The Places Where We Live

This is a little photo collection for house enthusiasts.  These homes are all located in my neighbourhood, which is in Pakchong District, Nakorn Ratchasima.  I live in a very rural area, as you can see by the style of the houses.  Most households include a few chickens and some fighting cocks.  Those who live comfortably might also have a few head of cattle.

can you spot the cows?

Most houses here favour the traditional Thai stilt style.  This design of perching the home high up on stilts allows for maxiumum air circulation- a must for tropical areas.

In Pakchong town, there is quite a number of concrete buildings, and most of the homes have electricty.  Where I live, such conveniences are forgone.  A household may or may not have electricity.  They also may or may not have running water.

Most of the homes in my area are built from natural materials, making them seem quite harmonious with nature.  Some of the newer, more expensive homes are now being built with concrete.  Though no doubt more durable, these homes lack the character and charm of the more traditional building materials.

And this is another favourite!

This is one of my favourite homes.

Clay jars most often provide the household water supply.

Some households have gone above and beyond the stilt style to create a truely breezy abode.

Pakchong's villagers are hard-working entrepeneurs, and the household is sometimes an important source of income.   Besides livestock, there are a number of ways that households here can earn some much-needed money.  Near the tofu factory, many houses have  picnic tables in their yard and serve meals to the workers.  Homes near the river can benefit from fishing, and some people dig for mud crabs or snakehead fish.  My neighbour has been cutting down the four large trees in the yard to make charcoal.  I doubt that they are getting paid adequately for the loss of shade and comfort (and a nice spot to hang a hammock!), but options are few out here in the countryside. I would say that the people of Pakchong are strong and determined.  In spite of the limited chances for income and wealth, they find opportunities all around them.

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