Not sure about the thing in common bit - But life here sure here is different. Khon Kaen, of course, is no longer a small city. In fact, this place and Korat are beginning to provide a lot of good opportunities for young people. I don't think they really feel the need (many of them) to head to Bangkok when they come of age. We shall see if it continues - At some point, the bubble is likely to burst, but then we'll just have to see if it can rebound. I love being able, though, to get to my husband's village in just 90 minutes - now, that's a whole other world entirely.