Khon Kaen, Thailand

Capital City

With a population of just 120,957, Khon Kaen is a sleepy provincial capital that offers little to lure expats beyond Thailand's usual charms. The city serves as the administrative hub of Isan, the country's northeastern region, but its economic clout is modest - the local GDP hovers around 192,000 baht per person. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the municipality spans 46 square kilometers and 66,179 households. The climate is a mixed bag, with scorching heat in April giving way to a monsoon season of heavy rains. For those seeking an authentic Thai experience far from the tourist crowds, Khon Kaen may fit the bill, but it's hardly an international hub.