't rank where you say they do. ????

 

That would put them above some of the top schools in Bangkok that literally draw thousands of students nationwide to sit exams competing fiercely for just a couple hundred seats.

 

The Benchama schools are good on a provincial level, not a national level. 

 

Among the top 20 schools in Thailand the average ONET score is around 90%.

 

Some of the regional schools you mention are closer to 50%, though they may have an advanced program with a few students that score well.

 

Khon Kaen is decent for education though; it's a decent uni town. I'll give you that.

 

I can't believe you mentioned the Rajabhats, ????

Edited May 28, 2023 by 2009

[sirineou]

1 hour ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

But if I recall in Issan you had super noisy neighbours. Or nearby dogs. Or both. That alone would get me out of there. Seriously. 

All of it and more. LOL all part of the package.  Much quieter now by the house , but I also got a Rai about 5 min from the house where I built a little one room one bathroom and  a covered area, and I am playing in the dirt the re planting trees and killing vegetables. I Have developed a system where for 10.000 baht, hard work and determination I grow 1,000 baht's worth of vegetables. for 9,000 baht I am willing to teach my system????

Very quite there. 

 

[2009]

1 hour ago, bigt3116 said:

Benjamarachutit School; Nakhorn Sri Thammarat, listed as 12th best high school in Thailand

Benjamarachutit School; Ubol Ratchathani, listed as 15th best high school in Thailand

Khon Kaen Wittayayon School; Khon Kaen, listed as 28th best high school in Thailand

Ratchasima Witthayalai; Nakhorn Ratchasima, listed as 31st best high school in Thailand

 Satit Demonstration School of Khon Kaen University; Khon Kaen, listed as 32nd best high school in Thailand

Kaen Nakhon Wittayalai School; Khon Kaen, listed as 45th best high school in Thailand

Suranaree School; Nakhorn Ratchasima, listed as 46th best high school in Thailand

 

Khon Kaen university is listed as 6th best university in Thailand

Suranaree University of Technology is listed as 18th best university in Thailand

Korat Rajabhat university listed as 42nd best university in Thailand

Udon Thani Rajabhat university listed 43rd best university in Thailand

Sisaket Rajabhat university listed as 50th best university in Thailand

 

????

 

I skimmed the data again just now. 

 

Just one example: Benchama in Ubon ranked #106 in the country for their ONET exam score.

[Hummin]

7 hours ago, bignok said:

Nong Khai has potential but its not there. It needs a Central Mall. It needs some more temples. Some better hotels.

 

Udon is a downmarket version of Pattaya. Khon Kaen is a Isaan version of an attempt to be sophisticated. Korat is a poor man's Bangkok.

 

 

If you looking for entertainment, there is very few places in Thailand I would live if at all. 

 

I do not see sex industry as entertainment, and being to old (55) chasing ladies at nightclubs There is not much left to call entertainment except nice restaurants and having a good decent social evening with friends.

 

The older I get, I stop looking back at what used to be fun, and enjoy daily life more for every day that past. 

 

Living in Isaan is great for me, and easy to get off, enjoy  a night or two out once and awhile before returning home. 

 

Some need to grow up ????

[bignok]

5 minutes ago, Hummin said:

If you looking for entertainment, there is very few places in Thailand I would live if at all. 

 

I do not see sex industry as entertainment, and being to old (55) chasing ladies at nightclubs There is not much left to call entertainment except nice restaurants and having a good decent social evening with friends.

 

The older I get, I stop looking back at what used to be fun, and enjoy daily life more for every day that past. 

 

Living in Isaan is great for me, and easy to get off, enjoy  a night or two out once and awhile before returning home. 

 

Some need to grow up ????

You think 55yo is old? That is a bit negative and sad.

 

I don't go to nightclubs but enjoy some decent music, cold beer. Some fun sometimes. Sitting at home every night isn't much of a life.

[Will B Good]

I live here and it is without doubt the a***e end of nowhere.

 

No point in driving anywhere.....everywhere is virtually identical......green as far as the eye can see and roads lined by ramshackle sheds.

 

No bars, no decent shops, no restaurants, no entertainment....other than banal music played at deafening volumes........I am developing my exit plans.........got to get out for my own sanity.

[Hummin]

4 minutes ago, bignok said:

You think 55yo is old? That is a bit negative and sad.

 

I don't go to nightclubs but enjoy some decent music, cold beer. Some fun sometimes. Sitting at home every night isn't much of a life.

I did not imagine a life home every night, and we do travel alot inside as well outside Thailand. What Im saying, Isan is a good base. And many places like Loei, nakhon ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, and those provinces not in Isaan like Petchabun, Phitsanulok, and many provinces between Chiang Mai great places to find a great life. But if main interest is pubs and bars with female attraction, I understand very few places will be satisfying. 

 

What I miss in Thailand is a good live music scene, theater and art galleries. But we do get that other places, and living far away from entertainment like that, gives it more value when first able to experience it. 

 

Isaan and North gives us great living in  nature and motorbiking experiences as well, not to forget that my wife is more happy home than any other place on earth. 

[chalawaan]

7 hours ago, bignok said:

Nong Khai has potential but its not there. It needs a Central Mall. It needs some more temples. Some better hotels.

 

Udon is a downmarket version of Pattaya. Khon Kaen is a Isaan version of an attempt to be sophisticated. Korat is a poor man's Bangkok.

 

 

If the visa was available, I would seriously consider a move to Savannakhet, and the missus could get one of those Thai border passes, and we'd be sweet. It's cheaper there, way better and cheaper beer, though I no longer drink alcohol much at all, and just enough sophistication for my tastes, I was amazed that the French colonist concepts like good bakery, and good coffee, persist almost 70 years on, and the old architecture is still there too.

It must have been amazing back in the day run by France, a best kept secret!

[bignok]

1 hour ago, Will B Good said:

I live here and it is without doubt the a***e end of nowhere.

 

No point in driving anywhere.....everywhere is virtually identical......green as far as the eye can see and roads lined by ramshackle sheds.

 

No bars, no decent shops, no restaurants, no entertainment....other than banal music played at deafening volumes........I am developing my exit plans.........got to get out for my own sanity.

I see you are a big fan of Somtam land. Zab 

[bkk6060]

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

do not see sex industry as entertainment, and being to old (55) chasing ladies at nightclubs 

Wow, hope you realize you are in your prime at 55 better take advantage of it.

[2009]

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

If you looking for entertainment, there is very few places in Thailand I would live if at all. 

 

I do not see sex industry as entertainment, and being to old (55) chasing ladies at nightclubs There is not much left to call entertainment except nice restaurants and having a good decent social evening with friends.

 

The older I get, I stop looking back at what used to be fun, and enjoy daily life more for every day that past. 

 

Living in Isaan is great for me, and easy to get off, enjoy  a night or two out once and awhile before returning home. 

 

Some need to grow up ????

I agreed with that.

 

Although, I haven't stopped chasing tail yet, and there's plenty of it in Isaan anyway

Edited May 28, 2023 by 2009

[Hummin]

Just now, bkk6060 said:

Wow, hope you realize you are in your prime at 55 better take advantage of it.

I have taken advantage of everything in my life, and still do, I just do not chasing ladies anymore and adjusted my life to more sustainable for my years and interests. 

 

When you feel you are at the right place at the right time, why change it? I guess many did not have the same experiences as I did, but I know where I come from, and back to the roots cant go wrong ????

[The Fugitive]

1 hour ago, chalawaan said:

If the visa was available, I would seriously consider a move to Savannakhet, and the missus could get one of those Thai border passes, and we'd be sweet. It's cheaper there, way better and cheaper beer, though I no longer drink alcohol much at all, and just enough sophistication for my tastes, I was amazed that the French colonist concepts like good bakery, and good coffee, persist almost 70 years on, and the old architecture is still there too.

It must have been amazing back in the day run by France, a best kept secret!

Very true! Lager isn't the best and is relatively expensive in Thailand. Coffee is poor and decent bread non-existent. 

[bignok]

2 minutes ago, The Fugitive said:

Very true! Lager isn't the best and is relatively expensive in Thailand. Coffee is poor and decent bread non-existent. 

Thailand has loads of good coffee shops.

[The Fugitive]

1 hour ago, Will B Good said:

I live here and it is without doubt the a***e end of nowhere.

 

No point in driving anywhere.....everywhere is virtually identical......green as far as the eye can see and roads lined by ramshackle sheds.

 

No bars, no decent shops, no restaurants, no entertainment....other than banal music played at deafening volumes........I am developing my exit plans.........got to get out for my own sanity.

Originally I thought it was OK. Small town with everything I need within 1 km. Reliable water and electricity supply and fast fibre internet.  Unfortunately, as you say, no bars, cafes or restaurants as we know them. Nearest live entertainment is in nearby larger town (11 km so not too far). North East railway line passes through there too. I'm in two minds whether to stick it out or go for a change.

[dingdongrb]

4 hours ago, bignok said:

Never been to Nan. I would like to have a look. Northern food and scenary are 2 pluses.

Yepper, great Northern food (my opinion). And some great views in the hills along roads that are mostly in great condition. 

 

It's not a big town but it has many different amenities. 

 

Cooler temps and from my experience very friendly folks.

 

Local Immigration that is very well organized and generally not so busy. (Again, from my experience.)

[Walker88]

2 hours ago, Hummin said:

 

Some need to grow up ????

Not quite sure what that means.

 

Do we get bonus points on our last day if we avoided bars, nightclubs, agogos, etc.? Can we cash those points in somewhere for 'valuable prizes'?

 

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, and the only thing that matters is if one enjoyed the interim. For some people that might be bars. It might be going through a large library of books. It could even be agogos. For the remainder of eternity it will make no difference how one spent this brief existence. Do whatever pleases you.

 

It was Somerset Maugham who said he had met many men who lived the straight and narrow, and at their end had regrets they hadn't let loose more, but Maugham claimed he never met anyone who had spent life sowing his wild oats who had any regrets at the end.

[The Fugitive]

9 minutes ago, bignok said:

Thailand has loads of good coffee shops.

Must depend upon where you are? There are a few in my small town. We are always the only people there. They keep going so must get other customers. We have friends who are motor dealers and are also coffee distributors with a wrapping and postage franking machine. They have a coffee shop onsite. Pre-Covid they had a range of cakes in their fridge but not any longer. We go in whenever were are passing and, again, we are always the only customers. I've never tasted coffee in Thailand that compares with Portuguese cafes.  

[bignok]

8 minutes ago, Walker88 said:

Not quite sure what that means.

 

Do we get bonus points on our last day if we avoided bars, nightclubs, agogos, etc.? Can we cash those points in somewhere for 'valuable prizes'?

 

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, and the only thing that matters is if one enjoyed the interim. For some people that might be bars. It might be going through a large library of books. It could even be agogos. For the remainder of eternity it will make no difference how one spent this brief existence. Do whatever pleases you.

 

It was Somerset Maugham who said he had met many men who lived the straight and narrow, and at their end had regrets they hadn't let loose more, but Maugham claimed he never met anyone who had spent life sowing his wild oats who had any regrets at the end.

These bars are for adults not kids so I don't know what it means except to say act "old". 

 

When we die nothing matters. The earth don't care about your feelings or regrets.

[bignok]

1 minute ago, The Fugitive said:

Must depend upon where you are? There are a few in my small town. We are always the only people there. They keep going so must get other customers. We have friends who are motor dealers and are also coffee distributors with a wrapping and postage franking machine. They have a coffee shop onsite. Pre-Covid they had a range of cakes in their fridge but not any longer. We go in whenever were are passing and, again, we are always the only customers. I've never tasted coffee in Thailand that compares with Portuguese cafes.  

Most coffee beans used in the world come from 2 bean types. 

[The Fugitive]

2 minutes ago, bignok said:

Most coffee beans used in the world come from 2 bean types. 

That's interesting, didn't know that. A Portuguese cafe proprietor told me that their cafes use Italian coffee machines that apparently make all the difference.

[Hummin]

12 minutes ago, Walker88 said:

Not quite sure what that means.

 

Do we get bonus points on our last day if we avoided bars, nightclubs, agogos, etc.? Can we cash those points in somewhere for 'valuable prizes'?

 

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, and the only thing that matters is if one enjoyed the interim. For some people that might be bars. It might be going through a large library of books. It could even be agogos. For the remainder of eternity it will make no difference how one spent this brief existence. Do whatever pleases you.

 

It was Somerset Maugham who said he had met many men who lived the straight and narrow, and at their end had regrets they hadn't let loose more, but Maugham claimed he never met anyone who had spent life sowing his wild oats who had any regrets at the end.

To grow up means evolve, and for me that is not chasing my 20ies or 30ies anymore.

 

Thats me, and how others see their future, is solely up to them, not me, but I have a voice, and what I thought before was fun, I do not see as fun anymore. Have to say, agogo never was my thing thow, but I have enjoyed a beer bar or two in my life, and still enjoy a good Night club with a great scene, but not to often, and chasing young girls? Im married, and for me it is not an option even out with the boys and she never could find out if I did. 

[bignok]

16 minutes ago, The Fugitive said:

That's interesting, didn't know that. A Portuguese cafe proprietor told me that their cafes use Italian coffee machines that apparently make all the difference.

Sounds like marketing bs. The same types of machines are sold everywhere.

 

https://www.homegrounds.co/types-of-coffee/

 

 

[Plern]

5 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

Benjamarachutit School; Nakhorn Sri Thammarat, listed as 12th best high school in Thailand

Benjamarachutit School; Ubol Ratchathani, listed as 15th best high school in Thailand

Khon Kaen Wittayayon School; Khon Kaen, listed as 28th best high school in Thailand

Ratchasima Witthayalai; Nakhorn Ratchasima, listed as 31st best high school in Thailand

 Satit Demonstration School of Khon Kaen University; Khon Kaen, listed as 32nd best high school in Thailand

Kaen Nakhon Wittayalai School; Khon Kaen, listed as 45th best high school in Thailand

Suranaree School; Nakhorn Ratchasima, listed as 46th best high school in Thailand

 

Khon Kaen university is listed as 6th best university in Thailand

Suranaree University of Technology is listed as 18th best university in Thailand

Korat Rajabhat university listed as 42nd best university in Thailand

Udon Thani Rajabhat university listed 43rd best university in Thailand

Sisaket Rajabhat university listed as 50th best university in Thailand

 

????

 

 

These secondary schools pretty much nothing tbh. Khon Kaen which has a medical school even top M6 med school hopefulls use as safety school, even more so than CM ( certainly no less). Suranee would be a good option for a local student but it's nowhere close to Bangkok area unis

 

Best public secondary Isarn is said to be Benchama Maharat. No first person information on that.

 

Isarn ... Without digging in, buying land I don't see it appealing. Bangkok is convenient, anonymous, good jobs. I need a beach a few months a year and Isarn must be as hot as Hades

[Gecko123]

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

When you feel you are at the right place at the right time

That's a wonderful feeling, and it can be found in rural Thailand. It takes time and patience, openness to your surrounding, and language skills, but you can find fulfillment and a sense of community in rural Thailand if you make the effort.

[Burma Bill]

12 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Although you fight it, Pattaya is calling you

You must be joking - avoid like the plague!! Lanna and Isaan were ideal for me during my 20 years in Thailand.