Farang- Life In The "boonies"

[swissie]

Every once in a while, there are postings indicating that a Farang has the desire to permanently reside with his Thai-Spouse in rural Thailand. A mayor decision, for sure. Anyone contemplating to move to a rural environment in Thailand may want to go through the "Checklist" below:

- In general: Even under the best of circumstances, the Visa Situation is a hassle and requirements can change overnight at the discretion of "the gouvernement".

- No matter how you set it up, your "property", real estate or otherwise, is (and will remain) a "borderline-situaton". Your spouse will most likely be the "CEO" in the final analysis.

- Rural living: What concrete plans do you have, as to how will I spend my time (or what will I be doing during a long Isaan day?) Remember: There are some 45 vocational occupations that a Farang is not allowed to engage in (legally). That doesen't leave much.

- The Thai-language is for us Farangs very hard to learn. But it's a must, if you don't want to live in isolation.

- In a truly rural Thailand environment, your entertainment possibilities may be reduced to (Thai)-Television, some Karaoke, and some occasionally passig through "ligghe" entertainers.

- The nearest store where "Farang"-food can be bought, may well be 100 km away.

- Your door to the rest of the world (internet) may be a little "slow", to say the least.

- Can you stand the heat during the day and can you live with the mosquitos at night on a 365 day a year basis?

- If you happen to move to the village where the family of your spouse resides, you may well have to take over the role of a (financial)-caretaker for everyone. If (within the family) a roof get's blown away or the infamous buffalo dies, you may be expected to (financially) step in. If you don't, you (and more important), your spouse will "loose face" and the both of you will be classified as "kiniau's".

- And finally, last but not least: With how much money can you back-up this venture? Or, put in an other way: Are you financially secure enough, to resume your life in "the old country" again, should the "venture" fail for whatever reason?

For Farangs in such a situation, just something to think about. No more, no less!

Cheers.

[Nikkijah]

Never thought of it like that, I hope I'm not alone, I have some land in Nong Khai for 'retirement' - I'm only 28 but the land is ours so we can wait, but after the things you mentioned here I don't think I'll be making any decisions soon, Bangers is the life for me

[Nignoy]

Every once in a while, there are postings indicating that a Farang has the desire to permanently reside with his Thai-Spouse in rural Thailand. A mayor decision, for sure. Anyone contemplating to move to a rural environment in Thailand may want to go through the "Checklist" below:

- In general: Even under the best of circumstances, the Visa Situation is a hassle and requirements can change overnight at the discretion of "the gouvernement".

- No matter how you set it up, your "property", real estate or otherwise, is (and will remain) a "borderline-situaton". Your spouse will most likely be the "CEO" in the final analysis.

- Rural living: What concrete plans do you have, as to how will I spend my time (or what will I be doing during a long Isaan day?) Remember: There are some 45 vocational occupations that a Farang is not allowed to engage in (legally). That doesen't leave much.

- The Thai-language is for us Farangs very hard to learn. But it's a must, if you don't want to live in isolation.

- In a truly rural Thailand environment, your entertainment possibilities may be reduced to (Thai)-Television, some Karaoke, and some occasionally passig through "ligghe" entertainers.

- The nearest store where "Farang"-food can be bought, may well be 100 km away.

- Your door to the rest of the world (internet) may be a little "slow", to say the least.

- Can you stand the heat during the day and can you live with the mosquitos at night on a 365 day a year basis?

- If you happen to move to the village where the family of your spouse resides, you may well have to take over the role of a (financial)-caretaker for everyone. If (within the family) a roof get's blown away or the infamous buffalo dies, you may be expected to (financially) step in. If you don't, you (and more important), your spouse will "loose face" and the both of you will be classified as "kiniau's".

- And finally, last but not least: With how much money can you back-up this venture? Or, put in an other way: Are you financially secure enough, to resume your life in "the old country" again, should the "venture" fail for whatever reason?

For Farangs in such a situation, just something to think about. No more, no less!

Cheers.

But on the upside,if you learn the language, join in village life, tam naa a little bit,dont neccessary finance the inlaws living style , join the local card school and lao khao club, there is plenty to do .Surely you would have thought about financial security before you left europe, no use having doubts when you are already living in the village, Nignoy

[alexth]

Every once in a while, there are postings indicating that a Farang has the desire to permanently reside with his Thai-Spouse in rural Thailand. A mayor decision, for sure. Anyone contemplating to move to a rural environment in Thailand may want to go through the "Checklist" below:

- In general: Even under the best of circumstances, the Visa Situation is a hassle and requirements can change overnight at the discretion of "the gouvernement".

- No matter how you set it up, your "property", real estate or otherwise, is (and will remain) a "borderline-situaton". Your spouse will most likely be the "CEO" in the final analysis.

- Rural living: What concrete plans do you have, as to how will I spend my time (or what will I be doing during a long Isaan day?) Remember: There are some 45 vocational occupations that a Farang is not allowed to engage in (legally). That doesen't leave much.

- The Thai-language is for us Farangs very hard to learn. But it's a must, if you don't want to live in isolation.

- In a truly rural Thailand environment, your entertainment possibilities may be reduced to (Thai)-Television, some Karaoke, and some occasionally passig through "ligghe" entertainers.

- The nearest store where "Farang"-food can be bought, may well be 100 km away.

- Your door to the rest of the world (internet) may be a little "slow", to say the least.

- Can you stand the heat during the day and can you live with the mosquitos at night on a 365 day a year basis?

- If you happen to move to the village where the family of your spouse resides, you may well have to take over the role of a (financial)-caretaker for everyone. If (within the family) a roof get's blown away or the infamous buffalo dies, you may be expected to (financially) step in. If you don't, you (and more important), your spouse will "loose face" and the both of you will be classified as "kiniau's".

- And finally, last but not least: With how much money can you back-up this venture? Or, put in an other way: Are you financially secure enough, to resume your life in "the old country" again, should the "venture" fail for whatever reason?

For Farangs in such a situation, just something to think about. No more, no less!

Cheers.

I wouldn't be able to live in a village anywhere, not only in Thailand and I think I'll never be able to do it untill I'll be 60, so...no need to worry for me

[warriors]

Even at 60 not many would want to do that either unless they are on the bones of there bum

[udon]

Never thought of it like that, I hope I'm not alone, I have some land in Nong Khai for 'retirement' - I'm only 28 but the land is ours so we can wait, but after the things you mentioned here I don't think I'll be making any decisions soon, Bangers is the life for me

"Ours"

Reminder: you own nothing.

[RamdomChances]

I think the OP made many good point's, living in the stick's is'nt for everyone and could easily become a living hel_l if you don't fit in.

The bit's about visa's, climate, money and owning stuff apply everywhere not just in the "sticks" . Most 7-11's sell basic falang food (bread, butter, ham, bacon) well mine does anyway. My nearest cheese is 70 km away though so yes it is sometimes difficult getting the stuff you need.

Thai language really is a must for rural living as virtualy no one speaks english, along with thoughts about how you will fill your time although this also applies where every you "retire" unless you just want to go to bars every night. Internet is avalible everywhere with a mobile phone, which on a good day is about the same speed as a dial up, but unless you live in a town you can forget broadband.

[JRingo]

I suppose which village and where has a lot to do with happiness.

I stayed in a tiny remote mountain village for 3 months once without money

and I was never happier. It was truly paradise. The scenery was terrific, the weather

was great and the people absolutely fabulous even though I was broke.

In the mornings I would head out with my darling bride and her friends on a trek that

usually took the whole day. We took a different route everyday, however it was always

a big loop which landed us back at the homestead at dinner time.

As we were hiking and screwing around they were always foraging for food; bird eggs,

rice crickets, ant eggs, bamboo shoots, snails, fish, bananas etc…

We would always come home with enough food for the entire family dinner.

During the day we usually found time to stop and go swimming somewhere and splash

around for a couple hours. It was absolutely delightful and a true garden of Eden.

There was no real work to do as the elders collected the firewood, cooked the food and

distilled Lao kao for everyones enjoyment.

I think it was the happiest I have ever been.

[billd766]

Every once in a while, there are postings indicating that a Farang has the desire to permanently reside with his Thai-Spouse in rural Thailand. A mayor decision, for sure. Anyone contemplating to move to a rural environment in Thailand may want to go through the "Checklist" below:

- In general: Even under the best of circumstances, the Visa Situation is a hassle and requirements can change overnight at the discretion of "the gouvernement".

This is absolutely correct for ALL of us.

- No matter how you set it up, your "property", real estate or otherwise, is (and will remain) a "borderline-situaton". Your spouse will most likely be the "CEO" in the final analysis.

It never has been my property and I knew that a long time ago. All of it belongs to my wife and eventually our son.

- Rural living: What concrete plans do you have, as to how will I spend my time (or what will I be doing during a long Isaan day?) Remember: There are some 45 vocational occupations that a Farang is not allowed to engage in (legally). That doesen't leave much.

Why would I want to "do" anything. I am mostly retired and the best job that I have in Thailand is helping our 2 year old son grow up.

- The Thai-language is for us Farangs very hard to learn. But it's a must, if you don't want to live in isolation.

I agree 100% and I find it very hard although I was in the village shopping a couple of days ago and got talking to a Thai lady about my son and other odds and ends and it turns out that she is a teacher in the high school. I asked if she could teach me Thai and now I ahve to set up an appointment to learn. She also wants me to talk to the children in the school.

- In a truly rural Thailand environment, your entertainment possibilities may be reduced to (Thai)-Television, some Karaoke, and some occasionally passig through "ligghe" entertainers.

I also have satellite TV, my laptop, cd movies, my neighbours have a karaoke bar, so what else would I need?

- The nearest store where "Farang"-food can be bought, may well be 100 km away.

It is about 125km away in Nakhon Sawan but we do have a freezer.

- Your door to the rest of the world (internet) may be a little "slow", to say the least.

To be honest at times it is diabolical. I have been waiting 3 years for a land line and I use AIS GPRS which works but not really at high speed. But then again who cares, my time is my own to use as I want.

- Can you stand the heat during the day and can you live with the mosquitos at night on a 365 day a year basis?

Yes as we have fans and a/c but we have only had the a/c on for about 4 hours this year. Mosquitos are not as bad as the red ants and we have a lot of ching choks too. One problem is that my son keeps bringing Dada great big beetles and I don't like them much. We used have rats but then a snake turned up and no more rats. I think he got bored and moved on as I have found the odd rat lately.

- If you happen to move to the village where the family of your spouse resides, you may well have to take over the role of a (financial)-caretaker for everyone. If (within the family) a roof get's blown away or the infamous buffalo dies, you may be expected to (financially) step in. If you don't, you (and more important), your spouse will "loose face" and the both of you will be classified as "kiniau's".

My wifes family live in Samut Prakhan near Bangkok and come on visits when they want for as long as they want. We have lent her younger brother money before and I expect it will come back one day but if it doesn't, mai pen rai. they are family after all.

- And finally, last but not least: With how much money can you back-up this venture? Or, put in an other way: Are you financially secure enough, to resume your life in "the old country" again, should the "venture" fail for whatever reason?

I would never go back to my old country again to live as I sometimes wonder how anyone can afford to live there. Friends and family say that they wish they lived in another country where the people are nicer and it cheaper to live. the cost of petrol is close to 80 baht a litre and if you are living on a pension you cannot afford to run a car, have the odd drink, smoke if you do at 350 baht a packet, pay all your bills and be scared to go out alone, turn your house into a fortress so that nobody can break in at night.

Not for me at all.

A few years ago when I was contracting, I lost my job so I went to the Social Security centre and asked for some help. I was asked if I had any income (I had a company pension) which put me over the limit for assistance and the guy apologised that he was unable to help me. That was the day I decided to quit my home country. I paid all my taxes and national insurances for 38 years to be told that the government rules said I had too much income and didn't qualify. If I was an illegal immigrant I would have had money (my taxes) thrown at me.

For Farangs in such a situation, just something to think about. No more, no less!

I liked the original post as it brings out a lot of the things that you don't normally see as a tourist, but then again as a tourist you don't normally see the rest of Thailand.

Cheers.

Even at 60 not many would want to do that either unless they are on the bones of there bum

Well I am 62 and I am not living on the bones of my bum. I worked hard for 44 years, lost most things in my UK divorce and started again several years before I lived in Thailand and now I am happier than I have ever been.

Edited July 23, 2006 by billd766

[Jockstar]

I wouldn't be able to live in a village anywhere,

I hate small towns. Never mind villages. For the Ozzies on this board. I used to live in SWAN HILL in country Victoria for a few months. Population 10,000 people. Everyone nowing your business. No thanks. You can keep that. Give me a city any day. Going to the shop or gas station or or or. Ah! you're the Scottish guy living with the McNeils.

[sbk]

Every once in a while, there are postings indicating that a Farang has the desire to permanently reside with his Thai-Spouse in rural Thailand. A mayor decision, for sure. Anyone contemplating to move to a rural environment in Thailand may want to go through the "Checklist" below:

- In general: Even under the best of circumstances, the Visa Situation is a hassle and requirements can change overnight at the discretion of "the gouvernement". Good point and always a worry for us longtermers.

- No matter how you set it up, your "property", real estate or otherwise, is (and will remain) a "borderline-situaton". Your spouse will most likely be the "CEO" in the final analysis. Well, my husband and I share all decisions, live on family land so actually, I guess, my father-in-law is the CEO

- Rural living: What concrete plans do you have, as to how will I spend my time (or what will I be doing during a long Isaan day?) Remember: There are some 45 vocational occupations that a Farang is not allowed to engage in (legally). That doesen't leave much. I help my husband in his business. Much easier for a farang woman with a Thai husband. Unfair, but there it is, as you have already pointed out we all live at the discretion of the govt.

- The Thai-language is for us Farangs very hard to learn. But it's a must, if you don't want to live in isolation. I studied Mandarin Chinese for 3 years at University level. Did not find Thai to be that difficult.

- In a truly rural Thailand environment, your entertainment possibilities may be reduced to (Thai)-Television, some Karaoke, and some occasionally passig through "ligghe" entertainers. I like to read, surf the web and garden. Don't have TV, haven't had TV for 17 years and don't miss it.

- The nearest store where "Farang"-food can be bought, may well be 100 km away. I live on a touristy island (at least it is now) and nearby to another one-- a boat ride away. However, when I first came I had very little access to "farang food" . You learn to make your own food, and make do with what you have. It is called adaptation.

- Your door to the rest of the world (internet) may be a little "slow", to say the least. Well, not bad, but lets face reality, when I came the island didn't even have phones so I am not going to complain about slow internet

- Can you stand the heat during the day and can you live with the mosquitos at night on a 365 day a year basis? I hate the snow and cold, so, yes I can stand the heat and the mozzies don't bother me that much. After a while your body adjusts to the poisons in the mosquitoes and you don't react to the bites anymore. This is, to me, a very minor point indeed

- If you happen to move to the village where the family of your spouse resides, you may well have to take over the role of a (financial)-caretaker for everyone. If (within the family) a roof get's blown away or the infamous buffalo dies, you may be expected to (financially) step in. If you don't, you (and more important), your spouse will "loose face" and the both of you will be classified as "kiniau's". Nope, not applicable to me. My inlaws have money and certainly wouldn't ask me for financial help. Help with family work, yes, money, no

- And finally, last but not least: With how much money can you back-up this venture? Or, put in an other way: Are you financially secure enough, to resume your life in "the old country" again, should the "venture" fail for whatever reason? Good point, and one I haven't really considered. I came to Thailand at 23 and am still here. Kinda scary that I have lived most of my adult life here but I just have to have faith in my own adaptability.

For Farangs in such a situation, just something to think about. No more, no less!

Cheers.

All good points but not everyone has a low amusement threshold.

[LoveDaBlues]

For a valid discussion I think the term "boonies" must be defined. If you live within a 30 minute drive to a Tesco-Lotus or the like you ARE NOT in the boonies.

[chownah]

Yeah, I've lived in a small farming village for over four years now and it is he11.....my advise is to stay in Bangkok or Pattaya or one of the islands...Korat might be OK too....but believe me that life in a small farming village is dreadful...I'll just keep living in this small farming village and I'll let you know if it ever really becomes liveable....just consider it my personal sacrifice for the good of the many.

[udon]

Yeah, I've lived in a small farming village for over four years now and it is he11.....my advise is to stay in Bangkok or Pattaya or one of the islands...Korat might be OK too....but believe me that life in a small farming village is dreadful...I'll just keep living in this small farming village and I'll let you know if it ever really becomes liveable....just consider it my personal sacrifice for the good of the many.

Hi Chowna,

did you build a house in the village?

[Nikkijah]

Never thought of it like that, I hope I'm not alone, I have some land in Nong Khai for 'retirement' - I'm only 28 but the land is ours so we can wait, but after the things you mentioned here I don't think I'll be making any decisions soon, Bangers is the life for me

"Ours"

Reminder: you own nothing.

Thanks udon, I know that, I just try to think positive you know

Edited July 23, 2006 by Nikkijah

[tourleadersi]

Often paradise is just that because you know that after a certain period of time you will be returning back to what you are comfortable with.

A few months in a rural village can be a great experience, but if you feel a sense of relief when you return to your normal environment then perhaps it is not the place for you? Don't be fooled by the fact that you miss the people there and the laid back life. If you felt that sense of relief, then perhaps you should consider splitting you time and going for 2 humble homes instead of one large one? Then if you are fed up with being in the boonies you can head to the city and vice versa?

Personally that would suit me best.

Edited July 23, 2006 by tourleadersi

[Mossfinn]

Never thought of it like that, I hope I'm not alone, I have some land in Nong Khai for 'retirement' - I'm only 28 but the land is ours so we can wait, but after the things you mentioned here I don't think I'll be making any decisions soon, Bangers is the life for me

"Ours"

Reminder: you own nothing.

Thanks udon, I know that, I just try to think positive you know

I think the positive approach is the best way forward and in my opinion it does belong to the pair of you.

If it all goes pear shaped, well things may well be different, but I would like to think in some cases why wouldn't it work out differently and an amicable ending to a bad situation?

But then thats me and I am basing that opinion on my wifes character..

Moss

Edited July 23, 2006 by Mossfinn

[chownah]

Yeah, I've lived in a small farming village for over four years now and it is he11.....my advise is to stay in Bangkok or Pattaya or one of the islands...Korat might be OK too....but believe me that life in a small farming village is dreadful...I'll just keep living in this small farming village and I'll let you know if it ever really becomes liveable....just consider it my personal sacrifice for the good of the many.

Hi Chowna,

did you build a house in the village?

Yes we did. It is concrete on the bottom and all wood on the top with real wood paneling and hardwood floors....It sits right next to my garden and the rice fields so I have an unobstructed view across the fields to the mountains in the distance...its disgusting..I see this view every day and I really miss the view of the next apartment building I had when I lived in Bangkok...oh the good old days. And the air here is too fresh. I'll stop as I don't want you all to pity me too much for having put myself into such a miserable situation....I should have stayed in Bangkok...or Pattaya...or one of the islands...Korat is probably ok too. Think about it...you wouldn't want to end up in a situation like mine for sure.

Chownah

[meadish_sweetball]

I second chownah's sentiments here.

Especially for people planning to move to small villages in the North. There is no place more woebegone in this country. Now, for the untrained eye, it may look appealing at first, but trust me, as soon as you have decided to settle down here, the evil lepers just wait to pop up out the woodwork and brainwash you into submission and eternal servitude at their leisure - and you may grow to think you like it!! I have warned people of this before, but did they listen? Alas! no... And now they all preach the gospel of the lobotomized... Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!! Flee while you can, the lepers are coming... they are coming.... aaaaahhhhherrrrrhhhh....

Rrrrun, you fools!

[Gary A]

I DO live in the boonies. It's 150 kilometers to the nearest superstore. I also have a condo in Jomtien and my wife and I lived back and forth for a year or so before I decided I liked it up here. The quiet laid back living and the fresh air grow on a person. My wife is a great cook and not having farang food doesn't bother me. In all honesty if she had not had a house up here I would have never taken a chance and built one. I speak enough Thai to get by but often forget it and tell some of the locals I don't understand. I guess I'm getting old and crotchety and would rather be left alone. I have UBC and Ipstar Internet (it stinks). I have a workshop/garage and all the tools to do whatever I want. We have two rai of land with the house so I enjoy working outside once in a while. I have more to do here than when I lived in Jomtien. I got bored sitting in the bars.

[bannork]

I agree entirely with the previous sentiments.

Driving upcountry is very dangerous as I know from my personal experience of cow collisions, one is far better off in Bangkok, remaining stationary at traffic lights for several minutes, breathing in the carbon monoxide which ensures no pesky malaria carrying mosquitos can bite you.

Then there's the joy of knowing nobody cares who you are in Bangkok, no worries about anyone interrupting your private i-pod world, such bliss.

Another annoying thing about upcountry is the peaceful atmosphere one has to put up with; so many times I've found myself sitting in my hammock next to our fish pond, with a cool breeze blowing and a few fish jumping, some birds are singing in the trees and our youngest niece is building mud castles- it's all wrong, I should be trying to upgrade myself somewhere, somehow.

What makes me feel really guilty though is when my daughter climbs our mango tree or goes hunting for fish in the mudponds, she comes back beaming with a bucket full of fruit or squirming creatures whilst if she was in Bangkok she could conveniently cross the road to the nearest 7-11 and spend 50 baht on junk food which would ensure her weight and blood pressure increased accordingly.

[samran]

Yeah, I've lived in a small farming village for over four years now and it is he11.....my advise is to stay in Bangkok or Pattaya or one of the islands...Korat might be OK too....but believe me that life in a small farming village is dreadful...I'll just keep living in this small farming village and I'll let you know if it ever really becomes liveable....just consider it my personal sacrifice for the good of the many.

Hi Chowna,

did you build a house in the village?

Yes we did. It is concrete on the bottom and all wood on the top with real wood paneling and hardwood floors....It sits right next to my garden and the rice fields so I have an unobstructed view across the fields to the mountains in the distance...its disgusting..I see this view every day and I really miss the view of the next apartment building I had when I lived in Bangkok...oh the good old days. And the air here is too fresh. I'll stop as I don't want you all to pity me too much for having put myself into such a miserable situation....I should have stayed in Bangkok...or Pattaya...or one of the islands...Korat is probably ok too. Think about it...you wouldn't want to end up in a situation like mine for sure.

Chownah

Do they have the Thai equivalent of 'drop bears' there as well?

[jdinasia]

a damned near perfect existance .......

8km from Patong ... in an area with quite a few farang even in low season ... (so food options). An hour to the closest superstore and movies in English ... great neighbors etc ....

Now just to work on picking up southern Thai ... (They understand my stilted Central Thai) but I am a bit lost still :-)

I'll let the guys far more anti-social than myself pick Isaan

[plachon]

I suppose which village and where has a lot to do with happiness.

I stayed in a tiny remote mountain village for 3 months once without money

and I was never happier. It was truly paradise. The scenery was terrific, the weather

was great and the people absolutely fabulous even though I was broke.

In the mornings I would head out with my darling bride and her friends on a trek that

usually took the whole day. We took a different route everyday, however it was always

a big loop which landed us back at the homestead at dinner time.

As we were hiking and screwing around they were always foraging for food; bird eggs,

rice crickets, ant eggs, bamboo shoots, snails, fish, bananas etc…

We would always come home with enough food for the entire family dinner.

During the day we usually found time to stop and go swimming somewhere and splash

around for a couple hours. It was absolutely delightful and a true garden of Eden.

There was no real work to do as the elders collected the firewood, cooked the food and

distilled Lao kao for everyones enjoyment.

I think it was the happiest I have ever been.

Hope you paid the barfine for all that "screwing around"!

[plachon]

I think the OP made many good point's, living in the stick's is'nt for everyone and could easily become a living hel_l if you don't fit in.

The bit's about visa's, climate, money and owning stuff apply everywhere not just in the "sticks" . Most 7-11's sell basic falang food (bread, butter, ham, bacon) well mine does anyway. My nearest cheese is 70 km away though so yes it is sometimes difficult getting the stuff you need.

Thai language really is a must for rural living as virtualy no one speaks english, along with thoughts about how you will fill your time although this also applies where every you "retire" unless you just want to go to bars every night. Internet is avalible everywhere with a mobile phone, which on a good day is about the same speed as a dial up, but unless you live in a town you can forget broadband.

Wot no cheese RC? Reminds me of the saying - "water, water, everywhere but not a drop to drink", but in your case it would be - "milk, milk everywhere, but not a drop for cheese!"

You're an inventive guy and know how to use the Net to full advantage - can't you set up a little cheese making biz, and keep yourself in cheddar, whilst selling the rest 70 kms to the other punters too lazy to make their own but have no cows? Never know you may even get your neighbours interested in pla rah farang.

ps I make my own pla rah - saep lai!

[RamdomChances]

Wot no cheese RC? sad.gif Reminds me of the saying - "water, water, everywhere but not a drop to drink", but in your case it would be - "milk, milk everywhere, but not a drop for cheese!"

You're an inventive guy and know how to use the Net to full advantage - can't you set up a little cheese making biz, and keep yourself in cheddar, whilst selling the rest 70 kms to the other punters too lazy to make their own but have no cows? wink.gif Never know you may even get your neighbours interested in pla rah farang. biggrin.gif

ps I make my own pla rah - saep lai! cool.gif

I've often though about making cheese, done some soft "cottage" type chees that was ok, but hard cheeses need time and somewhere cool to mature, plus there is no real market, well not here anyway where falangs are still really thin on the ground, pasturising and markering my own milk would be a better idea IMO. My misses calles blue chees "pla rah falang"

[Sir Burr]

An hour to the closest superstore and movies in English ...

You must be on a push-bike?!!

[Niloc]

I agree with all those country folks, it is so embarrasing when you walk down the street and every ten metres you have to say to someone 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' so they can practice their English. The bank manager rings you and asks if he can send a girl around for a signature, she turns up and remembers the name of your dog. The electricity lady is quite happy to come back tomorrow when you explain that you don't have 500 baht, you get annoyed when you find another falang in your favourite fishing spot, the longan the neighbours gave you finally run out so now you can start on the bananas from sisters tree... there is no privacy!!

The wheels fell off my billycart because they were loose, I find I tend to lose my temper with people who confuse advise and advice....

And yes, there are drop bears in the North, they are mostly found over the border though...

[Martin]

Each to his own.

Some love the village and hate the city.

Some love the city and would go crazy in the village.

By chance, I got what is, to me, the best of both worlds.

We live in a semi-Western, semi-Thai house on the edge of an Amphoe (District HQ town).

So we have 7-11 and the local market, the bank, post office etc conveniently near.

And we are within a kilometre of the Highway, and can zoom to the city in less than an hour.

But all the 'cousins' of my wife are only 7 km away in her girlhood village, near where we have our farmland.

It suits me down to the ground. (Except for IPStar being disappointing!)

[Colonel_Mustard]

I think I have the best of both worlds. A house in a quiet area of Phuket and a house in the wife's village 50 mins outside Khorat. The original plan was to live mainly in Khorat and use the Phuket home for weekend breaks/holidays. Over the months and years however the situation has reversed and we now spend nearly all of our time in Phuket.

I enjoy Khorat for short periods but don't think I could ever live there. For me the ideal is a quiet area of Phuket. You get to have the quiet Thai village life but have all the facilities you want within 20-30 mins.

Each to their own though.