What is your name?Peter West
What is your current age or age range?
60+
What country are you native to?
Scotland
What area of Thailand do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Chiang Mai
How long have you lived in Thailand?
19 Years
When you moved to Thailand, did you bring your family? What do they think?
No. Family is grown up and gone separate ways
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
X-mas cards
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
Took early retirement
Why did you choose Thailand, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Thailand?
Took early retirement so had to look for somewhere I could live within my budget.
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
No other countries
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
No. Arrived on a tourist visa then applied for a retirement visa. I Don't work here so don't need a work permit
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Learning a new language
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Thailand?
I didn't adjust to my budget quickly enough
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
Weather, food, cost of living
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
No. Why would I. I could not afford to live in the UK now.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Not much
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Not much
Are there the same recreational activities in Thailand?
There's no skiing here but otherwise I could do here everything I could do in Scotland
How easy has it been to make new friends in Thailand?
Very Easy. Easier than in the UK
Do you have many friends from your home country in Thailand?
No
What are your favorite activities that are available?
Bowling, Dining out, drinking wine & Whisky
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
0
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
weather, cost of living, television,pop music,
Do you speak the language of Thailand?
yes
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?
If you really want to live here and have Thai friends, speaking the language is essential, however you can get by with just a little Thai
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?
after retirement
How do you earn your living in Thailand?
Investment income
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
No
How did you go about finding a job in Thailand? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
I do not work here.
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
N/A
If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?
N/A
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
Yes, if the foreigner chooses not to make adjustments
What are the top ten things you like about Thailand?
Cost of living, weather, food,relaxed atmosphere, lack of Police State,food,music
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Thailand?
corruption, government,poverty, always being classed as a tourist, double charging
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
No
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
Rented first then bought (in a Thai's name as foreigners cannot buy land)
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
50,000 Pounds Sterling
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
No
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
No, Prices have been rising fairly rapidly
List some things that are more expensive in Thailand
electricity, motor vehicles, Internet
List some things that are less expensive in Thailand
restaurants, food,housing
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Yes, mostly, although they always see me as a foreigner
What is the best thing about people in Thailand?
Buddhism, open minded, cheerful, fun loving
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Thailand?
Plan in advance. Learn the language. Come and stay for 6 months first.
Do you think you will stay in Thailand, or it is not suitable for the long run?
I hope I will be here forever.
Please enter the name of your Blog
Thaichimes - Tidings from Thailand : also Chiangmaichimes
Please the url of your Blog
Thaichimes - Tidings from Thailand : also Chiangmaichimes
