Cheapest Area Of Thailand But With Broadband Internet?

[Richard4849]

Paying customers help SUPPORT public hospitals, not bog them down. Skinflints who don't have insurance and can't pay are a completely different matter. Anyone should feel perfectly welcome to make use of any hospital as long as they can pay the bill. Chandler is talking complete nonsense.

[jfchandler]

Seems we're a bit touchy on this point, huh? A bit on the defensive side? Wonder why?

In thinking about this further, I suppose it comes down to a simple point and question that I'll freely admit, I don't know the answer to...

I start from the presumption that as guests in this country, we're suppose contribute to it... and not be a burden on the government or society. I think most farang would subscribe to that notion...

So, when a farang is treated at a government hospital, are the fees they pay covering the full cost or more of their care. If so, then I suppose, it's a break even or better situation for the hospital... generally speaking. And no harm, no foul.

But, if when a farang visits a government hospital, if the hospital's patient charges to you are a government subsidized rate and thus they're having to dip into their government funding that's meant for Thai people to cover the cost of YOUR care, to me, that is wrong...

[Richard4849]

It's not a subsidized rate for paying customers. You started off with a false assumption and ran with it, being rude to another poster in the process. Very poor form.

[Atmos]

this is the thread topic

Cheapest Area Of Thailand But With Broadband Internet? I'm looking to move anywhere in Thailand but I need internet

seems simple enough.

Why not start another thread for the Thai health system, its use and its perceived failings.

[afarang]

I wrote an in depth analysis, Page 1 post number 25, and page 2 post number 28. But nobody seems to have read them or asked for any further information.My posts contain enough info . for anyone to use as a basis for comparison. Also post by Thaddeus will help, too.

[klikster]

Bangkok Hospital opened in Hua Hin a few months ago.

-redwood

There was talk of a new hospital just before I moved out of Cha am and up country. Glad to hear it happened.

[toffo9]

Anywhere in Isarn, is much cheaper. I live and have done so in Southern Buriram ,very near the Cambodian border ,for more years than I care to remember. I n TOTAL safety. We have a growing retail community,where pretty much everything you need for your daily existence is available. We have many markets, both morning and evening. In Buriram , you have 3 "Supermarkets", Big C ,Makro ,And Tawekit. All on public transport routes, if you do not have wheels, They are about 70 kms away. I do a bulk buy about every 3 months, Smaller Tawekits are located in our town and the 2 nearest towns.My cost of living ? Well I support ,financially " a family of 6, incl. myself. + buying farm supplies -fertiliser, weed spray , etc..My rent for a 2 storey 3 bedroom house is B 2,500. per month. So, I spend about B 30, 000 a month max. . That includes paying for 2 children going to school.I want for nothing, my daily existence is quite comfortable, thank you very much. Should you desire it, a lot of Western food is readily available.The only area that is a bit dodgy for safety , really is around Khao Phra Viharn, in SiSa Ket province. But where the "action" is , you would not want to live anyway. No farang live there, The rest of Isarn is very safe. There is a lot of nonsense talked. By Bangkok people, who know no better. Who have never been to Isarn ,but pontificate about how horrible Isarn and the locals are. We, on the converse having suffered life in Bkk for some years., are very thankful for having been given the opportunity to escape. So,Here is a realistic starting point for you to look at places and have some idea of what to look for ,and a basis for comparison. Best of Luck

Ill second that..... Ilive in buriram and never had any problems.. my outgoings are 35k without food everymonth.. most of that is paying 17k a month for a car and rent for 6k..

[surayu]

Afarang, i think expats chosing to use a private hospital instead of a public one, might have some good reason for it, calling everyone a "snob" it's definetely wrong! I tell you about my experience, i think i wrote already about it sometime ago, but if i recall it right, my post had been erased.....

One day i offered to escort a THAI friend of mine to a public hospital in a central part of Bangkok, the waiting hall was complitely full of people, probably 200/300 people all waiting, it was like being in a refugee camp, people sneezings, coughing, with blankets covering them, broken arms/legs, you could see any possible condition around you, somebody clearly suffering and in need of a quick help.

When after a long waiting time my friend went inside, i did go with her inside this room were an elderly nurse sitting behind her desk was questioning some other people, no privacy at all, the attitude of this nurse was utterly horrible, a complite disgrace not only for the medical profession but to the whole humanity, i felt sorry for all those who had no chance but to be subject to those disgusting individuals.

Probably there is more then one reason if those hospital are allegedly under-staffed, as any sane mind would have huge problems to working together with such senior shtaff, these people should be struck from the medical profession forever and never to be allowed to have any sort of contact with the public again, cattles back home receive a better treathment/service than those unlucky ones.

IMO, public health service should be free to everyone, only "cosmetic" surgery and the likes should be a "business" matter, the "Hippocrates Oath" it's been regularly cheated by too many professionals for the sake of the money, shame on them.

[citizen33]

Paying customers help SUPPORT public hospitals, not bog them down. Skinflints who don't have insurance and can't pay are a completely different matter. Anyone should feel perfectly welcome to make use of any hospital as long as they can pay the bill.

This is my perception too. Almost all public hospitals have private rooms that can be hired for reasonable fees that are neverthless valuable to the hospital. This applies not just to district or provincial hospitals, but to university hospitals that can be very good. Conversely some of the small private hospitals - especially away from Bangkok - should be avoided if you have a serious condition. This is something that a lot of expats can't seem to get into their heads.

[Thaddeus]

I wrote an in depth analysis, Page 1 post number 25, and page 2 post number 28. But nobody seems to have read them or asked for any further information.My posts contain enough info . for anyone to use as a basis for comparison. Also post by Thaddeus will help, too.

It may do, or it may not, it depends on cognitive process.

However, I will pull you up on one thing (we like a good debate don't we mate)

The last, and only time I may add, that I have had to avail myself of the medical facilities available here there is a very large difference between the Amphur hospital and the province one. At the Amphur hospital while I was there, there was around about 75% bed occupancy, the doctors and nurses could cope and didn't look stressed out. When I got moved from there to the Big-Hospital, because they couldn't work out what was wrong with me, that changed significantly, the wards were full to over flowing, people were on temporary beds in corridors and most of the staff looked like they were five minutes away from a mental breakdown. Plus, as you know, I managed to live despite them, not because of them.

I will defend you on this point though, during that stage I paid full wack for everything, which probably helped pay for some poor soul to get treatment that they wouldn't normally be able to afford.

And this has now gone so far off topic I'm sure the OP has lost all interest in it.

[italian2011]

You could live just about anywhere outside of Bangkok or the tourist areas on 30,000 baht a month if you arenot a partier.

Where I live rents are 2500 for townhouses 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. Large 4 bedroom houses are 4000 to 5000 baht a month. Most landlords donot deal with your electric or water bills so they can be free for little usage to a few hundred baht a month. Internet is around 800 baht.

You can get these prices just about any northern province . From Pitsanulok to Chiang Rai. I have to take a trip out of town to Bangkok or some where every month just so I can reach the spending 30,000 baht a month. If I stay where I am very difficult to spend 20,000. But I donot drink or smoke.

I suggest you come here travel around a bit before settling. Petchebun is great it has cooler weather.

Hi, many thanks for your informative reply It sounds good.

I found a map related to poverty so it may be useful to this topic.

[italian2011]

Hi, I already mentioned that I don't want to live in Bangkok.

i had to giggle.

sorry, that was an unwanted typo

And this has now gone so far off topic I'm sure the OP has lost all interest in it.

Well...no, I just had no time yet to reply and was waiting the 72 hours in order to post links, like the one with the poverty map above.I appreciate everyone contribution and please be patient with my English since it's not my native language.I need to check all the places you mentioned, however I need to point a few more things:

1) I'm a reasonably healthy and educated middle aged single man with no intention to look for casual sex or party times

2) I really need a boring place where I can keep studying by distance (hence my ABSOLUTE Internet need) and then come back to expensive Australia where I currently live

3) Internet connection must be via landline broadband, no wireless (this is my preference since there are too many doubts about long term exposure of RMF so I don't want to be exposed to 12 hours cell phone RMF emissions, I have done plenty of research so don't argue over this, keep on topic please)

4) in regards to Cambodia, I found a freaky image about a mass grave so if you don't like to see scary pictures, don't click this link:

http://bunnieblog.co...y-2008-poverty/

For who has instead looked at them, I wonder really what is the current poverty situation....I see in one of those pictures a lot of rubbish, while here where I live it's probably one of the most pristine areas of the world (unfortunately too expensive).

5) Obviously I have never ever been in any Asian country. I'm currently assessing Pros and Cons between each option. I have a budget and so far the best options are Philippines and Thailand, but they share similar safety problems. I'm hoping that some of you can point me to the right resources to read/watch even though I do understand that seeing it there it's another thing.

Thanks everyone and please don't move away too much from the topic, cheers.

Edited June 21, 2011 by italian2011

[KeyserSoze01]

Best to just come to Thailand, go walkabout, find a place to your liking that meets your requirements and settle in.

One man's trash and all that.

Edited June 21, 2011 by KeyserSoze01

[MrsMills]

Best bet up country is Edge, it wont download a movie faster than 30 Kbps but its cheap and reliable, use for email and looking at websites, you'll be golden.

I had iPStar satellite before, total waste of money, AIS edge is just as fast at a fraction of the cost.

Edited June 21, 2011 by MrsMills

[IanForbes]

5) Obviously I have never ever been in any Asian country. I'm currently assessing Pros and Cons between each option. I have a budget and so far the best options are Philippines and Thailand, but they share similar safety problems. I'm hoping that some of you can point me to the right resources to read/watch even though I do understand that seeing it there it's another thing.

Thanks everyone and please don't move away too much from the topic, cheers.

I would be careful of the Philippines. In my estimation it is a FAR more corrupt and dangerous country than Thailand, and there are some real nasty people at the street level. The police are involved in all of the hundreds of scams a person could unwittingly get involved in without even trying. The ONLY advantage of the Philippines in my estimation is they all speak good English.

Over a two year period when I visited the Philippines on a regular basis I had 4 aquaintences that were murdered for very little reason.

[MrsMills]

I would be careful of the Philippines. In my estimation it is a FAR more corrupt and dangerous country than Thailand, and there are some real nasty people at the street level. The police are involved in all of the hundreds of scams a person could unwittingly get involved in without even trying. The ONLY advantage of the Philippines in my estimation is they all speak good English.

Over a two year period when I visited the Philippines on a regular basis I had 4 aquaintences that were murdered for very little reason.

Different folks for different strokes, I know guys that moved to PI from Thailand years ago who would never move back here.

Ian, being on holiday as an old sex tourist is a lot different to someone 40 years younger than you who can form real relationships not based purely upon money, be that Thailand, or anywhere else in the world where old chaps go to exploit poor people.

My Cousin lives in PI and loves it, he's 32 years old and has a ball, if he was 72, his life would be different.

[DP25]

Obviously I have never ever been in any Asian country. I'm currently assessing Pros and Cons between each option. I have a budget and so far the best options are Philippines and Thailand, but they share similar safety problems.

Not really, they don't. Philippines is more like some Latin American countries than it's Asian neighbors in some regards. Way more dangerous, way more poverty, than any of it's neighbors. I've never felt the slightest bit in danger walking around alone all over Bangkok at 3am, as I've done hundreds of times. You'd be a fool doing that in Manila. You should consider Vietnam or China as a cheaper alternative to Thailand.

[chops]

I've found no real difference in the cost of anything across Thailand.

You just need to avoid the temptations in the major tourist areas. Do that and you can live on a measly 30k/month.

I barely got by on 30k in Chiang Rai. Of course I never visited any bars or ate at any expensive restaurants either.

[chops]

Hi, I already mentioned that I don't want to live in Bangkok.

i had to giggle.

sorry, that was an unwanted typo

And this has now gone so far off topic I'm sure the OP has lost all interest in it.

Well...no, I just had no time yet to reply and was waiting the 72 hours in order to post links, like the one with the poverty map above.I appreciate everyone contribution and please be patient with my English since it's not my native language.I need to check all the places you mentioned, however I need to point a few more things:

1) I'm a reasonably healthy and educated middle aged single man with no intention to look for casual sex or party times

2) I really need a boring place where I can keep studying by distance (hence my ABSOLUTE Internet need) and then come back to expensive Australia where I currently live

3) Internet connection must be via landline broadband, no wireless (this is my preference since there are too many doubts about long term exposure of RMF so I don't want to be exposed to 12 hours cell phone RMF emissions, I have done plenty of research so don't argue over this, keep on topic please)

4) in regards to Cambodia, I found a freaky image about a mass grave so if you don't like to see scary pictures, don't click this link:

http://bunnieblog.co...y-2008-poverty/

For who has instead looked at them, I wonder really what is the current poverty situation....I see in one of those pictures a lot of rubbish, while here where I live it's probably one of the most pristine areas of the world (unfortunately too expensive).

5) Obviously I have never ever been in any Asian country. I'm currently assessing Pros and Cons between each option. I have a budget and so far the best options are Philippines and Thailand, but they share similar safety problems. I'm hoping that some of you can point me to the right resources to read/watch even though I do understand that seeing it there it's another thing.

Thanks everyone and please don't move away too much from the topic, cheers.

Cambodia is a great alternative to PI, which is just too dangerous. I'm moving there at the end of the year as a matter of fact. It's got bars, easy visa requirements, and a low cost of living.

[IanForbes]

I would be careful of the Philippines. In my estimation it is a FAR more corrupt and dangerous country than Thailand, and there are some real nasty people at the street level. The police are involved in all of the hundreds of scams a person could unwittingly get involved in without even trying. The ONLY advantage of the Philippines in my estimation is they all speak good English.

Over a two year period when I visited the Philippines on a regular basis I had 4 aquaintences that were murdered for very little reason.

Different folks for different strokes, I know guys that moved to PI from Thailand years ago who would never move back here.

Ian, being on holiday as an old sex tourist is a lot different to someone 40 years younger than you who can form real relationships not based purely upon money, be that Thailand, or anywhere else in the world where old chaps go to exploit poor people.

My Cousin lives in PI and loves it, he's 32 years old and has a ball, if he was 72, his life would be different.

I would agree about different strokes for different folks, but I'll stand by what I said about the Philippines. I also have two friends living in PI. They also enjoy it. But, I was just pointing out the danger... whether you are a sex tourist, a married couple or just a back packer. I have never seen so many scams as those run by Filipinos and backed by the Philippine police. They are going on around you continuously. Once you learn the game then it's easy to watch out, but it helps to travel with a friend to watch each other's backs. I blame the previous administrations (Marcos and Imelda) and the Catholic Church for its history of corruption and hypocrisy. I've never seen anything similar in Thailand.

I enjoyed the Philippines immensely, but I never really felt safe there. I had to get myself out of one situation with my switchblade knife. And, despite openly admitting that I enjoy the company of beautiful women, that is not my soul purpose in life. I take it all as a package. Although I had no intention of ever getting married again I can honestly say that 12 years ago had I been traveling TO the Philippines instead of going back to Canada, I might be married to a stunningly beautiful Filipina today. Our romance was hot but too short. I can only wonder what might have happened if things had been different.

Edited June 22, 2011 by IanForbes

[Thaddeus]

2) I really need a boring place where I can keep studying by distance (hence my ABSOLUTE Internet need) and then come back to expensive Australia where I currently live

3) Internet connection must be via landline broadband, no wireless (this is my preference since there are too many doubts about long term exposure of RMF so I don't want to be exposed to 12 hours cell phone RMF emissions, I have done plenty of research so don't argue over this, keep on topic please)

You may find it quite difficult to obtain both.

If by 'boring place' you mean that you want to rent a place that is detached i.e. not in an apartment block, if it doesn't already have a land-line installed, and many don't, it can be very difficult to get one installed.

[aneliane]

2) I really need a boring place where I can keep studying by distance (hence my ABSOLUTE Internet need) and then come back to expensive Australia where I currently live

3) Internet connection must be via landline broadband, no wireless (this is my preference since there are too many doubts about long term exposure of RMF so I don't want to be exposed to 12 hours cell phone RMF emissions, I have done plenty of research so don't argue over this, keep on topic please)

You may find it quite difficult to obtain both.

If by 'boring place' you mean that you want to rent a place that is detached i.e. not in an apartment block, if it doesn't already have a land-line installed, and many don't, it can be very difficult to get one installed.

Pakkred nonthaburi !

It is really definitely BORING and cheap, it has landline internet in most places, Makkro, Carrefour, and Big C and you get cheap condos with pool in place of the sea !

[Freeman64]

My suggestion is to look at Mahasarakham, located about 50 kms from Khon Kaen.

It is a university town in the middle of the northeast and checks all the boxes for you.

As you are studying it would probably be quite easy for you to make connections with the university here.

You can PM me if you wish.

[Thaddeus]

2) I really need a boring place where I can keep studying by distance (hence my ABSOLUTE Internet need) and then come back to expensive Australia where I currently live

3) Internet connection must be via landline broadband, no wireless (this is my preference since there are too many doubts about long term exposure of RMF so I don't want to be exposed to 12 hours cell phone RMF emissions, I have done plenty of research so don't argue over this, keep on topic please)

You may find it quite difficult to obtain both.

If by 'boring place' you mean that you want to rent a place that is detached i.e. not in an apartment block, if it doesn't already have a land-line installed, and many don't, it can be very difficult to get one installed.

Pakkred nonthaburi !

It is really definitely BORING and cheap, it has landline internet in most places, Makkro, Carrefour, and Big C and you get cheap condos with pool in place of the sea !

Of course I should have said "where I live" first.

[bjohn34]

I live in Chiang Mai with Thai GF in rented house and spend 30-35000 bht/mo all inclusive. Internet service is reliable enough for my needs and I use a lot.

Weather better here except during the spring burning season. My house is pretty well insulated and I have not used AC for more than 6 months. I don't like heat and humidity and would not be able to do that if I was much farther south.

[Gary A]

Beautiful Chaingrai

But please dont tell everyone

Google says:

"Did you mean Chiang Mai?"

Thanks

There is a HUGE difference between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. I absolutely hate inner Chiang Mai but outside of the city would be OK. Chiang Rai is a much smaller city and I could enjoy living there. I like Chiang Rai as much as I dislike Chiang Mai.

[Briggsy]

Rayong/Chonburi but ensure you stay at least 15 kms away from Pattaya or Jomtien (somebody else suggested Jantaburi). All your needs are sorted. If you choose a condo with security as opposed to a house, you have a far lower chance of being burgled.

[italian2011]

Hi, I already mentioned that I don't want to live in Bangkok.

i had to giggle.

after another check, either the majority of the world spells it wrong or I was right:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/

Even Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok

I will get back to the other replies once I learn more about each place mentioned in this discussion, thanks!

[italian2011]

Beautiful Chaingrai

But please dont tell everyone

Google says:

"Did you mean Chiang Mai?"

Thanks

There is a HUGE difference between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. I absolutely hate inner Chiang Mai but outside of the city would be OK. Chiang Rai is a much smaller city and I could enjoy living there. I like Chiang Rai as much as I dislike Chiang Mai.

I'm getting a bit confused now. The map I posted at page 3 shows 1 city named CHANG RAI, is that the one you meant and you just made a typo or the one you mentioned is another smaller one?

Cheers

[IanForbes]

Beautiful Chaingrai

But please dont tell everyone

Google says:

"Did you mean Chiang Mai?"

Thanks

There is a HUGE difference between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. I absolutely hate inner Chiang Mai but outside of the city would be OK. Chiang Rai is a much smaller city and I could enjoy living there. I like Chiang Rai as much as I dislike Chiang Mai.

I'm getting a bit confused now. The map I posted at page 3 shows 1 city named CHANG RAI, is that the one you meant and you just made a typo or the one you mentioned is another smaller one?

Cheers

Yes, there IS a huge difference between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai is a tiny city and more like a country town. Chiang Mai is a medium size city with many more resources. Chiang Rai is a 3 to 4 hour bus ride north of Chiang Mai. They both suffer from the occasional smoky season during March. but it didn't happen this past season. Chiang Rai has virtually no night life. Chiang Mai has enough but not in comparison to Bangkok or Pattaya. Chiang Mai has access to the university. I don't believe Chiang Rai has a university, but I'm sure it has broad band internet. I would also expect Chiang Rai has less expensive accommodation considering it doesn't offer much else. But, that isn't always the case in many rural districts of Thailand..