Planning on moving to Surin (in the near future)

[Expat Paul]

Good Morning To you all,

Long story short, will be travelling to Surin this coming April or May to scope out the area and to of course meet her family and future in-laws . I have traveled & lived in some harsh and remote places but this next coming adventure I'll be asking for you advice/wisdom on the ups & downs of living in Surin. I am assured that I'll need to have smile on at all times as it is better that way.

This isn't my 1st foray to the Land of Smiles as I've been coming there since 76' among other venues around the world as a Expat contractor. Your thoughts and sage wisdom since you've been here in the area longer is as always most appreciated and don't be shy as I've got a thick skin and can take the jabs... handsum man included .

So a short shopping list of intel I am trying to gleam:

ATM's

Decent Grocery Store

Health care/Hospital (the ones you would trust)

Things to do to (tourist & non tourist)

She is teaching me Thai but is Isaan a seperate language to learn?...

I'll be looking forward to meeting you all as time goes by as being from East Texas I do a decent BBQ (sorry no banger-n-mash) but I love to eat them just the same

Paul... aka the FNG but not for long

PS: the pic is from this past Christmas in Afghanistan where I am working

[DILLIGAD]

1) They are everywhere. There are 3 AEON ones that do not charge for International plastic.

2) BigC/ Tesco/ Makro and now Tops in new Robinsons Mall plus Thai food shops/markets.

3) Rumphet Private Hospital is the best but also a huge Government hospital too. Anything intricate and I'd go to BKK or another larger 'tourist' town.

4) Most of Surin Thai residents speak a local type of Cambodian plus a bit of Laos thrown in too!

5) There are a number of local bars/restaurants and websites for Surin farangs to visit.

Unfortunately, I (think) am not allowed to post a detailed map showing all the above locations because it has a 'site specific' watermark attached to it.

Best of luck

Edited December 30, 2013 by DILLIGAD

[1ma]

Good luck!

Rent everything, do not buy until having lived there for at least 5 years.

Never do anything that you do not want to do, just because you are asked (told) to.

In short, don't hand over your testicles in a glass jar.

Heed all that advice, and now have fun and enjoy it all.

[Expat Paul]

1) They are everywhere. There are 3 AEON ones that do not charge for International plastic.

2) BigC/ Tesco/ Makro and now Tops in new Robinsons Mall plus Thai food shops/markets.

3) Rumphet Private Hospital is the best but also a huge Government hospital too. Anything intricate and I'd go to BKK or another larger 'tourist' town.

4) Most of Surin Thai residents speak a local type of Cambodian plus a bit of Laos thrown in too!

5) There are a number of local bars/restaurants and websites for Surin farangs to visit.

Unfortunately, I (think) am not allowed to post a detailed map showing all the above locations because it has a 'site specific' watermark attached to it.

Best of luck

Afternoon Dilligad, many thanks for information.. cheers

[khwaibah]

1) They are everywhere. There are 3 AEON ones that do not charge for International plastic.

Oh yes they due..

[Upnotover]

Moving to Surin City or Province? I personally could live in Surin City but most certainly not in my wife's home in Surin Province, some 80km from the city.

[Expat Paul]

Well even if I have to a few "bob" now and again it beats the banking service here.. Ohi Vey I guess the 'ol Wire back transfer or even Western Union and just use the ATM as a fall back... no worries if this is the worst..(is it Lads) then on with the show...

Oh it is snowing again here and I look forward to not having to warm up my bumm seat in the Loo..bwhaha

Thanks again

Cheers

[Expat Paul]

. sorry did a double post..lest I run afoul of the Board Police... Mea ah Cupla

Cheers

Edited December 30, 2013 by Expat Paul

[Expat Paul]

Moving to Surin City or Province? I personally could live in Surin City but most certainly not in my wife's home in Surin Province, some 80km from the city.

I'll be in the city proper itself, in time we may pack the kit and head to the boonies /province..time well tell.

Cheers

[rgs2001uk]

Moving to Surin City or Province? I personally could live in Surin City but most certainly not in my wife's home in Surin Province, some 80km from the city.

Aint that the truth.

IMHO there are better options available.

Best advice I can give the OP, choose a place in Thailand you want to live, and either, meet a local or have the girl follow you.

Way too many guys follow the girl and live where she dicatates/decides, set your own agenda and stick to it.

I am assured that I'll need to have smile on at all times as it is better that way.

Mate, you are not going there to sell yourself to them, its up to them to sell themselves to you.

What do the family and the area have that you need?

Answer, probably nothing.

Head for Khon Kaen way more farang friendly.

[Expat Paul]

Moving to Surin City or Province? I personally could live in Surin City but most certainly not in my wife's home in Surin Province, some 80km from the city.

Aint that the truth.

IMHO there are better options available.

Best advice I can give the OP, choose a place in Thailand you want to live, and either, meet a local or have the girl follow you.

Way too many guys follow the girl and live where she dicatates/decides, set your own agenda and stick to it.

I am assured that I'll need to have smile on at all times as it is better that way.

Mate, you are not going there to sell yourself to them, its up to them to sell themselves to you.

What do the family and the area have that you need?

Answer, probably nothing.

Head for Khon Kaen way more farang friendly.

Bubba ain't that the truth...oppsy East Texas language ... lmsao. or as we use to say back in the days.. "that dog ain't gonna hunt". I'll be taking my time and keeping a weather eye out as I don't wish to repeat the last go round in Pinoy land... egad that one stung. But into to the valley they rode...

Cheers & thanks for your insight as well

[DILLIGAD]

Moving to Surin City or Province? I personally could live in Surin City but most certainly not in my wife's home in Surin Province, some 80km from the city.

Aint that the truth.

IMHO there are better options available.

Best advice I can give the OP, choose a place in Thailand you want to live, and either, meet a local or have the girl follow you.

Way too many guys follow the girl and live where she dicatates/decides, set your own agenda and stick to it.

I am assured that I'll need to have smile on at all times as it is better that way.

Mate, you are not going there to sell yourself to them, its up to them to sell themselves to you.

What do the family and the area have that you need?

Answer, probably nothing.

Head for Khon Kaen way more farang friendly.

Well said, I've got the T shirt and yet another Surin monument decaying! HaHa!

Building a house on the families land, is not the only option, please remember that, as I made that mistake and it cost me dearly.

Korat & Ubon are also nice big cities with plenty of amenities. Plus a couple of hours drive away from your 'out-laws' in Surin. Just an idea ?

[1ma]

Building a house on the families land, is not the only option, please remember that, as I made that mistake and it cost me dearly.

And no doubt countless others.

For some reason people don't listen to my advise:

Rent everything, do not buy until having lived there for at least 5 years.

And not only because her and/or family might want you out, because 1, 2, 3 years down the line you might be thinking 'There's no way I can live in this Surin society'. and need to get out yourself. Isaan life and Isaan society isn't everything the newb thinks it is.

Good luck.

Be your own boss.

Don't buy anything you cannot walk away from without missing it.

[DILLIGAD]

For some reason people don't listen to my advise:

But you have only been a member for less than a month and some of us have made these mistakes years and years ago.

Why did you not tell me a decade ago? (JOKE)

[1ma]

For some reason people don't listen to my advise:

But you have only been a member for less than a month

With this name.

[Cam Khao]

I've lived in Surin for around 8 years now. I've done a few years living out in the village, and a few years living in the city.

Currently I live weekdays in the city, and go out to the village for the weekends, and I've found this to be just about perfect.

Infrastructure in Surin City is OK, ATM's everywhere, 4 different large supermarkets, a fairly decent market, metered taxis and the usual other options for local transport, good bus links and a decent overnight sleeper train to BKK. 3G coverage is good city wide and pretty robust.

If I had to offer one word of advice, it would be to try and not get trapped in the habit of only frequenting the farang bars/restaurants. There are some great Thai places around, awesome food, good price, decent service. This way you won't be subjected to the local gossip machine as much, or be pestered by the waiting for god crowd with their well aired "I hate Thailand" speeches quite as frequently.

Entertainment wise, Surin City is a little quiet these days, with many of the usual haunts quite empty most nights. Tawan Daeng is always a lively place though, and Speed night club can be fun if you can stand the volume of the music.

If you are looking for short-term rental accommodation there are plenty of options now. A lot of people will recommend Majestic Apartments, but I personally think the place is getting a little old now, and is definitely over priced. Shop around, there are new apartment blocks going up everywhere and most are half the price you will end up paying at the better known places the I see recommended on this forum from time to time. The other option is to rent a house, but that will almost certainly put you on the outskirts of the city, meaning you will need some form of transport.

Ruamphet private hospital is excellent, and easily within the price range of even the most modest overseas health insurance policy. The local government hospital is also not too bad, although it tends to be completely packed with people most of the time. There are also a couple of pretty good local clinics that are great at dealing with minor ailments without a full-blown hospital visit.

As far as "adult" fun goes, I can't comment first hand, although a few people I know seem to have no problems tracking down a rental companion when they want one.

Send me a private message if you have any specific questions you need answered.

[1ma]

As far as "adult" fun goes, I can't comment first hand, although a few people I know seem to have no problems tracking down a rental companion when they want one.

Just outside Surin Trainstation is infamous, for it's daytime 300b service providers.

[Expat Paul]

I've lived in Surin for around 8 years now. I've done a few years living out in the village, and a few years living in the city.

Currently I live weekdays in the city, and go out to the village for the weekends, and I've found this to be just about perfect.

Infrastructure in Surin City is OK, ATM's everywhere, 4 different large supermarkets, a fairly decent market, metered taxis and the usual other options for local transport, good bus links and a decent overnight sleeper train to BKK. 3G coverage is good city wide and pretty robust.

If I had to offer one word of advice, it would be to try and not get trapped in the habit of only frequenting the farang bars/restaurants. There are some great Thai places around, awesome food, good price, decent service. This way you won't be subjected to the local gossip machine as much, or be pestered by the waiting for god crowd with their well aired "I hate Thailand" speeches quite as frequently.

Entertainment wise, Surin City is a little quiet these days, with many of the usual haunts quite empty most nights. Tawan Daeng is always a lively place though, and Speed night club can be fun if you can stand the volume of the music.

If you are looking for short-term rental accommodation there are plenty of options now. A lot of people will recommend Majestic Apartments, but I personally think the place is getting a little old now, and is definitely over priced. Shop around, there are new apartment blocks going up everywhere and most are half the price you will end up paying at the better known places the I see recommended on this forum from time to time. The other option is to rent a house, but that will almost certainly put you on the outskirts of the city, meaning you will need some form of transport.

Ruamphet private hospital is excellent, and easily within the price range of even the most modest overseas health insurance policy. The local government hospital is also not too bad, although it tends to be completely packed with people most of the time. There are also a couple of pretty good local clinics that are great at dealing with minor ailments without a full-blown hospital visit.

As far as "adult" fun goes, I can't comment first hand, although a few people I know seem to have no problems tracking down a rental companion when they want one.

Send me a private message if you have any specific questions you need answered.

Morning Cam Khao,

Many thanks for the plethora of information and to the others for their's as well. As always proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance, not to say I should heed my own words at times.. but there you have it.

As for the err ummm evening distractions I'l' see how it goes, if needed I can always grab the train back to BKK and then down to Jomtien where I have a few mates who'll endeavor to set things right in that department .

As others have advised and cautioned I'll be taking it slow and easy this time and at the 1st whiff (ohh handsume man/ATM/ mama's water Buffalo is sick...AGAIN!) I'll beat feet back out of the bonnies and keep looking.

A Happy New Years to you all and your mates... the snow stopped out here in Sar Hawza and the temp is a brisk -28C. I'm about 15 klicks from the Tribal Border area... but the $$ is worth it.

Cheers and the 1st round is on me once I set foot in Surin.

สันติภาพและให้ศีลให้พรทุกท่าน

[Cam Khao]

A Happy New Year to you as well Paul.

I would like to quantify my previous post by saying that I have lived in Surin longer than I have anywhere else ever in my life by far since finishing my education 25 years ago. It's a nice place overall, not without its issues, but then again nowhere is perfect.

But it comes down to the individual, what they expect from life. I know many guys who are entirely happy here. Invariably, they are the ones who attempt to assimilate a little, and build a daily life for themselves that doesn't revolve around the opening time of their favorite bar. On the other hand, I see a lot of guys come up from Pattaya or similar, expecting the same kind of scene. They usually turn up with some tattooed bit of totty on their arm who is 1/3 their age, and start trying to play tourist big man, which just doesn't work here, these guys usually disappear after a few weeks/months.

[barrybankruad]

The local language is called 'Souway' (SP?) and is only spoken in Surin and surrounding areas. It's said to be dying out. Try to learb Thai, then you can be understood in most parts of Thailand.

[Expat Paul]

The local language is called 'Souway' (SP?) and is only spoken in Surin and surrounding areas. It's said to be dying out. Try to learb Thai, then you can be understood in most parts of Thailand.

Morning and thank's for the langauge updates... guess my Spanish & Latin is for naught there... Oh well I muddle thru it and get to learning Thai.. Thans again.

Cheers

[NeverSure]

I haven't been there for about 8 months, but my favorite place to eat if it's still there is:

Go to the bus station. Go North at the corner up a side road about 100 meters. Turn right on another side road and it's right there. I hope it's still open. It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

Edited December 31, 2013 by NeverSure

[Expat Paul]

I haven't been there for about 8 months, but my favorite place to eat if it's still there is:

Go to the bus station. Go North at the corner up a side road about 100 meters. Turn right on another side road and it's right there. I hope it's still open. It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

Morning and Happy New Year,

Thanks for the info and when I get there... (no sick water Buff's yet).. I'll hunt for it.

Thanks again

[rgs2001uk]

I haven't been there for about 8 months, but my favorite place to eat if it's still there is:

Go to the bus station. Go North at the corner up a side road about 100 meters. Turn right on another side road and it's right there. I hope it's still open. It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

Its called the Farang Connection, dont know about favourite place, these days it may well be the only place.

Didnt Norbys place close up?

[Expat Paul]

I haven't been there for about 8 months, but my favorite place to eat if it's still there is:

Go to the bus station. Go North at the corner up a side road about 100 meters. Turn right on another side road and it's right there. I hope it's still open. It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

Its called the Farang Connection, dont know about favourite place, these days it may well be the only place.

Didnt Norbys place close up?

Morning from the Ghan,

Many thanks for another possible place to strap on the 'ol feed sack/chow down/ eat or otherwise enjoy a decent meal. I've been reading various review regarding the "Farang Place" all honest in their own right but the pervasive point is the fair there is dodgy .. anyone ventured there lately ?. If not ? I'll pass the time by trekking to the spots mentioned and be posting un-abashed culinary reviews and no I ain't a "Gordon Ramsey" type but will be fair.. value/service bla bla bla.. As a worldly travel East Texan I've cozy'ed up to a plate of Haggis-w-neeps and tatties and love a good portion of Banger-n-mash with mushie peas like the next Fella..

Thanks again

[puchooay]

The local language is called 'Souway' (SP?) and is only spoken in Surin and surrounding areas. It's said to be dying out. Try to learb Thai, then you can be understood in most parts of Thailand.

Morning and thank's for the langauge updates... guess my Spanish & Latin is for naught there... alt=coffee1.gif pagespeed_url_hash=2220208811 width=32 height=24> Oh well I muddle thru it and get to learning Thai.. Thans again.

Cheers alt=wai2.gif pagespeed_url_hash=1722055545 width=20 height=20>

There is indeed a language called "Gu-ay" in Surin. Over time this word has somehow become "Su-ay". They were the first tribal settlers in the area that is now known as Surin. They are the elephant hearders. It is wrong, however, to say that this is the local language of Surin. It is indeed one of the local dialects.

Within the town of Surin, Thai is still the predominant language. As you move further out of the town the dialects become more used. Heading north, out towards Tar Toom and Chom Pra the dialect will be that of Laos, with the exception of the elephant village. Heading south, towards Prassat and Kap Cheaong, and heading west, towards Buriram, you are more likely to meet people speaking Khmer. Travel east out towards Sangka and Lan Doo-an, then you are likely to also meet many people speaking Khemer and also some speaking "Gu-ay".

At the same time most of the people will be bi/tri lingual so Thai would be the best language to learn first.

I learnt to speak and read Thai first and then started to learn the Khmer dialect that the locals speak in the village where I live. The dialects have no written script so can only be learnt by "doing and speaking".

[khwaibah]

I haven't been there for about 8 months, but my favorite place to eat if it's still there is:

Go to the bus station. Go North at the corner up a side road about 100 meters. Turn right on another side road and it's right there. I hope it's still open. It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

Its called the Farang Connection, dont know about favourite place, these days it may well be the only place.

Didnt Norbys place close up?

Norbies is alive and well. He has never closed. http://nnrestaurant.de.tl/ and you also have The Corner Cafe.

https://www.facebook.com/cornercafesurin

Edited January 3, 2014 by khwaibah

[Expat Paul]

The local language is called 'Souway' (SP?) and is only spoken in Surin and surrounding areas. It's said to be dying out. Try to learb Thai, then you can be understood in most parts of Thailand.

Morning and thank's for the langauge updates... guess my Spanish & Latin is for naught there... alt=coffee1.gif pagespeed_url_hash=2220208811 width=32 height=24> Oh well I muddle thru it and get to learning Thai.. Thans again.

Cheers alt=wai2.gif pagespeed_url_hash=1722055545 width=20 height=20>

There is indeed a language called "Gu-ay" in Surin. Over time this word has somehow become "Su-ay". They were the first tribal settlers in the area that is now known as Surin. They are the elephant hearders. It is wrong, however, to say that this is the local language of Surin. It is indeed one of the local dialects.

Within the town of Surin, Thai is still the predominant language. As you move further out of the town the dialects become more used. Heading north, out towards Tar Toom and Chom Pra the dialect will be that of Laos, with the exception of the elephant village. Heading south, towards Prassat and Kap Cheaong, and heading west, towards Buriram, you are more likely to meet people speaking Khmer. Travel east out towards Sangka and Lan Doo-an, then you are likely to also meet many people speaking Khemer and also some speaking "Gu-ay".

At the same time most of the people will be bi/tri lingual so Thai would be the best language to learn first.

I learnt to speak and read Thai first and then started to learn the Khmer dialect that the locals speak in the village where I live. The dialects have no written script so can only be learnt by "doing and speaking".

Well Sir that seals the deal.. Learning Thai it is... After trying to learn Pasthu & Dari : over here, I finally taught some of them Spanish.. hey it works.

But I do thank you for the insight and information, gonna be needing copious amounts of java juice as I learn yet another language..

[Expat Paul]

I haven't been there for about 8 months, but my favorite place to eat if it's still there is:

Go to the bus station. Go North at the corner up a side road about 100 meters. Turn right on another side road and it's right there. I hope it's still open. It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

Its called the Farang Connection, dont know about favourite place, these days it may well be the only place.

Didnt Norbys place close up?

Norbies is alive and well. He has never closed. http://nnrestaurant.de.tl/ and you also have The Corner Cafe.

https://www.facebook.com/cornercafesurin

Thanks Partner I am slowly making up a list of to do and to eat places, thou I am sure she'll have a list of her own...

But as posted before I'll do my utmost to be fair in my reviews.. ..one thing that fries my biscuits is when you ask for a glass/bottle of water when you first sit down... then they bring it yo you as your paying the bill... arghhhh you no wanna this now...duhhhh

[khwaibah]

I haven't been there for about 8 months, but my favorite place to eat if it's still there is:

Go to the bus station. Go North at the corner up a side road about 100 meters. Turn right on another side road and it's right there. I hope it's still open. It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

It might be called something like The Farang Place????????

Its called the Farang Connection, dont know about favourite place, these days it may well be the only place.

Didnt Norbys place close up?

Norbies is alive and well. He has never closed. http://nnrestaurant.de.tl/ and you also have The Corner Cafe.

https://www.facebook.com/cornercafesurin

Thanks Partner I am slowly making up a list of to do and to eat places, thou I am sure she'll have a list of her own...

But as posted before I'll do my utmost to be fair in my reviews.. ..one thing that fries my biscuits is when you ask for a glass/bottle of water when you first sit down... then they bring it yo you as your paying the bill... arghhhh you no wanna this now...duhhhh

Remember you have the new Robinson Lifestyle Center Surin that just opened December 20 that has a few excellent restaurants.