Thailand

My Experiences


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My dream is to retire to Thailand. I have visited the Kingdom of Thailand numerous times so far. My first visit was in September and October of 2002, when I visited Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. I found Bangkok to be like most capital cities in the world - nice to visit for a few days, but I am not a 'big-city' person. I thought Pattaya was fantastic. I spent a few days in Phuket and found it over-rated and very expensive - but then again, most islands are like that - expensive.

I went back to Thailand again at the end of June 2004, with the goal of retiring there. I sold my house, my car and quit my job. Immediately I arrived the trouble began. The business I invested in collapsed and I was left without any income. I did fall in love in Pattaya and visited north east Thailand. Without any income, I was forced to return to Australia to start again. My former Thai partner's family lives in a small village in Issan.

I returned in February 2005 for a fortnight again in August that year. Then in October 2006. Again at the end of Easter 2007 - for Songkran (Thai New Year). My then Thai partner got a 3 months Tourist Visa to vacation to Australia. Other visits were in mid-January and April 2008 then late June 2009. My most recent visit was March 2010. I hope to retire in Thailand in the near future. I have also visited Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia and Laos.

If you are interested in Thailand, check out My Bookmarks and please read Stephen Leather's novel, Private Dancer. It's a novel about love, betrayal and death in Thailand. Click Here to download the Acrobat Reader PDF version.