I forgot to mention that I spent 80,000 baht last year to have a well dug and a pump and water tank added, so I don't have to rely on the water bill being paid to water the outside vegetation. I figure it will take 8 years to recover that investment.

^ A friend has 2 rai and a house near a village outside the city limits of CMai; he pays on average 40 Baht a month water bill for a large family and watering needs. Inside the city one pays ~80 baht alone for the water meter 'rental' before any water usage costs.

As for rental costs, a Thai seldom would pay over B5,000 let alone 10,000 baht for rent. Anything more than that, especially the asking prices of 15000 and above, are for 'farangs': this is Thai mortgage range for a new home as Thais would seldom consider buying a second-hand house.

Anyone selling their homes must contend with the huge selection of fantastic new homes at around 3-5 million using modern design, Q-con, heat-reflective roof foil and tile strips that look like wood planks for ease of maintenance and longevity.

Many older houses currently on the market for sale or rent are the very same as those on the market a decade and more, with outdated systems. If your Thai partner convinces you to buy in Chiangmai/Thailand, just realize that in all probability it's forever land...but that's love for ya.