Living In Koh Samui

[Jose]

My Thai wife and I are considering moving to Koh Samui from Australia within the next two years.

We'd like to setup our home away from Chewang or other main tourist places, probably somewhere between Nathon and the Big Buddha.

Our income is derived from overseas.

We've spent some time in Koh Pha-Ngan over the years, and as much as we love the place and its people dearly, the infrastructure just isn't there.

Leaving visa issues aside for the moment, I'd like to hear from expats living in Samui:

What can we expect in terms of being accepted by the local community?

How difficult is it for a falang to integrate with the locals there?

How well/reliable is the local infrastructure (electricity, water, internet, other)?

How is the main hospital there?

What is the local "feel" for the possible coming wave of terrorism from the South?

Are there any local "mafia" or police issues to worry about?

Any other issues to consider?

Is there much in the way of paragliding activity there?

Many thanks in advance.

jose '-)

[Daviethailand]

Personally I think Samui is the best place in Thailand although is now very commercialised.

Not a problem intergarting with the Local and Expats as the majority are not Samuites.

Loads of activities including Paragliding.

Absolutely no problem whatsoever for accomadation whether buying or renting, I have a condo there which I use regularly at Lamai Beach.

Becarefull if purchasing a Bar as they have built many over the last 2 years, a high percentage outside the planning zones for Bars. Sooner rether than later someone will decide that enough os enough and tears will be spilt.

[simey]

The locals tend often to be from the north just down there for the work, or you meet people through business (e.g. your maid, the person who built your pool etc). It's a small island and you soon get known - people know I'm back on the island almost before I land and you often here someone say they saw your car around.

Some local families are very powerful, but that does not worry us as falangs bringing in the money. It gets more interesting if you buy a bar, as you have to be careful not to tread on the wrong persons toes.

The electricity is much better these days. I live up in the hills and the lekky goes off occasionally, I just go and sit in a beach bar and wait for it to return. Just adopt the mai pen rai attitude and you find little things like this are just not so important any more. The water runs out each year, but a lot of places collect the rain water in vats or use a private pump (which I do).

The hospitals are very good, you only need to go to BKK for something very serious. The island also has a hyperbaric chamber for divers.

The secret is to relax and enjoy not wearing shoes or a watch. Samui doesn't care about time, day, or even the outside world very much. We are way too busy considering the opening of a new restaurant or checking out the new community magazine than worrying over things like electricity.

My girlfreind is aussie and we moved into our house 1.5 years ago, but only live there 4 months per year. This year she was really upset to leave - she misses the maid, tennis, the lifestyle. It is so hard to work in the wqestern world where people stare at you if you smile at them.

PM me if you have specific questions.

[sbk]

The locals tend often to be from the north just down there for the work,

Then they aren't locals

I agree with you about Koh Phangan, I've lived here for years and I find the infrastructure is still lacking. The hospital is terrible, electricity is pretty good now, although it can still be hit or miss, the roads are generally pretty awful. However, the feeling of community is, I believe, much stronger than on Samui and the locals (ie people actually from the island, not migrant workers ) in general much less jaded and friendlier. But, then again, I have lived here for years so perhaps they are just friendlier to me

First thing about island life is definitely you must learn to relax and not get stressed over evey little thing. Mypatience level has soared since living on the islands and I find very little fazes me these days. And Simey, I have found it helps to wear a watch with the day and date on it, just in case something important comes up (like visa renewals )

[simey]

The locals tend often to be from the north just down there for the work,

Then they aren't locals

Good point, although they are still more local than me!

[Jose]

Thanks for the feedback, guys & gals.

Infrastructure is important to me because I derive my sole income through the Net. UPS can help with power failures, there's always more than one way to get on the Net, but if the infrastructure is poor it all becomes too hard to deal with.

As for starting a local business in Thailand - I'm not comfortable with treading on local toes.

Shoes & watch - definitely claustrophobic items that don't belong in the islands.

Live the dream!

jose '-)