Moving To Thailand - Khon Kaen ?

[stgrhe]

Sawasdee pee mai to all of you farangs living in Issan.

As of yesterday I am retired and I and my wife have decided to settle down in Thailand but we do not know where for the moment. My wife is Thai and from Khon Kaen (city) and would of naturally prefer that we chose KK. My experience from KK is only about ten visits there and never for any lengthily periods. Hence, I am rather green with regards to that area.

Some information about me. I am quite familiar with the Thai culture and their history after twenty-five years of frequent visits to the country. I have been working for a defence contractor selling combat management systems for naval warships and Thailand was one of "my countries". However, I do not speak Thai yet although now that I have more time it is an ambition of mine to at least get the basic knowledge. I have always lived in a big city, Stockholm, and some years in Sydney. Hence, it much too much a contrast for me to move to a rural area although I would not mind a smaller town.

My wife is a nurse and younger than me and would have no problem to get a job with the provincial government should we chose KK.

We have both ruled out Krabi, my wife has ruled out Hua Hin and in addition to KK we are primarily concerning somewhere between Jomtien and Rayon, and Phuket. I am very familiar with the area around Sattahip for the obvious reason as that is the main Royal Thai Navy base. We have previously owned land in Phuket but sold it more than ten years ago.

Anyone of you who are living in KK would be very welcomed to give me advise on how it is to live there as a farang. I am not much into bar live but in need of a social side of life with some sort of quality, and as a non-speaking farang I would prefer to be able to talk and socialise not only with my dog when the wife has gone to work for the day.

I need your help fellows!

Göran

[Issangeorge]

Goran, i live in a small village in Kalasin and love it, and i had always lived in a big city. KK has quite a few apartments to rent, why don't you rent an apartment and try it for a year and then make your decision. One thing to remember if you are moving to Thailand to escape the cold it can feel quite cold here in the North East. Right now I am very cold even though I come from Canada and the temperature is 20-23 there is a strong wind and I am cold, remember there are no houses with central heat here, and I have yet to see one with a heater so before making your decision spend a cold season here first. I wish I had, it would not have changed my decision, but when I built my house I would have had a fire place built. Issangeorge.

[JungleBiker]

Goran, i live in a small village in Kalasin and love it, and i had always lived in a big city. KK has quite a few apartments to rent, why don't you rent an apartment and try it for a year and then make your decision. One thing to remember if you are moving to Thailand to escape the cold it can feel quite cold here in the North East. Right now I am very cold even though I come from Canada and the temperature is 20-23 there is a strong wind and I am cold, remember there are no houses with central heat here, and I have yet to see one with a heater so before making your decision spend a cold season here first. I wish I had, it would not have changed my decision, but when I built my house I would have had a fire place built. Issangeorge.

Hi Guys,

Yes today (2 Jan) I am feeling cold too! I am in Khon Kaen. But there are not many days in the year when you feel cold. Usually it's too hot for my liking.

Khon Kaen has everything that I need in terms of shopping and hospitals. I don't socialise much with the local expats, not much time for that what with work, family and hobbies, so I can't give advice on that, but I know there lots of expats around and many of them have been here for years and not all of them hang around the bars. I like cycling - lots of good roads around - and gardening - I have a hectare of land next to a river (so have water).

JB.

[bikerlou47]

Sawasdee pee mai to all of you farangs living in Issan.

As of yesterday I am retired and I and my wife have decided to settle down in Thailand but we do not know where for the moment. My wife is Thai and from Khon Kaen (city) and would of naturally prefer that we chose KK. My experience from KK is only about ten visits there and never for any lengthily periods. Hence, I am rather green with regards to that area.

Some information about me. I am quite familiar with the Thai culture and their history after twenty-five years of frequent visits to the country. I have been working for a defence contractor selling combat management systems for naval warships and Thailand was one of "my countries". However, I do not speak Thai yet although now that I have more time it is an ambition of mine to at least get the basic knowledge. I have always lived in a big city, Stockholm, and some years in Sydney. Hence, it much too much a contrast for me to move to a rural area although I would not mind a smaller town.

My wife is a nurse and younger than me and would have no problem to get a job with the provincial government should we chose KK.

We have both ruled out Krabi, my wife has ruled out Hua Hin and in addition to KK we are primarily concerning somewhere between Jomtien and Rayon, and Phuket. I am very familiar with the area around Sattahip for the obvious reason as that is the main Royal Thai Navy base. We have previously owned land in Phuket but sold it more than ten years ago.

Anyone of you who are living in KK would be very welcomed to give me advise on how it is to live there as a farang. I am not much into bar live but in need of a social side of life with some sort of quality, and as a non-speaking farang I would prefer to be able to talk and socialise not only with my dog when the wife has gone to work for the day.

I need your help fellows!

Göran

For my money KK is one of the best run provinces in Thailand I vist there about once a month and I enjoy each trip.

[stgrhe]

Thanks for your comments gentlemen, I really appreciate it.

I am not so worried about the short cold season in Issan, I have lived in Sydney with a house with single glazing and no insulation and there the winter is at least five months long. As far as the weather is concerned I am actually more troubled with the peek heat in the hot season in Issan. I do actually prefer the more moisturised weather type close to the sea, but then again the sea has allways been part of my adult life. Anyhow, the weather is of less importance for me.

What concerns me is the social side as I will be retiered. Without a decent social and intellectual side of life, beside the family live that is, one would soon dry up. Any suggestions out there?

I am aware of the good and the not so good hospitals in KK. My wife knows that part very well so that issue is already ticked. Thanks anyhow for the comment about that.

Göran

[thedi]

What concerns me is the social side as I will be retiered. Without a decent social and intellectual side of life, beside the family live that is, one would soon dry up. Any suggestions out there?

I live in a village, 50 km from KKC for 15 years. And I like it. But the big difference is: I am fluent in Thai and do understand some Lao.

Your social concern is a concern. There are English speakers in Khon Kaen City. You can easily meet them in the bars around Sofitel hotel. But many farangs in KKC seem to be a bit on the shy side. Very often, when I meet a farang by accident, he looks away so as not to have to greet me. BTW: I am not more ugly or badly dressed than the next guy.

There are nice farangs here. But they are hard to find.

The suggestion above, 'rent an apartment or house and try it out' is very good advise.

Best regards

Thedi

[micksterbs]

Hi Goran! Yeah, I agree with all the above. KK is a friendly city with pretty-much all you'd want, really. Apart from the sea, that is! Don't really know about social/nightlife as we live about 50km to the SW. The weather is a bit cooler today but it's only going to be for a few weeks. The hot season here can be very hot, though. We had the low 40's for a few weeks in April and even a couple of weeks ago it was in the mid 30's. But let us know what you decide; I'm sure we can stand you a beer some day.

[stgrhe]

Thank you Thedi,

You wrote: Your social concern is a concern.

Yes, that is what my instinct tells and what in fact is troubling me.

You wrote: The suggestion above, 'rent an apartment or house and try it out' is very good advise.

Accommodation for a while would actually not be a problem. My sister in law and her husband, both engineers working for Panasonic in BKK, has a house in the city build on my wife's land. On the next block lives the in-laws in their own house. The sister's house is available to us to live in for very little money per month, although the money is of less concern.

Given all the good advices it is likely that we will put up, at least temporarily, in the sister's house and then we will see how things are progressing.

Regards,

Göran

Edited due to misspelling - why are my finders slipping all the time?

Edited January 2, 2008 by stgrhe

[micksterbs]

What concerns me is the social side as I will be retiered. Without a decent social and intellectual side of life, beside the family live that is, one would soon dry up. Any suggestions out there?

I live in a village, 50 km from KKC for 15 years. And I like it. But the big difference is: I am fluent in Thai and do understand some Lao.

Your social concern is a concern. There are English speakers in Khon Kaen City. You can easily meet them in the bars around Sofitel hotel. But many farangs in KKC seem to be a bit on the shy side. Very often, when I meet a farang by accident, he looks away so as not to have to greet me. BTW: I am not more ugly or badly dressed than the next guy.

There are nice farangs here. But they are hard to find.

The suggestion above, 'rent an apartment or house and try it out' is very good advise.

Best regards

Thedi

Hi Thedi! We live pretty near each other. Yeah, I agree with your remarks re farangs in KK. I thought it was just me!

[Travel2003]

Very good thread.

My wife is from a willage close to Kalasin.

We are currently saving money in order to build a house in that region.

Saving so I do not need a loan. I dont like to borrow money.

I would prefer Khon Kaen, as I know I would be bored in a small willage.

And it is not that far to my wife's family as well.

Been to KK several times, but I never met any other farangs.

Is there not any places where expats meet there?

[abdulrahman]

Hi Goran! Yeah, I agree with all the above. KK is a friendly city with pretty-much all you'd want, really. Apart from the sea, that is!

Hello,Goran.

Others gave you already good advice.I want only point out,if I may,that,born as you in a Sea city,what Isaan miss is the Sea!

And if your wife is going to work in the big Hospital in KK,her holyday time will be severely limited;not enough time to drive together to the islands.

Good luck!

[Issangeorge]

Travel2003 Kalasin, is a nice town, not to big and not to small, I think it would be a nicer town to live than KK. For me KK is just to big and too much traffic. Issangeorge. PS. I live in a small village in Kalasin, but the other direction from your wife's. I'm close to the Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi-et border.

[stgrhe]

Hi Goran! Yeah, I agree with all the above. KK is a friendly city with pretty-much all you'd want, really. Apart from the sea, that is!

Hello,Goran.

Others gave you already good advice. I want only point out, if I may, that, born as you in a Sea city, what Isaan miss is the Sea!

And if your wife is going to work in the big Hospital in KK, her holiday time will be severely limited; not enough time to drive together to the islands.

Good luck!

Yes, all my adult life has been connected to the sea in why way or another. First, in between high school and university I spent about six years at sea as an engineer on board a merchant ship. That was at the time the only way for a young man to sea a bit of the world if one wasn't very rich, and I wanted to go to the pacific islands, New Zealand, Australia and South America so that was what I did.

Then after graduation I was offered an interesting job as a service engineer repairing ship's systems. That saw me travelling to all corners of the world. When I got tiered of that I moved to the commercial business selling systems for process automation at first and then weapon control and combat management systems to naval warships. And I did my compulsory military service in the navy. So I have in fact more or less worked all my life with something that has been connected to the sea, not to mention that I have only lived in cities close to the sea.

With regards to my wife she would not work for a big hospital but rather a health clinic but the annual holiday would still be limited to ten days for her, which wouldn't allow for much seaside holiday time together.

Anyhow, I am not ruling out KK yet and that I why I added this post to get advice and broaden my views.

Göran

[stgrhe]

Travel2003 Kalasin, is a nice town, not to big and not to small, I think it would be a nicer town to live than KK. For me KK is just to big and too much traffic. Issangeorge. PS. I live in a small village in Kalasin, but the other direction from your wife's. I'm close to the Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi-et border.

Thanks for your advice George. However, I have actually only lived in the cities of Stockholm in Sweden and Sydney in Australia and I do actually find KK a bit small. So settling in an even smaller town is not rally what I think would suite me. Thanks anyway,

Göran

[Travel2003]

I believe Khon Kaen has about 500 000?

Can anyone tell me (prox) how many that live in Kalasin town?

Have tried to look it up and read something about prox 40 000. But I understand this is for the entire Kalasin area.

[harry]

Travel2003 Kalasin, is a nice town, not to big and not to small, I think it would be a nicer town to live than KK. For me KK is just to big and too much traffic. Issangeorge. PS. I live in a small village in Kalasin, but the other direction from your wife's. I'm close to the Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi-et border.

Thanks for your advice George. However, I have actually only lived in the cities of Stockholm in Sweden and Sydney in Australia and I do actually find KK a bit small. So settling in an even smaller town is not rally what I think would suite me. Thanks anyway,

Göran

Not to optimistic about social life in kk... outside bars?.... we have one quiz-night at tuesdays, i believe in Eric's bar.

Indeed, try it out and decide then.

[thedi]

Maybe you will get more specific answers in Khon Kaen forum: http://www.khonkaen.com/english/forum/default.asp

Regards

Thedi

[stgrhe]

Maybe you will get more specific answers in Khon Kaen forum: http://www.khonkaen.com/english/forum/default.asp

Regards

Thedi

Thanks, I will check it out.

Regards,

Göran

[Gary A]

I live about 150 kilometers south and west of Udon Thani and about the same distance north and west of Khon Kaen. I have found that there are farangs who love living in either city. Both have super stores with a lot of western items including western food. I found them to be too flat and with not much to do unless you like little open air farang bars. Living near either city in a small village would be OK by me. We live in the boonies with fresh air and mountains. I have fairly large workshop and plenty of land to occupy myself.

Five years ago if someone had told me I would be living out in the boonies, I would have told them they were out of their mind. The past four years have been the most contented four years of my life. I'll also say that this is mostly because of my Thai wife. I'll go so far to say that if not for her, I wouldn't live out here. It's definitely not for everyone but I'm very happy out here and have no intention of ever leaving.

[johngooding]

Hi There,

I have visited Khon Kaen for 3 years and lived here full time for 1.

We live near Bueng Kaen Nakhon, in a development called Pimanchol 2.  There are quite a number of Westerners living here, mostly married to Thai ladies, and most seem to be genuine family people w

ho are enjoying life in Thailand. We have made friends with several.

I enjoy, Tennis, biking in the local countryside, motorcycling, learning Thai and I have found people to share in those things. We have a sports club and swimming pool on site. and Bueng Kaen Nakhon is always full of life, especially early evening. Many restaurants within easy reach, shopping centre and markets 5 minutes drive. Big out of town shops like Macro, Home Pro, Tesco, 10 minutes. The countryside, 5 minutes away.

Traffic only a problem  8am till 9am   and early evening, but when you know the town, many alternative routes and never a problem on a bicycle or motorcycle. I think the air here is quite clean.

Many exhibitions, shows, fairs, and other events, something on almost every weekend.

Airport 15 minutes away, 3 daily flights to and from Bangkok.

Just off main highway No 2 so buses and trains, north and south, very frequent.

Never really been into the farang bars, but there are a few if you want them.

Not too difficult to rent a house here, also apartments available around the lake for daily or monthly rent.

The cold is just not an issue, it is already quite warm again, just one week after posters reporting being cold.  It is only a matter of having some decent clothing and maybe bedding. It is true that the body acclimatises and what used to be warm for us now can feel cold, but for very short periods, and the benefit is that you can enjoy strenuous excersise this time of year, if that is your thing.

The area is quite flat, but it is also relatively dry, and escapes from the worst floods and storms, compared to the mountain and coastal areas, also not too involved with all the politics etc, and generally seems a safe area with not too many troubles.

I had a neighbour who liked Issan, but once he had been to Chiang Mai, fell in love with the scenery, the social life and the many tourist type attractions, he moved within 3 months.  I visited Chiang Mai, wondering if I would feel the same way, because I do love mountain walking and that type of activity.   After 3 days there, for me it is a holiday destination and not a place to live and retire.

Too many tourists, too much traffic, difficult to even cross the road most of the day, heavy pollution, (even worse in March April when the burning starts).  But, many more interesting things to visit and do and see, and many farang orientated societies and clubs, even opera available I understand.

So I guess Thailand has something for everyone,

For me to retire and live a quiet but active life, mainly outdoors,  Khon Kaen fits the bill.

Would be happy to meet up and discuss further if you are in the area 

[Bjorn]

Hejsan Goran,

I would say that Khon Kaen is a good city to live in. I myself live in Ban Phai, some 35 km's south of KK (along the highway). You can get most of the things you find in Bangkok. One of the advantages of living in Isaan is the cost of living compared to other place such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket etc etc.

When you want to travel to other areas of Thailand it is easily done by bus. Cheap and comfortable!! Well, I do some driving myself now and then, but resently I have opted for the bus. No hassle.

When I retire I'll stay here in Ban Phai. I now live here, but working as a consultant in the Dairy & Beverage business, I do leave Thailand for work sometimes.

Why not try to stay in KK a couple of years just to try it out? You can always rent a home during that perod of time.

Feel free to contact me if you have any quesations. I'm in Thailand right now, but wil most likely go to Russia end of January for some consultancy work.

My private email address is removed

Lycka till

Brgds

Bjorn

[kalasin]

I think you have been given a lot of good advices.

I do find your argument, where you say you have only lived in a big city, and because of that might not like enjoy to live in a smaller city, a bit strange. That is like saying: I do not like heerings, when never have tasted fish. I know some people that have lived their entire life in the big city and only want to get out. But can't.

Maybe you hate it, maybe you love, maybe in between. But you will never really know before you try it!

Lycka til!

[wasabi]

Hi if the OP doesn't mind I'd like to add my story to this thread because we have similar concerns but different situations. If this doesn't work out I'll start a new thread.

I am 32 not even close to being able or prepared to retired but I have enough saved up that I could last a couple of years in Thailand without working. I have been to Thailand about 10 times and to Kon Kaen once. I am fairly proficient in Thai but definitely not fluent. I know enough I can get around, get food have basic conversations. I actually can read and write much better than I can speak.

I have been planning to take a break from working in the next few months and move to Bangkok for a year to study Thai language and work on a writing project I've wanted to do for a long time. While I have been to bars before and will likely go again the bar scene is not a top concern for me but some social life is, some place to hang out and meet people who are receptive to meeting outsiders. I am debating whether I really want to live in Bangkok for one big reason. The pollution. The pollution is my only concern with Bangkok but it is a big problem. Just today I was reading about dust in the air to the level they are advising people to stay indoors. I have some respiratory problems that are manageable but which exacerbated when I'm in Bangkok. So I want to live somewhere I can actually breathe!

I don't know Kon Kaen well having only been once for a few days but I wouldn't call it the boonies, however when I tried to talk to other Farangs who appeared to be expats they seemed a bit hostile towards me, I got the sense they felt I was encroaching on their paradise or was some wannabe. It was a very small sample study but this was the general sense I got and it makes some sense, being it's not a Farang Centric place. I would hope to overcome this. In Bangkok there are certainly plenty of jerks but there are a lot of friendly easy to meet people too, they may or may not have dubious intentions but it's not hard to strike up a conversation.

I not only enjoy learning Thai but it's critical towards my plan to stay in Thailand because I need a student visa to stay beyond a few months. I don't plan to work during this time. I don't know if there are any schools and particularly any good Thai language schools in Kon Kaen. I've studied Thai for 4 years and as mentioned have a handle on it but I'm not sure if the mixture of Lao and Thai spoken there would make it a difficult task to get to the level I want.

Finally after the year of studying Thai i will need to work, how is the employment situation there? I have 6 years experience working with Financial software and portfolio administration and an English degree (I don't want to teach English) I also don't expect to find the same job I have now in KK. I'm ready to make a lifestyle change and don't need a huge salary but I wouldn't want to be just scraping by either. I am also considering going to Singapore after I've spent a year in Thailand.

So I want to know what Kon Kaen is like for someone pre retirement with a bit of party lifetyle in him but not much.