Pathum Thani
Just north of Bangkok sits Pathum Thani, a metropolitan province that is often considered part of greater Bangkok.
Pathum Thani is home to many universities and educational institutions as well as several industrial parks. Pathum Thani is also home to a major theme park called Dream World!
Pathum Thani was settled during the Ayutthaya period, which existed from the early 1,300s to the late 1,700s.
Check out what XploreAsia teacher lehidy5chavez@gmail.com has to say about their experience living and teaching in Pathum Thani.
What is special and interesting about your town?
“I love that my town feels small yet has everything I need to not feel like I’m far from civilization. It’s right by the river, plenty of markets, a huge beautiful temple, a huge Tesco, hospitals, and, basically anything one would need. Yet it’s not congested with people, like in a big city.”
Where are your favorite places to go out to eat and drink?
“I don’t know the exact names, but I really like to eat street food at the markets because they are so inexpensive. If I ever feel like eating western food, I could easily walk to Tesco where they have several restaurants inside.”
Where can you go or what can you do to exercise?
“I usually just go to my school, and run around the track, but I also haven’t actively searched for a gym. I’m sure there’s one nearby.”
What type of transportation do you use to get around?
“I use the bus because the stop is right down the street from my apartment, and it’s soooo cheap. It only costs 13 baht to go to the nearest bigger town called Rangsit. If I want to go to the shopping malls, it only costs 24 baht to go to Bangkok. But within my town I just walk because everything is so close by.”
What is your accommodation like?
“It has everything I need. Such as a fridge, AC, western toilet, sofa, desk, table, wash room, and washing machine. It’s also 5min walk to my school.”
What do you do on the weekends?
“I explore nearby cities, temples, ruins, etc. I usually go to Bangkok because there’s so much to do there but my town is also an hour from Ayutthya so you can easily make that a day trip and even go to Lopburi.”
What is the best nearby excursion or trip?
“Well there’s this water park called Dream World in my province that I haven’t checked out yet, but I plan to within the next couple of weeks, since I already have all my weekends planned for the next month, but like I said before, Bangkok is so close, and there’s always something different to do there.”
What are some tips you could give to new teachers in your town?
“It has a small town feel, and there isn’t much do to in the evenings, but enjoy the peaceful setting, and make the most out of it because the people I have met really made me love my town. Everyone is so incredibly nice and helpful.”
Do you have a “Thai mom” or anyone in your town that has been incredibly helpful or welcoming?
“Yes! I have made plenty of Thai friends, and most of them know limited English, but that’s what makes it fun! One lady named Tik knows decent English, and has helped me out tremendously! On my first weekend here, she helped me communicate with the housekeeping lady at my apartment complex, and took me to Bangkok to explore the city. She even paid for my breakfast, lunch, and dinner that day. She’s also taken me around my town in her car, and told me about all its history, and important places to go to. She loves to take me to markets, and asks what I like to eat, and since I’m a picky eater, she has really helped me a lot! She also teaches me Thai (but I’m just the worst at picking up a new language). I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without her!