Living outside Bangkok.. esp. Chiang Mai - Ajarn Forum

pubba · 27th December 2006, 13:02

Hello everyone

I have only visited Bangkok once, and enjoyed the atmosphere and 'buzz' of the place. But I grew up in a rural area of Australia and have never really enjoyed living in cities..

Have spent the last few days reading back through old threads, and have become interested in investigating other options in Thailand. Particularly the Northern areas where I hear life is more laid back (if thats possible!) than Bangkok

In particular I would like to hear from people that live in Chiang Mai or even Isaan. Do you work there as an english teacher? What are the wages like? Lifestyle? Local people?

It seems that a few posters from up that way have Thai wives and families, which is a great reason to settle there I think. However, I am single and dont have any ties (yet!)

Are there any big benefits to living in that area, apart from the obvious things such as better air quality and cheaper living expenses?

No doubt there will be a few jokes - bring it on

But would love to hear your personal experiences living in the Northern or rural parts of Thailand.

Anyone else who lives outside Bangkok - would also like to hear your experiences too. I love the Thai people and way of life, but am reluctant to settle in BKK

tafy68 · 27th December 2006, 13:23

You ever thought of the South of Thailand? Plenty of beaches nearby and pretty laid back.

aging one · 27th December 2006, 13:40

They need teachers all over Thailand. Bangkok pays more is the only benefit to working here.

pubba · 27th December 2006, 13:50

I havent heard much about the South of Thailand, except for some news reports back home mentioning terrorist attacks? Not sure how much of that was overblown scaremongering though..

Also remember reading somewhere about teachers being attacked there, and schools being torched etc? Thats one reason why I was kind of interested in the opposite end of the country

Please put me right if I am totally wrong here..

I would consider anywhere outside Bangkok really.. And would like to try and check some places out when I come over on the 13th of Jan

Cyrille · 27th December 2006, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

Bangkok pays more is the only benefit to working here.

Well, there's also more / better>>>>

movies, bookshops, restaurants, nightlife, groceries, cafes, hospitals, clinics, schools, libraries, sights, public transport, shopping......

tafy68 · 27th December 2006, 14:03

Aslong as you dont head into the 3 Muslim areas you will be fine. The pay down South is nearly the same as BKK and it has all the same stuff down here but much cheaper!

movies, bookshops, restaurants, nightlife, groceries, cafes, hospitals, clinics, schools, libraries, sights, public transport, shopping......

Well ok Public transport may be better in bkk but there is no traffic here

Cyrille · 27th December 2006, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by tafy68

The pay down South is nearly the same as BKK and it has all the same stuff down here but much cheaper!

C'mon tafy - now you're just being silly.

Sure living in regional Thailand has loads of things in it's favour - [i]loads![i] But are you seriously arguing that regional Thailand has the 'same stuff' as BKK in the areas I mentioned? When was the last time you spent an afternoon browsing English books in a library 'the same' as Bangkok's Neilson Hayes? Saw an Iranian movie in a cinema? Bought stilton cheese at the supermarket?

And that the pay is 'nearly the same' as in Bangkok? Sure there will be some people in the sticks with good things going but come on, be sensible!

tafy68 · 27th December 2006, 14:22

Ok wait a second here... Your talking about some premium extras here such as expensive hiso stuff like foreign movies and stilton cheese. Sure it isnt the "Same" but its close. Central is central and Lotus is Lotus just a little smaller maybe.

The pay is nearly the same from what I saw, most ppl here are on the 30-35k. While in BKK its 30-40k?

Unless your talking about the top jobs which the select Stilton eating few can get.

aging one · 27th December 2006, 14:39

Well I make a hell of alot more than that for 21 hours a week. I would love to get out of Bangkok all together, Don Muang is okay, but I am like the OP not a city person.

SageAndOnion · 27th December 2006, 15:06

I hated living in a rural area in the end but it was a bit too rural. Bangkok can get annoying though. I don't consider stilton cheese as a high-so thing, maybe that's the mindset you get from living in a rural area?

pubba · 27th December 2006, 15:11

Cheers guys.. Some food for thought here..

I dont mind sacrificing 5k a month if it means I avoid the horrible pollution and crowded city environment.. Besides, I might be able to make that much per month by selling stuff through my ebay shop

tafy68 - which are the 3 Muslim areas? Have you ever seen any trouble where you live?

I need to check out a map of Thailand and start doing some more research I think..

The good thing about Thailand is that transport is so cheap. I dont mind sitting on a bus for 8 to 10 hours. Did it regularly back in Australia...

Aging one - are you a teacher? Im prepared to work for the lower pay for a year or so to get some experience, but hopefully can move into music or computer teaching in the future which seems to pay a bit better..

Just need to get out there and explore I think

Still keen to hear from folks who live and work in North Thailand - anyone out there?

Cyrille · 27th December 2006, 15:23

[quote=aging one]. Ok wait a second here... Your talking about some premium extras here such as expensive hiso stuff like foreign movies [quote]

100 - 120 baht for a night out at the flicks is 'expensive'?

'hiso'? movies and cheese? mate, maybe you've been here too long! - do you reallybelieve that crap?

Quote:

The pay is nearly the same from what I saw, most ppl here are on the 30-35k. While in BKK its 30-40k?

Unless your talking about the top jobs which the select Stilton eating few can get.

TEFL in Thailand isn't all about 30 - 40 k gigs. There's some much larger sums than that to be made - mostly in Bangkok. I guessed the OP was looking for an overview.

Or do you think farangs just work in Bangkok 'cos they love smog and don't know what you proleterian, fromage dodging, 'Iron Lady' watching hicks see in trees and fresh air?

Aquaman · 27th December 2006, 15:43

I think you need to find the right balance. bangkok would be great for me but too much as well. i do like the cinema, and "hiso" things like that, so my money would go quickly. i think living in a medium sized city where you can get to a decent metro area in a few hours by bus or train is a good option. when i say metro area i am in line with a city that has bookstores, museums, cinemas, nice places to eat, art galleries, good nightlife, rapid transit, and an air of sophistication. tesco and big c dont count in my mind. some people are happy living in the middle of nowwhere, i live in the middle of nowwhere and the only thing that keeps me going is knowing i am leaving soon. ba;ance and dont get tied down the moment you get here. be strong.

pubba · 27th December 2006, 16:26

Sound advice aquaman..

As long as I have net access and my xbox, I am pretty much happy anywhere. I learned from an isolated childhood to do without things like cinemas, art galleries etc..

I like your suggestion of living in a smaller city, but still within access of Bangkok for when I need to get some western food or just 'go metro' for a day or 3..

Any suggestions of cities that are fairly close to BKK but not too big? Also places that may need English teachers?

Actually i just realised that all the jobs I see on here require a TEFL certificat. I dont have one, and its not required here in Taiwan. Might need to do something about that ...!

Areut · 27th December 2006, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaman

ba;ance and dont get tied down the moment you get here. be strong.

Very wise words Aquaman!

And have fun Pubba!