|
Nakhon Pathom
|
| Q |
The Lonely
Planet guidebook says......? |
| A |
“It has a
big chedi.” I can’t argue with that. |
| Q |
In general, what are the
pickings like for an EFL teacher? |
| A |
If you
are happy with twenty five thousand baht a month there are several
universities, including Silipakorn and a Rajaphat. For those of us with
expensive tastes there are also private primary and high schools, although I
don’t think many people earn much above 35’000K. On the bright side Nakhorn
Pathom is one of the most affluent towns in Thailand and it is full of
schools and students so private work is easy to organize. |
| Q |
How far from Bangkok or
civilization? |
| A |
Not far
at all. There is a bus that runs from the train station in Nakhorn Pathom to
Sai Tai Mai in Pinklao. It runs every few minutes and it takes less than an
hour. There is another bus which goes up Petchkasem if you like sitting in
traffic. |
| Q |
Is there any
entertainment or do you invite friends round for Scrabble? |
| A |
Well it
isn’t Bangkok but there are a few discos, plenty of restaurants and some
bars. The bars are only ever busy if Manchester United or Liverpool are
playing. 123 disco is packed on the weekends if Thai discos are your thing.
You also have the usual assortment of karaoke bars. |
| Q |
How much to rent a house
or basic apartment? |
| A |
I have
been told that the most expensive studio apartments in Nakhorn Pathom are
3’600 baht a month and that they come furnished. I have heard of terraced
town houses going from as low as 2’500 baht a month. |
| Q |
Shopping malls,
department stores? |
| A |
There is
a Big C and a Tesco Lotus. The Mall Bang Kae and Central Pinklao are both
less than an hour away. |
| Q |
Internet cafes?
(snail-speed Hotmail default page or fatties playing Ragnarok?) |
| A |
There are
a lot of internet cafes in Nakhorn Pathom. They do tend to be infested with
gamers but some of the cafes make them wear headphones. |
| Q |
Will you be stared at?
and what's the likelihood of a good beating? |
| A |
Staring
isn’t a problem but people will usually point out to their mates that you
are a farang. Nice of them, I sometimes forget. A good beating is pretty
unlikely. |
| Q |
Taxis, buses....or horse
and cart? |
| A |
Motorcycle taxis are the main form of public transport within the town. It
is probably better to get your own scooter or bicycle. |
| Q |
Main advantages of living
there? |
| A |
The town
itself is very pleasant. As I said, it is an affluent town and there is a
lot more civic pride here than in lots of other Thai towns. You can even
walk on the pavements. It is worlds different from Bangkok but you can go up
to town for shopping, falang food or the night-life any time you feel like
it. |
| Q |
And what are the
downsides? |
| A |
Western
tastes are just not catered for in Nakhon Pathom. There just aren’t enough
of us here. |
| Q |
Any local attractions? |
| A |
Pra
pathom chedi is the second biggest in the world. It gives the town a bit of
character. The night market there is pretty good if you fancy going out for
a cheap evening meal. The grounds of Silipakorn University and adjoining
Sanam Chan are nice. The province has a couple of floating markets. I have
met a few people who have come to Nakhom Pathom specifically to golf. |
