Thailand

Nakhon Sii Thammarat
Q	The Lonely Planet guidebook says......?
A	Sorry mate, haven't got one nor ever used it.
Q	In general, what are the pickings like for an EFL teacher?
A	There has been a huge surge in TEFLing in Nakhorn over the last few years and the number of western teachers here now is testament to that. There are several small independent language schools catering for all levels, a SIAM Computer if you're desperate, countless schools (both private and Government), a Rajabhat and a couple of Universities in the surrounding area. Most of these establishments seem to employ a number of farangs and the work seems to be pretty easy to come by. Unfortunately the salaries wont make you rich - the better schools are paying around 30k/month for approx 14 -18 periods/week. Other schools pay less accordingly, with some, albeit, for very young learners offering a whopping 200baht/hr !! The high season for job hunting is in the period prior to term start, late April/May and the beginning of October.
Q	How far from Bangkok or civilization?
A	Nakhorn is fairly well served for transport. "To/from Bangkok" Only a 1hr flight from Bangkok (2 flights each way most days). Trains take considerably longer, about 14 hrs Buses run regularly, 9+ hrs "Songkla and Hatyai" A couple of hours drive away. Also served by van, bus and train (no idea on length of time) "Suratthani and the islands" Surat is approx 11/2 hours by road Donsak(for the islands) is only an hour away + ferry. "Krabi and Phuket" 3hrs and 4-5hrs respectively by bus, less if you're driving yourself. "Malaysian border(Sadao)" No idea how long it takes by public transport, If you're the one driving - about 3 hrs. For Penang, add another 3 hrs or so.
Q	Is there any entertainment or do you invite friends round for Scrabble?
A	There are countless Thai restaurants with new ones opening what seems to be on a daily basis. Thai food more or less only but there are a couple of places that do 'western food'. There's an Italian restaurant opposite the Twin Lotus Hotel and I'd say the most popular venue for both Thai and farang food is the'Rock99' situated in Bavorn Plaza in the centre of town. Incidentally, the Rock99 is also a popular watering hole for a lot of the teachers here (it also has a great selection of good music). Karaoke is popular with establishments ranging from the rickety bamboo hut to some bigger (more upmarket?) places. Usual Thai setup style. Live music - there are a handful of places where live music is played. Country Home is a good spot along with the likes of The Voice, Terrace Bar and others. If you don't like loud rock music, well, there's always the karaoke joints There is a cinema of sorts but as I use DVD's I can't really give a report. Only Thai (I think). If you're wanting, erm, company, it is available but with the natural friendliness of the locals, a nice good girlfriend shouldn't be too difficult to find.
Q	How much to rent a house or basic apartment?
A	normal fan room in one of the guest houses will cost you around 2,500/month. For those that don't like living in boxes, nice 3/4 bedroomed houses with garden etc start from around 3,500/month.
Q	Shopping malls, department stores?
A	Tesco Lotus and a Macro on the outskirts of town. More central there is 'Ocean Plaza' which houses a Robinson's, a TOPS and the obligatory KFC. Sahathai is a fairly big Thai style store and if you like to go native, there are various markets dotted around.
Q	Internet cafes? (snail-speed Hotmail default page or fatties playing Ragnarok?)
A	As there is a large 'student' population you'll never be far from the www. Some schools however have PC's for teachers use and they're hooked up but can be very very slow.
Q	Will you be stared at? and what's the likelihood of a good beating?
A	As Nakhorn is off the tourist trail, yes, you will get 'looked' at every now and then. However, seeing that the farang numbers here are growing, the number of 'looks' you get, do get less. As for getting attacked. Nakhorn has a pretty bad reputation within the country but here, as with most places, the farang is pretty safe. There have been a couple of farangs who have been murdered in the last few years. One was stabbed outside a hotel and had his camera bag etc nicked. The other guy had a business here, obviously seen as competition and was shot. On the whole, no worries. Act wisely and you should have no problems.
Q	Taxis, buses....or horse and cart?
A	If you want to give up on your stamp collecting or train spotting, get yourself down here. The songtaews are like ants, there are hundreds of them. Fares are cheap but they mostly stop running around 8:30 at night. Plenty of buses serving the neighbouring towns as well as the major cities. As Nakhorn is relatively flat pedal power is quite popular but long-term rental or purchase of a motorbike seems to be the norm with most of the folks that live here. At certain times of day though traffic jams tend to snarl up some of the roads.
Q	Main advantages of living there?
A	It's off the tourist trail and so manages to keep its' Thai-ness which is good for those that are fed up/don't want to be around too many westerners. The locals, on the whole though, are very nice. It's big enough to have most of what you want yet still small enough to be in the countryside within minutes.
Q	And what are the downsides?
A	Varies from person to person but personally very few really. Yes, the salaries aren't the highest but that is compensated by the much lower cost of living. Nearest half decent beach is about an hour away and the nightlife, well, each to their own.
Q	Any local attractions?
A	By far, the most important attraction in Nakhorn is (if you're into old temples) Wat PhramahatNST - the most visited site. Other places of interest include some beautiful waterfalls and the mountain ranges, all very accessible from the main town. There are some nice beaches fairly close, such as Hat Plaidam and Khanom both of which are very Thai. You'll more than likely be the only farang and if it's hot, have the place to yourself.! If you're into swimming and can't be bothered with the trip to the beaches, the 'Twin Lotus Hotel' as a fairly decent outdoor pool on the 3rd floor. Cost is 50baht and they also have a gym if you're that way inclined. This is the temple that Geordie is talking about (well he sent it too me) Newbies will gaze upon it and be overawed by its peace and tranquility and the way it serves as a center of the community and joins Buddhist worshippers together in a common bond. The old hands probably know it as a 'short-cut' to the nearest 7-11.

Where's the best place to meet other farangs or are they best avoided?

I'd say the 'best' place is the Rock99 bar. It's in the town centre, plays good music, has UBC for the footy and sells food and drink too !! It's bit of a starting point for the Friday night and you'll usually find a farang or three in there during the week. The farangs in Nakhorn are on the whole very friendly and most weeks there'll be a get together at somebodies house. A wide bunch of folk down here from all corners of the world - Brits, French, Germans, Aussies, Americans, Canadians, Norwegians, Swedish, a South African, a Kiwi, and for this month only, a Kenyan!!