[AlexClips]

I have been living and working in Thailand for the past 7 years, and i totally concur that Thailand is totally different from any place i have lived. In Thailand there are means of ways and then there are mean ways of getting things done. Over here, no matter where you live it is all about who you know and more importantly money talks over here.
In a working kind of environment, and coming from the western world, you will think the Thais are on a completely different wavelength (frequency) than you, getting things done could be a bit frustrating at most times (i have figured out that people simply dont listen to what you are saying and that they sort of just catch part of what you are saying, but then again at times
things can get done very easily (if you have money and or know some good contacts).

I work in Pattaya and live in Bangsaray which is about 20 km from the center of Pattaya. I guess you might ask why i live outside the town. WEll frankly i got sick and tired of the noise, Pickups selling stuff , street vendors and all. Well in the beginning it was all fun, but once you have gotten over the bars, go go then it becomes sort of boring, sort of seen it all done it all, now i need some peace and quite, so i found it where i live now. Dont get me wrong i am no old fart, i love the Pattaya scene, just no i use it when i need it.

So where is a good place to live in Thailand ? I would say it depends what you want, if it is short time action, then by all means stay in the centre of town, a cheap hotel or serviced apartment will do. If you are a bit classy then go for a 5 star beach resort.

If you are here for the long run, then for heaven sake find a place a bit more quite, yet not to far away from it all....

[Fvmfrctt]

The author asks for something like a place of perfection. As if everything he desires in a place to live fits like a glove. Don't think that can happen. Think there would have to be a little give and take. Excellent stories in the book retireing in thailand explaining why people live where they do in thailand. As for the field mice being eaten in the country side. Yep, taste like a kind of chicken. These mice are not to be equated as the rats that eat garbage in the cities. These field mice, as big as small dogs eat whats available in the fields of thailand. I've had it often. There caught in small cages. Personally, I say if any farang is in a small village and your offered these cooked critters to eat, then, try some. Spot of fish sauce helps with flavouring. And, about agreeing or disagreeing. Why.?? Thought this forum was about information. What's the need to take sides??

[Mjyzpzph]

As for the field mice being eaten in the country side. Yep, taste like a kind of chicken. These mice are not to be equated as the rats that eat garbage in the cities. These field mice, as big as small dogs eat whats available in the fields of thailand. I've had it often. There caught in small cages. Personally, I say if any farang is in a small village and your offered these cooked critters to eat, then, try some. Spot of fish sauce helps with flavouring.

They can also be hunted too. When we stayed with sister-in-law in southern Buri Ram her son and some other young men would go out each night and hunt them for our breakfast. They had lamps strapped to their heads (powered by large 6 volt batteries) and used a 'rubber band' powered rifle that fired sharpened sticks. They never failed to get at least a couple a night.

David

[LasTins]

I loved Krabi (Ko Lanta) and would love to know more about Trang. especially good beaches because for me and my family, if they happen to join me, that's the backbone of a holiday. and then we can wander away to find waterfalls, nice villages, scenery, culture, etc, but a good beach with some nice bungalows (simple, cheap) is a must. (btw, I can dress up respectfully at a beach, it's not a tan-mania, rather swimming, sunsets, snorkelling, just walking around, sitting around, salty sea breezes, etc.)

[Mjyzpzph]

Buri Ram without a doubt. Virtually no Farangs and you can get the finest barbecue'd rat you'll ever taste. Aroi maak maak.

David

[Illisezek]

Re: Where is the best place to live in Thailand?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This question is like asking "Which is best, Coke or Pepsi?"

Pepsi...stop swearing...lol

[CoallyPax]

Pailin, I would love to visit Trung even though I think their Thai might be quite.... speedy. I swear I thought they spoke other language when I heard two southerners talked to each other^.^ However, waterfalls sound heavenly!!! Thankx

[pharweqto]

Speaking personally, no. For me the only place in Thailand to consider is Buri Ram, or more specifically the village [that I won't name on a public forum] that my family lives in.

It's the same in Wales, I have lived in this same home since I was born over 40 years ago, as has my father since he was born nearly 70 years ago.

David

Oh my word! David, I have to wonder if it's the same village near Buri Ram that my mother is from? What a small world. I don't know the name of her village. I'll soon find out when we get there! I'll be sure to avoid any BBQ rat!!!! I'm not that fond of protein! LOL Excuse me while I shake off the thought of new cuisine!!!!

Before I forget. When you are there, do you sleep under a mosquito net? My mom says that I don't need one since the windows have screens at the place we are staying and it's winter. But, I've read differently. What say you?

Wendy

[CoallyPax]

Well, when you guys think of living in Thailand, even if you are Thai, wouldn't you care about how the life in certain town will be like? For example, between Coke and Pepsi; Coke's containers are cuter..

Pailin, why is it-Trang? Is Songkla too dangerous at the present?

[Mjyzpzph]

Yes, but thats because you and David lived in those places and pobly not many others in this country.

Which is why I explained in post #8 that my reply is totally biased.

David

[tuszit]

Pailin, why is it-Trang? Is Songkla too dangerous at the present? Trang for me is perfect because my family is there ... but it is also wonderful because of the ocean and the secluded beaches and the waterfalls. Quick and easy access in and out (plane, train, bus) Great food, nice, proud people.

Songkhla may or may not be too dangerous at the moment. That's up to you and the newspapers to decide. I was there in June and had not a problem. Songkhla is also a very large province with a lovely seaside (gulf), too....

[ireleda]

That is not normal fare in Thailand, only the lower class' eat rats, My family, that I married into, do not eat rats, my bro in law used to eat them when his friends would come over and they would be out by the lake drunk out of their minds and he would help them eat what ever thay had cooked, but he has not drank since fathers funeral and so no more rats eaten here.

Seems to be like in the states, different areas eat different things, in the south some folks eat hog guts, same in Mexico, but then some class' will not eat them no matter what part of the country they live in.

Up To You..

[LasTins]

if I could just quit my job and find another one and move and start all over, I would choose Krabi. Chiang Mai is so painfully far away from the sea.

[Mjyzpzph]

More power to you David for eating rat! What does it taste like?

It kind of tastes like... rat.

But seriously, I don't know how to describe, maybe chicken? Much of the taste comes from the spicy sauce put on it before BBQ'ing. It's nearly two years since I last had it so a bit difficult to recall except that I like it. The rats are caught in the rice fields during the harvest, this year I didn't get out there until February so missed out on it.

David

[tuszit]

Yes, my opinion of Trang is biased. It's one of just 2 places that I've lived for any significant length of time. However, as a tourist, I've been to every region and a good chunk of provinces... and yet I still choose Trang.

For beaches, there are the famous islands Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, etc. but the nice, secluded beaches are up and down the coast. Just pull off at your leisure!

[ireleda]

Yes, but thats because you and David lived in those places and pobly not many others in this country.
For being peaceful, nicer climates and pretty too I would choose either Phrae or Khao Kho.
I like it OK where I live but this would not be my first choice, and I live here because my wife wanted to be close to her family and owned land here, so we are here.

[largonioulurI]

In Pattaya. There so many weird people there, you will not get noticed.

[favwebbb]

More power to you David for eating rat! What does it taste like?

[twiffatticy]

Buri Ram without a doubt. Virtually no Farangs and you can get the finest barbecue'd rat you'll ever taste. Aroi maak maak.

David

˹ٹÒÂèҧ᫺ÍÕËÅÕà´éÍ But Buriram is changing David.

http://www.tom-matthews.net/mixed_marriages.pdf

[Mjyzpzph]

I'm feeling hungry now.

David