Adjusting to rural Isaan and the way it is.
Not sure how many foreigners have tried to live in rural Isaan, because you don’t see many around these days?
There isn’t much to draw foreigners to rural Isaan except if they married a lady from the area.
Rural Isaan is the way it is.
It is not for everyone and for those that like to bitch and complain about every little thing, this place is definitely not for you.
What people don’t understand is rural Isaan is extremely uneducated.
My own brother, who is now almost 40 years old, only went to the fourth grade.
He still cannot read or write. There are many others like him.
Habits get ingrained in rural villagers over time.
The majority of these habits may be an exact contrast to what you know, do and how you behave.
The thing is, that is the way it is here and you will never change it.
You can either accept it or move elsewhere.
No one is going to change for any reason.
Examples include the recent government burning ban. Villager’s violate this everyday.
No police in rural villagers. Drivers (The majority I suspect unlicensed) break all kinds of traffic laws, speeding, passing on blind curves and worse. No formal drivers training.
Unsanitary food service. Go to any local market. The meat will be swarmed with flies.
Excessive drinking. Thai rice whisky is like drinking rubbing alcohol but many still drink everyday.
Teen pregnancy. So many young single mothers here with no income, education or way to earn money.
No mechanism in place to ensure the next generation can get themselves out of the poverty cycle.
There are many sad things you will encounter on a daily basis.
Rural Isaan is the way it is and it will never change.
The extremely low per capita income (< US$2,000) is not enough to initiate any kind of change as all villager’s can do is survive.
There are just not enough good guys to make a difference.
If you can accept the way things are, have extreme patience and understanding, it is still a beautiful place to live!
The extremely friendly locals, the low cost of living make this is a great place to live in Thailand.