Suphanburi
Suphanburi has been described as one of the dullest provinces in Thailand, However, those few foreigners who make it there usually tend to stay long term. What's Suphanburi's secret?
The Lonely Planet guidebook says......?
Guide books virtually ignore Suphanburi, Does that mean that there is nothing to see or do here?
In general, what are the pickings like for an EFL teacher?
There are a lot of schools - both government and private - in the city center, as well as plenty more in the suburbs and outlying districts. Many of these are constantly "looking" for foreign teachers. On top of that there are an increasing number of private language centers. There are also a couple of university campuses, vocational and technical colleges, as well as a sports institute, an art college, a nursing college and college of dramatic arts.
So in conclusion, the jobs are there, although they are not always advertised. Starting salaries are around the 30,000 mark, and hourly work ranges from 300 to 750 an hour. Schools here generally do things by the book, so you will need to have the correct paperwork/qualifications.
How far from Bangkok or civilization?
Suphanburi city is around 120 km from Bangkok. There are regular buses and van service to various destinations in Bangkok. Buses and vans also run to Kanchanaburi (100 km) and Ayutthaya (80 km). For destinations like Chiang Mai you can take the overnight bus which leaves at 8 p.m. and arrives at 7 a.m. in Chiang Mai. If you would like to travel further afield, Don Muang Airport is only an hour's drive away. The train from Bangkok is very cheap for a third class ticket and only a 3.5 hour trip.
What's the place like for nightlife, eating out etc?
There is plenty of entertainment, but most of it is Thai style - movie theatres, three night clubs, numerous live music venues and a scattering of bars and karaoke bars - so staying out late isn't a problem! A couple of places have pool or snooker tables and live football on TV at the weekend. There are however no girlie bars, the closest thing would be coyote dancers in the nightclubs. Suphanburi FC are a Thai second division club at the moment, so the home matches are sometimes good entertainment, and can attract crowds of over a thousand.
How much to rent a house or basic apartment?
Basic one-bedroom apartments start at 4,000 a month plus bills. Better two-room apartments range from 5,000 - 8,000. A better option is a semi-furnished 2/3 bedroom townhouse which can be had for about 7,000 per month plus bills. It's very difficult to find a suitable house for a family though.
Shopping malls, department stores?
Years ago there was only a Tesco Lotus and one small shopping mall. However, in recent times Homepro, Robinson's, Thai Watsadu, and Big C have all opened their doors here. There is also an abundance of 7-11s. The malls are virtually the only source of anything resembling farang food. The Tesco Lotus Mall has a Major Cineplex which plays movies in English but you must check the show time for the English versions.
How is mobile / internet coverage?
Most apartment buildings have an included internet connection. Speeds are good, and all the major suppliers are represented (TOT, 3BB, True etc,) CTH, True Visions and Suphan Cable TV are also available.
Will you be stared at? and what's the likelihood of a good beating?
Quite likely neither! You are more likely to be largely ignored. There is no anti-farang feeling here, but neither is there any pro-farang feeling. It takes a while to get to know people here but when you do, you will be treated the same as a Thai. The town feels generally safe and you'll probably only find trouble if you cause it yourself.
Taxis, buses....or horse and cart?
There is motorcycle rental here and the average cost is 2,500 Baht / month. A foreigner can rent one from the main Suzuki bike shop near the clock tower. You can also buy one, or alternatively you can get a bicycle.
Yellow songthaews go all over town (and beyond) on various routes, so it is possible to get by with only public transport. Motorcycle taxis and samlors are also available.
There is a bus station in the town center and at least four minivan stations. The railway station is outside the center and has only a very limited service (one train a day to Bangkok) There is no airport, but as mentioned above, Don Muang Airport is just an hour away.
Main advantages of living there?
Great infrastructure, safe, quiet, cheap, no lengthy commutes, no traffic jams, good salaries, no dodgy agencies, serious schools, endless possibilities for extra work - and it's in a great location for weekend getaways.
And what are the downsides?
Although I sometimes miss a good steak, I can't really think of any, unless you need Bangkok style nightlife. No-one is going to call you "handsome man" here! Oh and you might need to make an effort to speak Thai! The town has grown rapidly and there is now a lot of traffic at peak times.
Any local attractions?
The famous yearly Don Chedi festival, Ban Harn Tower, Buffalo Village, Bung Chawark aquarium and zoo, Suphan Buri F.C, Sam Chuk 100 year market, and National Parks (including the site of the Lauda Air crash).
Another attraction here is the the Dragon of Descendants Museum in the so called Chinese Village and Suphan Buri National Museum that features important historical documentations and developments of the town.
Where's the best place to meet other farangs or are they best avoided?
There are a number of foreigners here, but there are no real farang hangouts. However, being a relatively small city you'll inevitably run into the other teachers here. Most are quite friendly and can offer good advice. Most other farang are in transit between Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya (no direct bus) and have missed the last onward bus. These are the ones that have probably given rise to the false impression that Suphanburi is boring.
