Where To Live In Thailand?

[Gumbo]

Ok, you are as naive as the OP is. You seem a little gullible overall if you believe the crap your Russian/Ukrainian/Uzbek/Khazak neighbor is spouting ... about as gullible as believing everything you read on the internet, especially TV.

How well the cranial termites have dined.

An inability to recall information would appear to be the problem. I stated Russian which you then used, now however you are unable to recall the nationality of the lady other than from one of the former Soviet states. In a few more days you would no doubt widen this to various coountries around the globe. Will you end up being unsure of species I wonder?

It is possible that I have been misled, it is also possible that I missunderstood. Like yourself, English is not their first language so a missunderstanding is a reasonable proposition. With this in mind, you assert that the person would have lied even if they had not.

about as gullible as believing everything you read on the internet, especially TV

Given your own record, I would certainly agree. Perhaps this is why the OP refused to budge on her own visa question. A series of assertions were made up until her last post which contained nothing by way of why they were correct. Rather than explaining why she was in error, posters done little more than say she can't do that because she can't do that.

[tailspin]

I feel a bit sorry for the OP being piled on by the TV scrum....I also doubt she is Canadian.....most likely a Yank pretending to be Canadian..... in fact she could have been almost anything but chose some vanilla nationality and personal details....except of course for the rocket scientist husband. May I compose a haiku in his honour

The moon may kiss the stars on high, The stars may kiss the deep blue sky, The sky can kiss the deep green grass and you my friend may kiss my _____ !

Welcome to Thai Visa.....not for the haint farted

Edited August 10, 2011 by tailspin

[Gumbo]

Welcome to Thai Visa.....not for the haint farted

TV has not always been like this, for many years it was a place to seek knowledge and for others to impart it. Not that many years ago, forum administrators and long term members would have put bullies in their place though in all fairness, such behaviour did not happen all that much.

[Ulysses G.]

Actually,Thaivisa has improved a lot over the years.

[beechguy]

So Gumbo, has the Russian escort ... I mean woman told you any more porkies you can share or not?

No one gets a visa by sending a kid to international school. That was good for a laugh though.

She might also have an "educational visa" for example attempting to learn Thai. They tend to cost about 25,000 or so Baht from the schools that run this scam ... I mean service. Plenty of people do that without attending many classes. Maybe the language comes in handy during the night work.

Are you taking this in OP? Take up Thai lessons yourself. If the diesel dude or is that astrophysicist and part time stock broker hubby has some spare time he could do so too. It will come in handy for conversing with his new mates at the auto shop.

But please come back to the thread OP. It is by far the most amusing one on TV for quite a while. Maybe it can be pinned for posterity.

She is not reading this topic anymore. As for the "diesel dude" remark.

dam_n, guess I am going to the movies tonight after all.

As for the Russian woman, maybe she isn't telling a "porkie" as you call it. Read Section 2.11 in here. http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/doc/temporarystay/policy777-2551_en.pdf

Maybe she does have a child in school, 500K in the bank, and has an extension of stay.

[Gumbo]

Actually,Thaivisa has improved a lot over the years.

Taken as a whole I would have no hesitation to agree. It has expanded in all the right directions in an effort to widen the knowledge of people regarding all aspects of Thailand. Having said that, when it comes to the personal (live) aspect, it has not. Would personal attacks as seen on this thread have been allowed to continue just a few yaers ago? No. Therefore, my question to you is this.... Why?

[Ulysses G.]

There were many more personal attacks when I joined in 2004 and the authorities were just as likely to join in as do anything about it. There is a reason why all those old posts can not be accessed anymore.

Now that I think about it, Thai Visa did go through an ultra-strict period a few years ago, but it was putting so many members off, that my guess is, that the powers-that-be decided that it was not good for the forum.

Edited August 11, 2011 by Ulysses G.

[Gumbo]

Now that I think about it, Thai Visa did go through an ultra-strict period a few years ago, but it was putting so many members off, that my guess is, that the powers-that-be decided that it was not good for the forum.

I agree it was a little too strict but don't thnk I would go so far as to say ultra-strict. I also agree that it could well have driven members off though a I remember it did not drive off new or short term members as they are less inclined to abuse other members. The members that it did drive off were those who objected to not being able to abuse others. One thing I know for sure is that quite a number of people left or were banned some 3-3.5 yars ago because they objected to the way people were being spoken to. As a very long term member, do YOU think that the way the OP was addressed reflects the good intentions of TV as a whole?

[Gumbo]

As for the Russian woman, maybe she isn't telling a "porkie" as you call it. Read Section 2.11 in here. http://www.immigrati...777-2551_en.pdf

Maybe she does have a child in school, 500K in the bank, and has an extension of stay.

Would that mean I did not missunderstand and the lady from somewhere in the former USSR did not lie?

[beechguy]

As for the Russian woman, maybe she isn't telling a "porkie" as you call it. Read Section 2.11 in here. http://www.immigrati...777-2551_en.pdf

Maybe she does have a child in school, 500K in the bank, and has an extension of stay.

Would that mean I did not missunderstand and the lady from somewhere in the former USSR did not lie?

As I understand her situation, she could have her foreign child in school, and could obtain a visa and a one year "Extension of Stay" if she had 500K Baht in the bank for the correct amount of time.

So no, you probably didn't misunderstand, and no she probably didn't lie, just some posers don't know as much as they think they do.

For clarification feel free to ask a moderator.

Edited August 11, 2011 by beechguy

[Gumbo]

As I understand her situation, she could have her foreign child in school, and could obtain a visa and a one year "Extension of Stay" if she had 500K Baht in the bank for the correct amount of time.

So no, you probably didn't misunderstand, and no she probably didn't lie, just some posers don't know as much as they think they do.

For clarification feel free to ask a moderator.

I'm so very sorry, the full implications of what you posted were plain to see by myself. I was bouncing off your post in a manner of sarcasm toward others.

One question remains though, would the lady need to leave Thailand on a visa run every 90 days?

[beechguy]

As I understand her situation, she could have her foreign child in school, and could obtain a visa and a one year "Extension of Stay" if she had 500K Baht in the bank for the correct amount of time.

So no, you probably didn't misunderstand, and no she probably didn't lie, just some posers don't know as much as they think they do.

For clarification feel free to ask a moderator.

I'm so very sorry, the full implications of what you posted were plain to see by myself. I was bouncing off your post in a manner of sarcasm toward others.

One question remains though, would the lady need to leave Thailand on a visa run every 90 days?

Nothing to be sorry about, I just put the information out there so people would undertsand there was another option available.

Not if she applied for, and received the one year "Extension of Stay", she would just be required to do an address report at immigration every 90 days. If she only had a multi-entry visa, then yes she would go to the border every 90 days.

[mario299]

Now that I think about it, Thai Visa did go through an ultra-strict period a few years ago, but it was putting so many members off, that my guess is, that the powers-that-be decided that it was not good for the forum.

I agree it was a little too strict but don't thnk I would go so far as to say ultra-strict. I also agree that it could well have driven members off though a I remember it did not drive off new or short term members as they are less inclined to abuse other members. The members that it did drive off were those who objected to not being able to abuse others. One thing I know for sure is that quite a number of people left or were banned some 3-3.5 yars ago because they objected to the way people were being spoken to. As a very long term member, do YOU think that the way the OP was addressed reflects the good intentions of TV as a whole?

And now, Gumbo, I have to wonder how you, a member for a whole week, know how things were on ThaiVisa several years ago. A different name then, perhaps?

Edited August 11, 2011 by mario299

[tailspin]

busted

Now that I think about it, Thai Visa did go through an ultra-strict period a few years ago, but it was putting so many members off, that my guess is, that the powers-that-be decided that it was not good for the forum.

I agree it was a little too strict but don't thnk I would go so far as to say ultra-strict. I also agree that it could well have driven members off though a I remember it did not drive off new or short term members as they are less inclined to abuse other members. The members that it did drive off were those who objected to not being able to abuse others. One thing I know for sure is that quite a number of people left or were banned some 3-3.5 yars ago because they objected to the way people were being spoken to. As a very long term member, do YOU think that the way the OP was addressed reflects the good intentions of TV as a whole?

And now, Gumbo, I have to wonder how you, a member for a whole week, know how things were on ThaiVisa several years ago. A different name then, perhaps?

[Gumbo]

Now that I think about it, Thai Visa did go through an ultra-strict period a few years ago, but it was putting so many members off, that my guess is, that the powers-that-be decided that it was not good for the forum.

I agree it was a little too strict but don't thnk I would go so far as to say ultra-strict. I also agree that it could well have driven members off though a I remember it did not drive off new or short term members as they are less inclined to abuse other members. The members that it did drive off were those who objected to not being able to abuse others. One thing I know for sure is that quite a number of people left or were banned some 3-3.5 yars ago because they objected to the way people were being spoken to. As a very long term member, do YOU think that the way the OP was addressed reflects the good intentions of TV as a whole?

And now, Gumbo, I have to wonder how you, a member for a whole week, know how things were on ThaiVisa several years ago. A different name then, perhaps?

Site is open to both members and non members. If the figures I just pulled of the forum main page (below) are anything to go by then there are more guest views than member views.

5124 active user(s) (in the past 60 minutes)

144 members, 4969 guests, 11 anonymous users

[Thakkar]

As for the Russian woman, maybe she isn't telling a "porkie" as you call it. Read Section 2.11 in here. http://www.immigrati...777-2551_en.pdf

Maybe she does have a child in school, 500K in the bank, and has an extension of stay.

Would that mean I did not missunderstand and the lady from somewhere in the former USSR did not lie?

As I understand her situation, she could have her foreign child in school, and could obtain a visa and a one year "Extension of Stay" if she had 500K Baht in the bank for the correct amount of time.

So no, you probably didn't misunderstand, and no she probably didn't lie, just some posers don't know as much as they think they do.

For clarification feel free to ask a moderator.

True. Here in Chiangmai, there are plenty of Korean mothers whose children attend International schools that stay on such 'guardian' visas. Or maybe they're all lying prostitutes. But wait...they're not young Russian women living in Pattaya, who we all know are all prostitutes. Oh my head hurts.

[Gumbo]

busted

Really? Please, do tell.

[challenger99]

Hua Hin or a bit south from there would be a good place for you I suggest.

with kids and about school (except Bangkok) 100% sure, we have Webstar and Stamford University here. We have all small and big shoppings with great Mall the Market Village. Alternative you can choice Cha Am or Pran Buri.

[challenger99]

As for the Russian woman, maybe she isn't telling a "porkie" as you call it. Read Section 2.11 in here. http://www.immigrati...777-2551_en.pdf

Maybe she does have a child in school, 500K in the bank, and has an extension of stay.

Would that mean I did not missunderstand and the lady from somewhere in the former USSR did not lie?

As I understand her situation, she could have her foreign child in school, and could obtain a visa and a one year "Extension of Stay" if she had 500K Baht in the bank for the correct amount of time.

So no, you probably didn't misunderstand, and no she probably didn't lie, just some posers don't know as much as they think they do.

For clarification feel free to ask a moderator.

True. Here in Chiangmai, there are plenty of Korean mothers whose children attend International schools that stay on such 'guardian' visas. Or maybe they're all lying prostitutes. But wait...they're not young Russian women living in Pattaya, who we all know are all prostitutes. Oh my head hurts.

some period in year CNX have very bad air full of pollution and unfortunately NO beach, that's why myself moved to the area of Hua Hin

[Finkelstein]

@exaviar

As many state or implies ? it seem a bit odd that You choose Thailand if You never have been here, for Your one year away from home...

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar has a different written language on top of the spoken, which add to the difficulties...

You ask for areas without too much prostitution, well outside the very center of Bangkok, that is possible, with english speaking shop attendance too (and for a weekend trip it is very easy to get to beach and nature), but You have to get out of the very popular tourist spots, and then the knowledge of english drops dramatically but the visible prostitution does so too...

A house rented at US$ 1,000.- yes sure that is very possible, I have one in my area, 240 sqm 3 floor townhouse at 18,000 THB (US$ 600) but then again, I am outside the center (and infrastructure) of Bangkok, being in metropolis Bangkok, not Bangkok province...

About the visa, read the advice You get here, because very obviously You either misunderstand about visas, or You are being misguided by someone, Your country do not provide You visa to any nation, that is the issuing nation who can do this, in Your case the thai embassy in Canada would be issuing a visa for You to use...

The all thai families I know, have a very difficult time finding qualified thai housemaids and nannys, that is why they resort to employing burmeese women, they pay between 6 and 9,000 THB /month and a nanny is a nanny, she do not do anything but take care of the kids, cleaning is not her job, and You will only get a lot of hire/fire out of trying to get them do things they did not accept in the initial interview...

People who accept saleries in the range of 6-9,000 don't usually go about speaking english, if they do, You should be suspecious I think... I have one set of thai friends, they have a thai nanny, she get paid 15,000 /month, and she still only do what is in the contract, and she sure don't understand a lot of english...

I am from a country with right hand driving, but I find it rather easy to drive in Thailand, so if You are an experienced driver, yes You are very well off by getting a car, an international licence and then explore Thailand by Your self, a cheap GPS will set You back less than 100 US$

Now... All that said... You have never been here, I don't really understand why You do not look at the Phillipines, they speak english even in the more rural areas, they use roman alphabet, they have great nature, they have fine beaches, they are more easy to get visa for long term, and last they are catholic so Your partner will find a church on every street corner, and they have right hand driving... just a suggestion...

.

[curtklay]

While I was reading this thread, it went from 3 pages to 5. Very entertaining all the way.

The OP is highly suspicious. An educated I-phone app writer, but she doesn't spell very well.

The "self supporting visa" is just plain ridiculous, and the heavy duty mechanic/day trader/astronomer......well, enough said.

[fasteddie]

Might I suggest Krabi, or Ao Nang or even perhaps Koh Lanta though I'm not sure about the schooling thing there. They are more laid back than Phuket, for example jet skis are banned, and cheaper too.

[asupeartea]

Many of the suburbs of Bangkok seem to fit most of your criteria. I'm in Nonthaburi Provence just outside of Bangkok. There are two international schools (or possible teachers to tutor), lightning fast Internet, little crime, only one place with "working girls", near the new government complex so you can do whatever there, traffic is a tiny bit better than Bangkok, and plenty of connections to the city. Puthumthani seems to be as good from what a friend says.

Just thought I'd add my two baht's worth.

Thom

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==

This is it! Hold on to your seats!

-Thomas Parkison, July 29, 2011

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==

* Liquidity's been sloshing around the world and fueling speculation.

-Gary Shilling (@DR)

* "Money floats around the world attempting to find a place to get lost."

-a Montana rancher (@DR)

* What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are entirely different things.

-Margaret Mead

[mrdome]

Dear exaviar,

I am not sure if you will still come back and post here but I am just curious:

Was moving to Thailand your husband's idea?

If yes, please nix it right away. You should nix it even if it wasn't because no responsible parent would do this unless there was a strong ulterior motive behind this (wanting to save some money and be in nice surroundings does not qualify). You could hardly find a culture that is more removed from our Western ways than Thailand and you will not find a country or people that share your expectations of how things should be. You would learn plenty but you need to weigh how much of a price tag you are willing to put on that.

As many have pointed out the visa you mentioned plain does not exist. The employment opportunities for your husband don't either. Your kids will likely have a great time (and perhaps your hubby as well) but for the whole family and for what you are looking for Thailand just isn't right.

Sorry about the rudeness encountered but let's call it "tough love" and this place is famous for it. There are a lot of people on here with real good information and I would recommend that you find them and take heed.

Anyway, thanks for posting in the first place. It did make the day for several of us reading it, just perhaps not for the intended reasons.

[khunPer]

@exaviar

To answer your original questions about a place to live:

"We want to live in the south of thailand near the coast. We do not want to live in a busy city, but yet close to one so we can get the things we need. We like to live in peace and quiet and perferable in the country or away from busy highways or big shopping areas."

"So these are the things we are looking for, if you could recomend a town or area that I can start research on so i can make sure i am finding the best place for our family and that we will feel comfortable and safe for the children that would be wounderful. I Know its hard to find everything we want but maybe someone can recomend an area with most of our requirements."

Please, let me for the first agree with the many posts about Visa - you may find a serious problem here. There is however an investment Visa, but that requires quite a bit of capital invested into a specified number of possibilities. Taking care of your private investments, should not be considered as work - but working with some Internet based business, may be a question of Work Permit or not. Some do work with foreign Internet business, and keep a low profile. Any other kind of work requiers a Work Permit (Non B Visa from abroad and a Thai employment agreement). You may be able to establish your own limited company, but you will need qualified legal advice.

I will not recommend a place, but as you wish to live in the south, I can tell about the area I live in for six years - which may fit (some of) your requirements - then you can do your own research. Normally I will recommend to invest in a shorter trip, perhaps some weeks, and check out the possible areas, before making any decisions.

The place I am living is Koh Samui, the second biggest island after Phuket, and just opposite, in the Golf of Thailand.

School:

Koh Samui has two International Schools (one very British) and an English language based private Thai-owned school. You should count around 150,000 baht for school. There is also a catholic semi-private school, St. Joseph in Nathong, but it is merely working like a Thai school. Most schools have a private bus service.

Internet:

You can have landbased lines, but may expect interruption. Two ISPs will be preferred, and just the normal home subscription, as the only benefit of the professional line is a six times higher price (I have tried it). Choose instead two normal home lines for a third of the price, and change between them, if there are any network problems. Price around 600/m baht for a 7Mb line. As back-up you may have a GSM/3G acces (fx. 400 baht/m from DTAC), but only GSM works at Samui (at the moment), so it is really a back-up with oldfashioned slow modem speed, but it can work with the stock market.

Quiert areas:

You may find many places at Samui, very quiert and private. You can rent either within a walled and guarded project or just rent a house, either at the hills (mountains) or near the sea/beach. For 30,000 baht/m (1,000 dollars) you may be able to find something, but with your staff requierements and signalled lifestyle, I think you may merely need to spend the double. The south and the west side of the island are extremely quiert and with beautiful (sea)views. At east there are some locations, but that is also the main tourist area. At north, you may also find very attractive and very quierts spots, but there are also tourist areas.

Staff:

Your house may need space for accomodation of your nanny and housekeeper or maid. Good English speaking staff may be a problem to find, so you may need a good housekeeper to be in charge. Also, Thais may decide to change job without warning. Normally a housekeeper salary is between 7-10,000 baht/m plus accomodation, but if you require good English skills, do expert a higher or double salary. The local administration (the Amphor in Nathong) will have a "one stop" office, where you can find a English language leaflet about the social security system (10% of the salary) and if you shall pay that, as employer.

Concern about nightlife:

As one poster said, that you will only see 1%, is quite true. 95% of the in Western language so-called prostitution, are for Thais and you will hardly notice it. Of the remaining 5% only 35% - that gives around 1½% of the total - aim at Western customers. That is what you see at the tourist destinations. Some areas there will be ladybars spread more or less all over, and in some areas the ladybars are concentrated and avoidable, if you do not wish to visit or see them.

At Koh Samui there is no bars (or nightlife) at the south and hardly any on the west side (apart from some for Thais in the village Nathong). Up north very little, some few bars at the main road between Maenam and Bo Phut, apart from the Bang Rak area at the Big Buddha peninsula. The east side have some mainly dedicated areas in Chaweng and in Lamai the bars are spread all over. There is a lot of party nightlife at Samui, so especially the Chaweng area may be a bit noisy.

Shopping access:

Living in quiert area, you will need transportation (car) for shopping etc. There are Shopping Malls in Lamai, Tesco-Lotus, and Bo Phut (Chaweng), Tesco-Lotus and Big C. Furthermore a Macro wholesale. There is a smaller Tesco-Lotus in Nathong. There are shops all over the island, many of them 24-hour Seven-elleven or Family Mart - however at south and west, a bit limited, as the areas are very quiert - and yet only some 30 minutes drive to shopping, cinemas, airport, ferries etc...

Close to big city - apart from the very good shopping possibilities at the island, a big city will be Surat Thani on the mainland (1½ hour ferry + 1 hour drive) or Bangkok (1 hour by air).

Frown upon religion:

At Koh Samui you will find a (I premuse small) Christian community, Church of Samui. South of Lamai on the east side is a muslim community, called "Muslim Viallage". In Chaweng is a Jewish center. The original old villages have Chineese temples (the original inhabitants are Chinese). All over the island are buddhist temples (the majority of Thai people here, also the Cineese roots). I cannot imagine any religious problems, here or elsewhere in Thailand.

Most places in Thailand you can live your own life style (culture), no one really cares - as long as you respect the Thai traditions and norms (espcially the King and Buddha). Remember, you are self invited guests in a foreign country and culture.

Lower expences and enjoy the beauty of the beaches:

Koh Samui and her 50 sisters are a marine park island group in the southern Golf of Thiland. You will find lots of beautifull, stunning beaches and nature to enjoy. However, the expences really is a question of what you pay now in your homecountry and the life style you are looking for. Yes, you can live in Thailand for almost nothing (the Thais do so) and you can spend a fortune (some Thais also do so). If you think of Thailand as a cheap option, you may be disappointed - up end style or Western style can be relative expencieve.

To compare: I live a quiert life at Koh Samui with a household of my spouse, our 6yo child in a private school and a combined nanny/maid. We use in average around 1 mio. baht/y, excluding rent of house (as we own it) and lease of car (as we bought it).

I hope my information may help you and I wish you luck in your serach for a place to live in Thailand.

Edited August 14, 2011 by khunPer

[Tanaka]

I have to say that this has been one of the most intriguing threads I have come across in quite a few years. I really do not believe the OP is a troll persay but clearly has a ton more research to do. If it is a troll then God Bless you...It has been fun.

I think the most sound advice posted was that the OP should come here for at least 4 weeks coordinating the trip with an English speaking agent to take them around to get an idea on housing, schools, locations etc. The list is huge and a daunting task. This is not something you just hop on a plane after an internet search, load up a cargo container with your stuff , land, set up shop and all is perfect. It is simply never going to happen. Just the cargo container through customs will be held up for sometime then the subsequent delivery to where you are going to live. And honestly using the internet to decide where you want to live without visiting is a huge mistake in the making. Seems odd that she would subject her 2 children on this journey. Also OP, please keep in mind, the internet is part of the media, they only post what they want you to see.

Most of the posters who spent the time to offer constructive advice are pretty much spot on OP. Sure there is some cynical posts but you have to respect the info they supplied in regards to realistic costs, housing, schools, Internet, live in care, tutors etc. Heed their advice.

The husbands skill diversity is interesting and I respect his abilities. I would however love to hear back about the first time he goes to a heavy equipment shop to see if he can land a job to supplement his income (even part time) at a Thai's salary. Then work in 95 degree heat from sun up to sun down and get paid once a month.

I wish her and the family the best.

You forgot to mention regarding the container that when she eventually does get it out from customs, most valuable things will be missing. And those that are left and only of value to her and the family, will be broken.

[Gumbo]

@exaviar

To answer your original questions about a place to live:

"We want to live in the south of thailand near the coast. We do not want to live in a busy city, but yet close to one so we can get the things we need. We like to live in peace and quiet and perferable in the country or away from busy highways or big shopping areas."

"So these are the things we are looking for, if you could recomend a town or area that I can start research on so i can make sure i am finding the best place for our family and that we will feel comfortable and safe for the children that would be wounderful. I Know its hard to find everything we want but maybe someone can recomend an area with most of our requirements."

Please, let me for the first agree with the many posts about Visa - you may find a serious problem here. There is however an investment Visa, but that requires quite a bit of capital invested into a specified number of possibilities. Taking care of your private investments, should not be considered as work - but working with some Internet based business, may be a question of Work Permit or not. Some do work with foreign Internet business, and keep a low profile. Any other kind of work requiers a Work Permit (Non B Visa from abroad and a Thai employment agreement). You may be able to establish your own limited company, but you will need qualified legal advice.

I will not recommend a place, but as you wish to live in the south, I can tell about the area I live in for six years - which may fit (some of) your requirements - then you can do your own research. Normally I will recommend to invest in a shorter trip, perhaps some weeks, and check out the possible areas, before making any decisions.

The place I am living is Koh Samui, the second biggest island after Phuket, and just opposite, in the Golf of Thailand.

School:

Koh Samui has two International Schools (one very British) and an English language based private Thai-owned school. You should count around 150,000 baht for school. There is also a catholic semi-private school, St. Joseph in Nathong, but it is merely working like a Thai school. Most schools have a private bus service.

Internet:

You can have landbased lines, but may expect interruption. Two ISPs will be preferred, and just the normal home subscription, as the only benefit of the professional line is a six times higher price (I have tried it). Choose instead two normal home lines for a third of the price, and change between them, if there are any network problems. Price around 600/m baht for a 7Mb line. As back-up you may have a GSM/3G acces (fx. 400 baht/m from DTAC), but only GSM works at Samui (at the moment), so it is really a back-up with oldfashioned slow modem speed, but it can work with the stock market.

Quiert areas:

You may find many places at Samui, very quiert and private. You can rent either within a walled and guarded project or just rent a house, either at the hills (mountains) or near the sea/beach. For 30,000 baht/m (1,000 dollars) you may be able to find something, but with your staff requierements and signalled lifestyle, I think you may merely need to spend the double. The south and the west side of the island are extremely quiert and with beautiful (sea)views. At east there are some locations, but that is also the main tourist area. At north, you may also find very attractive and very quierts spots, but there are also tourist areas.

Staff:

Your house may need space for accomodation of your nanny and housekeeper or maid. Good English speaking staff may be a problem to find, so you may need a good housekeeper to be in charge. Also, Thais may decide to change job without warning. Normally a housekeeper salary is between 7-10,000 baht/m plus accomodation, but if you require good English skills, do expert a higher or double salary. The local administration (the Amphor in Nathong) will have a "one stop" office, where you can find a English language leaflet about the social security system (10% of the salary) and if you shall pay that, as employer.

Concern about nightlife:

As one poster said, that you will only see 1%, is quite true. 95% of the in Western language so-called prostitution, are for Thais and you will hardly notice it. Of the remaining 5% only 35% - that gives around 1½% of the total - aim at Western customers. That is what you see at the tourist destinations. Some areas there will be ladybars spread more or less all over, and in some areas the ladybars are concentrated and avoidable, if you do not wish to visit or see them.

At Koh Samui there is no bars (or nightlife) at the south and hardly any on the west side (apart from some for Thais in the village Nathong). Up north very little, some few bars at the main road between Maenam and Bo Phut, apart from the Bang Rak area at the Big Buddha peninsula. The east side have some mainly dedicated areas in Chaweng and in Lamai the bars are spread all over. There is a lot of party nightlife at Samui, so especially the Chaweng area may be a bit noisy.

Shopping access:

Living in quiert area, you will need transportation (car) for shopping etc. There are Shopping Malls in Lamai, Tesco-Lotus, and Bo Phut (Chaweng), Tesco-Lotus and Big C. Furthermore a Macro wholesale. There is a smaller Tesco-Lotus in Nathong. There are shops all over the island, many of them 24-hour Seven-elleven or Family Mart - however at south and west, a bit limited, as the areas are very quiert - and yet only some 30 minutes drive to shopping, cinemas, airport, ferries etc...

Close to big city - apart from the very good shopping possibilities at the island, a big city will be Surat Thani on the mainland (1½ hour ferry + 1 hour drive) or Bangkok (1 hour by air).

Frown upon religion:

At Koh Samui you will find a (I premuse small) Christian community, Church of Samui. South of Lamai on the east side is a muslim community, called "Muslim Viallage". In Chaweng is a Jewish center. The original old villages have Chineese temples (the original inhabitants are Chinese). All over the island are buddhist temples (the majority of Thai people here, also the Cineese roots). I cannot imagine any religious problems, here or elsewhere in Thailand.

Most places in Thailand you can live your own life style (culture), no one really cares - as long as you respect the Thai traditions and norms (espcially the King and Buddha). Remember, you are self invited guests in a foreign country and culture.

Lower expences and enjoy the beauty of the beaches:

Koh Samui and her 50 sisters are a marine park island group in the southern Golf of Thiland. You will find lots of beautifull, stunning beaches and nature to enjoy. However, the expences really is a question of what you pay now in your homecountry and the life style you are looking for. Yes, you can live in Thailand for almost nothing (the Thais do so) and you can spend a fortune (some Thais also do so). If you think of Thailand as a cheap option, you may be disappointed - up end style or Western style can be relative expencieve.

To compare: I live a quiert life at Koh Samui with a household of my spouse, our 6yo child in a private school and a combined nanny/maid. We use in average around 1 mio. baht/y, excluding rent of house (as we own it) and lease of car (as we bought it).

I hope my information may help you and I wish you luck in your serach for a place to live in Thailand.

Great post. Doubt the OP will be back to read it but accurate and informative.

[Gumbo]

nul

Edited August 14, 2011 by Gumbo

[KhunBJ]

The right place for you will be Phuket Boatlagoon or Royal Phuket Marina, both places have properties for rent or sale, you will find the best international School in Thailand www.bcis.ac.th just across the street...good restaurants in the area and good shopping within a few minutes where you live...staff is available in Phuket as well. When it comes to safety I think this is the safest place in Phuket ... previously lived there for 14 years and still have property there. If you need more info then PM me.

[Soutpeel]

While I was reading this thread, it went from 3 pages to 5. Very entertaining all the way.

The OP is highly suspicious. An educated I-phone app writer, but she doesn't spell very well.

The "self supporting visa" is just plain ridiculous, and the heavy duty mechanic/day trader/astronomer......well, enough said.

Yes a rather entertaining thread.....was half expecting the OP to come back and state her post came with compliments of "Not-the-Nation"......