Si Racha
It's the 'fish sauce town' that you pass through on the drive down from Bangkok to Pattaya. Does somewhere between the devil and the deep blue sea appeal to teachers though?
The Lonely Planet guidebook says......?
This town is famous for fiery red chilli sauce, seafood and amazing souped-up motor-cycle rickshaws. Well the seafood is better further down the coast in Sattahip, the chilli sauce is basically ketchup and the amazing tuk-tuks haven't been in common use for about 10 years.
In general, what are the pickings like for an EFL teacher?
There were several language schools in town but whether they survived Covid is anyone's guess. There are also three large Thai Catholic schools (Darasamut, St Paul's and Assumption) that hire foreign teachers. There is quite a wide range of salaries on offer at these places.
How far from Bangkok or civilization?
About 90 minutes to Ekkami or Morchit bus stations in Bangkok, and just 20 minutes to Pattaya. The island of Ko Samet is also reasonably close by.
What's the place like for nightlife, eating out etc?
There are loads of Thai bars/pubs. Many are very good, with cold beer and excellent Thai food. There is one night club of dubious worth, but I'm told it's actually ok. I just hate clubs!
There isn't a lot of choices for Western food. There is an excellent Italian restaurant and a plethora of Japanese places. Otherwise your standard Thai chains and local stalls/noodle shops. We also have a lot of house parties. Balloon chasing anyone?
How much to rent a house or basic apartment?
A house can cost anywhere from 4,000 a month for a pokey, dingy place way out of town, or 6-8,000 for a nicer place closer in. Apartments vary, but can be very expensive, especially if you look Japanese. Reckon on about 7,000 up for a one-bedroom place, possibly with a sea view.
Shopping malls, department stores?
There is a Robinson with attached mall. All the usual stuff, just not as swanky as in Bangkok. Go to Pattaya for all your larger supermarket shopping requirements or to Chonburi for Tesco.
Will you be stared at? and what's the likelihood of a good beating?
There aren't many farangs in town, but a few of the expats with families live here rather than Pattaya, and there are some resident teacher types. Never had any major problems with the locals. They tend not to stare at me, but they all seem to know who I am.
Taxis, buses....or horse and cart?
Tuk-tuks 30-50 baht for anywhere in town, motorcycles 30-50 baht for the same. All are fairly sane and will even take it slow if you ask them! Usual frequent buses to Bangkok and Pattaya. You can also take a songthaew to Pattaya which is slower and the same price. Go figure! We also have a train station, but I've only ever been there to book trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Main advantages of living there?
Far enough from the maddening crowd to keep your sanity, but close enough to go wild every now and then. And for those in search of the "real Thailand", a small industrial/fishing town going about its business is about as real as it gets. AND you can buy cheese here too!
And what are the downsides?
It's a very small town that can get a bit boring after a while.
Any local attractions?
There is a waterfall nearby but its quite hard to get to without wheels and its not much to write home about as far as water goes.
There is a popular hiking/mountain biking spot called Khao Chalak. It is a large hill with dirt trails and a great viewpoint at the top. The hill is popular with trail runners, mountain bikers, and locals getting a bit of exercise.
Where's the best place to meet other farangs or are they best avoided?
There isn't really a farang meeting point, but you'll always see a few in Robinsons Department Store.
