Udon - getting better or worse

[GT93]

Over the years you've known Udon, do you think it's getting better or worse? Is it a better place to live in or to retire to now than what it was when you first came across Udon?

[Khon Kaen 1895]

I think we did this survey a few months back. As Udorn LA pointed out there are many more services available now than there were back in the past few decades.

[Mooning2]

there always seems to be an odd dichotomy

(is that the right word?) as to the ratio of farangs to locals

western restaurants , services , standards , expat population

( 6,000) in province from last census. and then " some " of

indigenous feeling xenophobic, resentful, threatened etc.

having said that , I'm fairly certain its same each issan area

[GT93]

I think I used to like it more when it had more of a sleepy feel - way less traffic, fewer farang and the airport wasn't so busy.

[Mooning2]

omg its insane . yes I also would prefer " sleepy " and

" relaxed " but need to go outside city 15km's for that

sunday's are almost normal with schools & offices shut

[Niggly]

I like the hustle & bustle. I’m a city boy at heart

[Khun Paul]

Udon has expanded beyond the infrastructures capability to make it enjoyable, due to lack of planning and upkeep let alone the selfish attitude of many who feel that it their right to screw up the traffic whenever they feel like it.
Amenities have improved certainly but to little to accomodate the growing population , they are moving the Main Rajabhat Uni but the roads to the new location will be unable toi cope with the expected 20,000 k stuient volume.
It needs a Government Official ( local or provincial ) to grasp the problem and bang a few heads together, Udon practically grinds to a halt due to lack of any enforcement of current regulations by anyone and the only people who suffer are the public.
In talking to a senior friend at the Municipality, they try to change but people complain, so they change it back.
The biggest problem is no-one seeks confrontation so nothing changes, although the only confrontation is that of people NOT wishing to change their selfish habits. Bugger the rest of us !!

[jetdoc]

On balance, better, always a trade off ;o)

[Shado]

Much improved in the availability of consumer goods and western comestibles. As already noted, traffic is much worse than a decade ago. Fortunately, we are able to schedule our travels in and out the city to avoid the busiest times, for the most part. Traffic and parking are the huge problems. Although not yet personally impacted, crime is an ever present concern. On balance I'd say that our daily lives are not much different than in the past but with significantly more options available.

[johnwills]

For me the only downside is the increase in traffic, otherwise it's better I think.