I've been in Chiang Mai for quite a while with my Thai wife of many years. She is from Kalasin and we have been discussing moving to Isaan where most of her brothers and sisters live.

I have only been out that was several times, mainly for weddings, so I'm not sure if we go, where we should consider. Doesn't have to be Kalasin, any surrounding area close by will do.

My main concerns are a good, fast reliable internet connection. I'd also like to rent a decent and reasonable house (unfurnished) in a relatively safe location where I can bbq and have friends over to enjoy a lazy afternoon with good food and some cold brews to go along.

Any suggestions, experiences, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

Hope to meet some of you soon,

Jim

Wife comes from Som Det (turn right before Kalasin, through Maha Sarakam on towards Sakhon Nakon. I think the Royal family have a palace at Sakhon Nakon which I'm told the Queen visits from time to time. There's some nice hills there and the scenery is quite pleasing. If you need internet I guess you'll be living urban, not rural, unless there's satellite connection available.

When I retire it will be to Som Det. Guess we'll be neighbours then. BBQ and cold beers sounds fine.

Cheers.

I've been in Chiang Mai for quite a while with my Thai wife of many years. She is from Kalasin and we have been discussing moving to Isaan where most of her brothers and sisters live.

I have only been out that was several times, mainly for weddings, so I'm not sure if we go, where we should consider. Doesn't have to be Kalasin, any surrounding area close by will do.

My main concerns are a good, fast reliable internet connection. I'd also like to rent a decent and reasonable house (unfurnished) in a relatively safe location where I can bbq and have friends over to enjoy a lazy afternoon with good food and some cold brews to go along.

Any suggestions, experiences, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

Hope to meet some of you soon,

Jim

I have lived here in Kalasin for almost 4 years now, and as far as Expat's / Farang's, I am friends with about 8 or 10 who live here... We tend to get together at least once a month or so at someone's house for a BBQ, and the four of us on my Soi talk almost daily... I would guess that there are probably 20 to 40 in the area, but some just do not like to be friendly or chat when you see them around town, so have not really made friends with them...

Kalasin is a nice, quiet little town with less traffic and wider roads than most towns around Issan... ADSL is available, dependable and relatively cheap almost anywhere within the City, but not outside any further than about 5 or 6 KM....

As for housing, there are some houses available for rent in the 3500 to 5000 baht range for decent 3 bedroom 2 bath places... But as with most Thai cities, you have to drive around to find them, and ask anyone and everyone if they know of any.... For the past two years I have been renting a decent small 3 bedroom 2 bath house with nice / small yard for 3000 baht per month...

Any further questions about the area, Please feel free to PM me...

Pianoman