Repatriation - On Leaving Thailand

[klikster]

I've been here for more than 10 years full time and seen lots of changes. Some of those changes have made being here easier, but I have also seen a deterioration of the cultural aspects that brought me here. Every now and then I consider repatriation.

Recently, I had a lengthy PM conversation with one person who is in the process of repatriation. Our conversation was interesting enough that I thought that the subject might make a good discussion.

If you have repatriated, are in the process, or strongly considering moving either back home orto another country, please vote and give your reasons.

I hope we don't get too many "good riddance" flames.

Edited January 30, 2008 by klikster

[lazeeboy]

I've been here for more than 10 years full time and seen lots of changes. Some of those changes have made being here easier, but I have also seen a deterioration of the cultural aspects that brought me here. Every now and then I consider repatriation.

Recently, I had a lengthy PM conversation with one person who is in the process of repatriation. Our conversation was interesting enough that I thought that the subject might make a good discussion.

If you have repatriated, are in the process, or strongly considering moving either back home orto another country, please vote and give your reasons.

I hope we don't get too many "good riddance" flames.

i think there comes a time when most people living here consider leaving ,after 13 years the shine has worn off for me too,never would i live in the uk again ,but im going for a holiday in march ,a couple of years ago i would not have wanted to go there for love nor money,as we get older our needs change and our tastes ,as they say the grass is greener on the other side of the fence

[thaihome]

You left some choices off:

•Project is completed being reassigned by company to another country

•Project is completed being reassigned by company back to home office.

•Been promoted but had to move to take it.

•I am homesick and just not cutout to live in developing country

•I totally miscalculated my financial situation and how much I could live on and now I have to go back

•I caught AIDs due to my stupidity and I since I am broke, my family are the only ones that will take care of me.

TH

[PhilHarries]

Another choice:-

My contract was terminated and no other work was forthcoming in Thailand or the region.

That was my coup de grace back in '02, survived until '04 but with nothing on the horizon decamped back to UK. Now having worked back via the UK, France, Malaysia and now Viet Nam I am circling back in towards Thailand. The question is, do I still want to live in Thailand? Should this job end tomorrow, which it won't, I would probably relocate back to Thailand while I look for another contract. This is purely because Thailand is the place I feel more at home and can even get by with the language. Other regional possibilities, excepting VN, are either fine if I was working (MY or SG) or I have no contacts (PI or Cambodia) and VN is still at an embryonic stage regarding long term plans.

None of the offered choices really fit. I'm 55 with sufficient funds so a retirement visa is a real option. Thailand's culture may be perceived as fading away but I think that is still only true in particular patches. Government stability is a real problem but maybe the real solution has just been passed up - a benign military dictatorship. Health care is not an issue with me at present but if it did become a real worry would cause a reappraisement of the situation but I have enough national insurance contributions to cover me if I have to beat the retreat.

Whatever happens I cannot see me going back to UK unless there really isn't any choice, I have no base there and the tax makes my eyes water just thinking about it. But, if all else fails it will be back to the Gulag to serve out another stretch keeping one eye on the job vacancies.

[thaihome]

Note that all my choices involves taking personal responsibility for ones life.

Compare to he OP's options.

TH

[klikster]

Note that all my choices involves taking personal responsibility for ones life.

Compare to he OP's options.

TH

?

One option .. create a poll to your liking.

[kmart]

You left some choices off:

•Project is completed being reassigned by company to another country

•Project is completed being reassigned by company back to home office.

•Been promoted but had to move to take it.

•I am homesick and just not cutout to live in developing country

•I totally miscalculated my financial situation and how much I could live on and now I have to go back

•I caught AIDs due to my stupidity and I since I am broke, my family are the only ones that will take care of me.

TH

Feel the love...

[GuestHouse]

Looking at the list of options I think they could all be encompassed in (The Truth Hit Home).

Not so much that things have changed as the view from the outset being somewhat optimistic.

The onset of concern over the real costs of life in Thailand, the real culture, the visa rules and bureaucracy and the real safety issues may not be so much that these things have changed as an indication of the departure of denial and arrival of realism.

Either that or you’ve lost your saffron tinted sunglasses.

[Goldenbead]

We are going home this year. My reason is that I have had enough of living in Asia. We have been in Thailand 8 years and in Malaysia for two before coming here. It has been great. It was the right decision for us and we have benefitted in many areas and we have a great life. However, I am ready to go home. I miss my family and friends and it is too far and so, too expensive to have an annual family vacation.

Hubby works away and I am on my own with the kids most of the time and it is pretty lonely. My Dad died three years ago and the kids never really knew him which was a shame. I want them to know their Granny.

Having said all of this, home for me is another tropical island with beautiful beaches, great infrastructure and in addition, I speak the same language as everyone else. The cost of living is much higher which is going to be a big adjustment but I reckon what we save on international school fees will balance it back out.

[klikster]

We are going home this year. My reason is that I have had enough of living in Asia. We have been in Thailand 8 years and in Malaysia for two before coming here. It has been great. It was the right decision for us and we have benefitted in many areas and we have a great life. However, I am ready to go home. I miss my family and friends and it is too far and so, too expensive to have an annual family vacation.

Hubby works away and I am on my own with the kids most of the time and it is pretty lonely. My Dad died three years ago and the kids never really knew him which was a shame. I want them to know their Granny.

Having said all of this, home for me is another tropical island with beautiful beaches, great infrastructure and in addition, I speak the same language as everyone else. The cost of living is much higher which is going to be a big adjustment but I reckon what we save on international school fees will balance it back out.

Would that perhaps be an island in the Pacific?

[klikster]

You left some choices off:

•Project is completed being reassigned by company to another country

•Project is completed being reassigned by company back to home office.

•Been promoted but had to move to take it.

•I am homesick and just not cutout to live in developing country

•I totally miscalculated my financial situation and how much I could live on and now I have to go back

•I caught AIDs due to my stupidity and I since I am broke, my family are the only ones that will take care of me.

TH

Feel the love...

LOL!

[RasiMike]

My family and I will be leaving Thailand soon, the reasons are many and varied, though our childrens wellbeing is at the forefront of our decision. Thailand isn't the best for them in the long run. There are just too few choices here for them to realise their full potential. We returned to Thailand when we were new parents and had previously been living a free and easy life - (knowing nothing about rearing children). Our ideals changed as we came to understand the responsibility of being parents I suppose.

I'm sure everybody has their own reasons for repatriation and/or remaining where they are......Isn't free choice a nice thing!

Initialy I was indeed optomistic, even happy about coming here to live. Although when we did make the decision to 'try it out', we didn't burn any bridges (financially or mentally) that would stop us from backing out of the deal and doing something else. Mine and my wifes particular blend of optomism and realism I guess...... I hope we can always be just a little optomistic, as I find the alternatives to be a little depressing.

My wife is Thai and so I am fortunate in having been able to live here as I am better able to understand her...it has only helped our relationship grow. I am fortunate to have learned and experienced another way of life - another way of understanding. While I certainly wouldn't want to adopt 100% of the Thai ideal, I do appreciate the experience and have incorporated certain aspects into my own life.

Who knows what is on the horizon? We may just return again when the kids are doing their own thing....... we're leaving that bridge intact just in case. I've always liked a little adventure and I am looking forward to many more.

In fact the next one has already begun .

Chok dee to all

Mike

[zeusbheld]

i'm probably going to leave within the year. the project i came here for is almost done, and i'm not finding much i'd like to do that pays anywhere near as well. that's alright i never intended to stay here forever anyway.

[SARAHJ101]

I am leaving at the end of April. I could stay here for as long as I liked but I'm a bit bored of it all now. I find Thailand a great place to holiday but not to live - so so many reasons, the list would be way too long to put down. Its all gotten a bit same same. Also miss my family/friends greatly.

[Sakeopete]

I plan on returning soon also, biggest reason is I want my kids to be educated in Canada. Also my father is almost 80 y/o and I want him to get to know his grandkids and visa versa. Personally for me the thing I long for the most is the cleanliness and wild animals. I like going fishing and hunting enjoying the clean air and not seeing litter strewn all over the place. My wife even enjoys ice fishing, I remember how embarrassed she felt about Thailand after visiting Canada. Also i want my kids to be able to respect the police and go to them for help if needed. I hate how my wife and most Thai people fear the police. I think it boils down to quality of life I didn't settle in Thailand because I didn't like Canada I did it because I wanted the experiance and to learn about my wife's culture. Now it is time roles are reversed and my wife looks forward to living in Canada.

[ttthailand]

After 13 years living in Thailand I made the move back to America. I setup my own company years ago in Thailand but 90 % of it's income came from outside the country. Great business for many years. As nothing lasts forever it slowed down. I was starting to get tired of the Thai BS and my GF of 10 years was saying we should make a move to the States. I decided to make the move. I have now been in America for over 6 months with my GF coming soon. I got a good job, no permits or kissing up to get visas or work permits or checking in all the time with the government. The weather is Ok in the south so almost same as Thailand. Basic things like getting a phone, setting up a bank account, getting a car loan, renting an apartment were so easy that I could hardly believe that I put up with all the crap in Thailand for as long as I did. People where I am living are so nice I can't believe it. I can get all the different kinds of food I want by making a short drive. The beaches are clean, I mean CLEAN, nothing like Thailand. Life is so so easy ! Looking over all the reasons I stayed in Thailand so long I believe the number one was that I felt younger because of all the Thai girls hitting on me. It was like a never ending party. I always however knew it was only about the money so I tried to keep it in check. Well the party is now over and I am happy to be drying out.

Thailand also felt like home to me for many years but it lost it's heart. In the beginning everyone appeared to be so nice. Everyone had time for you and were willing to help. You paid basically same as Thais but always gave a nice tip at the end. Work permits were not too big a problem. Im "B" visas were easy to get. 30 day tourist visas were the backup if a problem with filing happen. I felt like part of the system, I was welcomed home at the airport, LOS was truly LOS.

I am not sure what happened but perhaps everyone started to want more, a new motor bike or car, a cell phone, new jeans, all the trapping that western countries have. The only problem is that they can't really afford all this with their income. Most are only farmers. So now they have to worry about money more then before. They have to work away from home. They do things like selling their body or their spirit to get ahead. They commit crimes etc etc.... The government wants more the people want more and no one is happy with what they have. I saw it everywhere.

It was hard to think about returning home to America but I am glad I did. The future will be better for my GF ( soon to be married ) and me. I can once again buy land, MY LAND ! My family and old friends are glad I am back. It's a new start at an older age but it is exciting. I am home !

[Tinkelbell]

We are going home this year. My reason is that I have had enough of living in Asia. We have been in Thailand 8 years and in Malaysia for two before coming here. It has been great. It was the right decision for us and we have benefitted in many areas and we have a great life. However, I am ready to go home. I miss my family and friends and it is too far and so, too expensive to have an annual family vacation.

Hubby works away and I am on my own with the kids most of the time and it is pretty lonely. My Dad died three years ago and the kids never really knew him which was a shame. I want them to know their Granny.

Having said all of this, home for me is another tropical island with beautiful beaches, great infrastructure and in addition, I speak the same language as everyone else. The cost of living is much higher which is going to be a big adjustment but I reckon what we save on international school fees will balance it back out.

Would that perhaps be an island in the Pacific?

Fiji ? Americam Samoa? Or some of U.S.V.I ?

[thaihome]

After 13 years living in Thailand I made the move back to America. I setup my own company years ago in Thailand but 90 % of it's income came from outside the country. Great business for many years. As nothing lasts forever it slowed down. I was starting to get tired of the Thai BS and my GF of 10 years was saying we should make a move to the States. I decided to make the move. I have now been in America for over 6 months with my GF coming soon. I got a good job, no permits or kissing up to get visas or work permits or checking in all the time with the government. The weather is Ok in the south so almost same as Thailand. Basic things like getting a phone, setting up a bank account, getting a car loan, renting an apartment were so easy that I could hardly believe that I put up with all the crap in Thailand for as long as I did. People where I am living are so nice I can't believe it. I can get all the different kinds of food I want by making a short drive. The beaches are clean, I mean CLEAN, nothing like Thailand. Life is so so easy ! Looking over all the reasons I stayed in Thailand so long I believe the number one was that I felt younger because of all the Thai girls hitting on me. It was like a never ending party. I always however knew it was only about the money so I tried to keep it in check. Well the party is now over and I am happy to be drying out.

Thailand also felt like home to me for many years but it lost it's heart. In the beginning everyone appeared to be so nice. Everyone had time for you and were willing to help. You paid basically same as Thais but always gave a nice tip at the end. Work permits were not too big a problem. Im "B" visas were easy to get. 30 day tourist visas were the backup if a problem with filing happen. I felt like part of the system, I was welcomed home at the airport, LOS was truly LOS.

I am not sure what happened but perhaps everyone started to want more, a new motor bike or car, a cell phone, new jeans, all the trapping that western countries have. The only problem is that they can't really afford all this with their income. Most are only farmers. So now they have to worry about money more then before. They have to work away from home. They do things like selling their body or their spirit to get ahead. They commit crimes etc etc.... The government wants more the people want more and no one is happy with what they have. I saw it everywhere.

It was hard to think about returning home to America but I am glad I did. The future will be better for my GF ( soon to be married ) and me. I can once again buy land, MY LAND ! My family and old friends are glad I am back. It's a new start at an older age but it is exciting. I am home !

Good post. You sound like a number 4 on my list.

TH

[seonai]

RasiMike and ThaiHome good on both of you for being genuine guys and good luck xxx

[seonai]

I guess I meant ttthailand actually as well as RasiMike

[klikster]

It was hard to think about returning home to America but I am glad I did. The future will be better for my GF ( soon to be married ) and me. I can once again buy land, MY LAND ! My family and old friends are glad I am back. It's a new start at an older age but it is exciting. I am home !

Hello, ttthailand. Nice story with a happy ending. Thanks.

[thaihome]

We are going home this year. My reason is that I have had enough of living in Asia. We have been in Thailand 8 years and in Malaysia for two before coming here. It has been great. It was the right decision for us and we have benefitted in many areas and we have a great life. However, I am ready to go home. I miss my family and friends and it is too far and so, too expensive to have an annual family vacation.

Hubby works away and I am on my own with the kids most of the time and it is pretty lonely. My Dad died three years ago and the kids never really knew him which was a shame. I want them to know their Granny.

Having said all of this, home for me is another tropical island with beautiful beaches, great infrastructure and in addition, I speak the same language as everyone else. The cost of living is much higher which is going to be a big adjustment but I reckon what we save on international school fees will balance it back out.

Would that perhaps be an island in the Pacific?

Fiji ? Americam Samoa? Or some of U.S.V.I ?

Hilton Head?

TH

[Goldenbead]

We are going home this year. My reason is that I have had enough of living in Asia. We have been in Thailand 8 years and in Malaysia for two before coming here. It has been great. It was the right decision for us and we have benefitted in many areas and we have a great life. However, I am ready to go home. I miss my family and friends and it is too far and so, too expensive to have an annual family vacation.

Hubby works away and I am on my own with the kids most of the time and it is pretty lonely. My Dad died three years ago and the kids never really knew him which was a shame. I want them to know their Granny.

Having said all of this, home for me is another tropical island with beautiful beaches, great infrastructure and in addition, I speak the same language as everyone else. The cost of living is much higher which is going to be a big adjustment but I reckon what we save on international school fees will balance it back out.

Would that perhaps be an island in the Pacific?

A few guesses I see but sorry you are all wrong! Barbados it is!! Love the Caribbean.

[klikster]

We are going home this year. My reason is that I have had enough of living in Asia. We have been in Thailand 8 years and in Malaysia for two before coming here. It has been great. It was the right decision for us and we have benefitted in many areas and we have a great life. However, I am ready to go home. I miss my family and friends and it is too far and so, too expensive to have an annual family vacation.

Hubby works away and I am on my own with the kids most of the time and it is pretty lonely. My Dad died three years ago and the kids never really knew him which was a shame. I want them to know their Granny.

Having said all of this, home for me is another tropical island with beautiful beaches, great infrastructure and in addition, I speak the same language as everyone else. The cost of living is much higher which is going to be a big adjustment but I reckon what we save on international school fees will balance it back out.

Would that perhaps be an island in the Pacific?

A few guesses I see but sorry you are all wrong! Barbados it is!! Love the Caribbean.

Best of luck to you and your family, Goldenbead.

[klikster]

Hilton Head?

TH

Tropical?

[Tinkelbell]

quoted........"A few guesses I see but sorry you are all wrong! Barbados it is!! Love the Caribbean.

..........................................

Does Barbados is an English speaking country ?

I know Honduras speaks English.

Let me guess you're bi-lingual ?

Wish you lot of happiness in your new land.

[klikster]

I plan on returning soon also, biggest reason is I want my kids to be educated in Canada. Also my father is almost 80 y/o and I want him to get to know his grandkids and visa versa.

That's a pretty compelling reason. I wonder what percentage of children of expats will ever know their extended farang family.

Personally for me the thing I long for the most is the cleanliness and wild animals. I like going fishing and hunting enjoying the clean air and not seeing litter strewn all over the place. My wife even enjoys ice fishing,

I can imagine that the weight of the clothing she wore might have exceeded her body weight.

I hate how my wife and most Thai people fear the police. I think it boils down to quality of life I didn't settle in Thailand because I didn't like Canada I did it because I wanted the experiance and to learn about my wife's culture. Now it is time roles are reversed and my wife looks forward to living in Canada.

All the best.

[Goldenbead]

Best of luck to you and your family, Goldenbead.

Thanks!

Does Barbados is an English speaking country ?

I know Honduras speaks English.

Let me guess you're bi-lingual ?

Wish you lot of happiness in your new land.

Barbados is an English speaking country. Bi-lingual? I wish.

[ttthailand]

After 13 years living in Thailand I made the move back to America. I setup my own company years ago in Thailand but 90 % of it's income came from outside the country. Great business for many years. As nothing lasts forever it slowed down. I was starting to get tired of the Thai BS and my GF of 10 years was saying we should make a move to the States. I decided to make the move. I have now been in America for over 6 months with my GF coming soon. I got a good job, no permits or kissing up to get visas or work permits or checking in all the time with the government. The weather is Ok in the south so almost same as Thailand. Basic things like getting a phone, setting up a bank account, getting a car loan, renting an apartment were so easy that I could hardly believe that I put up with all the crap in Thailand for as long as I did. People where I am living are so nice I can't believe it. I can get all the different kinds of food I want by making a short drive. The beaches are clean, I mean CLEAN, nothing like Thailand. Life is so so easy ! Looking over all the reasons I stayed in Thailand so long I believe the number one was that I felt younger because of all the Thai girls hitting on me. It was like a never ending party. I always however knew it was only about the money so I tried to keep it in check. Well the party is now over and I am happy to be drying out.

Thailand also felt like home to me for many years but it lost it's heart. In the beginning everyone appeared to be so nice. Everyone had time for you and were willing to help. You paid basically same as Thais but always gave a nice tip at the end. Work permits were not too big a problem. Im "B" visas were easy to get. 30 day tourist visas were the backup if a problem with filing happen. I felt like part of the system, I was welcomed home at the airport, LOS was truly LOS.

I am not sure what happened but perhaps everyone started to want more, a new motor bike or car, a cell phone, new jeans, all the trapping that western countries have. The only problem is that they can't really afford all this with their income. Most are only farmers. So now they have to worry about money more then before. They have to work away from home. They do things like selling their body or their spirit to get ahead. They commit crimes etc etc.... The government wants more the people want more and no one is happy with what they have. I saw it everywhere.

It was hard to think about returning home to America but I am glad I did. The future will be better for my GF ( soon to be married ) and me. I can once again buy land, MY LAND ! My family and old friends are glad I am back. It's a new start at an older age but it is exciting. I am home !

Good post. You sound like a number 4 on my list.

TH

Not only number 4 but I think a little bit of all the items you listed comtributed to my returning to the States. I will always have a spot in my heart for Thailand as I have learned so much from the country. I will miss it but perhaps years from now if some positive changes take place I will return and try it again.

The big thing I discovered on my move was that it really is not too bad to return home. Life is what you make it no matter where you live. Don't be afraid to give it another try. You haven't failed you have lived !

[klikster]

One thing that really bothers me about Thailand is the inability for "me" to own land outright .. especially when a Thai can go to the US and buy a house in his name. Before coming to Thailand, I owned homes for years. The idea of buying some land in a nice quiet location and building a comfortable house is very appealing.