This farang monk from Ubon talks here about the lack of forest in Isaan, especially in the Ubon area:

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v6977120GR8P7x2n halfway through and on (his voice certainly makes you want to sleep)

I haven't been able to go out and explore rural Isaan as much as I've wanted, and it occurs to me I've never really seen a substantial forest here except for Khao Yai (which is really kinda on the edge of Isaan). I'm looking on the satellite maps and it looks like it's more green near the Lao and Khmer borders, I've never really been to those areas except for Pha Taem, which was more like savanna than forest. Anyway, is it possible anymore to live in the forest in Isaan area, especially in Ubon area?

That web site is blocked in Thailand.

there is some really nice country side around PHUKRADUNG national park and PHU PHAR MAN national park between LOEI and CHUMPHARE thet is about the closest I have seen of a forest in ISSAN .

It is really quite nice but cold this time of the year

Can get as cold as zero degrees

Isaan isn't generally known for its vast swaithes of forest..

i enjoyed the Asian Koel calling in the monks vid though. no forest required for this one...