An American expat who has been living in Thailand for more than 30 years shares some of his thoughts on village life, as well as tips for those who may be considering moving to Thailand - a country that has given him many experiences he may not have had if he had been living elsewhere. |
 Village Farang |
-Where were you born?
USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
Northern Thailand, where I live in a house, in a field, in a valley, with a view ...
-Are you living alone or with your family?
With my Thai wife and our dogs.
-How long have you been living in Thailand?
I first came here in 1975 and moved here in 1977 after many trips. I normally just say 30+ years.
-What is your age?
I was barely in my twenties when I first arrived, so I must be, chronologically, near 54. In those days my wife's age was counted in months, so that keeps me younger than my years.
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Thailand?
Give me a break. That was so long ago I can't possibly remember. I believe hormones may have had something to do with it, however.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Which time and under which set of rules? The game has changed so many times I have lost track. Somehow things just seemed to workout for me. I know that is not very helpful but I'm quite sure my path could not be reproduced. Everyone has to find their own way.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Get what? What I did have was a close working relationship with a good pharmacist. I have self-medicated for more than thirty years. Except for one stint in the hospital, for some broken bones.
-How do you make your living in Thailand? Do you have any type of income generated?
I've done numerous things here but have counted myself among the retired for quite some time now.
-Do you speak Thai and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Of course I speak Thai. It would be terribly disrespectful to call this my home and not speak the language. Name me a country, where they appreciate foreigners who move there and don't speak the language.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Email and Skype. Except for may aging parents, who I still call daily, my home and family are here.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
Other than dying you mean? Just to live my life to the fullest.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
The wife and I built a little place we call "The House In The Field". We basically swapped the Bangkok condo that we lived in for ten years for The House. That is the difference in cost per square meter between Bangkok and the village. I have written about it and other things in my blog called "My Thai Village Life" at www.villagefarang.com.
-What is the cost of living in Thailand?
That is a personal question that varies greatly from individual to individual. Generally you can spend as little or as much as you want here.
-What do you think about the Thai people?
I've had many wonderful friends over the years from the entire spectrum of Thai social classes. I have found that Thais vary greatly, individually, by region and social class, so I refrain from those "Thai People" generalizations. I often find them cheap and tawdry and at the very best naive and ill informed.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Thailand?
On the plus side, living in Thailand provided life experiences that I perhaps may not have had somewhere else. On the minus side, it would now be difficult for me to appreciate living elsewhere.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Thailand?
Do it your way. You learn from the bad and the good. If you are confident in your ability to adapt and deal with whatever life throws your way, then by all means go for it. If you are a bit of a whiner, you will have plenty to whine about, so might be more comfortable at home, unless you like whining. Then you will be very happy. There was no internet, no cellphones when I arrived and many of us worked things out on our own. It is doable if you want it bad enough.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Thailand?
I'm a writer not a reader so the only blog I have a working knowledge of is my own blog. It can be found at either www.villagefarang.com or http://villagefarang.blogspot.com.
My slideshow: http://picasaweb.google.com/villagefarang/Slideshow#
No help
I do not understand why you agreed to the interview when you gave us absolutely no information. You could tell people how much it normally cost to rent, to purchase food, etc.
When they asked how you made a living, I think they wanted to hear some suggestions from you. You could tell the people if jobs are scarce or non-existent.
Is it difficult to get medical insurance? Why the smart answer...is medical insurance available at any cost, or it is non-existent? What type medical facilities or doctors are in the country you live in?
Your entire article was a waste of time. Sorry to be so rude, but there actually a reason behind these interviews and it is so that others can learn something about the country you live in.
Dear Marsha
Marsha dear, I guess I'm just not into telling others how to lead their lives. I understand that there are those who find life a struggle and difficult to figure out. I'm well past the nuts and bolts phase of life and more into the art of living.
Questions were asked and I gave honest answers. Not what you wanted to hear but perhaps enough to interest a few individuals to go to my blog. There is much more to life than how much things cost and the cost of things varies by quality and location.
Its okay to be rude. You are entitled to your opinion. Sorry I waisted so much of your precious time.
My blog would, not doubt, be too deep and literary for your taste. My pictures being unlabeled would certainly irritate as well. There are many statistical sites out there just itching to tell you how and where to spend your money, so I'm sure you can find all the data your heart desires.
By Way of Explanation...
By way of explanation, I agree with this site's premiss of motivating others to try living overseas. The benefits will vary, but I believe, far outweigh the negatives. That is why I agreed to the interview when asked.
Realistically I don't think you can tell someone how much it will cost or what to do. There are just too many variables. If you can't make a move without knowing exactly what will happen, then being an expat will be very painful.
It is all about the adventure and discovering yourself. It does little good to list things like teaching, middle east, TV and movies, export, hotels, etc. Those things were laid on my plate but might not be available to someone else.
You can't learn to swim without getting wet. Sure you will make mistakes but you will learn more from those than when thing go smoothly.
Always have a plan B but don't be afraid to live.
Positive
Hi,
I must admit that I was struck when reading your interview, too. Your writing does not seem to be very much in line with the purpose of the website, i.e. being helpful to other people's considerations in making the big step. But I must admit your story was intriguing as well. You say you try turning living into an art, but you would have convinced me more of this if your writing would have been in a more positive style. I appreciate your story though as well as your blog.
You are right in stating that you should not be scared to get wet. You'll be okay, but you'll never know if you don't try!!!
Good luck & regards,
Niels
Thanks
Thank you for the kind words. Granted my style can be cynical and abrasive at times. There is a method to my madness, however. When first approached I whipped off a quick reply that I assumed would be rejected. To my surprise they said, that it would be fine the way it was. Who knew?
I meant to weed out those looking for a "how to" site or a mentor. I'll leave that to others. That is a major part of these interviews, I understand, but not something that I feel, through experience, is particularly helpful.
I was hoping a few brave souls might actually "read" my blog and discover that there are expats who don't fit the stereotypes. That if this guy can do it, then surely I can. Most importantly to go forth and invent their own life and not copy someone else's.
Great style
I love it. For a moment I lived in Taiwan again, my home for 17 years. Now, after living in the Netherlands since 1992 we seriously consider moving to Thailand.
You have convinced me, thanks.
Thank You Very Much
Don't thank me yet, however. There may yet come a day when you will curse me and my words. With your obvious enthusiasm and experience, you are no doubt well on your way to another successful adventure, in what I am sure has already been an interesting and eventful life.
Looking ahead
I read between the lines, and I like what I "hear". So far I always have taken responsibility for my own destiny and never (cursed) or blamed anybody else. I admire your style of writing, it reads like a passage of a good book. Best wishes.