Best Place To Raise Children In Thailand?

[roadschooler]

After a 4 year absence from Bangkok and now back with 3 young children, we are finding that the crowds, traffic, and air quality is getting to my wife and I. So, we are thinking of moving..........but where?

Anyone with kids care to share their favorite place? Please point out the pros and cons.

Important issues for us: +not crowded (what is Bangkok now anyway? 10+ million?)

+not much traffic (don't need 2 hours to drive 3 kilometers).

+family friendly

+clean air

+educational/ art/music tutoring available (we homeschool but we need piano and violin teachers, art classes, etc.)

+kid activities

[mkawish]

Rather than just reading and listening to others' suggestions and ideas,

why not personally visit viable cities with your family members,

so everyone would have the same experience and input into the very major decision, particularly the very demanding home-school objectives and accompanying activities to be qualified as acceptable home-school education?

I would also assume that you and/or your better half are qualified and certified educators from your own country? Correct?

Perhaps, after you have looked over cities in the northern parts of Thailand,

you would also like to visit cities in the south where life in general is very much

like Thailand of yonder years, say, 30 years back....

Quality of life including environmental impact on your family, imho, would very much on the positive side.

Try to google search: HaadYai, Trang, NaKorn Sri ThumMaRard, for example.

You will be very close to natural environmentally sound surroundings and approximately about 1 hr from sea shores where you and your family members may roam in peace and quietness, without en mass intrusion of farang.... L O L

Your finance will also go a lot further in the aforementioned and other less well known and out of the main stream cities.

Whatever you do, just do not listen to just someone's opinion or narration, K?

Visit those places that appeal to you and yours.

Best wishes

[blue eyes]

Looking into were to live in Thailand is subjective.I would never ever settle my family in the far south of the Thailand.HatYai no way!Trang,Nakhon Si Thammarat are also in the south and to close to Hat Yai for me.They are absolutely beautiful areas to see, but too dangerous for us to live.Look at the amount of shootings and bombings that take place in the south.The people doing the violence do not seem to care if children and people that have nothing to do with the government are victims of it.Just like in the Middel East.

Back to the question at hand.Chaing Mai,Korat,Udonthani,Rayong all sutable ares to settle a family.Have things to do for the kids.As to the music tutoring not sure but would imagine Chaing Mai or Korat to be your best bet other then Bangkok.It really is what you are into.If you can take a trip,drive the areas you are thinking of, outside of the tourist areas.That is a way to get a feel of the area.

Edited January 9, 2011 by blue eyes

[mkawish]

Looking into were to live in Thailand is subjective.I would never ever settle my family in the far south of the Thailand.HatYai no way!Trang,Nakhon Si Thammarat are also in the south and to close to Hat Yai for me.They are absolutely beautiful areas to see, but too dangerous for us to live.Look at the amount of shootings and bombings that take place in the south.The people doing the violence do not seem to care if children and people that have nothing to do with the government are victims of it.Just like in the Middel East.

Back to the question at hand.Chaing Mai,Korat,Udonthani,Rayong all sutable ares to settle a family.Have things to do for the kids.As to the music tutoring not sure but would imagine Chaing Mai or Korat to be your best bet other then Bangkok.It really is what you are into.If you can take a trip,drive the areas you are thinking of, outside of the tourist areas.That is a way to get a feel of the area.

blue eyes

Not meant to stir up a heated conversation. But may I humbly ask you the following questions, and if you do not like them or any of them, you need not response. And I think your response will clarify just how well qualified you are to state that

I would never ever settle my family in the far south of the Thailand.HatYai no way!Trang,Nakhon Si Thammarat are also in the south and to close to Hat Yai for me.

1--Did you or any of your family members ever live in any of these cities?

2--Just how long did you spend in each of these cities?

3--Do you have any close relatives living in these cities?

4--What do you think the terminology "deep south" means and particularly how many cities does it include?

5--Do you personally know any local Thai who lives and works in YaLa, NaRaTheVard and PartTaNee?

6--Or do you receive your input on deep south from news media, especially from farang news media?

Just to be fair to you, I'll state my own responses to the aforementioned questions first, so you won't think that I might be taking advantage of you, OK?

#1--many years in each and everyone of those cities.

#2--several decades up to present time.

#3--yes, many many relatives still living and operating biz in each of those cities.

#4--

#5--yes, me and numerous relatives live and work therein.

#6--I know those cities personally.

My intention is not to convince the original poster to come down and live in any of these cities. Rather, I thought, they ought to look into these cities themselves. I believe each of these cities mentioned earlier, NaKorn Si ThumMaRard, Trung and HaadYai, each does possess by-gone years charms and old fashion way of life--particularly Trung.

As we also have young school age children, if there should be any question on safety issue, I surely won't be suggesting any of it. Besides, it is not that we have to live in the south.

We choose to live in the south because we love it here and so do our children. Where else can you, if you choose to, learn to speak, Thai, ManDaLin, HokKian, HukKa, Indian and Malay without having to hire even one single tutor....

[MikeyIdea]

In a dead-end soi with no through traffic

I live in one in Bangkok and it is great. I can let my kid out riding a bike or roller blades and not have to worry about traffic

[blue eyes]

Not meant to stir up a heated conversation. But may I humbly ask you the following questions.

1--Did you or any of your family members ever live in any of these cities?

2--Just how long did you spend in each of these cities?

3--Do you have any close relatives living in these cities?

4--What do you think the terminology "deep south" means and particularly how many cities does it include?

5--Do you personally know any local Thai who lives and works in YaLa, NaRaTheVard and PartTaNee?

6--Or do you receive your input on deep south from news media, especially from farang news media?

#1--No

#2--None

#3--No

#4--Deep south?Not sure

#5--No

#6--Some/None.It comes from MANY friends and close relatives (Thai)that have lived and or know much of what goes on in the south.The wife tells me that the "southern"Thais are much more "hot".What does that mean?They are much more likely to do violence if they feel you have wronged them.If you happen to be around and are not involved,oh well tough luck.That in it self would make me think to live some where else.

To many other places in Thailand,or the world for that to live,to ask yourself,why the south of Thailand if you hear these problems.

On the other hand I am told that many Thais with money do live in the south of Thailand.But they also send their children to Bangkok/north to live and go to school.I wonder why they would do that ?Send their children to live and study away from were their parents live.

I am no expert and only have my own opinion.Yes it is true it is based on only second hand information.But is not much of what we get in this life from the experiences of others?

Oh on the thought of language.I speak english,spanish and thai.The wife thai,mandarin and english.The kids english,thai,spanish and mandarin.What else do you need?All depends right?

[mkawish]

Not meant to stir up a heated conversation. But may I humbly ask you the following questions.

1--Did you or any of your family members ever live in any of these cities?

2--Just how long did you spend in each of these cities?

3--Do you have any close relatives living in these cities?

4--What do you think the terminology "deep south" means and particularly how many cities does it include?

5--Do you personally know any local Thai who lives and works in YaLa, NaRaTheVard and PartTaNee?

6--Or do you receive your input on deep south from news media, especially from farang news media?

#1--No

#2--None

#3--No

#4--Deep south?Not sure

#5--No

#6--Some/None.It comes from MANY friends and close relatives (Thai)that have lived and or know much of what goes on in the south.The wife tells me that the "southern"Thais are much more "hot".What does that mean?They are much more likely to do violence if they feel you have wronged them.If you happen to be around and are not involved,oh well tough luck.That in it self would make me think to live some where else.

To many other places in Thailand,or the world for that to live,to ask yourself,why the south of Thailand if you hear these problems.

On the other hand I am told that many Thais with money do live in the south of Thailand.But they also send their children to Bangkok/north to live and go to school.I wonder why they would do that ?Send their children to live and study away from were their parents live.

I am no expert and only have my own opinion.Yes it is true it is based on only second hand information.But is not much of what we get in this life from the experiences of others?

Oh on the thought of language.I speak english,spanish and thai.The wife thai,mandarin and english.The kids english,thai,spanish and mandarin.What else do you need?All depends right?

Thx for responding 'blue eyes'

Much of what you were informed about the south were really inaccurate.

Perhaps, your relatives never heard nor visited the SongKhla NaKraRin nor More Orr, both in HaadYai?

Google 'More Orr' Hospital and/or SongKhla NaKraRin,

Thereafter, you might change your opinion of the south.

The wealthier south populace will send their children to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and U.S., but not Bangkok....!

The two establishments mentioned above are very well known throughout Thailand, most southerners do not need to send their children to Bkk any longer.

Just for your info, many physicians from More Orr are currently teaching in Bkk medical schools, flying into Bkk once or twice a week as needed. Yes, I personally know several of them younger generation medical practitioners.

Your info was accurate if we were talking about 1990 or so.

If you do come down south for a day trip or so, email me. We'll have lunch, if you like.

[samran]

It comes from MANY friends and close relatives (Thai)that have lived and or know much of what goes on in the south.The wife tells me that the "southern"Thais are much more "hot".What does that mean?They are much more likely to do violence if they feel you have wronged them.If you happen to be around and are not involved,oh well tough luck.That in it self would make me think to live some where else.

To many other places in Thailand,or the world for that to live,to ask yourself,why the south of Thailand if you hear these problems.

On the other hand I am told that many Thais with money do live in the south of Thailand.But they also send their children to Bangkok/north to live and go to school.I wonder why they would do that ?Send their children to live and study away from were their parents live.

I am no expert and only have my own opinion.Yes it is true it is based on only second hand information.But is not much of what we get in this life from the experiences of others?

Oh on the thought of language.I speak english,spanish and thai.The wife thai,mandarin and english.The kids english,thai,spanish and mandarin.What else do you need?All depends right?

I have many friends and relatives who are Thai. They think the same thing.

For the places you mentioned, you, and they are just plain wrong.

Many central and northern Thai's simply don't 'get' southern Thai's, calling them 'hot' when in fact they are more like westerners in not standing on formality and having the ability to call a spade a spade. Something that gets more difficult the further north you travel in Thailand. Throw in the fact that some of them - god forbid - are muslim, and there you go, misunderstanding galore about southerners - from people who have never been there themselves.

Having lived in the South myself, and having needed to oversee projects there, you'll find Southern Thai's have a better ability to get on with westerners - as frankly - they are more in tune with many westerners way of thinking. If they have something to say, more than likely they'll tell you to your face, rather than get all backstabby about it.

Once upon a time, I also studied at Moor Or, not a bad uni, with lovely grounds and a lake out a back. Never seen a bomb thrower there in my entire time there.

Having said all that, to answer the OP's question, I'd actually prefer BKK.

As one other poster said, find a dead end street off Mid Sukhumvit (between Asoke and Ekkamai)and you'd think you were anywhere but BKK. Strangely quiet and peaceful. Still you are within a stone throw of a very internationally orientated part of the city and the facilities that are needed to keep the kiddies happy and the parents sane, without the human refuse of the lower sukhumvit streets.

Edited January 20, 2011 by samran

[SantiSuk]

My first reaction for a young family would be 'wherever the bosom of the extended Thai family is'. Personally I think it important for my toddler to have the warmth and strength of a wider family at hand in the early years. The social skills and stability that gives is priceless. All the stuff about nice environment pales into insignificance against that.

If this is inappropriate to your situation then read on

Add Ubon Ratchathani to your list for further investigation. Facilities of a city but very relaxed and friendly environment. Just enough falangs to have that kind of friendship if you need it, but falangs are not (yet) so numerous to be in your face. A few bars but no beer-bar/red-light area. Well connected to Bangkok by three airlines, including lo-cost Air Asia. Prosperity palpably growing - chance for your kids to experience a growth economy. No international schools but some reportedly good multi-lingual schools at reasonable prices. University city with young outlook. Good climate - no pollution. Very close to Laos and Cambodia for interesting excursions. Property prices still quite reasonable (but hurry - we will not be saying that in 5 years time).

[roadschooler]

SantiSuk, you made a very important point about the extended family. So, here we stay just outside Bangkok about 1 kilometer away from the grandparents. My dreams of the beaches or mountains or small villages have to remain a dream. We will have to take short extended trips instead.

All the best.

My first reaction for a young family would be 'wherever the bosom of the extended Thai family is'. Personally I think it important for my toddler to have the warmth and strength of a wider family at hand in the early years. The social skills and stability that gives is priceless. All the stuff about nice environment pales into insignificance against that.

If this is inappropriate to your situation then read on

Add Ubon Ratchathani to your list for further investigation. Facilities of a city but very relaxed and friendly environment. Just enough falangs to have that kind of friendship if you need it, but falangs are not (yet) so numerous to be in your face. A few bars but no beer-bar/red-light area. Well connected to Bangkok by three airlines, including lo-cost Air Asia. Prosperity palpably growing - chance for your kids to experience a growth economy. No international schools but some reportedly good multi-lingual schools at reasonable prices. University city with young outlook. Good climate - no pollution. Very close to Laos and Cambodia for interesting excursions. Property prices still quite reasonable (but hurry - we will not be saying that in 5 years time).

[g00dgirl]

My first reaction for a young family would be 'wherever the bosom of the extended Thai family is'. Personally I think it important for my toddler to have the warmth and strength of a wider family at hand in the early years. The social skills and stability that gives is priceless. All the stuff about nice environment pales into insignificance against that.

I also think that this is a very mature opinion and an important point to consider.

[doglover]

My first reaction for a young family would be 'wherever the bosom of the extended Thai family is'. Personally I think it important for my toddler to have the warmth and strength of a wider family at hand in the early years. The social skills and stability that gives is priceless. All the stuff about nice environment pales into insignificance against that.

It seems as if you have received the answer you wanted roadschooler and I would like to add my own into this thread on the same topic.

My situation is that I am younger man who lives in Thailand with my wife and our almost 2 yr. old daughter as finances permit. Since the inception of our relationship I have gone off to work for 2 - 3 months twice a year while my wife remained in Thailand. It was tough but doable and became easier each time. But now with our daughter it is extremely difficult to do. (I should mention I am close with my daughter and she loves me alot)

I return to my country of origin for work and the location I work is quite far from any of my family members. If I bring my daughter and wife with me they will be without any family but me and I only have 4 -6 days off a month and will be away 13 - 14 hours a day for work. So they will be alone most of the time. I know I will feel happy to be with them but I realize to have this they both will miss out on my wifes family and our beautiful home here in Thailand. My wife of course will be ok (even if it is hard) but I wonder how my daughter will fair. She will make friends on the spot as kids do but no family. In addition we will eventually (3-8 years) return to Thailand for good and she will lose those friends she has made and have to start over again in Thailand.

So my question is..... If I put my desires aside and think about what is best for my daughters upbringing what is best for her? To come with me and work year round isolated from all extended family and being able to play with me for an hour a night plus 2 weekends per month? Or to remain here in Thailand with my wife (while I go to work 2-3 months twice per year) surrounded by an extensive happy family very close at hand? (Her Grandma and cousins visit daily, probably all day, when I am off at work). Thanks for any input.

I see Thai fathers, even both parents (don't like this one at all), leave their children to go to work and their children seem to be well adjusted when they become adults. Moreso than myself who grew up with parents at home yet was isolated from family and even other kids my age (besides my brothers and sisters) as we lived out in the country without other kids around. Thanks for your input.

[roadschooler]

Hello Doglover,

It must be very difficult to be away and I understand it must be so hard whenever you must leave. However, on the bright side, you do manage to spend quality time with your daughter for long stretches of time.

I think you are lucky that you have an extended family to look after your wife and kids while you are away. However, I think there is something to be said for living overseas. Children will gain so much from this experience. Telephone calls are cheap and there is also free video chat as well. It depends on your experience but living in the west for a few years will have a positive effect on your daughter. She will be exposed to a different culture that so few children in the world get to ever experience in their lives.

It's a difficult choice as there are both positives and negatives. I think a lot depends on your wife and her ability to adapt to a new country and new culture and if she would experience loneliness without your presence. Some people are up to the challenge. It's a tuff call but one that I think your wife needs to ultimately make herself in my humble opinion.

All the best,

My first reaction for a young family would be 'wherever the bosom of the extended Thai family is'. Personally I think it important for my toddler to have the warmth and strength of a wider family at hand in the early years. The social skills and stability that gives is priceless. All the stuff about nice environment pales into insignificance against that.

It seems as if you have received the answer you wanted roadschooler and I would like to add my own into this thread on the same topic.

My situation is that I am younger man who lives in Thailand with my wife and our almost 2 yr. old daughter as finances permit. Since the inception of our relationship I have gone off to work for 2 - 3 months twice a year while my wife remained in Thailand. It was tough but doable and became easier each time. But now with our daughter it is extremely difficult to do. (I should mention I am close with my daughter and she loves me alot)

I return to my country of origin for work and the location I work is quite far from any of my family members. If I bring my daughter and wife with me they will be without any family but me and I only have 4 -6 days off a month and will be away 13 - 14 hours a day for work. So they will be alone most of the time. I know I will feel happy to be with them but I realize to have this they both will miss out on my wifes family and our beautiful home here in Thailand. My wife of course will be ok (even if it is hard) but I wonder how my daughter will fair. She will make friends on the spot as kids do but no family. In addition we will eventually (3-8 years) return to Thailand for good and she will lose those friends she has made and have to start over again in Thailand.

So my question is..... If I put my desires aside and think about what is best for my daughters upbringing what is best for her? To come with me and work year round isolated from all extended family and being able to play with me for an hour a night plus 2 weekends per month? Or to remain here in Thailand with my wife (while I go to work 2-3 months twice per year) surrounded by an extensive happy family very close at hand? (Her Grandma and cousins visit daily, probably all day, when I am off at work). Thanks for any input.

I see Thai fathers, even both parents (don't like this one at all), leave their children to go to work and their children seem to be well adjusted when they become adults. Moreso than myself who grew up with parents at home yet was isolated from family and even other kids my age (besides my brothers and sisters) as we lived out in the country without other kids around. Thanks for your input.

[doglover]

Thanks for your reply RoadSchooler. A helpful post.