I think JB is too close to Spore. What will happen in Spore is likely to affect JB e.g. SARs
In places like Pattaya you can rent a pretty nice condo at reasonable prices. The place also has the infrastructure that I am looking for
However I still have to look at the northern parts of LOS e.g. Changmai
The thing I dislike about LOS is that you have to pay if you leave the country for a re-entry permit. I'm waiting for 2015 when the ASEAN FTA takes effect. Then it will be easier for ASEAN members to move about in ASEAN.
Many foreigners like Pattaya not only of the beach but the Infrastructure is quite well established.
Over the years many condos has already been built there and that place is a very vibrant town.
If you prefer a much more isolated and peaceful place, Changmai will be a good consideration but it will be very far away from BKK as compared to Pattaya.
Thailand is good if u don't have to return always.
If not then JB but make sure you buy house on higher ground / land. Next 5~10 yrs flood and water level will increase heaps.
The principle is "anything goes".
If you want to be part of those who dish it out based on "anything goes", be prepared to get it in return.
And you might even get it in real life too, when you least expect it because you are unaware of the mentality and circumstances.
That's due to being not smart (as evidenced by the purchased degree) but being too cocksure and overconfident, talking and behaving like an elite.
Many foreigners like Pattaya not only of the beach but the Infrastructure is quite well established.
Over the years many condos has already been built there and that place is a very vibrant town.
If you prefer a much more isolated and peaceful place, Changmai will be a good consideration but it will be very far away from BKK as compared to Pattaya.
On my recent trip I saw many changes in Pattaya
There are now traffic jams in downtown Pattaya
Years ago the only cars on the road were the baht buses. Now cars are a common sight. So too are tourists from China, India, Russia,...
I would even say that it is more vibrant than Spore
If I wanted a quieter place I can look at Jomtian which is just next door . The main reason I want to look at Chiangmai is because I do a lot of walking & it can be uncomfortably hot in Pattaya. On my recent trip I only went out in the late afternoon because I found it too during the day time.
Though I agree with the indoctrination of the locals and they looking towards the govt to guide them, an event like the haze hitting NY, London, you would get the same reaction from the people. Its not common and at those levels, it affects everyone and everything. I am sure you don't expect Londoners to build their own mask, not to demand the govt to act decisively etc
The haze and dengue crisis reveal a couple of things.
After so many years of indoctrination, sinkies are used to looking up to gahmen for instructions even when there are many facts of smog and air pollution are available online for free. That's why Pap will stay in power for the next 20 years.
Ministers and ministries have now become target boards for any controllable or non controllable events. Serves them right for being arrogant and paying themselves so much.