What is your name?Colin Latasia
What is your current age or age range?
40
United Kingdom
What area of Thailand do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Bangkok
How long have you lived in Thailand?
Two years
When you moved to Thailand, did you bring your family? What do they think?
No. Live here alone.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
It is fine. Bangkok is such an engaging place that you hardly have time to stop and think about the world as it rushes by.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
I was offered a 6 month assignment and took it. Ended up liking the place and staying on.
Why did you choose Thailand, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Thailand?
I didn't. I had never been to Asia before I was offered the assignment in 2006.
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
Canada and Australia. Been to both previously and wanted to try something different. Asia is very, very different and a very rewarding place.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
Yes. The Thais make it very difficult and cumbersome to get the paperwork right, even when you are working for a large Thai company. They love paperwork, rubber stamps and long queues here in Thailand. Get used to it or die from heart attack!
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Nothing happens fast here and sometimes it just does not happen at all. Sabai, Sabai as they say in Bangkok.
If you want the same level of service and attention to detail that you get in Europe, forget it. You are wasting your time and should not come here. This goes for working life as well as social life.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Thailand?
Thinking that large international companies operate to the same standards as they do elsewhere. They don't. Both as an employee and a as a consumer, you get treated in the "Thai' way, which can be a shock at first. But life here is better than it is in the west.
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
It is so cheap to live, the weather is great, the beaches are a dream and the people are very, very nice. Asians make working life pleasant due to their relaxed attitude. If you can adjust and work the 'Thai way' then you will enjoy life here.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
One day, but not sure when.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Sure. I use mail and skype extensively to keep in touch. But my friends now come here for a great holiday experience.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Family, friends and haggis.
Are there the same recreational activities in Thailand?
Yes. Anything that you can do back home, you can do here. They are very westernised, which in some ways is a shame.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Thailand?
Easy. Thais are very friendly. There is also an expat community for those who are interested in that side of life. Lots of Chambers and societies for those who cannot completely adjust to Thai life.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Thailand?
One
What are your favorite activities that are available?
Football, badminton, gym, cinema, eating out, parks, pubs, live music, bookstores. And Bangkok has much better shopping than most western countries. From market stalls to Gucci, it is all here at much better prices.
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
Family, friends. Sunday dinner. That's it. You can get Sunday roasts in some expat bars and societies here in Bangkok but the quality is very poor. Thais are not good at cooking western food. It is edible, but not spectacular.
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
Weather, Working environment. Whingers, Government interference, Unjustifiable taxation, Pointless regulation, Television, Newspapers, Double glazing, telephone calls, Poor customer service, Greedy Banks
Do you speak the language of Thailand?
A little but need to improve
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Thailand, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
You can get by without, but you really need to be able to talk a little to have a good life.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
No.
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
I am working.
How do you earn your living in Thailand?
Consultant
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
Yes.
How did you go about finding a job in Thailand? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
Was approached by agency.
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
Recruitment Agent contacted me and asked if I was interested.
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
Yes, buddhism is strong in Thailand and you have to get to grips with it and make sure you respect it.
What are the top ten things you like about Thailand?
People Culture, Food, Weather, Lifestyle, City Life, Beach Life, Crazy People, Bars, Swimming Pools
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Thailand?
There is nothing I do not like about Thailand.
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
Yes, at some point. I love Asia and want to see more of it
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
Rent
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
USD80,000
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
No.
List some things that are more expensive in Thailand
European imports - cars, perfume, wine
List some things that are less expensive in Thailand
food, clothing, housing, cars, public transport, holidays,
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Very. Nice people. But like any place, sometimes it is just a facade. They are the same as everywhere.
What is the best thing about people in Thailand?
Working class Thais are always smiling and happy. Very rare to see a working class Thai depressed with their life, though I am sure that some might be.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Thailand?
Come, relax and enjoy the experience. Leave your western work ethic and expectations back home. This is Thailand and you should do things the Thai way. Too many expats come here and bitch about Thais at work and Thai life. Yet they stay because it is a great place with a rewarding lifestyle.
If you want to live and work like you do in the USA or Europe - stay there!
What are the good or bad things about living in Thailand?
It is nothing like working in the west, even when you work for western companies. It just wont happen like that, no matter who you are or what you do.
I think this is a good thing, but many expats think it is a bad side.
In Bangkok, they do not give a chance to people from up country. There is a prejudice against them and often, even when they have good ability, the best that they can hope for is a job as a security guard, Starbucks barista or working on the booth exchange for one of the Thai banks. The Thai Chinese have to stop discriminating against ethnic Thais in the work place.
Do you think you will stay in Thailand, or it is not suitable for the long run?
It is suitable, if you are not looking for career advancement and new challenges. Generally speaking, westerners who come to work arrive in senior roles and their is not much scope for progression. The top roles go to Thai Chinese, even when they are not as experienced as you are.
If you are living there for the short term, what other countries are you considering?
Many
Do you know any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Thailand for people living there?
www.bangkokpost.com
What else would you like to say?
Thailand is a great place. It does have a seedy side to it mostly geared up for Asians but also frequented by many westerners. If you stay away from this then life here is very pleasant indeed.
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