The 1st category are expats who simply get up and leave their homeland to settle in a country they want to live in. The 2nd are those who get transferred abroad, probably to return home once their contract is finished.
The above topic was prompted by several replies on the "shower" thread. It seems that most of the 1st category people on this forum are strong environmentalists and perhaps do not like the direction most of the world is headed in many areas, not just the environment.
If that theory is correct, does it have something to do with the reasons one left home for here in the first place? ...i.e....where we simply sick and tired of the way our home countries are managed and we thought it would be different here? Or, we don't care how it is here just so we are not in our home country? Or, we're not really too happy anywhere for too long and need to keep moving? Or, ????
I guess I'm really asking the question why does an expat really want to be an expat of the 1st category? It can't just be all about Thai women and we're here because we married them, or like to run wild if single. Pete
Expats of the 1st Category
I can only add a perspective from a wannabe 1st category.
We want to get out of England because it is dark for six months of the year, very expensive and the inspired foreign policy of our government means that there is a more than decent chance of being blown up at some stage. I am getting too old to play cricket for much longer and the past 6 weeks has convinced me that I now hate football.
Our pensions will be pitiful, so we want somewhere we can afford to live, where the weather is good, the food spicey and the beer cheap. A few years ago we found Hua Hin.
We want to get out of England because it is dark for six months of the year, very expensive and the inspired foreign policy of our government means that there is a more than decent chance of being blown up at some stage. I am getting too old to play cricket for much longer and the past 6 weeks has convinced me that I now hate football.
Our pensions will be pitiful, so we want somewhere we can afford to live, where the weather is good, the food spicey and the beer cheap. A few years ago we found Hua Hin.
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Wanderlust
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- Location: Hua Hin
Jim,
That is a pretty good summation, but for me, when I left the UK it was most of those things (I still love football) plus a genuine desire to see more of the world, having done an extended backpacking trip previously. However once I found Thailand, and then eventually Hua Hin I didn't have the same desire to travel, nor the reasons to get up and do it.
That is a pretty good summation, but for me, when I left the UK it was most of those things (I still love football) plus a genuine desire to see more of the world, having done an extended backpacking trip previously. However once I found Thailand, and then eventually Hua Hin I didn't have the same desire to travel, nor the reasons to get up and do it.
So far we have Jim who believes strongly that he and family will be happy here. Then we have WL and Lomu who are seasoned expats and say that they are happy here. However, are you two seeing changes here now that would encourage you to pack up and move on?
I know we talked on another thread about "alternative" local locations and I believe Malaysia came out on the top of that one. For us to have even talked about that, there must be some seeds of discontent.
I hate to see good memories turn bad and first being here in 1969 I've seen plenty since. Perhaps it's just an "age" thing. One hates to see his/her perception of a place disrupted and changed.
This is a bit of a selfish thread as I'm trying to bounce my mentality off of others and see what comes back. But for you WL, you apparently looked and looked and traveled extensively and found peace here. Is that still true? Pete
I know we talked on another thread about "alternative" local locations and I believe Malaysia came out on the top of that one. For us to have even talked about that, there must be some seeds of discontent.
I hate to see good memories turn bad and first being here in 1969 I've seen plenty since. Perhaps it's just an "age" thing. One hates to see his/her perception of a place disrupted and changed.
This is a bit of a selfish thread as I'm trying to bounce my mentality off of others and see what comes back. But for you WL, you apparently looked and looked and traveled extensively and found peace here. Is that still true? Pete
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Wanderlust
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prcscct,
When I went travelling I didn't go to specifically find somewhere to live, almost the exact opposite in fact! However after quite a lot of travelling I knew that when I did stop I wanted to be somewhere that was warm all year round, had a generally relaxed and accepting attitude, was significantly cheaper than the UK and allowed me to live on the income I was getting in rent. I didn't answer the other thread regarding other countries to settle in if things were impossible here, but although Malaysia was nice enough in parts and has some advantages over Thailand such as easier access for Brits and laws regarding property, I found it quite a lot more expensive, and a lot less welcoming.
To answer your question though, yes, I do still feel that I have my little bit of heaven here, despite the odd frustrations that crop up, and the quite big problems I have faced in Thailand. If anything, if it was absolutely perfect I wouldn't like it! Hopefully I have put enough financial safeguards in place to maintain my life here as I would like, and although things will change they normally do so at quite a slow pace, and you adapt. I can't ever envisage myself feeling the same way as I did when I left the UK, and part of that is because I am not a 'stakeholder' in Thailand as I was in the UK, plus not having the everyday frustrations of a job, which can become unbearable. I am lucky, no question about it.
When I went travelling I didn't go to specifically find somewhere to live, almost the exact opposite in fact! However after quite a lot of travelling I knew that when I did stop I wanted to be somewhere that was warm all year round, had a generally relaxed and accepting attitude, was significantly cheaper than the UK and allowed me to live on the income I was getting in rent. I didn't answer the other thread regarding other countries to settle in if things were impossible here, but although Malaysia was nice enough in parts and has some advantages over Thailand such as easier access for Brits and laws regarding property, I found it quite a lot more expensive, and a lot less welcoming.
To answer your question though, yes, I do still feel that I have my little bit of heaven here, despite the odd frustrations that crop up, and the quite big problems I have faced in Thailand. If anything, if it was absolutely perfect I wouldn't like it! Hopefully I have put enough financial safeguards in place to maintain my life here as I would like, and although things will change they normally do so at quite a slow pace, and you adapt. I can't ever envisage myself feeling the same way as I did when I left the UK, and part of that is because I am not a 'stakeholder' in Thailand as I was in the UK, plus not having the everyday frustrations of a job, which can become unbearable. I am lucky, no question about it.
Wherever you are, there will always be a feeling that the grass is greener somewhere else. At the moment, it is our choice to want to try Hua Hin; when the time comes to make the move, we may bottle out or we may go somewhere else, who knows? But as so many people point out, life is too short not to give it a go.
For those of you who've been in Hua Hin (or Pattaya) for a time, the feeling must be the same. The world changes and there will be somewhere else with a verdant abundance - as you say, Malaysia seems the favourite. But are you looking for something - perfection? - that you'll never find? For me, it is maybe surprising that more people are not saying that Thailand has changed so much over the past 5 or 10 years that you want to go. For those that do, I hope that you can be replaced by other like me who may never have known it the way you did, but love it as we find it.
For those of you who've been in Hua Hin (or Pattaya) for a time, the feeling must be the same. The world changes and there will be somewhere else with a verdant abundance - as you say, Malaysia seems the favourite. But are you looking for something - perfection? - that you'll never find? For me, it is maybe surprising that more people are not saying that Thailand has changed so much over the past 5 or 10 years that you want to go. For those that do, I hope that you can be replaced by other like me who may never have known it the way you did, but love it as we find it.
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An interesting thread and many good points.
I fit into the 1st expat category since roughly two years. I made that choice, and the choice of Thailand and Hua Hin for a number of reasons, but the girls (although they/she may be an important part of life now) were not one of them. The tropical climate could to me, coming from Scandinavia, be a good enough reason in its own right. But my main reason was the fact that I over the years had become less and less good at handling my stressful life back home. I worked too hard and stopped enjoying it and actually started to worry about my health which I had never done before. I wanted out of the normal job market at 50, and in order to afford to sell my business and take that step, I thought it wise to consider the cost of living in different parts of the world. I used to travel a lot and knew that Thailand would meet most of my criteria, including cost of living.
I like it here and have had no real regrets. My life has a lot less stress related to time nowadays. But - and this has been a bit of a negative surprise to me - in many ways I am more frustrated now, and this creates another kind of stress. I am angry or just irritated much more often now than I used to be. This, I think, is due to several factors, such as the language barrier/communication problems, corruption and other "cultural differencies" but also that I've run into many unscrupulous business men, quite a few of whom have been westerners I'm afraid. It seems the "boom" in Hua Hin has attracted some people, both Thai and westerners, that I wish I had never had to meet.
I have now decided that I will be better off not fighting for my right every time. I can't change lots of other people, I have to try to change myself instead. I will try to be less rational and stop expecting people to act logicaly or reasonably. I will try to laugh at crooks and to not be too upset when I meet lunatics on the road.
If I succeed in this ambition I believe I will be even more happy to be a 1st category expat here in Hua Hin.
Anybody who in any way can recognise himself in the above?
I fit into the 1st expat category since roughly two years. I made that choice, and the choice of Thailand and Hua Hin for a number of reasons, but the girls (although they/she may be an important part of life now) were not one of them. The tropical climate could to me, coming from Scandinavia, be a good enough reason in its own right. But my main reason was the fact that I over the years had become less and less good at handling my stressful life back home. I worked too hard and stopped enjoying it and actually started to worry about my health which I had never done before. I wanted out of the normal job market at 50, and in order to afford to sell my business and take that step, I thought it wise to consider the cost of living in different parts of the world. I used to travel a lot and knew that Thailand would meet most of my criteria, including cost of living.
I like it here and have had no real regrets. My life has a lot less stress related to time nowadays. But - and this has been a bit of a negative surprise to me - in many ways I am more frustrated now, and this creates another kind of stress. I am angry or just irritated much more often now than I used to be. This, I think, is due to several factors, such as the language barrier/communication problems, corruption and other "cultural differencies" but also that I've run into many unscrupulous business men, quite a few of whom have been westerners I'm afraid. It seems the "boom" in Hua Hin has attracted some people, both Thai and westerners, that I wish I had never had to meet.
I have now decided that I will be better off not fighting for my right every time. I can't change lots of other people, I have to try to change myself instead. I will try to be less rational and stop expecting people to act logicaly or reasonably. I will try to laugh at crooks and to not be too upset when I meet lunatics on the road.
If I succeed in this ambition I believe I will be even more happy to be a 1st category expat here in Hua Hin.
Anybody who in any way can recognise himself in the above?
Yes Gutte, I can.Gutte wrote: Anybody who in any way can recognise himself in the above?
It took me 2 years to overcome anger and despair.
You have to convince yourself that you are just a guest in this country and keep smiling.
That is pretty hard sometimes, but it's the only way to stay alive and enjoy your life here.
I'm also from your part of the world and came out here 4 years ago.
Since then a lot of changes has been going on in HH and is still going on.
For better or worse I don't know, but you'll have to find some sort of peace with yourself.
Forget about the time, we only have this one life, let's try to have as good life as possible.
I intend to live forever - so far so good.
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NicFrenchy
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I fit in the Second expat Category.... I'm only 30 years old so I guess it will take time for me to migrate to a 1st category expat.
One thing, After a year and half in Thailand, my mind is already looking towards purchasing a nice condo for my "old days" which I want to spend in Thailand. Not that I dislike France (my home) but :
1. let's not kid ourselves, money is a big Factor, Thailand is Cheap
2. the People, they are very nice and always up for fun (and I'm not talkng about the girls yet)
3. the Food, personally, I love it
4. the lifestyle
5. the Weather
6. the Ladies
I'm sure there are dozens of more reasons but in my mind, Thailand's the place for a nice retirement
One thing, After a year and half in Thailand, my mind is already looking towards purchasing a nice condo for my "old days" which I want to spend in Thailand. Not that I dislike France (my home) but :
1. let's not kid ourselves, money is a big Factor, Thailand is Cheap
2. the People, they are very nice and always up for fun (and I'm not talkng about the girls yet)
3. the Food, personally, I love it
4. the lifestyle
5. the Weather
6. the Ladies
I'm sure there are dozens of more reasons but in my mind, Thailand's the place for a nice retirement
I definitely fall into the 1st category but having made that decision at the tender age of 22 I do sometimes feel that it may not have been the correct one.
Regardless I am pretty content with my life here and would not consider returning to the UK if there were other options in Asia.
There are many frustrations here but equally as many where I came from so its swings and roundabouts. I do often feel very insecure in Thailand since we are constantly reminded of the fact that we are just guests and can be kicked out at their whim. After a third of my life in this country I do consider it home regardless of what the government thinks of me. It just often makes life a little stressful especially when you bring new people into the world.
Regardless I am pretty content with my life here and would not consider returning to the UK if there were other options in Asia.
There are many frustrations here but equally as many where I came from so its swings and roundabouts. I do often feel very insecure in Thailand since we are constantly reminded of the fact that we are just guests and can be kicked out at their whim. After a third of my life in this country I do consider it home regardless of what the government thinks of me. It just often makes life a little stressful especially when you bring new people into the world.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
I enjoyed reading this thread.. there's many reasons for an expat to leave his native land..so i'll join in with the first category and say that any inexpensive, warm and friendly place is a good place to spend one's golden years. And if that place is full of pretty ladies having the class and dignity that the Thai women do, ......
I'm a first category (5 years) and was a second category for 5 years in Africa.
I consider myself very lucky and as a first category member one tends to merge into the culture more readily. I'm lucky because my time is split between Hua Hin which at times resembles Blackpool in the UK, and a village 80 kms north east of Khon Kaen which to say the least is totally different!!!!
I just pray for stability that will enable me to stay. I do ocassionally venture back to the UK and as soon as the Jumbo hits Heathrows runway I wish it would refuel, turn round and go back
I consider myself very lucky and as a first category member one tends to merge into the culture more readily. I'm lucky because my time is split between Hua Hin which at times resembles Blackpool in the UK, and a village 80 kms north east of Khon Kaen which to say the least is totally different!!!!
I just pray for stability that will enable me to stay. I do ocassionally venture back to the UK and as soon as the Jumbo hits Heathrows runway I wish it would refuel, turn round and go back
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.