@Steve ******

absolutely: Chiang Mai / Hua Hin / Phuket etc

My guess is (like me) a year in Bangkok will have you craving greenery, clean air and fresh breezes. Try it, enjoy it, but suggest don’t make any commitments beyond a 12 month lease.

After that year you’ll either be head over heels in love with the city and its quirks, or be ready to look elsewhere

I think that’s a very bleak outlook for this beautiful island: yes there are Russians who have settled here, and the ones I have got to know are great people, who speak great English, are well educated, and enjoy a drink. Lots of development underway, and some new roads which we hope will compensate. There are still large areas that are underpopulated, lots of protected national parks and deserted beaches if that’s what you’re seeking. I think those who criticise Phuket don’t know it too well

@Dirk *************

I live here and love the place - there’s busy / dirty through to quiet and remote, something for everyone

@Dirk *************

have you ventured outside Patong ?

There’s more to Phuket than just beaches: can easily fill 6 days without much repetition.

Ditto Bangkok - huge amount to see and do.

You’d lose most of a day travelling between the two so I agree, pick one or the other

@Stuart ********

ah yes, forgot about Patong

You missed the jewel - Phuket. 2 Immigration offices here. Several years to try a few places out before settling

My wife and I own a house in Pattakanarn, which is around midway between Sukhumvit and Suvarnabhumi airport. To be honest I hate the area - very little English spoken (can’t even order a coffee in most places) and there’s just one pub. I can’t even order a cab as they inevitably call and as soon as they hear my voice they cancel 😂

Basically if you want to live in the outskirts of Bangkok you will need to learn a decent amount of Thai (not my forte to say the least), accept a very non Farang lifestyle, and endure horrendous pollution for much of the year.

We have kept the house but now live in Cherngtalay, Phuket which is the polar opposite and I’ve never been happier.

If THB800k or THB65k per month is an issue I suggest you would struggle to find a decent quality of life here…