Hideaways

With over 20 million visitors a year and very little regulation, “unspoilt” is becoming more and more difficult.

THe main problem is quite logical – if a beach is REALLY beautiful then there will be virtually no restrictions on what a wealthy develpoper can get away with……the inevitably result is that ALL the top grade coastal attractions are overrun or destroyed.

THat leaves the sort of places that as yet have not attracted enough people to warrant the attentions of the greedy developers whose only criteria is quick and easy profit.

To this end you are better looking at in land areas, national parks etc.
I agree that Kanchanaburi Province and the Western Forest complex offers a great opportunity to see bits of unspoiled rural Thailand before it finally disappears.
Also towns mentioned like Prachuap Kiri khan have not yet been overrun by foreign tourists as their beaches – although quite respectable – are not 5 star and therefore the target of untrammelled development.

The further away from the main holiday centres you go, the more likely you are to fid towns that have not been ruined by rampant tourism.
The coastlines between Hua Hin and Suratthani still have quaint places as do the coastlines between Phuket and Ranong, Phuket and Malaysia (mostly) and Sattahip and Trat.
these 3 coastlines are relatively unfrequented by foreign tourist hoards (as yet) and although they may not be the “best “beaches in Thailand you may find the lack of crowds and reasonably priced local food etc. more than enough compensation.

[BTW – all these places are popular with Thai vacationers – on public holidays and week-ends]

lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/asia-thailand/thailand/unspoilt-thailand?page=2&utm_campaign=subscriptioninstant&utm_medium=email&utm_source=forum#post_22554333

Self drive

Kanchanaburi is one of the most scenic and interesting provinces in Thailand. It is also largely untapped. There is little or no English spoken outside of Kanchanaburi city and the established tourist attractions. This makes it an exciting destination for self drive travellers who are looking for something different

The gaming industry

To get started, you’ll need to decide what type of game industry job you’re interested in. Here are the three most common roles:

  • Game artist – Your job is to create concept art, storyboards, and designs for packaging and marketing materials. You’ll need technical ability to master specialist software packages and tools such as ZBrush, Maya, Photoshop, 3DS Max, Substance Painter and Mudbox.
  • Game designer – A senior role that involves coming up with original ideas for games and overseeing the creative process. This could be across a number of platforms, including mobile, console and VR/AR. Game design requires a mix of technical and creative skills to develop and test your creations, as you may need to work with a range of programming languages and software packages including C#, C++ and Python.
  • Game developer/Game programmer – You’re responsible for taking the ideas of the designers and writing the code required to build a playable game. It’s vital that you’re able to understand and follow instructions to bring the creative vision to life. You’ll typically work in a team headed by a lead programmer. A knowledge of game programming languages and specialisation in a particular platform, such as PC, mobile or consoles, would aid your progression. You could focus on an area of programming such as AI, audio, controls and interface, game physics or 3D engine development. Learn more about how to be an applications developer. If you’re interested in coding games, see IT courses.

Explore gaming apprenticeships

As this industry is notoriously tough to break into, gaming apprenticeships offer a structured entry route, combining classroom-based learning with on-the-job training.

There are game developer apprenticeships for those looking to start out in a development position. Gaming apprenticeships are also available for roles such as game designer, tester, visual effects artist, software development technician and animator.

If you can’t find any opportunities with the major game publishers, specialist recruitment companies such as Aardvark Swift often advertise apprenticeships in video gaming.

You can search for all available gaming apprenticeships at GOV.UK – Find an apprenticeship, while you can read more about other IT apprenticeships.

Boutique guest house

Siamotif Boutique Hotel is very much part of the local community in Thonburi. A reminder of simpler times.

Luxury accommodation in Bangkok - Traditional Thai wooden house

Set on the Bangkok Noi Canal it is an old wooden house offering uniquely-designed accommodation that is well off the beaten track.

Luxury accommodation on a canal in Bangkok

The hustle and bustle of Bangkok is left behind as you wander through the Ban Bu crafters community or browse for something to eat from the vendor stalls at the food market. And the Emerald Buddha Temple is just across the Chao Phraya river when you are ready to mix it with the crowds and sightseers.

Traditional Thai hospitality Bangkok - Luxury accommodation in a wooden house on a canal