When I first moved to Thailand, I did what most new teachers do - I headed straight for Bangkok. It made sense at the time. The capital had the most job ads, the highest salaries, and all the comforts of home with an exotic twist. I pictured vibrant nightlife, weekend trips to rooftop bars, and a quick path to “making it” as a teacher in Thailand. And for a while, it was exciting - the pace, the buzz, the sheer madness of it all. But eventually, the shine wore off. The commute was draining, rent was steep (ish), and the novelty of battling crowds just to buy fruit started to fade. So when a job offer came up in a small town I’d never heard of, I hesitated… then took a chance. I thought I’d stay six months. That was two years ago.

Life in a rural Thai town is different in all the right ways. I’m not just a teacher - I’m part of the community. My students see me at the market, call out to me from their motorbikes, and bring me mangos from their trees. People know me. They look out for me. I’ve been invited to weddings, funerals, housewarmings, and once, to help dig a fish pond (long story). It’s the kind of immersive experience I never really found in the city. My rent is half what it was in Bangkok, my stress levels are lower, and I actually have time and headspace to enjoy teaching. I’ve learned to ride a motorbike, order lunch in Thai, and adjust to the rhythms of small-town life: early mornings, slow afternoons, and evenings where the loudest sound is the chirping of geckos.

Rural Thailand isn’t for everyone. It’s quiet, yes. You’ll miss some creature comforts, and you might go a little stir-crazy now and then. But if you want to really live in Thailand - not just pass through it - this is where the magic happens. Bangkok has its thrills, no doubt. But for me, living like a local in a little town most people skip on the map? That’s where I found something close to home.

David