Chiang Khan? I spent a night up there years ago and the previous one in Loei town. Loved it, although the stay was brief as I was making my way to Nong Khai for a border run.
In Chiang Khan, we stayed a little bit out of town at The Chiang Khan Hill resort. My abiding memory???? was of waking up at 6-7am, going to the restaurant overlooking the river. You couldn't see the other side because of mist, so I ordered a beer, a platter of river shrimp and other nimbles and just waited for the mist to rise as the morning wore on. Great place. I've always wanted to go back and one of these days will do so.
Unfortunately, like Rider, I've experienced the money grabbing aspect of country life in Buriram province. My ex's family were fine, it was the other hangers on from the village who I abhored. It only ever took 5 minutes or so for word to spread that we were back there and all my ciggies and beer were gone. The toothless wonders just used to plonk themselves down for the duration (anything up to a 3 week visit on occasions) and literally fed off us.
It wasn't expensive up there in those days. It was the principle I objected to. After countless visits over the years, I just snapped one day at the two local alchies (one was the head man's brother) and told them to "go forth and multiply". They did and the family applauded me, saying that they'd wanted to do it for ages, but the words had to come from me.
The next day, I was invited for lunch at one of the Lao Khao idiots' houses. All the booze, ciggies and food was laid on. I think they'd got the message. Don't think I ever went back up there again and I probably wouldn't be too welcome either.
However, I will point out that I reckon I was treated like that because I was "family". Had I turned up in the village as a traveler, I'm sure I would have received a different welcome. They were friendly up there, but did take the p***.
Living in non Farang areas
Lomu
Know what you mean
I laid it on the line up front. Beer and fags were there but only for those that politely asked me. Family were very strict about outsiders and seemed reluctant sometimes to reprimand anyone for being out of order. Thai culture (avoid confrontation) Local spongers would come and I'd hide my booze and fags and tell them (politely) to piss off. I was even asked by the headman to advise other farangs to 'tone down' as they were considered to be out of order for the village. BUT a Thai will not do that
At the end of the day it's about blending in. I've done it and I don't speak Thai but there again neither do they. They speak Isaan Lao!!!
I was considered family and as such got a fair amount of respect. Local Headman,Police and Teachers would call and WAIT for me to offer a drink and a fag and of course food
Life of Riley really and no one expected money handouts. I know several farangs who tried to BUY their way in and then you open a floodgate
Would move there (for credit crunch reasons) if they had a decent hospital nearby, a landline and somewhere where I've got my own space
Who knows what will happen
Think I've posted this before!!
WATCH THIS SPACE
Know what you mean
I laid it on the line up front. Beer and fags were there but only for those that politely asked me. Family were very strict about outsiders and seemed reluctant sometimes to reprimand anyone for being out of order. Thai culture (avoid confrontation) Local spongers would come and I'd hide my booze and fags and tell them (politely) to piss off. I was even asked by the headman to advise other farangs to 'tone down' as they were considered to be out of order for the village. BUT a Thai will not do that
At the end of the day it's about blending in. I've done it and I don't speak Thai but there again neither do they. They speak Isaan Lao!!!
I was considered family and as such got a fair amount of respect. Local Headman,Police and Teachers would call and WAIT for me to offer a drink and a fag and of course food
Life of Riley really and no one expected money handouts. I know several farangs who tried to BUY their way in and then you open a floodgate
Would move there (for credit crunch reasons) if they had a decent hospital nearby, a landline and somewhere where I've got my own space
Who knows what will happen
Think I've posted this before!!
WATCH THIS SPACE
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.