Thailand Expats

dennisinkamala · #1 26-04-2008, 17:40

Not sure if its relevant but have been looking for new house in Kamala and have found one and moved in for less than half of what I was paying.

Point of the thread is that prices in Kamala seem to have plummeted with the onset of the low season and 2 bed houses can be rented for as little as 15000 a month.

Thats what Im now paying for a brand new 2 bed 1 bath house on stilts. No pool but 5 mins to beach.

Just some info in case anyone out there is looking.

retepg · #2 26-04-2008, 17:45

Is that rental price just for low season and will it increase come November/

LivinLOS · #3 26-04-2008, 18:10

Now until sept or oct is the time to be renegotiating..

TanMan · #4 26-04-2008, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by retepg

Is that rental price just for low season and will it increase come November/

You can lock in for a year... and then re-lock one year from now... next low season... The key is to get the landlord in the low season with an empty room/house.

ATMwalking · #5 26-04-2008, 19:16

Generally true if you are buying anything as well.

Denver · #6 27-04-2008, 09:05

Yep, the 'For Rent' signs are springing back up again. I had a drive around yesterday and there are lots of properties up for grabs.

I'm happy where I am right now and have negotiated an actual decrease for low season!! Wooooooooo Hoooooooo! The owners want continuity and seem happy with my tenancy (Even though I've never met them) So have knocked five thousand off the rent until September and bought me a new set of bed linen and an iron! (I didn't ask for an iron.........Nothing to iron!)

I've got everything I need in the price. Cleaning, hot water, security bloke with a torch and big stick, cable TV, pool and jacuzzi. I pay extra for my leccy and t'internet. Even an Expat Manager to deal with all those niggly bits like the cleaner knocking the lamp off the wall! At least its clean!! Good neighbours who like a sit out of an evening for a beer or three (One or two of them are actual hashers!!!!) I know secrets!

Only the one bedroom but hey! There's only little 'ole me (Plus the 'Guests' - I charge them 500 Baht) to sleep in it!

Soupdragon · #7 27-04-2008, 09:22

The area around my house is slowly becoming a building site so after 4 years here am looking to move (shame haven't had a rent increase in 4 years and no indication one is coming) I am not familiar with Kamala only driven along the high street. Which areas are the houses for rent in. I need min 2 bedrooms and the area must be toddler friendly (not a busy main road). Any help appreciated.

Denver · #8 27-04-2008, 09:46

Your best bet is to arrange a visit over here SD. You can pick me up at the Club and I can take you around the circuit, see if there is anything that catches your eye. Bring your lady for the phone calls!

I will have another spin around today. Daily changing at the moment.

Soupdragon · #9 27-04-2008, 09:56

Cheers Denver. The missus is up North with the little un at the mo doing the family thing but will certainly take you up on that offer in a week or so. Thanks to Dennis as well for mentioning this in the first place.

Denver · #10 27-04-2008, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupdragon

Cheers Denver. The missus is up North with the little un at the mo doing the family thing but will certainly take you up on that offer in a week or so. Thanks to Dennis as well for mentioning this in the first place.

No problem. PM me nearer the time and I will give you my number. I'm sure there is probably something here that fits your criteria. Then finish the house hunting with a cold one at the Beergarden............Sounds like a plan!

Soupdragon · #11 27-04-2008, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denver

No problem. PM me nearer the time and I will give you my number. I'm sure there is probably something here that fits your criteria. Then finish the house hunting with a cold one at the Beergarden............Sounds like a plan!

Will do a tour of the local "beauty spots" may help persuade the missus moving out of Patong is a good idea. Will have to fit huge rubber bumbers all around the pickup cause she will insist of driving into Patong, will issue advance warnings when she leaves the house.

Dodger · #12 27-04-2008, 10:35

Dennis I've been offered 2 bed houses no pools, no views, no security etc from 8,000, think you have to consider a lot of elements when weighing up the costs of a monthly rental. We have all always just got the best deal but in reality you have to appreciate and value many different elements of a rental, not just discard it, as was not required, 2 beds do not need 3, no pool or communal pool, security or not, speakers with wailing man 5 times a day etc etc.

Also must look at amenities in the same way, how much electric, internet, how well appointed is apartment/house. Too many times I hear all and well it hasn't got this this and this but heck saving a few bob on the rent, oh well go buy this this and this and pay extra for that and do not have these extras and is it really so much cheaper? Hope you still have security at your new place?? one element I just would not compromise on!!

Soupdragon · #13 27-04-2008, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodger

Dennis I've been offered 2 bed houses no pools, no views, no security etc from 8,000, think you have to consider a lot of elements when weighing up the costs of a monthly rental. We have all always just got the best deal but in reality you have to appreciate and value many different elements of a rental, not just discard it, as was not required, 2 beds do not need 3, no pool or communal pool, security or not, speakers with wailing man 5 times a day etc etc.

Also must look at amenities in the same way, how much electric, internet, how well appointed is apartment/house. Too many times I hear all and well it hasn't got this this and this but heck saving a few bob on the rent, oh well go buy this this and this and pay extra for that and do not have these extras and is it really so much cheaper? Hope you still have security at your new place?? one element I just would not compromise on!!

Wise words indeed made the mistake of jumping on a bargain in the past only to find the hidden flaws after a week or so after paying 6 months up front and being tied to the place.

You mention the mosque wailing thing, is that a big thing in Kamala ?? Also you say you think security is essential. Is Kamala a safe place to live or is theft an issue ??

LivinLOS · #14 27-04-2008, 11:08

I was going to post that but didnt want to seem any more anti Lala.. However down in the village section of lala land break ins are so common as to be routine. Low season can get worse. A know of someone who had a couple over a couple of months. I would say security fro break ins is a real point to be aware of if your not in a development. How much saving does having your TV nicked add up to over a year ?? How does that make you feel as 'part of the community' ?? etc. I like to go away for a month or so a couple of times a year and that would be a big worry in a lone house situation.

As for wailing.. Its an issue in the zone between the dual carriageway and back to the hill.. Just ask Dosser about its 5am kick off.

Lastly get your missus to go and interact with the people a bit, Bee found the mussos there not openly friendly, unsmiling and sort of blunt to her. They intimidated her a bit and it made her feel like she was trapped in the house, with less friendly people around her, and scared of the long journey to Patong.

Dodger · #15 27-04-2008, 11:14

Muslim side of the village, waily man goes at it 5 times a day, so to me, yes big thing especially as first time of the day is I think 5 am!!! further up or other side no probs.

Theft, not seen statistics so only guessing that theft in lala is probably the same as anywhere on the island. My gf prefers places/communities with security, wherever we stay on the island. Friend rented in the village, slightly remote spot and this was 2 years ago, 4 break ins in 8 months, another one a thai girl we know 2 break ins 3 months. Its a potential problem here on the island as you know, so thats why we always looks for secure environs, especially as we have a toddler as well. But think teft is as common as elsewhere.

As for the mussers and friendliness, think they take you as you are, never been unfriendly to me. They are southerners so speak more direct and a little more abrupt, but Gee has no problems nor notices much difference between them and non-mussors, do not think it is a religion difference but a local area difference maybe, so they will be the same as the southern thais in Kathu????

And of course being the self appointed mayor of Lala and therefore living with a higher profile, security becomes an issue, but I've found a team of group 4's bestest big old bruisers, seems to do the trick!!!

LivinLOS · #16 27-04-2008, 11:21

Always struck me as odd that places where I hear of high break ins (Soi Yuan in Nai Harn, Lala land, Bang Tao in the Thai villagery bit) are always in the quieter locals places..

You would assume that Patong with its tourist trap and transient population would be the worst.. But that doesnt seem to be the case.

Soupdragon · #17 27-04-2008, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodger

Muslim side of the village, waily man goes at it 5 times a day, so to me, yes big thing especially as first time of the day is I think 5 am!!! further up or other side no probs.

Theft, not seen statistics so only guessing that theft in lala is probably the same as anywhere on the island. My gf prefers places/communities with security, wherever we stay on the island. Friend rented in the village, slightly remote spot and this was 2 years ago, 4 break ins in 8 months, another one a thai girl we know 2 break ins 3 months. Its a potential problem here on the island as you know, so thats why we always looks for secure environs, especially as we have a toddler as well. But think teft is as common as elsewhere.

As for the mussers and friendliness, think they take you as you are, never been unfriendly to me. They are southerners so speak more direct and a little more abrupt, but Gee has no problems nor notices much difference between them and non-mussors, do not think it is a religion difference but a local area difference maybe, so they will be the same as the southern thais in Kathu????

And of course being the self appointed mayor of Lala and therefore living with a higher profile, security becomes an issue, but I've found a team of group 4's bestest big old bruisers, seems to do the trick!!!

Lala is starting to loose it's appeal. Been in my present place for 4 years never a problem, the locks on the doors might just stop a determined mosquito attempting to break in but still it feels safe. Couldn't live in an environment where the family is alienated and targeted.

landofsmiles · #18 27-04-2008, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

As for wailing.. Its an issue in the zone between the dual carriageway and back to the hill.. Just ask Dosser about its 5am kick off.

That sounds like pretty much the whole of Kamala then. I had a look along the back road that runs along the base of the hills and it seemed every other house had a For Rent sign up so there would be lots of opportunties for bargaining. I wouldn't be able to stand that wailing though. If I had to move out of Patong I think I'd go back over the hill to Kathu.

Denver · #19 27-04-2008, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by landofsmiles

That sounds like pretty much the whole of Kamala then.

Nope, can't hear squat here at the Club. The speakers are in the vicinity of the mosques and I wouldn't rent near there. Could hardly hear it at the 'hills' unless the wind was in the wrong direction and the mullah was having a particularly vocal day with the amplifier set to 11.

Not that I am up much at 0500, usually just getting in by then. In Baghdad it was easy, get the Draganov out and shoot the speakers off the minaret! Not us of course.............a different company...........Cough!

I toyed with Kathu at one point............No beach!

I don't think they need to do break-ins in Patong, they are too busy taking your wallet out your back pocket in the toilets in Tiger! Scamming your credit card, the stolen rental motorbike scam or driving a tuk tuk! 55555555

Dodger · #20 27-04-2008, 12:46

The speakers for wailing man are around the mosque in a small part of the village, LOS, there is 75% of the village or more where you cannot ever hear the waily man, very rarely hear him on the hills, well twice in 2 years!!!, other side of the village, bowls road no speakers, rear of village no speakers, beachside of village no speakers.

Break ins are island wide, but we live in Lala so we get to hear of some breakins. Like a lot of posts on here, you mention a breakin and its the whole village and everyday!!! a motor bike incident and its a hotbed of violent crime. Read several posts from people living around the island and break ins, hold ups, incidents happen everywhere but not to a level that I feel unsafe nor intimidated at all.

Kathu break ins happen ask Oli, my son lives there and tells of some, chalong, rawaii, surin morobike problems? stop any of us moving there?. Gun crimes, hold ups etc in Patong, BM's knocked down and wallets taken, stop anyone holidaying or living there?

Now reality check, 2 plus years living in Kamala, not one incident personally, not one break in on the Hills, total opposite, leave my car open, apartment door open, rains and neighbours pop in shut your windows etc.

Point I'm making (and no its not a Lala commercial), is do not take one incident and tarnish a whole area, one persons short term experience and all lalalians are unfriendly and offish? or houses are broken into daily???

ATMwalking · #21 27-04-2008, 13:36

Aside from avoiding very run down areas, crime can't be avoided. Best you can do is get an alarm system and some bars.

Problem with the wailing man is he can always upgrade his sound system. 11 on the volume knob today is only 3 on the new system. Personally I think this unnecessary use of loudspeakers should be outlawed, but I guess there are enough issues in the south.

visa2003 · #22 27-04-2008, 13:40

Dodger...I knew I voted for the right person for Mayor!!!!!

LivinLOS · #23 27-04-2008, 14:14

As per Dodges comments you cant hear them up in the development at all.. I never did.. Its down in the road returning to the main road..

If you dont mind the wailing theres a house with a pool you could get for 15 per month.. Big garden.. Needs a fair bit of work to make it really nice and its just opposite wailing man central.

As to break ins, they do happen everywhere and its surprising to me that its the small safe rural places where they seem to happen most. Tho I personally think that Kamala and Soi Yuan in nai harn have a deserved rep for break ins. Now you can get onto a development with a guard like Dodge and Denver and leave your car unlocked, you can try to secure and alarm your house up, you could get a dog, or you can also go thai and not own anything of much value. None are 100% I suppose.

I looked at a few 'lone houses' in Lala and it was something that put me off.. Too much electronics and computers and going away for a month.. Just was a fear in the back of my mind. Plus I know if I did get burgled I would have a very bad attitude about suspecting my neighbours, a 'me' and 'them' attitude that would do my head no good.

Where