Just what is life like in Rural Thailand- ever wondered ?

[Bday Prang]

personally i would not live anywhere else. Perfectly happy in issan for over 30 years, Occasional trips back to the UK only reinforce that sentiment. Those who can only exist in the tourist ghettos really should not be here, 

[In Full Agreement]

20 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

And whenever I am there, visiting the girlfriend's family, latest after an hour I like to get away again.

 

 

The problem is,  if you're far enough into the country, there may not be any place  nearby to escape to.

[In Full Agreement]

10 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

Those who can only exist in the tourist ghettos really should not be here, 

 

 

That is a nonsense attitude.      You're  basically saying someone who likes Bangkok,  Phuket  Chaing  Mai or similar should "go back to your home country".     That's nuts.

 

Edited May 16 by In Full Agreement

[Bday Prang]

8 minutes ago, In Full Agreement said:

 

 

That is a nonsense attitude.      You're  basically saying someone who likes Bangkok,  Phuket  Chaing  Mai or similar should "go back to your home country".     That's nuts.

 

It doesn't matter to me were they return to,  but they obviously cannot exist in a totally foreign environment,  living in those places is hardly living in Thailand, when surrounded by other foreigners, with all the western "essentials" close to hand,  Most can't even count to ten in Thai,  truly pathetic  Its obvious you are one of them, like a fish out of water

Edited May 16 by Bday Prang

[NorthernRyland]

3 hours ago, Galong said:

After a week or so of living in a hut and dealing with the inevitable noisy neighbors, I'm sure I'd be ready to a reverse 'Green Acres'. 

the real joke of rural Thailand is that the people are terrors to live around. Noisy, burning things, trash everywhere, being stupid and drunk. It kind of defeats the purpose of living in a scenic area when the people do so much to ruin it.

[NorthernRyland]

10 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

It doesn't matter to me were they return to,  but they obviously cannot exist in a totally foreign environment,  living in those places is hardly living in Thailand, when surrounded by other foreigners, with all the western "essentials" close to hand,  Most can't even count to ten in Thai,  truly pathetic  Its obvious you are one of them, like a fish out of water

Chiang Mai has a small but increasing slice which has any foreigners at all. It's a massive sprawling city and in most areas you'll see no foreigners, maybe once every few days. Sure since boomers started retiring and lots of YouTube videos made I think some areas are tourists ghettos these days but that's easy to avoid. Sad though those places got wrecked by tourism.

[Bday Prang]

3 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

the real joke of rural Thailand is that the people are terrors to live around. Noisy, burning things, trash everywhere, being stupid and drunk. It kind of defeats the purpose of living in a scenic area when the people do so much to ruin it.

probably why I fit in so well

[oxo1947]

22 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

, but I would take that if the only other option was to live in the boondocks like this guy - with no services and other modern things nearby

 

It's not the only option --if you live in a Mid size rural town like say Udon Thani--Pop 500,000---outer area about 1.5 Mil- IMO you have best of both, it would take me under 10 min to leave the town and be in the country side--in the town about about 30 Farang type bars, many western restaurants. Shopping center's Robinson's-Villa's Mackro's-Tesco's   etc 35 minute drive you are into Nong Khai sitting on the Mekong and the Lao capital Vientiane just across the bridge from it. Bar's restaurants (and lots of Lao Girls there)  There used to be an old joke when I first came here-"if you come across a girl and she doesn't have a mobile phone or any gold, then you have crossed the boarder into Laos by mistake" 

They (Lao's) have the high speed train --go across their county to some lovely spots  Luang Prabang etc no time-or into China

If you head the other way then Khon Kean-- If I was young that would certainly  be on my list---I think more universities per population then any where else--more Uni's = more young girls, as they seem to make up about 70% of the students.

 

. Been in Thailand about 26 years, first 6-7 years around BKK &  Pattaya would never knock both places, had a great time,  but after a  while met someone (working in a French restaurant of all places)  broken marriage like me-- but had a small child living with her mother--after living together for a few years decided we would take the child back, but I didn't want to bring a young girl up in Pattaya so looked around.

 

Could I live completely Rural like the article --no--brought up in London, but this  option is nice, and there are many other mid size towns just like it throughout Thailand .

 

.

Edited May 16 by oxo1947

[Will B Good]

I have lived in very rural Isaan for two years. Beautiful home, loving and affectionate wife, beautiful countryside.....her house and land, all bought with her money, not mine so I live virtually 'free'.....and yet I am seriously looking at giving it all up.

 

I would not recommend anyone moves here.....but I do accept some people love it.....each to his own I guess.

[TroubleandGrumpy]

10 minutes ago, oxo1947 said:

 

It's not the only option --if you live in a Mid size rural town like say Udon Thani--Pop 500,000---outer area about 1.5 Mil- IMO you have best of both, it would take me under 10 min to leave the town and be in the country side--in the town about about 30 Farang type bars, many western restaurants. Shopping center's Robinson's-Villa's Mackro's-Tesco's   etc 35 minute drive you are into Nong Khai sitting on the Mekong and the Lao capital Vientiane just across the bridge from it. Bar's restaurants (and lots of Lao Girls there)  There used to be an old joke when I first came here-"if you come across a girl and she doesn't have a mobile phone or any gold, then you have crossed the boarder into Laos by mistake" 

They (Lao's) have the high speed train --go across their county to some lovely spots  Luang Prabang etc no time-or into China

If you head the other way then Khon Kean-- If I was young that would certainly  be on my list---I think more universities per population then any where else--more Uni's = more young girls, as they seem to make up about 70% of the students.

 

. Been in Thailand about 26 years, first 6-7 years around BKK &  Pattaya would never knock both places, had a great time,  but after a  while met someone (working in a French restaurant of all places)  broken marriage like me-- but had a small child living with her mother--after living together for a few years decided we would take the child back, but I didn't want to bring a young girl up in Pattaya so looked around.

 

Could I live completely Rural like the article --no--brought up in London, but this  option is nice, and there are many other mid size towns just like it throughout Thailand .

I hear you and agree 100%.  We are less than 20 odd minutes to everything in Khon Kean - out West past the airport. I agree that this is the best way to live as a couple in Thailand (not as a single). I could not live on a remote farm with the nearest big city many hours away - but this guy likes it - for now - lets see how he goes when he is 60+.  

[NorthernRyland]

3 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

I have lived in very rural Isaan for two years. Beautiful home, loving and affectionate wife, beautiful countryside.....her house and land, all bought with her money, not mine so I live virtually 'free'.....and yet I am seriously looking at giving it all up.

 

I would not recommend anyone moves here.....but I do accept some people love it.....each to his own I guess.

is that because the of the people misbehaving or just because of lack of modern living?

[TroubleandGrumpy]

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

I have lived in very rural Isaan for two years. Beautiful home, loving and affectionate wife, beautiful countryside.....her house and land, all bought with her money, not mine so I live virtually 'free'.....and yet I am seriously looking at giving it all up.

 

I would not recommend anyone moves here.....but I do accept some people love it.....each to his own I guess.

Maybe as per @oxo1947 and myself and many others, living in a semi-rural area within 30 minutes or so of a big city with all its services and attractions is an option for you and wife.  I am sure the family will make good use of the house/land while you two are away, and there is always the option of going back if things dont work out. Moving furniture etc is cheap in Thailand - especially if you have relos or friends with a few covered utes/vans.  

[NorthernRyland]

14 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Maybe as per @oxo1947 and myself and many others, living in a semi-rural area within 30 minutes or so of a big city with all its services and attractions is an option for you and wife.  I am sure the family will make good use of the house/land while you two are away, and there is always the option of going back if things dont work out. Moving furniture etc is cheap in Thailand - especially if you have relos or friends with a few covered utes/vans.  

 

This is 30k from the city of Chiang Mai. Even in the second biggest city in the country you can easily get out into wide open spaces with few houses.

 

[SamuiAddict]

When I first started coming to Thailand about 6-7 years ago, I fell in love with Samui and ended up living there for 5 years, got married etc etc

 

Unfortunately I've developed pretty serious epilepsy and the regular seizures really scare and upset my wife.  She begged me to move to her home where we can get some help when things go bad.  So we did just that.

 

Since we've been here I've done a lot of modernising to the home including hot water, proper kitchen, proper furniture, sofas, beds etc - and the house is very comfortable.  We don't have power cuts but the water does seem to go off regularly which is weird.

 

We're not right out in the sticks, we've got a 7/11 at the end of the road and a small town about 10km away.  It is big rice farming country, so loads of massive trucks, tractors, weird motorbike trailer things, big harvesters etc.  Community is very close and everyone very friendly. 

 

I am literally the only farang around and at times its almost like being a bit of a celeb, people have asked for selfies and all sorts, quite strange.  But I've also made a lot of connections and nice to drive around with most people giving you a wave or saying hello.

 

The only thing I really HATE about living here is the fkin music!  Everyone seems to have huge sound systems, some in their homes, some mounted on trucks etc and it seems like the louder and more powerful it is the more people will be impressed.  Even the temples play music from 5am sometimes.  On the days where someone is becoming a monk the bass can shake your windows and there's frick all you can do about it because they get written permission beforehand.  Supposed to remember Kreng Jai - but fook me is it infuriating at times.  I had to invest in a good pair of noise cancelling headphones haha.  Its not everyday either but on the days that people are celebrating something it can be very noisy.  And there seems to be a lot of celebrating going on haha

 

But apart from that I really love living here.  Cheap, slow pace of life, friendly, good natural fishing, lots of family etc.  I've also been  feeding the dogs round here and made a name for myself as "that farange who comes and feeds the dogs" haha.  So be it!

[NorthernRyland]

11 minutes ago, SamuiAddict said:

The only thing I really HATE about living here is the fkin music!  Everyone seems to have huge sound systems, some in their homes, some mounted on trucks etc and it seems like the louder and more powerful it is the more people will be impressed.  Even the temples play music from 5am sometimes.

exactly it's a nightmare. Rural north is not as bad as I think but there's still a hardcore redneck culture in rural Thailand.

[rocketboy2]

7 months north Thailand. 

5 months in Pattaya April to end august.

Property in both locations.

works fine for us.

 

[SamuiAddict]

7 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

exactly it's a nightmare. Rural north is not as bad as I think but there's still a hardcore redneck culture in rural Thailand.

 

It definitely seems to be part of the "culture" round here.  

[tmd5855]

Worked all over Asia when in the Merchant Navy, later in the Oil&Gas industry in Indonesia from 2004 spending 50% of my leave in Thailand to avoid paying UK income tax.

By 2007 ex wife wanted to keep all except me so I had to make plans for my future in 2008 aged 53.  Ozzy guy I worked with had a house and Thai wife out in the sticks where many the time with barfine in hand would visit.  Liked the place so much used a severance package to buy land (Via Thai company) and built a house in 2012.

 

Dec 2014 quit the industry aged 59 after meeting a lady.  She came to Pattaya until lease on my villa expired mid 2015 moving 100% to my house in the sticks.  Girlfriend became my wife November 2017, being a city girl had a harder time than myself settling out in the sticks, but, Korat were an hour drive away.

 

Started dog rescue.. (Have a large walled place) taking in sick, crippled road accident victims and abandoned GSD's during the Covid period.  New wife okay with me having dogs, big bikes, koi carp and crazy ideas on what I like grow in the garden.

 

Happy as a pig in <deleted> in the village, want a beer, many, many wooden shacks/shops along the Soi, I buy children ice cream and Soi dogs 'Pork scratching's' while enjoying a frozen bottle of Leo.  Laugh and joke with the local guys who think my big bike is cool.  One thing though is I can understand 90% of village spoken Thai, in return I speak Thai poorly in a non tonal way and hope they understand me, after knowing me for years they can get my drift.

 

Ex Ozzy friend and his wife have split up, and it were a Farang who cheated me out of a near million baht, no Thai has ever done the same to me or my wife.  When my son died one family with family in Bangkok, near the airport had me staying there taking me the airport for an early departure flight.  Another family whose members returned after 5 years working in Canada invited us to a "Welcome Home" party at their house, wife pointed out certain people were missing/not invited whereas I were.  Village politics can be fun.  Used to visit Pattaya every 3 months to see old friends, then Covid stopped all visits, now get there once a year to meet a good friend from the UK.

 

Now 69 and 10 years of living in a rice growing village has grown on me, can recognise harmless snakes, throw scorpions over the wall, pick up dead lizards that our pack of dogs kill...  

PS one time had 6 Alsatians/GSD's now sadly only 4, but, as perimeter guards they keep thieves out, no bike, no tools ever stolen. 

Being in a ship or Rigs cabin for 38+ years means a condo is unsuitable, 38+ years spent on water means I only want see fields around me, maybe ponds where I can fish are okay. 

Village life is not for everyone.........  Me!!  I love being with my wife 24/7, having 37-45kg Alsatians following you everywhere which makes my wife feel so safe, love going out alone on my bike for 2/3 hours using GPS to get home.  Read books never had time for before, stripping down bike engines and fitting different bits, I love my own company with loved wife and dogs.

 

Apologies for the ramblings, but, this is one guy who turns 70 next year and is at peace with himself in a rural habitat.

[NoshowJones]

On 5/15/2024 at 12:51 PM, Hummin said:

Oh my, to good to be true, but I have same experiences, except from mid february beginning of march when the heat sets in, and the fire show starts until august - september. There is good days between, but the longer I stay, the more affected I became of the clima and burning. We always travelled often in Thailand, but now Im travelling frequently more back home to escape the heat. 

 

Family and village people are friendly, never had one bad incident, or any problem. Best thing no close neighbours, but still affected when there is funerals, budda days, weddings, and other celebrations and parties which goes on for days.

 

with Two big shopping days a month I get what I need from Makro and Tops. Which is a roundtrip of 180km

 

But living like this is not for everybody, even Im born on a farm, it is not a walk in the park.

 

If you do not have any interests and get up in the morning, it is easy to be bored to death. 

 

Motorbikes, large well equippet home gym, farm work, animals and travels make life better and more interesting.

 

Still Im making a plan for after my 70'ies, or when I know my time is up in Isaan to make a move. Where I do not know yet, since things can change before that. 

 

Most important, do not get stuck

The biggest drawback up here in the boonies is the amount of underage motorbike riders as there are very little if any, police about.

I have to say though that apart from the disgraceful road behaviour, I can't think of any crimes that have been committed in the 17 years I have lived here.

[SamuiAddict]

3 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

The biggest drawback up here in the boonies is the amount of underage motorbike riders as there are very little if any, police about.

I have to say though that apart from the disgraceful road behaviour, I can't think of any crimes that have been committed in the 17 years I have lived here.

 

Yeah thats definitely another problem, and the older drivers as well.  I've noticed that the way to pull out of a road round here is - just head straight out, don't stop, no indicators, if the road is clear get into your lane but if cars are coming just drive the wrong way down the side of the road.  Almost everyone does this.  A lot of people also cut right across you when turning in etc, had a few near misses, luckily I'm a good driver.  The kids just drive everywhere fast - and put holes in the exhaust so their 110cc crap bike sounds like a fighter jet haha

[Hummin]

1 minute ago, NoshowJones said:

The biggest drawback up here in the boonies is the amount of underage motorbike riders as there are very little if any, police about.

I have to say though that apart from the disgraceful road behaviour, I can't think of any crimes that have been committed in the 17 years I have lived here.

Most crimes is done by police and their boys (drugs) and family relation violence. 

 

Theft of fish and crops, stealing wood, illegal hunting, 

 

Never experienced anything either, but we have 3 dogs, and if we are not there, her parents live at our place 24/7. Always one at our farm. Not me or m gf decision, but her parents, and Im happy they feel that responsibility for our farm and us.

 

Since day one when we started to build, her father slept on location, and built his little bamboo shelter to sleep.

 

Two stray dogs kept him with company, and are now two of our trusted guardian dogs. 

[NoshowJones]

On 5/15/2024 at 1:18 PM, PJ71 said:

This looks like a biased view to me.

 

I live in rural thailand and also prefer it to the hustle and bustle but the negatives i have are:

 

- power cuts almost as soon as it rains

- lack of western foods ( this does not concern me much )

- no agents for visa issues

- trips to bangkok when needed can be a trek

- lack of local airport

- lack of socializing with other expats ( this does not concern me but may some )

- limited options for house furniture

- poor quality of workmanship of trades ( could be said for all Thailand )

- dangerous farm vehicles on the roads

Most of what you have said is true. When I first came here there were plenty of farangs here and in the surrounding area, now I am the only one left here as all the rest have either died or moved away.

I do have to say that I have been very impressed by the workmanship and good prices involving work done around my property since I came here.

[NoshowJones]

6 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Most crimes is done by police and their boys (drugs) and family relation violence. 

 

Theft of fish and crops, stealing wood, illegal hunting, 

 

Never experienced anything either, but we have 3 dogs, and if we are not there, her parents live at our place 24/7. Always one at our farm. Not me or m gf decision, but her parents, and Im happy they feel that responsibility for our farm and us.

 

Since day one when we started to build, her father slept on location, and built his little bamboo shelter to sleep.

 

Two stray dogs kept him with company, and are now two of our trusted guardian dogs. 

 

"Theft of fish and crops, stealing wood, illegal hunting," Yes that probably goes on, but I don't hear about it. 

[Purdey]

I cannot imagine retiring to a rural area. When I visit the in-laws, I am bored out of my head. The older family members start drinking "white whiskey" at 7 am until they sleep. The conversation about "what did you eat this morning/afternoon/evening" is inane as they don't read the news. They also comment on the weather a lot.

"Aye, looks like rain later."

"Yes, rain for sure."

"I agree, rain coming."

"Unless it doesn't rain today."

[NoshowJones]

7 hours ago, simon43 said:

I remember having to climb onto the roof of my ex's Isaan house in order to get a mobile phone signal to check my email....

 

Next time I brought emergency rations in the boot of my car because her mom used to feed me fish heads for lunch (she did actually like me!).

She gave you fish heads for lunch because she liked you??

[Hummin]

2 minutes ago, Purdey said:

I cannot imagine retiring to a rural area. When I visit the in-laws, I am bored out of my head. The older family members start drinking "white whiskey" at 7 am until they sleep. The conversation about "what did you eat this morning/afternoon/evening" is inane as they don't read the news. They also comment on the weather a lot.

"Aye, looks like rain later."

"Yes, rain for sure."

"I agree, rain coming."

"Unless it doesn't rain today."

Well, this kind of relation is poison, and as said, when you choose the girl, you also choose the family. 

 

 

[simon43]

6 hours ago, fondue zoo said:

 

Was it like in the movies where you had to keep making various excuses to leave, and then race back and forth between both on the same night?

That would be hard to pull off.

 

Totally off-topic, but yonks ago I did that in Bangkok.  Shared a condo with a Thai woman (now ex #3).  Every morning "Off to the gym darling" and I would run round to another apartment block and jump into bed with another Thai woman (now ex #2).

 

What on earth was I thinking?!  It all ended when #3 found compromising emails on my computer that she thought were from #2, but actually were from #4.......

 

The noughties were fun, to a point!!

[Gecko123]

I would say that opportunities to garden and farm are two of the biggest draws for rural life. Gardening and farming does keep you active for sure, and I've gotten decades of satisfaction from this activity, but it should be noted that it does take a physical toll on the body which is something Ryan and Damon might want to give some thought to when thinking about a decade or two down the line. 

 

Those who complain about the lack of stimulating activities in rural Thailand and who glorify urban life may want to review how they spend their time in the big city.  Yes, an urban environment can be more stimulating, but its value is probably overstated and somewhat dated as so much entertainment is streamed and so much shopping is online nowadays.  Complaints about lack of opportunities for stimulating conversation more often than not boil down to language skills, or lack thereof.

 

Adjusting to the slower pace of life can be a rewarding experience. A peaceful and serene lifestyle can be had. A sense of belonging to a community does gradually emerge after you've been here a while. Rural roads do provide relatively safe bicycling opportunities. It has perhaps not always been the case, but it's been a decade or more since excessively loud music  has been a problem in the neighborhood.  I agreed with the assessment that the vast majority of people in rural Thailand are hardworking. The stereotype that everyone starts nipping on the Lao Khao from the moment they get out of bed is ridiculously unfair and untrue.

 

The video showed villagers/family members pitching in during a pillar erection ceremony. Yes, your neighbor will help you pull your car with his tractor if you get stuck in the mud, but nobody should expect the village to build your house for free.

 

Edited May 16 by Gecko123

[GarryP]

2 hours ago, Will B Good said:

I have lived in very rural Isaan for two years. Beautiful home, loving and affectionate wife, beautiful countryside.....her house and land, all bought with her money, not mine so I live virtually 'free'.....and yet I am seriously looking at giving it all up.

 

I would not recommend anyone moves here.....but I do accept some people love it.....each to his own I guess.

Been up here in north Kalasin for a year now, working online 3 days a week. I will retire at the end of June and am concerned about boredom. Like you say, the countryside is beautiful, I love my house and wife, but what am I going to do to fill my time. Having said that, I would be the same if retiring in Bangkok, where I lived for 40 years. The only difference being that in Bangkok I would have a social circle (very small but better than none), whereas up here I have none. The only redeeming point is that I can converse in Thai, so there is no need to rely on my wife for communications. 

 

 

[EVENKEEL]

The serene country lifestyle can be had minutes from basically any large city. A little honesty from the folks who live there will tell you they settled there because that's where the little lady calls home.