Hi People,

I am new to this site, and this is my first post.

I am going to Surat Thani next Monday (02/06/14). I will be taking a teaching post in the city.

What I want to know is general things about the place from people who live there, especially other teachers. I know there is an ongoing curfew, but presumably that will be lifted in the not too distant future. If and when it is, where are the places that farang like me hang out? Also what is the cost of living there like? I have just finished a contract up in Prachinburi, and living there was ridiculously cheap. However, Prachin is in the middle of nowhere and there are hardly any other farang living there. In Prachin I was with my wife, but this time I will be alone. Will Thais in ST stare at me like I come from another planet like they did in Prachinburi, or does the proximity of Koh Samui etc. mean that I won't experience this?

Finally, as I said I will be alone, so if anyone who lives in ST city fancies meeting up for a Chang or whatever and a game of pool, that would be good.

Kop khun khrab,

Phil

What happened to the wife ?

Few farangs ,what really gobsmacked me was the huge and I mean huge Catholic cathedral there. Sat in restaurants,big groups sitting around ,all Thais,speaking English

LOL, nothing 'happened' to her. She is staying in the U.K. to continue her work as a chef. She is coming out in Sept for a holiday, and then returning back with me in October.

So loppylugs1, does that mean I will be gawped at like I was in Prachinburi? Oh dear........

There is not much to do there. Many Farang but mostly backpackers on there way to the island. Rent for a place in the city should be around 1500-3500 depending on what you want.

1500 a month seems ludicrously cheap! Does that include a free cockroach infestation? I was expecting to pay around 4000 plus utilities for something reasonable. I have heard about a farang bar called 'GM' or something like that. Has anyone heard of that?

Make sure you say hi to Suthep when you see him - that is his city

No comment RE Suthep. I think it's wise to not talk about politics/politicians in Thailand. Unless that is one likes the ones in question. Read into those sentences what you will

A google search revealed this;

'LONELY PLANET REVIEW

GM has a good mix of locals and fa·ràng English teachers who return time and time again for the mellow atmosphere, tasty international menu, and wide selection of beer and cocktails.'

Does anyone know if this is a well known place in ST, or will I have to make a note of the address for tuk tuk drivers? I realise that atm this topic is fairly academic as a 10pm curfew pretty much kills a chance to go there for a decent evening of imbibing Hong Thong and soda, but surely the curfew must be lifted soon...........Right??

There are four main malls in Surat. Central, Tesco, and Big C on the ring road around the town (which has the effect of draining biz and people from the city itself), and a mall inside the city (forget the name). This mall has a pizza hut, etc. Hard to miss. A few farang hand out there with their Thai wives. They will be glad to chat to you, as will the other farang teachers. There is also a pizza restaurant on the river, run by a Scandanavian guy (but I think he was going home, a few months ago). Back in Feb there were always a bunch of farang discussing the meaning of life there.

Have fun in Surat, a quiet city, but a few enjoyments to be had. The Monkey School !

Useful info. Cheers Ianatlarge

A google search revealed this;

'LONELY PLANET REVIEW

GM has a good mix of locals and fa·ràng English teachers who return time and time again for the mellow atmosphere, tasty international menu, and wide selection of beer and cocktails.'

Does anyone know if this is a well known place in ST, or will I have to make a note of the address for tuk tuk drivers? I realise that atm this topic is fairly academic as a 10pm curfew pretty much kills a chance to go there for a decent evening of imbibing Hong Thong and soda, but surely the curfew must be lifted soon...........Right??

I live in Sichon, Nakhonsithammarat which is 70 South of ST. I venture there on occasions and sometimes have a drink in the evening in a pub (called Crossroads opposite Tescos). This is a quiet pub that plays soft music and is frequented by groups of Thais mainly.

It all sounds better than the ajarn life in Prachinburi. Mind u, I think rural North Korea would be more entertaining than being the only farang teacher there.

Ok SichonSteve, I will remember the name. Guess I might see you in there sometime then. I will be clutching a large Chang and a cheap Thai tablet computer.

Will Thais in ST stare at me like I come from another planet like they did in Prachinburi, or does the proximity of Koh Samui etc. mean that I won't experience this?

​I'd assume it all depends on what you look like.There're so many tourists and expats in this area that people won't stare at you, if............

P.S. Girls from that area do have a special flair. Best of luck for your new job.-

pfffffft! I'm a married man

Seriously though, I don't look weird or anything. I am just a typical farang I guess.

Head on to Dunsak,take the ferry to Phangan.Go during the Full Moon Party

Head on to Dunsak,take the ferry to Phangan.Go during the Full Moon Party

Kop khun Mak Captain Obvious!

I hope I can go to surat after curfew.

What happened to the wife ?

Nice that you want to meet fellow expats. There are some really good people out there, both Farang, Thai and others.

Edited May 28, 201412 yr by Benmart

You seem to be very focused on bars....and you are in a country with a beautiful climate. Try walking along the promenade in the evenings or taking a small boat trip to see the "electric flys".

No....I am focused on finding fellow farang as this time I will be alone in the LOS. Also I am not there yet; I arrive on Sunday. What u say is of course as true as the UK June day is long, but I don't need to ask a question about things like that, do I?

There are a lot of Farangs staying at Wat Suan Mokkh in Chaiya, 70 km North of Surat Thani.

There are a lot of Farangs staying at Wat Suan Mokkh in Chaiya, 70 km North of Surat Thani.

Why? Presumably they are Buddhist farangs then?

Also, I am not ONLY interested in meeting farangs. I would of course like to meet Thais too. Unfortunately my Thai isn't too hot, but I am willing and probably able to learn. Also as an ESL teacher I have heard rumours that the general standard of English amongst Thais in ST is pretty good. Is this true?

If anyone wants to meet up for a Chang at GM or another location in the city then gimme a shout.