We have two “homes” in Thailand, one in Bangkok, the other one, 80km south of Korat, in WNK. What’s funny is we have the same neighbors both places. 300km from Bangkok, in the local market, more often than not, we meet our (thai) friends from the big city.

I start noticing something weird a couple of years ago. During the nice season (winter), suddenly appeared a lot of cars, mostly german, with Bangkok license plate. People stop, look around, and prices of the land are going up. From 50k / rai 3 years ago to more than 500k / rai now for the best located parcels. (people stops first in Pak Chong, can’t afford it, then move up north ….).

We have also new falang neighbors. But they are different. Younger, obviously richer. And the wife are not the same too. White skin, Bangkok middle class, definitely not Isaan.

Actually, it goes even deeper. A lot of new shop / restaurant are opened by “outsiders”. Middle-class city (Bangkok) young people, usually well educated, fed up with the rat race, are moving here to start a new, more fulfilling, life.

Now the question is : South of Korat, is it already Isan country or still Bangkok suburb ? And for people who leave there for sometime now, what does it change to your life ?

..people stops first in Pak Chong, can’t afford it, then move up north …..

Bugger! I was thinking of settling there one day.