Is It Really Cheaper In The Sticks?

[LaosLover]

I can see how rent would be cheaper, but you'd be more inclined to need a car.

 

Are Tops Store prices any diff? Are Chain restaurants? Is healthcare at similar standard to CM?

 

Do you save money just because there's nothing to do?

[bignok]

Nope its no cheaper. 

[bignok]

CM is as cheap as anywhere.

[connda]

Your idea of "the sticks" and my idea of "the sticks" must converge drastically.

You sound like you need to be in the suburbs of a large city or within a smaller Thai city where you have access to hypermarts, "chain restaurants, and private hospitals.  Is it cheaper there?  Yeah, if you are shopping mom & pop stores and road vendors.  Rent will be cheaper too. 

When you are truly out in the rice fields and orchard of rural Thailand?  Is it cheaper?  Absolutely.  Significantly for many items.  Up to 50% on local fruits, vegetables, and dishes of food at one of the single-item-on-the-menu mom&pops "restaurants" (a covered area with tables).
However -
No Tops, Makro, Big C, or Tesco.
No Chain Restaurants.
No private hospitals.

You have small local stores, some of which are relatively well stocked.  Many mom and pop stores, local restaurants (as I said, a covered area with tables), and an occasional small private medical clinic, and even an occasional relatively well stocked pharmacy.  If you're really lucky, you'll have a 7/11 within 10 to 15 km of you.  Do you need transport.  I lived out here a couple of years before buying a car.  We live on a rail line with spotty service and my motorcycle worked for other chores.  But, age wise, I got tired of driving a M/C - it's freaking dangerous. 

If you think a Mueang city district of one of the more remote provinces is considered to be in "the sticks" you have yet to have traveled rural Thailand. Yet, to me it sounds like that is the sorta places you are looking for.  Cheaper?  It can be.  It doesn't sound to me like you'd be happy in real rural Thailand.

Nope.  No Tops, chain restaurants, or CM standard of health-care anywhere in sight.
Which?  Is the exact point of living out here! 
               ????????????????????????????????????
  ????  The Sticks

If you are currently living in CM and want a change of pace, try Lamphun City, as in Mueang Lamphun.  More low key and it has rail, songtaw, and bus service to Chiang Mai.
Not a Tops in sight though, although they do have Jampha shopping center, excellent fresh markets, a Big C, 7/11s galore, and a two private hospitals, one brand new.  It's probably marginally cheaper there.  Much less busy than Chiang Mai.

Edited September 15, 2023 by connda

[Gecko123]

First of all, we don't call it the sticks. We call it living in the countryside.

 

Interesting that you should mention healthcare. The countryside is no place for someone looking to lead an unhealthy sedentary life style which requires taking a long list of medications and frequent visits to the doctor just to stay alive. It's for people who like to stay active, eat home cooked garden fresh food and have healthy gut microbiomes because they work with and stay connected to the soil. Besides supporting a healthier lifestyle, and keeping medical expenses to a minimum, there are plenty of other savings to be had as well.

 

For starters, produce from the vegetable garden and fruit orchards significantly help keep food costs down. This also allows you to regularly splurge on gourmet foods such as imported fruits and vegetables, coffees, nuts, seafood, condiments, etc., which you otherwise might only be able to afford occasionally.

 

As far as the comment about there being nothing to do, there's plenty to do in the countryside. You have just as much access to on-line and streaming services, can stay just as current on world affairs with newspaper subscriptions, order just as many books from Amazon, and do as much on-line shopping as you can anywhere else in Thailand, or in the world, for that matter.

 

True, your "entertainment" activities are more limited in the countryside, but who needs all that diversion and distraction anyway? You want a chance to grow philosophically and spiritually, commune with nature, enjoy peaceful living, you've come to the right place. 

 

You save money in other more subtle ways as well. It's a lot cooler out in the countryside than in an urban environment. I really notice this whenever I travel to a large city. With good cross-ventilation, you can dispense with not only air con, but even fans, so you can save a lot on electricity. Your wardrobe doesn't have to be quite as snazzy as might otherwise need to be in the big city, so there too you can save money. Instead of paying for a gym membership, you end up doing push ups and sit ups and riding your bike on back country roads, which saves a lot of money as well. Labor costs for things like lawnmower repairs, body work on a car, home repair, septic tank pumping, electricians, bicycle repair are still lower than they are in more urban areas. Parking is almost always free, you're less likely to be ticketed by the cops out in the countryside, and if you get into car trouble of some sort or need a ride back home because you got a flat tire on your bicycle, somebody will probably help you out for free or a small gratuity.

 

Edited September 15, 2023 by Gecko123

[connda]

6 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

First of all, we don't call it the sticks. We call it living in the countryside.

I call it The Sticks and The Boondocks.  And I live out here. 

[connda]

8 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

Parking is almost always free, you're less likely to be ticketed by the cops out in the countryside

What cops?

[Gecko123]

8 minutes ago, connda said:

I call it The Sticks and The Boondocks.  And I live out here. 

 

6 minutes ago, connda said:

What cops?

Dude, make up your mind. Whose friggin' side are you on? ????

Edited September 15, 2023 by Gecko123

[Lacessit]

Cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are much cheaper to live in than Bangkok. It's unarguable rents are lower.

Medications may be more expensive, massages are lower cost. It all depends on what one wants.

In the village I can have a 1 hour massage for 120 baht. In CR, 200 baht. I have yet to see any in Bangkok for less than 300 baht.

Edited September 15, 2023 by Lacessit

[Lemsta69]

26 minutes ago, connda said:

Your idea of "the sticks" and my idea of "the sticks" must converge drastically.

You sound like you need to be in the suburbs of a large city or within a smaller Thai city where you have access to hypermarts, "chain restaurants, and private hospitals.  Is it cheaper there?  Yeah, if you are shopping mom & pop stores and road vendors.  Rent will be cheaper too. 

When you are truly out in the rice fields and orchard of rural Thailand?  Is it cheaper?  Absolutely.  Significantly for many items.  Up to 50% on local fruits, vegetables, and dishes of food at one of the single-item-on-the-menu mom&pops "restaurants" (a covered area with tables).
However -
No Tops, Makro, Big C, or Tesco.
No Chain Restaurants.
No private hospitals.

You have small local stores, some of which are relatively well stocked.  Many mom and pop stores, local restaurants (as I said, a covered area with tables), and an occasional small private medical clinic, and even an occasional relatively well stocked pharmacy.  If you're really lucky, you'll have a 7/11 within 10 to 15 km of you.  Do you need transport.  I lived out here a couple of years before buying a car.  We live on a rail line with spotty service and my motorcycle worked for other chores.  But, age wise, I got tired of driving a M/C - it's freaking dangerous. 

If you think a Mueang city district of one of the more remote provinces is considered to be in "the sticks" you have yet to have traveled rural Thailand. Yet, to me it sounds like that is the sorta places you are looking for.  Cheaper?  It can be.  It doesn't sound to me like you'd be happy in real rural Thailand.

Nope.  No Tops, chain restaurants, or CM standard of health-care anywhere in sight.
Which?  Is the exact point of living out here! 
               ????????????????????????????????????
  ????  The Sticks

If you are currently living in CM and want a change of pace, try Lamphun City, as in Mueang Lamphun.  More low key and it has rail, songtaw, and bus service to Chiang Mai.
Not a Tops in sight though, although they do have Jampha shopping center, excellent fresh markets, a Big C, 7/11s galore, and a two private hospitals, one brand new.  It's probably marginally cheaper there.  Much less busy than Chiang Mai.

I'd go mental after a few hours at your gaff, anywhere further than a few km from central Bangkok is the boonies to me.

 

But I'm glad you like it and have found your little slice of paradise there ????

[Lacessit]

5 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:

I'd go mental after a few hours at your gaff, anywhere further than a few km from central Bangkok is the boonies to me.

 

But I'm glad you like it and have found your little slice of paradise there ????

Each to his own, Bangkok is a place I sleep for one night prior to getting the hell out of there.

[bbko]

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Each to his own, Bangkok is a place I sleep for one night prior to getting the hell out of there.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, 3 days is about all I can take of Issan country life, If I've been there for 5 days, it means I've been dead for two, 555.

I remember years back visiting the in-laws and their town just got a new big Tesco supermarket with a KFC, we visited the place and the in-laws said it was very hi-so ????

[recom273]

Also think about value for money and quality of life linked to general peace and quiet.

 

Rental in BKK - 5000B for a two bed/living room/kitchen and bathroom on the balcony shoebox. Was OK for a while.

 

Rental in Hat Yai - 5000B for a two bed townhouse, new build, was great, nice neighbors until for the last 6 years - a loan shark and his gang, who walked in and stole the wifes bag, then after they moved on a gang of yabba dealers partying all night, guns were drawn outside the house with a rival gang, then a tobacco smuggling ring whose deliveries would show up all times of the night.

 

Life in a Khon Kaen village - Rent 5500B temporary rental while we build - 200m sq house in 1 rai of land, neighbor who isn't there most of the time, vegetable plot and hydroponic salad greenhouses makes enough to pay the rent in the cold season, far enough from the temple and headman's speaker system.

 

We never saw the need for a truck until we moved out here, but it was a good purchase, the wife made the downpayment with her buisness savings and makes it work enough to pay the installments, I pay 2500B/month for petrol.

 

We don't need to go into town so much but we make our own indian food, pizza, bacon, muffins and crumpets. Mango trees in the garden. Rice is pretty much free, multiple people give us 10kg as a gifts, which is free to mill, We cook burgers. Japanese curry / dishes, Pasta and salad at least once a week  - We keep Guinea fowl and spend time hunting down the eggs. KKC is only 20 mins away.

 

If its the right place for you, then its the right place - Saying that, I couldn't live more than 15-20km from town - the guys that live out on the borders of Udon are brave, I wouldn't want to waste an afternoon doing the Makro run.

[moogradod]

10 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Each to his own, Bangkok is a place I sleep for one night prior to getting the hell out of there.

To me, Bangkok is - besides Tokyo - one of the most vibrant and interesting cities of the world (which I know).

 

A dream to sit at the borders of the Chao Phraya watching the boats go by.

 

Bangkok is the place where I want to die. This is since 1975 when I visited the place the first time. It became a dream since then and I maintain a deep felt intense feeling about the place.

 

But we do not live there. My family is just moving to a house in a more rural, although central area in Chonburi which is not far away from BKK. By the way my wife does not like BKK.

[malone99]

55 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

First of all, we don't call it the sticks. We call it living in the countryside.

 

Interesting that you should mention healthcare. The countryside is no place for someone looking to lead an unhealthy sedentary life style which requires taking a long list of medications and frequent visits to the doctor just to stay alive. It's for people who like to stay active, eat home cooked garden fresh food and have healthy gut microbiomes because they work with and stay connected to the soil. Besides supporting a healthier lifestyle, and keeping medical expenses to a minimum, there are plenty of other savings to be had as well.

 

For starters, produce from the vegetable garden and fruit orchards significantly help keep food costs down. This also allows you to regularly splurge on gourmet foods such as imported fruits and vegetables, coffees, nuts, seafood, condiments, etc., which you otherwise might only be able to afford occasionally.

 

As far as the comment about there being nothing to do, there's plenty to do in the countryside. You have just as much access to on-line and streaming services, can stay just as current on world affairs with newspaper subscriptions, order just as many books from Amazon, and do as much on-line shopping as you can anywhere else in Thailand, or in the world, for that matter.

 

True, your "entertainment" activities are more limited in the countryside, but who needs all that diversion and distraction anyway? You want a chance to grow philosophically and spiritually, commune with nature, enjoy peaceful living, you've come to the right place. 

 

You save money in other more subtle ways as well. It's a lot cooler out in the countryside than in an urban environment. I really notice this whenever I travel to a large city. With good cross-ventilation, you can dispense with not only air con, but even fans, so you can save a lot on electricity. Your wardrobe doesn't have to be quite as snazzy as might otherwise need to be in the big city, so there too you can save money. Instead of paying for a gym membership, you end up doing push ups and sit ups and riding your bike on back country roads, which saves a lot of money as well. Labor costs for things like lawnmower repairs, body work on a car, home repair, septic tank pumping, electricians, bicycle repair are still lower than they are in more urban areas. Parking is almost always free, you're less likely to be ticketed by the cops out in the countryside, and if you get into car trouble of some sort or need a ride back home because you got a flat tire on your bicycle, somebody will probably help you out for free or a small gratuity.

 

yor holiness just forgot to mention lao kao moonshine... ????

[moogradod]

And I forgot to mention to come back to the topic: A part of our large family lives really in the sticks (Amphoe Sikhio). It is definitely cheaper there but remember: You get what you pay for. The bigggest attraction I can think of there is watching the rice slowly grow up in the fields.

[OneMoreFarang]

It is cheaper, absolutely.

 

 

[bignok]

44 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are much cheaper to live in than Bangkok. It's unarguable rents are lower.

Medications may be more expensive, massages are lower cost. It all depends on what one wants.

In the village I can have a 1 hour massage for 120 baht. In CR, 200 baht. I have yet to see any in Bangkok for less than 300 baht.

Had one today in bangers 200 baht. Found Khao Soi shop with 69 baht dishes. Bkk has loads of 200 baht shops if you know where to look.

[LaosLover]

Not a diss to call it the sticks.

 

There's a famous show biz headline about rural audiences rejecting country-themed movies:

 

Hix Nix Stix Pix.

[bignok]

10 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

It is cheaper, absolutely.

 

 

You spying on me. My retirement house.

[LaosLover]

I just bought a big fresh Longan Juice next to the Nimman1 Mall. It was 40 baht.

 

Price in Udon? Availability?

 

This thread is for educational, not trolling purposes. No way am I moving to Udon to save $1,000 a month. Or even $2,000, if it came down to it.

 

I'd prefer to be in Silom spending more than in Nimman, but my wife will be impossible to pry out of here.

 

Endless vegan restaurant choice is now a quality of life-must have for her. We had Japanese fermented food twice last week. Of course, we could pop a head of broccoli into the microwave and then baggie it up with a little rice wine vinegar ourselves

 

Off to Sushi Umai. Ta-ta.

Edited September 15, 2023 by LaosLover

[bignok]

2 minutes ago, LaosLover said:

I just bought a big fresh Longan Juice next to the Nimman1 Mall. It was 40 baht.

 

Price in Udon? Availability?

30 or 35 baht watermelon

[LaosLover]

4 minutes ago, bignok said:

30 or 35 baht watermelon

Watermelon, over-ripe pineapple, so-so banana -this is the breakfast buffet trio at a 600 baht a night hard mattress place. Aim higher.

 

I just left a dozen years on top of a Blue Ridge Mountain. It's great to hear from people here living the equivalent, Thai-style. But it will take a long time for me to want that.

 

 

[bignok]

3 minutes ago, LaosLover said:

Watermelon, over-ripe pineapple, so-so banana -this is the breakfast buffet trio at a 600 baht a night hard mattress place. Aim higher.

 

I just left a dozen years on top of a Blue Ridge Mountain. It's great to hear from people here living the equivalent, Thai-style. But it will take a long time for me to want that.

 

 

Longan is upper class?

[bignok]

7 minutes ago, Sticky Rice Balls said:

why does it matter? just the other day you praised how much you love nimman..why leave?

Get away from you?

[LaosLover]

1 minute ago, bignok said:

Longan is upper class?

Who knows? I just had my first glass of longan juice ever.

 

Brought one home to enjoy with some Old Monk Rum, which I found at Maya Mall Rimping. That's a 900 baht rum for 575 (from India, supposedly 7 years old.

[LaosLover]

1 hour ago, Gecko123 said:

so there too you can save money. Instead of paying for a gym membership, you end up doing push ups and sit ups and riding your bike on back country roads, which saves a lot of money as well. 

 

This is like, Don't go to Italy, just eat at The Olive Garden.

 

Like I said, I lived in the actual sticks (30 minutes to Walmart/McDonalds). I doubt I will again.

 

But tales of rural bliss are interesting to me and I am very grateful for your generous and information-rich reply.

[bignok]

4 minutes ago, LaosLover said:

This is like, Don't go to Italy, just eat at The Olive Garden.

 

Like I said, I lived in the actual sticks (30 minutes to Walmart/McDonalds). I doubt I will again.

 

But tales of rural bliss are interesting to me and I am very grateful for your generous and information-rich reply.

30 mins isnt much. The true sticks has none for 2 hours.

[bbko]

 

[bignok]

Sukhothai Old Town impressed me. Lots of great resorts under 1000 baht, nice food. Almost the sticks. Phattalung has great scenary but watch out for the monks.