In Chiang Kham myself for 6 years. I speak well enough to get about and like you only deal with local people. Lots are extended family. Small enough town but big enough. Everyone seems content with how the system works. I'm happy being the daft Farang who gets on with everyone nearly all the time. Long may it continue. Good luck with the move.
Seems like people get very different impressions of Thailand depending where they live. I'm in semi-rural Northern province and couldn't imagine a more chilled out place to live. Where are you if you don't mind me asking?