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What are the best family-friendly places in Thailand for digital nomads with young children?

digital nomadsfamily living in ThailandThailand expat lifebest cities for expats in ThailandThai visa requirementsinternational schools in Thailandcost of living in Thailandmedical facilities in Thailandchild-friendly citiesHua HinChiang MaiBangkokUdon ThaniPhuketKo Lanta
Jun 4, 2024
7 months ago
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone 😀 Where is Thailand's best place to live(with kids ages 4 and 2) for digital nomads? Considering good schooling, cost of living, medical facilities, entertainment with restaurants and movie theaters, access to an airport, etc.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion covers various locations in Thailand suitable for digital nomads with young children, focusing on factors like schooling, cost of living, medical facilities, and entertainment options. Recommendations include Hua Hin for its good infrastructure and international kindergartens, Chiang Mai for its community of families and activities, and Udon Thani for affordability and access to international schools in nearby Vientiane. Other mentioned areas include Bangkok, albeit with concerns about pollution, and Ko Lanta, known for its peaceful environment. Participants emphasize the importance of considering individual family needs and visiting prior to making long-term decisions.
Jo **********
Chiang Rai minimaal tourists peaceful and quiet
5 months ago
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Carsten **********
Chiang Mai
7 months ago
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Georg *********
Im living with my son in Khon Kaen. I love the peaceful vibe without all the Tourists. Everything here what you need. It also has an international school. (California Curriculum). Also some bilingual schools available. Huge University. All the good Hospitals. Beautiful Markets, Lakes and Parks. Beautiful people
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Georg ********
 been there. Didn't know it has so many options for international and bilingual schools.great to know.Thank you 🙏
7 months ago
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Georg *********
@Flukie *****
 Your most welcome, i would also recommend you Chiang Mai if there wouldnt be the smokey season. Bjt with smokey season for me uliveable with kids. Would be a good option if you would bave a second home somewhere in the south for example so you could escape for some months. But with kids, visiting a school, nearly Impossible.
6 months ago
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Georg *********
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Kylie ********
Pattaya… lots of families and good schools, reasonable prices n close to beach n airport. Check out Pattaya International ladies club (PILC) or Pattaya little Monkeys FB pages for more info.
7 months ago
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Jo **********
@Kylie *******
 sounds like a bunch of expats that want nothing to do with integrating into Thai life.
5 months ago
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Aga *******
@Kylie *******
 can I ask what is the monthly price for schools please? Just so I know roughly what to expect please? Thank you :) 🤩
7 months ago
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Kylie ********
@Aga ******
 prices vary a lot, best to contact a few of them and ask for up to date prices.
5 months ago
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Kylie ********
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kylie *******
 thank you 🙏
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Andy *********
dIgiTaL nOmAdS
7 months ago
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Manfred **********
Betong
7 months ago
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Glenn ********
Laguna Phuket. Close to airport. Good international schools
7 months ago
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John ********
Frist thing is finding out what is the best visa for you, then come to see bkk and how everything works out with immigration and the schools in Thailand for the kids as its very expensive for a good school here, it's ok to asking people on here but I think that it's much better for you to come over and stay for a few months frist. As what you may find that you don't like the same place as some other people recommend
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
 right. Just hoping for general ideas to get us going. Will definitely do more research for sure. Thanks.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Laetitia ******
Best place ever is Chiang Rai. We are living here since 6 years. Good schools, good environment, quiet and affordable.

If you need anything I can help 🤗
7 months ago
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Jo **********
@Laetitia *****
 agreed
5 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Laetitia *****
 thank you so much🙏 just afraid of smoke with the little lungs or is that only Chiangmai?
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Austin *********
Why not Pattaya?
7 months ago
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Jo **********
@Austin ********
 just a tourist trap
5 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Austin ********
 not sure
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Kritthiyaporn **********
Chiang mai
7 months ago
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Jo **********
Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai
7 months ago
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Marta *****
Ko Lanta - quiet, peaceful, lots of families, international school, airport 1,5h away in Krabi, a few clinics, worldschooling community in high season. We love it here
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marta ****
 will check that out, thanks 🙏
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Terary **********
6 - 12 months.... Home school and live many places.
7 months ago
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Stelios *********
Koh samui has all you need
7 months ago
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Ian **********
Chiang mai
7 months ago
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Goi *************
Out of Bangkok along BTS route still will be convenient to everywhere. A lot of good schools; international and bilingual.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Goi ************
 thank you 🙏
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Marjolaine ********
Chiang Mai but not from mid Feb to mid May. Tons of schools, playgroups & activities, good hospitals, a lot of worldschooling homeschooling nomad families.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marjolaine *******
 thank you 🙏
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Christopher ********
Huahin - lots of YouTube videos on it very chill very safe very calm good schools and infrastructure. It’s a wonderful town.
7 months ago
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Kace *******
@Christopher *******
 i’m thinking of hua hin as a hub for travel through thailand and rest of the world 🌍. close to everywhere and beautiful while you’re there. cheap enough and safe enough to leave your belongings there and travel lightly.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
 one of my best options 🙏
7 months ago
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Stuart ***********
@Flukie *****
 we live in the Hua Hin area and my Thai wife's children attend school here. I would say it's the best location for your family and has what you require. Our children love it here and it's completely safe. The airport doesn't go to many places, but Bangkok is only a couple of hours away. Our children go to Sethavidhya school, which is not fully international, but they teach in English and is very nice.
7 months ago
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Aga *******
@Stuart **********
 we are thinking to relocate to Hua Hin as well, what is monthly cost for school please? Thank you :)
7 months ago
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Stuart ***********
@Aga ******
 it is about 90,000 baht per year at Sethavidyha(if I remember correctly).
7 months ago
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Aga *******
@Stuart **********
 that’s good price comparing to other schools :) Thank you
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart **********
 That is great. Thank you for the recommendation on the school. We will check it out. 🙏
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Christopher ********
@Flukie *****
 it is the best place to be and where I plan on buying soon. Close enough to Bangkok,

Has an airport, all services you could want and need. Love it
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
, can I ask where you are looking for a house/condo to buy and in which area? I know I need to do my own homework but a little advice could set us off to a good start 🙏
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Bonnie *********
Best?
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ********
 most suitable
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Phil ******
@Flukie *****
 bangkok
7 months ago
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Jo **********
@Phil *****
 terrible pollution and overcrowding
5 months ago
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Phil ******
@Jo *********
 not now in Phrakanong but up north and Northeast worse. Chiang Mai was the worlds most polluted many times this year.
5 months ago
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Jo **********
@Phil *****
 yes true. I have lived in the Chiang Mai area for 10 years. March and April are the worst. For the rest of the year the air quality is much better than Bangkok
5 months ago
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Phil ******
@Jo *********
 May was bad too but our area wasn't as bad Jo
5 months ago
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Phil ******
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Chris *********
@Phil *****
 Hi Phil I’m back to Bangkok very soon maybe we can grab that beer( no pun intended) went to the English pub twice missed you but hey ho mate hope you’re all good?
6 months ago
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Phil ******
@Chris ********
 im back hopefully 9th July and yes Beer sounds good
6 months ago
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Phil ******
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 got all the good schools…
7 months ago
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Phil ******
@Flukie *****
 yes satisfies all your requirements
7 months ago
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Phil ******
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Frank-Steven ***********
I never had the chance to check out Hat Yai (other than passing through, really). On paper it looks like it could be the "better" Chiang Mai. Not sure about the state of infrastructure and good schools, though. Google suggests one, though:
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7 months ago
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Andreas *********
If I take into account all the requirements and especially the cost of living, I will definitely not choose any of the metropolises or tourist hotspots. Then I'll see myself in Isan . Udon Thani easily meets all requirements .

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7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 what about korat or konkaen?
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Flukie *****
 I think it's a matter of personal taste. All 3 cities certainly have their own advantages. I love Udon Thani because of its accessibility, a nice vibrant city with a very large foreign population.excellent hospitals, I think the cheapest of the cities mentioned, everything very central, whether markets, restaurants......the proximity to Vientiane, the Mekong, very good schools and universities, a lot of agricultural area in the surrounding area. The distances between these 3 cities are not that big. I think you can visit them all to get a personal impression.For me personally Udon Thani
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 thank you for your advice🙏
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Andreas ********
 True for cost of living. True for not being exposed to the overtourism negative side effects. But lack of good education (international schools) and some western comfort infrastructure might be an adverse effect. Also, even the Isaan is affected by periodical unhealthy weather and pollution conditions.
7 months ago
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Dianne *****
@Frank-Steven **********
 I remember an expat telling me, who lives in Nongkhai (near enough to Udon Thani when you need a city vibe), that his kids travelled across the border daily to one of the many good international schools in Vientiane
7 months ago
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Dianne *****
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Nongnuch ********
Hua Hin got some international kindergardens and schools. It is a nice family location with a good infrastructure
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
, do you have any recommendations for kindergartens?
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you 🙏
7 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Flukie *****
 I suggest one of you visits Hua Hin for a 2-3 weeks holiday, and a thoughrough check on what is available, Kindergarden- and School-wise
7 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Flukie *****
 sorry, no. Last time I spend in Hua Hin was 2008. My friend's son and daugther were attending an international school, with English teachers. The infrastructure should be even better by now than it was those years back
7 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
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Rusty ********
BKK
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rusty *******
 Where would be a good area that is not overly crowded and good access to schools?
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
7 months ago
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Rusty ********
@Flukie *****
 I lived in Bangna for several years. It was close enough to the BTS . Made it easy for short Taxi rides or walking to mall or grocery stores. Several private schools in the area. As well as hospitals.
7 months ago
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Rusty ********
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Robert *********
Samui
7 months ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Robert ********
 Was beautiful and paradise during Covid. Now hopelessly overcrowded and overpriced again.
7 months ago
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Bjorn ********
@Frank-Steven **********
 not a bad suggestion. Some tourism but probably not as overwhelming as some other islands.

My question would be health care for a western couple. I don’t know the answer to that.

However, I would probably care more about that than a school for the two young children.

Physicians generally speak reasonable English most places I. Thailand, but the question would be the quality of hospitals and access to medical tools.

I’ve been to some government run hospitals with apparently good doctors but over crowding and lack of aircon would be a big question for me.

A commercial hospital (an international hospital) would be a must if I had children in Thailand.
7 months ago
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Mark ******
@Bjorn *******
 I live on Samui, and although rarely visit a hospital, there are 4-5 private hospitals here and a new one even opened last year (also have the typical government hospital). As far as the crowds/tourists, need to head south to get away from all that. The entire bottom half of Samui has dozens of quiet villages, coconut groves, mountain retreats, with few people and no traffic, yet "the action": is 20-30 minutes away. Fortunately, most people, and tourists, stay in the North and Northeast. Hope it stays that way for another couple decades.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *****
 Samui used to be so beautiful ❤️
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bjorn *******
 thank you
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
 we stayed in Samui and had our kids in an International kindergarten and they loved it. The only thing that made us not want to go back there was the crowd😓Samui is suitable for vacation, not to live, in my opinion
7 months ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Flukie *****
 Exactly what I said and think. None of those islands are suitable for long term living, imho. I had the option to live on Koh Tao ... and as much as I love diving and an island like that is beautiful ... living there long term is just a no go for so many reasons.
7 months ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
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Robert *********
@Frank-Steven **********
 ya ,I agree ,but they need international schools .

I would not subject my children or myself to bkk or Chang Mai pollution .

Hua Hin ,bang saree perhaps
7 months ago
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Bjorn ********
@Robert ********
 it doesn’t look like they need schools at all. Their kids are 2 and 4 and they plan to stay 6-12 months.

Best plan in my opinion would be to get a bilingual “maid” to help with the kids and the household. Cheaper than an international school and the kids might learn a little Thai.
7 months ago
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Robert *********
@Bjorn *******
 then Koh kood
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ********
 beautiful island
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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Frank-Steven ***********
Best place for that would be Chiang Mai. Unfortunately only
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th of the year.
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th is unhealthy due to air pollution and excessive heat. I have given that very question 5 years of thought. And in the end of the day, in Thailand there isn’t one single place / location perfect all year round. Other alternatives: Bangkok: too busy. Phuket: too snobby / unfriendly. Samui: too touristy / crowded. Many other great more local places in Thailand … but with compromises in infrastructure and quality of education.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
 I last visited Chiangmai (summer of 2019). It was so polluted and dusty that it turned me off. Bangkok is, like you said too crowded, Samui was nice but too touristy, and now we are looking at Huahin.
7 months ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Flukie *****
 Krabi might be another area to consider.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
 where in Krabi?
7 months ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Flukie *****
 I am not sure about that. Just like the whole area around there - especially Koh Lanta. Less touristically destroyed than other parts of the country. But I am not sure about international schools in the Krabi area.
7 months ago
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Rich ****
@Frank-Steven **********
 I've heard good things about raising kids there
7 months ago
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Rich ****
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Flukie *****
 The whole northern part (everything north of Bangkok) will have that pollution issue during February and May. Not ideal - especially to raise kids. Other than that in my experience Chiang Mai is the best package. Southern Thailand can be over-touristy and overpriced in those touristic areas. But in more rural areas - nice as they are - infrastructure and education would leave to desire. As for Hua Hin … yes … might be a compromise. Mainly known for retirees (and weekend visitors from Bangkok). Not so much for digital nomads. But if there are good international schools it might be an option for you.
7 months ago
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Stuart ***********
@Frank-Steven **********
 yes there are good international schools here
7 months ago
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Stuart ***********
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Neil *********
I think I can think of several places “not” to live 555
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil ********
 where is that?
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Right. We are thinking of Hua Hin, which seems like a good place to live.
7 months ago
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Charles ********
@Flukie *****
 still pretty touristy. If you looking for mainland beach, go east. Rayong or further. Quite nice and beautiful.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charles *******
, are there any international schools in Rayong, though?
7 months ago
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Charles ********
@Flukie *****
 not an expert in schools, but I have noticed there pretty decent international schools in most areas. Maybe not top tier, but good ones. I doubt you would have trouble in Rayong.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charles *******
 thanks 🙏
7 months ago
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Karim ***************
@Flukie *****
 you’re not getting much good info here. Best international schools will be the places which also have expats.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Hua Hin. You should pick your location based on your lifestyle. Me personally, I chose Chiang Mai because of the more relaxed way of life, excellent international schools, reliable internet, great restaurants, the mountains are amazing…. And a good expat community. Your money goes further as well! People complain about the burning season, but that’s just holiday time and affects most of Thailand anyway…
7 months ago
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Karim ***************
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Neil *********
@Flukie *****
 Phuket, Pattaya to name a couple.
7 months ago
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Neil *********
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Henrik *****
Start by figuring out, which visa is possibel to get, and if you can get a workpermit.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 We are waiting for DTV. Or some sorts of visa for online workers.
7 months ago
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Phil ******
@Flukie *****
 well kids with developing lungs don't end 6 monists of high pm 2.5 sothatrules out the north. Bangkok's got 5 months but all the best schools are there. You really need to read up on Thailand
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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@Phil *****
 will do thanks
7 months ago
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Phil ******
@Flukie *****
 lots of kids and old people die every year. Google the reports by professirs
7 months ago
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Phil ******
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Neil ******
@Flukie *****
 naive. The government does this every year and never releases a visa for people like you.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil *****
 we will see I guess
7 months ago
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Neil ******
@Flukie *****
 I respect you for not just coming here and working illegally like the tons of assholes who have no respect.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil *****
 well, I am not sure if you can get away with working illegally anywhere. Always on the run, rather do things by the book.
7 months ago
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Flukie ******
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