4 hours ago, Issan girl said:

I realized that my case is a bit different. I came here in HS in 1988 as an exchange student and lived with an amazing Thai family in Udornthani. I fell in love with my family, the Thaipeople, the culture, food and way of life. I came back as an exchange student at Khon Kan university and later to teach and do translation work. I have lived with my Thai family several times over the years and they have litterly changed my life. I did not return to Thailand for many years (almost 20) due to life and work circumstances, but always dreamed of retiring in Thailand. I am now blessed to be able to live here half time, share my love of Thailand with my spouse and give back to my Thai family. I will admit that Thai culture has changed in ways that are not always positive (nothing stays the same), but I still love the people, the simple life and enjoy the ability to travel. I am not sure if I will ever make Thailand my only permanent home and give up my life in the states (it is a bit more difficult if you are not married or living with a Thai partner) but I love being here and feel blessed that I was given the opportunity to get to experience the place.

A lovely post and what an interesting and unique perspective you must have on Thailand. Have you talked about the changes you alluded to in other threads on here or elsewhere?

I arrived in Thailand in 1998, aged 28, to work as an English teacher. Located in Isaan, I loved the place as soon as I'd settled. Laid back, peaceful, great people, fantastic food and a nice cold beer in the village shop.

I was not actively looking for a girfriend/wife but with so many lovely ladies around, it was difficult not to.

I met my now wife in 2000. We've been together ever since. Lived in Isaan for a further 19 years. Currently in UK to secure finances to retire back in our home in the village. Probably 2030.

On 2/19/2026 at 10:23 PM, 1tooth said:

Thailand needs to say stuff it, to america and align itself with China. Thailand should deport all americans using ICE tactics. Get those unwelcome foreigners out.

On 2/20/2026 at 3:30 PM, DrJack54 said:

Just to add one more to earlier good options...

Obtain SETV e-Visa in UK.

Entry provides 60 day stamp.

Take your trip to Vietnam and since you are there for couple of weeks obtain another SETV eVisa.

All done online. Including payment.

Have a UK card for payment.

Avoids any dealing with immigration office in Thailand.

No extensions.

4 hours ago, sidjameson said:

A lovely post and what an interesting and unique perspective you must have on Thailand. Have you talked about the changes you alluded to in other threads on here or elsewhere?

Thank you. I have been reading this forum for a while, but only recently started to post. I try to stay mostly positive when it talking about Thai culture, and understand that nothing stays the same. I could go into several areas that I feel have gotten less admirable, but then I have to think about the fact that the same has happened in my country of origin as well as wonder how much of my memory of the Thailand I remember is clouded by my individual experience,

On 2/21/2026 at 10:00 PM, Celsius said:

It's always about the women. Men are needy and can't be alone.

On the contrary Thailand makes it easy to be alone. I can afford a comfortable place to live, a housekeeper, entertainment when I want it, and peace and quiet when I don't.

I initially came for the fishing; women were a lesser consideration. But quickly got hooked up on my second visit to my Thai wife. If not for her and daughter maybe wouldn't have stayed,

On 2/24/2026 at 2:13 AM, simon43 said:

Not so bad actually - Brochiectasis is widening of the bronchi airways, which causes the lungs to produce more mucus than normal. Unless that is coughed up by doing regular lung exercises etc, it can become an ideal habitat for bacteria growth and viruses, leading to bronchitis, pneumonia etc. So whilst I do wear a mask during the worst of the burning season, I just carry on with my daily lung exercises and hope for the best!

I remember you as a passionate HAM radio operator.

While in Myanmar, you may have had to abandon this hobby. In the eyes of the current Myanmar government, your many antennas may qualify you as a foreighn spy. Sending you a drone with 2 kg of explosives.

Otherwise: Good luck to you. You deserve it.