Is Chiang Mai Really The Thai Equivalent Of Bognor Regis?

[kaptainrob]

I came for a full contact Bingo competition, fell in love with the street art masquerading as cross walks (and playing spot the picture of Ian Forbes)....but in the end it was wifey

Also very heavily the fact that here I am compelled to engage with people and I find I like it, at home it was too relaxed, predictable, and easy. I had a morbid fear that I would end up just plonking myself down and watching Ellen or Oprah feeling comfortably numb.

Ian Forbes the banned Canadian chap?

[Ulysses G.]

Yes. Some of those old stickers of his picture are still around.

[KRS1]

I like CNX because its a lively city without being too big.

Close proximity to the mountains for mocyc riding.

Wide selection of dining

Relatively cheap

Good weather during cool season

Cheap rent

Many ways to get to different points in the city (except for the moat)

Convenience

But i do feel the number of people trying to cheat is greater here than in BKK.

But when meeting genuinely nice local people - they are VERY nice.

[Beetlejuice]

Yes I know about both. Thank you.

I've still to make my move upon retirement to Chiang mai. Why you ask? Cost. Weather. Infrastructure. Medical facilities, Expat community.

Still all positives for me so far. All of course subject to change. Hasn't gotten too expensive to knock me out of the move yet. YET.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

There will be no expats of your nationalities or from any other countries in Chiang Mai willing to welcome you into the fold. Most are elderly, grumpy, inhospitable and wouldn`t give you the time of day.

And, if you enjoy isolation, remoteness, have a good set of lungs to tackle breathing through all the smog and pollution, don`t mind the limited night life and lack of social entertainments, excepting that being served at Immigration is now a battle and a lottery, and can handle the slow Internet, than Chiang Mai is for you.

I think jackr post #25 was referring to you.

Are you under suicide watch?

Might be an idea for some one living under such horrible conditions.

OP ignore him as you can see he has problems.

Chiang Mai is a wonderful place to live. It might not be for you but it can not be all things for all people. It is not like there was no other choices in Thailand. This one suits many of us and as you can see obviously some have nothing good to say about it yet they stay here.

We have a psychiatric hospital here.

Some people need it and don't realize it.

Never quoted that Chiang Mai is not a good place to live or that I`m not happy and content here.

I have only pointed out a few negatives that I believe anyone considering living here should be made aware of, and that`s fine, if they can tolerate the negatives, then so be it and good on them.

Another point, those who do not have family with them or do not have any friends or contacts already here, could find themselves living in isolation and feeling bored very quickly in Chiang Mai. Again all these factors should be taken into consideration.

Edited March 27, 2013 by Beetlejuice

[Ulysses G.]

I have lived here a long time and never had any problem making friends. i don't think that anyone who makes new friends easily has anything to worry about if they go to the gym or swimming pool or other places that expats hang out and socialize.

[Rob8891]

It seems (almost as expected) that CM has may positives. Naturally, the doomseekers (or finders) can see the glass half-empty, but maybe that is an age thing....not that I've looked at anyone's profile for their sell-by date.

The thread came about partly as a tongue-in-cheek post about two "high-profile exiles" visiting the city within days of each other, and partly since it was suggested to me that CM was approaching being the expats' eqivalent of the elephants' graveyard. However, I think there is plenty to do, and if one thinks the city is lacking entertainment, or is boring, then I suspect that is as much down to personal inactivity as anything else.

Is this the popular view of the city??.... clogged up with zimmer frames and doddering, grumpy old men???

I think not!

Edited March 27, 2013 by Rob8891

[hellodolly]

Yes I know about both. Thank you.

I've still to make my move upon retirement to Chiang mai. Why you ask? Cost. Weather. Infrastructure. Medical facilities, Expat community.

Still all positives for me so far. All of course subject to change. Hasn't gotten too expensive to knock me out of the move yet. YET.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

There will be no expats of your nationalities or from any other countries in Chiang Mai willing to welcome you into the fold. Most are elderly, grumpy, inhospitable and wouldn`t give you the time of day.

And, if you enjoy isolation, remoteness, have a good set of lungs to tackle breathing through all the smog and pollution, don`t mind the limited night life and lack of social entertainments, excepting that being served at Immigration is now a battle and a lottery, and can handle the slow Internet, than Chiang Mai is for you.

I think jackr post #25 was referring to you.

Are you under suicide watch?

Might be an idea for some one living under such horrible conditions.

OP ignore him as you can see he has problems.

Chiang Mai is a wonderful place to live. It might not be for you but it can not be all things for all people. It is not like there was no other choices in Thailand. This one suits many of us and as you can see obviously some have nothing good to say about it yet they stay here.

We have a psychiatric hospital here.

Some people need it and don't realize it.

Never quoted that Chiang Mai is not a good place to live or that I`m not happy and content here.

I have only pointed out a few negatives that I believe anyone considering living here should be made aware of, and that`s fine, if they can tolerate the negatives, then so be it and good on them.

Another point, those who do not have family with them or do not have any friends or contacts already here, could find themselves living in isolation and feeling bored very quickly in Chiang Mai. Again all these factors should be taken into consideration.

"There will be no expats of your nationalities or from any other

countries in Chiang Mai willing to welcome you into the fold. Most are

elderly, grumpy, inhospitable and wouldn`t give you the time of day.

And, if you enjoy isolation, remoteness, have a good set of lungs to

tackle breathing through all the smog and pollution, don`t mind the

limited night life and lack of social entertainments, excepting that

being served at Immigration is now a battle and a lottery, and can

handle the slow Internet, than Chiang Mai is for you."

Sorry mate but those are your words obviously how you see Chiang Mai.

What country does the OP come from that does not have any other citizens here in it. Who is Isolated

other than those who choose to, What is the night life you say is not

here.

Other than your self how do you know other people miss it.

You are remote because you chose to live in a remote area.

So don't whine about it.

As I said it is a ponderous load of negativity you have to live under.

Myself I would be out of here in a flash if my life was that bad because of the city I choose to live in.

[Rob8891]

Yes I know about both. Thank you.

I've still to make my move upon retirement to Chiang mai. Why you ask? Cost. Weather. Infrastructure. Medical facilities, Expat community.

Still all positives for me so far. All of course subject to change. Hasn't gotten too expensive to knock me out of the move yet. YET.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

There will be no expats of your nationalities or from any other countries in Chiang Mai willing to welcome you into the fold. Most are elderly, grumpy, inhospitable and wouldn`t give you the time of day.

And, if you enjoy isolation, remoteness, have a good set of lungs to tackle breathing through all the smog and pollution, don`t mind the limited night life and lack of social entertainments, excepting that being served at Immigration is now a battle and a lottery, and can handle the slow Internet, than Chiang Mai is for you.

There will be no expats of your nationalities or from any other countries in Chiang Mai willing to welcome you into the fold. Most are elderly, grumpy, inhospitable and wouldn`t give you the time of day.

And, if you enjoy isolation, remoteness, have a good set of lungs to tackle breathing through all the smog and pollution, don`t mind the limited night life and lack of social entertainments, excepting that being served at Immigration is now a battle and a lottery, and can handle the slow Internet, than Chiang Mai is for you.

I think jackr post #25 was referring to you.

Are you under suicide watch?

Might be an idea for some one living under such horrible conditions.

OP ignore him as you can see he has problems.

Chiang Mai is a wonderful place to live. It might not be for you but it can not be all things for all people. It is not like there was no other choices in Thailand. This one suits many of us and as you can see obviously some have nothing good to say about it yet they stay here.

We have a psychiatric hospital here.

Some people need it and don't realize it.

Thankd, HD, but I enjoy listening to all views, (however wrong they may be, IMO).

Beetlejuice, not that it's directly relevant, I am from Scotland, and fiercely proud of it. I'll be meeting up with other countrymen, despite your assumption - theblether to name but one. He got there today, and I'll be there late next week. Also, I can assure you that I am older (by about 20 years) and grumpier than those I'll be meeting ...but we are all very hospitable. Maybe you will have an opportunity to join us and we can show you how wrong your post really is.

[Beetlejuice]

I would equate Chiang Mai more with Eastbourne, minus the sea, rather than Bognar Regis.

It`s a nice place for the elderly who just enjoy living the quite life, don`t wish to socialize that much and live a sort of secluded life, as many do here.

Chiang Mai is relatively a safe zone compared with many other Thai cities and also a good environment for families and children, if not taking the pollution into account. But for those who enjoy something more on the livelier side, living it up a little and socialising may become bored in Chiang Mai.

It can be enjoyable or boring depending on your lifestyles and interests.

[bigbamboo]

Apart from Butlins they are exactly the same.

[Beetlejuice]

Thankd, HD, but I enjoy listening to all views, (however wrong they may be, IMO).

Beetlejuice, not that it's directly relevant, I am from Scotland, and fiercely proud of it. I'll be meeting up with other countrymen, despite your assumption - theblether to name but one. He got there today, and I'll be there late next week. Also, I can assure you that I am older (by about 20 years) and grumpier than those I'll be meeting ...but we are all very hospitable. Maybe you will have an opportunity to join us and we can show you how wrong your post really is.

I do not dispute that your group is totally hospitable, most friendly and a nice bunch of guys.

My point is that a large number of expats living in Chiang Mai prefer not to associate with other expats or those outside of their own circles and although I am not criticizing them for how they prefer to live their lifestyles, this is a fact and I believe that any Westerners considering moving to Chiang Mai should be aware of this.

To many including myself, this is not of importance, as the further the expats are away from me the better, I would hate to have one as a neighbor, and like some others I also have my own circle of friends and not interested in becoming involved with outsiders, but for some it could be deciding factor whether or not they decide to plonk themselves here.

Also taking into account that Chiang Mai does not have the social scene in any way shape or form compared with Pattaya and Bangkok, again this suits me otherwise I would not live here, but this may not be everyone`s cup of tea, so only being informative.

How else would you like me to explain this or what else would you prefer to hear?

[hellodolly]

Thankd, HD, but I enjoy listening to all views, (however wrong they may be, IMO).

Beetlejuice, not that it's directly relevant, I am from Scotland, and fiercely proud of it. I'll be meeting up with other countrymen, despite your assumption - theblether to name but one. He got there today, and I'll be there late next week. Also, I can assure you that I am older (by about 20 years) and grumpier than those I'll be meeting ...but we are all very hospitable. Maybe you will have an opportunity to join us and we can show you how wrong your post really is.

I do not dispute that your group is totally hospitable, most friendly and a nice bunch of guys.

My point is that a large number of expats living in Chiang Mai prefer not to associate with other expats or those outside of their own circles and although I am not criticizing them for how they prefer to live their lifestyles, this is a fact and I believe that any Westerners considering moving to Chiang Mai should be aware of this.

To many including myself, this is not of importance, as the further the expats are away from me the better, I would hate to have one as a neighbor, and like some others I also have my own circle of friends and not interested in becoming involved with outsiders, but for some it could be deciding factor whether or not they decide to plonk themselves here.

Also taking into account that Chiang Mai does not have the social scene in any way shape or form compared with Pattaya and Bangkok, again this suits me otherwise I would not live here, but this may not be everyone`s cup of tea, so only being informative.

How else would you like me to explain this or what else would you prefer to hear?

Most of your post describes life in many parts of the world. Nothing new to Chiang Mai. I am sure there are many expats in Bangkok and Pattaya living the way you describe with the exception that the night life is more plentiful.

[Dancealot]

Hello Dolly, Rob, 2 exiles and me escaping the dust from CR. Who else?

[gmac]

I had to Google "Bognor Regis",

It's in England!

[hellodolly]

Hello Dolly, Rob, 2 exiles and me escaping the dust from CR. Who else?

Yes the smog is defiantly a draw back particularly if one has problems with breathing.

I have heard that Chiang Rai and Pai are worse than Chiang Mai

But a friend of mine who has a place in Pai and one here says this year Pai is better.

[canuckamuck]

Its bad all over, not much point in picking a winner

[Mousehound]

With the fascination on TV with English breakfasts I think that CM might become the Benidorm of Thailand

[wolf5370]

I came here because I love Thailand - already had a Thai wife and kids (went to school with a Thai kid). Tried Bangkok, but it was too hot, sticky, dirty and gridlocked for me. For 10 years or so I visited Thailand before moving here, I always came up to CM for the most part. It has changed much in the last 5 years, let alone 20 I have been visiting for . Indeed in the last year there have been at least 2 dozen new houses, shops and a 7-11 (OK that's a shop too) built around me.

I like it here because I am not a beach person, prefer nature and mountains, but also want to be able to socialise with fellow expats occasionally, get internet and sat TV, and be understood around town when I don't know the Thai.

I like the weather (too bloody hot today though), the ease of life, ability to live just 15km out of town and be in the country - but a 20baht songtaew takes you right into town.

Although CM is known for its wrinklies, its not only that - I am under retirement age (early 40s now) - and know many expats around my age - I also know younger ones. Indeed I was once a younger one myself

Its easy to get about, and plenty going on with clubs and groups (check out CM Mail online or that illusive CityLife mag for clubs/groups). Many of the old time expats haunts have gone now - thinking: Tuskers and Guitarman really, but there are others - Olde Bell, Mad Dog, Dog N Bone etc. Or Toni's place, Yummie Pizza. Thai or western food as you like - delivery is fine too. Really don't want to live anywhere else, happy to get old and die here

My wife actually wanted to live in BKK where her parents live - but I won through that argument in the end (used the kids and pollution argument and moved during rainy season).

[Ulysses G.]

Tuskers and Guitarman are not "old time expat hangouts" - not even close. Try the Bierstube or Spotlight.

[elektrified]

Sorry for this response, but I don't think CM is great for the elderly. Very dangerous to cross many streets. Pavement not level (I knew a few elderly who fell and got really hurt). Since weather is hot, very easy to dehydrate, and I read the elderly are more unaware of low fluid levels. I think the bad air will be harder on their immune system, and please don't try to ride a motorbike or bicycle in this city. dangerous. as far as medical care, not sure.

The ONE thing that pulled me here was biking the mountains while it was winter in America.

CM has great energy, a nice mix of people, nice girls to look at, cheap, weather nice at night, lots of temples, and close to mountains. it is still my favorite place in SE asia, but my next trip will explore another city. maybe in another country, ah, who knows.

I too would say C.M. could be very dangerous for the elderly for the same reasons (streets, sidewalks - or lack thereof, broken paving stones), dehydration, the bad air, etc. I'm not old but recently had my first fall due to a paving stone that went up and caught my shoe as I walked on it. I injured my knee pretty bad and almost 5 weeks later it is not 100% healed. That could have done some real damage to an elderly diabetic, etc...

But I have to say that I absolutely can't tolerate elderly farangs riding motorcycles here. Most of them have never ridden a motorcycle in their life before and do not understand just how dangerous it is in Thailand. I have almost gotten into 3 accidents in the last 2 months -- all with elderly farang men and women - all wearing the cheap 229 Baht helmets they sell in the plastic shops. Al 3 times were not my fault at all. What is wrong with these people? I think it is quite selfish and stupid of them. One day their kids, grand kids, etc. are going to get a phone call with the worst of news.

[elektrified]

With the fascination on TV with English breakfasts I think that CM might become the Benidorm of Thailand

It already is.

[jaideeguy]

+'s for CM......

Close to nature

large city with most amenities

low traffic [used to be]

good place to raise a family