I've lived in Thailand for over a decade. First 5 years I lived in Bangkok, since then I moved up to Khon Khen to the wife's town. I've never been happier. The people are friendly and the place itself is fascinating. Anywhere else in Thailand you'd get the impression that Khon Khen is a backwater from what people say. It's rural, but far from backward. A number of government schemes have brought technologies like the internet to the region. Check it out - you'll be fascinated; I promise.

Martin