How Many Expats In The Sangkha Area?

[lukey1979]

Just wondering on the numbers etc.

I have been living in Ban Sawat for a year now but at the moment im still hopping back and forth overseas for work.

I see alot of expats in Sangka market on most days im there but I never see any watering holes. Is there a place you all gather yourselves for a meet?

If any of the guys from Ban ya suk are reading this i will intorduce myself next time fellas for a beer or 2.

Luke.

[johnsurin]

Just wondering on the numbers etc.

I have been living in Ban Sawat for a year now but at the moment im still hopping back and forth overseas for work.

I see alot of expats in Sangka market on most days im there but I never see any watering holes. Is there a place you all gather yourselves for a meet?

If any of the guys from Ban ya suk are reading this i will intorduce myself next time fellas for a beer or 2.

Luke.

Yes they're quite a few, I can think of 5 off the top of my head of different nationalities. Thay usually congregate at a little shop and drink there or one of their houses.

Try popping into the Farangconnection and ask for Kevin through the week or Ken on a friday, he lives up that way.

Sorry i cant help more as I reside in Theep Thani in Surin when I'm over there.

John.

[farangconnection]

There are probably just over 100 maybe 150 that live in the Sang Kha area. I know about 30 customers that live permanantly, and there are dozens that visit reguarly and have a house there

[isaanpeter]

I am from Khao Wong between Kalasin and Mukdahan,we meet every month in a superb resort.

Many falang did come to our last meeting even from yasothon.

English,swedish,german,netherland etc.incl.women and kids

can contact me

[email protected]

best regards Peter

[lukey1979]

There are probably just over 100 maybe 150 that live in the Sang Kha area. I know about 30 customers that live permanantly, and there are dozens that visit reguarly and have a house there

Cheers guys.

[Chinavet]

Hi to Sangkha crowd. My name is Colin. Aussie. Currently back in China packing for our return to Thailand in about 10 days.

My wife and I have nearly completed building our new house in Ban Srimuang (about 9 km NW of Sangkha). We have a large verandah built over river front that will be a great spot for a few sundowner beers. Please feel welcome to visit.

Look forward to meeting my neighbours.

Appreciate this forum and the members. I have found much useful information here.

[farangconnection]

Hi to Sangkha crowd. My name is Colin. Aussie. Currently back in China packing for our return to Thailand in about 10 days.

My wife and I have nearly completed building our new house in Ban Srimuang (about 9 km NW of Sangkha). We have a large verandah built over river front that will be a great spot for a few sundowner beers. Please feel welcome to visit.

Look forward to meeting my neighbours.

Appreciate this forum and the members. I have found much useful information here.

Strewth mate.........that's TWO Aussie Colin's in next week

[AA1]

Lukey,

Having just got back from a holiday in England & the US, I got a shock to read that you live in Ban Sawat. So to I (at present, like you, part time) and did not know of any other expats here other than brother-in-law very part time!!

I questioned my wife when she came back this afternoon and she thinks that there might be another Ban Sawat near Sangkha.

our address is - M. 5 Ban Sawat, T. Khon Taek, A. Sangkha

How about you??

Even if different cannot be far away!!

Anthony.

[lukey1979]

Lukey,

Having just got back from a holiday in England & the US, I got a shock to read that you live in Ban Sawat. So to I (at present, like you, part time) and did not know of any other expats here other than brother-in-law very part time!!

I questioned my wife when she came back this afternoon and she thinks that there might be another Ban Sawat near Sangkha.

our address is - M. 5 Ban Sawat, T. Khon Taek, A. Sangkha

How about you??

Even if different cannot be far away!!

Anthony.

Hi Anthony.

This is very interesting mate. I have tried to tell the misses the address you have described but it seems that '' T. Khon Taek'' Is lost in translation. I live in Ban Sawat about 5 Km out of Sangka towards Surin on the route 2077.

Take a right into the area of Ban Tap Tan and i live on the southern edge of the large lake feature.

My address is Ban Sawat 97

moo 14

Tap Tan

Sangkha.

I would never under any circumstances give my address on tinterweb but something tells me that my whereabouts is little concern to farang theives.

If you are around here mate it would be great to catch up.

[farangconnection]

Lukey,

Having just got back from a holiday in England & the US, I got a shock to read that you live in Ban Sawat. So to I (at present, like you, part time) and did not know of any other expats here other than brother-in-law very part time!!

I questioned my wife when she came back this afternoon and she thinks that there might be another Ban Sawat near Sangkha.

our address is - M. 5 Ban Sawat, T. Khon Taek, A. Sangkha

How about you??

Even if different cannot be far away!!

Anthony.

Hi Anthony.

This is very interesting mate. I have tried to tell the misses the address you have described but it seems that '' T. Khon Taek'' Is lost in translation. I live in Ban Sawat about 5 Km out of Sangka towards Surin on the route 2077.

Take a right into the area of Ban Tap Tan and i live on the southern edge of the large lake feature.

My address is Ban Sawat 97

moo 14

Tap Tan

Sangkha.

I would never under any circumstances give my address on tinterweb but something tells me that my whereabouts is little concern to farang theives.

If you are around here mate it would be great to catch up.

So you are near Kevin,Wayne,Rob & Steve. Three Brits and a Canadian.

[Chinavet]

There is an Aussie in the neighbourhood (hope I don't drag the values down). Colin & Som at 57/1 Moo 2, Ban Sriang, Tambon Tap Tan. New house on the little river. A bit hard to find but I am sure the locals can tell you where Som's house, or the new house is. Welcome all to visit anytime. Colin

[lampard10]

There is an Aussie in the neighbourhood (hope I don't drag the values down). Colin & Som at 57/1 Moo 2, Ban Sriang, Tambon Tap Tan. New house on the little river. A bit hard to find but I am sure the locals can tell you where Som's house, or the new house is. Welcome all to visit anytime. Colin

Pop along to the F.C. in good old Surin town and introduce yourself.

[AA1]

Delighted to learn there are quite a number of expats in the Sangkha area even if confusing to discover there are 2 Ban Sawats about 12k. apart!!

We will be moving permanently to our Ban Sawat in March/April next year so will look forward to meeting some of you then.

Anthony.

[TCA]

I'm currently living in Prachuap Khirikhan but my girlfriend's family are from Surin and we're discussing a move there for potentially later in the year and Sangkha has been mentioned as a possibility. I've not spent much time up there and will visit in person to check it out, but just wondering if some Sangkha locals can pass on any advice or recommendations, so I get a heads up.

Any pointers on the following would be appreciated:

1) Accomodation - will be looking to rent initially. Nothing fancy. 2 to 3 bedroom western style house/bungalow. A little bit of outside space or garden would be nice. Would prefer in a secure development/village. What kind of housing is on offer in Sangkha and at what kind of monthly rent? Any bargains to be had when buying?

2) Internet - I need a decent reliable connection that I can access almost 24/7. What's the service from TOT, CAT, 3BB or whoever like up there? Or do people use their phones or aircards and the like?

3) Other - I've read there's a big C supermarket, a few banks and the odd restaurant. What's the latest in terms of that any other leisure amenities, bars etc...?

4) Expats - Given it's the original topic of the thread, have the numbers increased over the years?

And anything else you can think of to recommend (or not recommend) the area. Or whether you'd recommend somewhere else within about 50km?

Thanks a lot.

TCA.

[Dave the Dude]

Hi TCA

I have been living in Surin for 5 years now and know the OP and a few others. I'll have a stab at answering your questions and if you PM me, I will be happy to answer any others, as best I can.

1)Not aware of secure western style housing developments in Sangkha. There is a number of 'estates' in Surin were a few friends live. Sirinthorn/Thep Thani to name a couple.

Good idea in my opinion to rent first. 'Jungle' life doesn't suit all.

2)Some use phones/Aircards as most(not all) locations cannot get a phone line. CAT CDMA seems quite popular and IPStar is the least poopular.

3)Having recently had experience a whiplashing, I am loathed to recomend links on here. There are many,many good places around the general area and (I believe) some very good people living in the area. I have been known to party sometimes! There are German/Norwegian/English/American/Irish bar/restaurants and not much is lacking in entertainment. A few have live music too.

4)Yes, the numbers have increased within my 8 year knowledge of the area and that is evident in local forums too. Big C cannot be entered now without spotting around 10 farangs per visit!

Recomended areas. Thats a hard one as most seem to end up in 'er indoor' village (like me), but all I would say, is consider very hard not living out in the back of nowere, if you need amenities or medical assistance. I am very happy living just outside Surin. One final thought,There are quite an active motorbiking/golfing/fishing groups of Thai/farangs around and you should consider 'getting a hobby out here' as its very easy to do nothing!

Dave (Hope I got away with that one!)

Edited January 23, 2011 by Dave the Dude

[TCA]

Cheers Dave. That's very helpul. With regard to "jungle" living, I'm not up for that by any means. The missus' village is about 30km from Sangkha but Sangkha would appear to be the closest thing in the way of western-ish living. So not too far but maybe far enough from the potential mother-in-law!

One important thing I forgot to ask was with regard to visas. I'm currently on an ED visa studying the Thai language at a private school, so wondering if there's any way to continue that. Or even studying Thai boxing or something else? I'm under 50, not married and not working, so my only other alternative is a Non Immigrant O long stay visa from the Hull Consulate in the UK or a tourist visa fom Laos. Either of those would require visa runs and I understand the nearest place is Chong Chom. How long to get there from Sangkha and is it still 1200 baht and a photo for the Cambodia visa?

Anybody know of anyone on ED visas in the area?

Dave also mentioned golf. Many courses in the area? How much for a round?

Thanks.

Edited January 23, 2011 by TCA

[Dave the Dude]

Many expats under 50 live in Surin and teach in the many schools/universities locally. Sorry, I am not sure about the ED visa situation. Go speak to Mike at Starbeams Restaurant in Surin and I'm sure he would be able to advise you further.

I would say Sangkha to C/Chom would take about 3/4 hour but its a very easy drive/ride. I think its about 1500b now per visa run as the cambodian fleece you of a fictitious 300b fee to exit the same day.

I am not a golfer but know many and most play regularly at the Surin Army Base golf couse http://www.surinarmygolf.com/

Edited January 24, 2011 by Dave the Dude

[TCA]

Thanks again Dave. Cheers for taking the time to reply.

TCA

[MHayward]

Hi just to add, I am in the Sangkha area also, currently building a house and other attractions (shop, swimming pool etc) about 15 km NW of Sangkha itself.

We are in a small village a few km before Chaen Waen. Take the Sikoraphum Rd 2371 north from Sangkha Market, fork right after passing the TOA Building Centre and keep going, past Khon Taek towards Chaen Waen, after approx 15 km you will see 2 new houses and a small shop on the right - our development.

I am working on a one month on one off basis and spend time off all over Thailand basically in holiday mode, but occasionally can be found in Surin and Sangkha itself, intend to spend more time there as the house etc near completion. Building work was slowed due to the Rice harvest as we use only local labour, plus I put a block on all things expensive until our Usurfruct Lease arrangements are fully in place - Thai Gf gets the Land Papers sorted today, hopefully.

Many Farang meet at Franks Coffee Shop in Sangkha, near the Hospital ( I do have more detailed directions somewhere) and also at Barrys Place on the 2283 road out of SK towards the 24 it is about 100m before the main road junction, on the left next to the garden centre.

I am sure if you go to either of these places you will find out all you need to know...from the local experts.

If any of the Sangkha guys want to PM me for phone number etc, we are always up for a meet and a beer if we are around. Next visit is from 13th Feb onwards, when i will bring family from Uk to see Surin :-)

Cheers, MH

[TCA]

Can any Sangkha locals recommend a guesthouse or hotel in Sangkha town? I'm visiting next month with a view to finding some long term rental accommodation so need a place to base myself. Also, is there a place I can hire a motorbike for a few days?

Any suggestions about rental property would also be welcome. My girlfriend's mother has mentioned a new project just completed called Utong/Sirin Ton or something like that, 2km from the town centre. And another new one near the bus station which may have some rentals available. She's not a local so unfortunately the info is a bit vague.

Any help much appreciated.

TCA

Edited March 11, 2011 by TCA

[Dave the Dude]

Can any Sangkha locals recommend a guesthouse or hotel in Sangkha town? I'm visiting next month with a view to finding some long term rental accommodation so need a place to base myself. Also, is there a place I can hire a motorbike for a few days?

Any suggestions about rental property would also be welcome. My girlfriend's mother has mentioned a new project just completed called Utong/Sirin Ton or something like that, 2km from the town centre. And another new one near the bus station which may have some rentals available. She's not a local so unfortunately the info is a bit vague.

Any help much appreciated.

TCA

There is a newish estate called Sirinthon which is 2km from SURIN town.

I do not know of any hotels/guest houses in Sangkha (other than basic motels/ ST rooms)or motorcyc hire shops.

If you decide to stay in Surin, I can suggest answers to everything you ask.

[TCA]

Thanks Dave. Sounds like it might be the same developer. Definitely Sangkha though.

Lamduan is another place that I'll be considering as well as Sangkha.

Anything to choose between the two?

Cheers

TCA

[Dave the Dude]

Yes, there is 100% less in Lamduan.

I am not aware of even one 7/11 or a single farang friendly place there.

All my mates around there, drive into Surin for nearly everything including basics like milk.

In Sangka there is a nice little restaurant/watering hole owned by Frank, a top German guy.Thats worth a visit.

I may be wrong, so hopefully someone who actually lives there can also respond.

[TCA]

Thanks again Dave. Will check out Frank's place for sure when I'm up there.

[Dave the Dude]

Thanks again Dave. Will check out Frank's place for sure when I'm up there.

Might be an idea to check out a few local forums too!

(Hope I got away with that one)

[zzaa09]

Thanks again Dave. Will check out Frank's place for sure when I'm up there.

Might be an idea to check out a few local forums too!

(Hope I got away with that one)

Local forum? Surin? I don't believe there is any such worthy or decent forum that covers the Surin region, is there?:jap:

[Boyce]

Thanks Dave. Sounds like it might be the same developer. Definitely Sangkha though.

Lamduan is another place that I'll be considering as well as Sangkha.

Anything to choose between the two?

Cheers

TCA

I live in Lam Duan, there's no 7/11 as dave says no farang bars, thre is a little resort that has just opened up, and the Lam Duan restuarant ,it's opposite where the teusday market is .

[Dave the Dude]

I live in Lam Duan, there's no 7/11 as dave says no farang bars, thre is a little resort that has just opened up, and the Lam Duan restuarant ,it's opposite where the teusday market is .

Thanks for some local knowledge Marleen.

Obviously Jeff(ZZAA09) was joking about forums, but I could not mention any by name, as I fear another whip-lashing

Thanks matey

:jap:

(hope I got away with this one)

[Boyce]

I'll collect my free beer later,dave

[Dave the Dude]

I'll collect my free beer later,dave

Call me when in town and I'll come and buy you a beer, Mister Bean!