Fish Out Of Water

[Huey]

I have been traveling extensively since I first left the States in 1999. I went through 4 passports (extra pages and all) in that time, and since 2001 I have been making Thailand my home base. One thing I have been noticing however it has been increasingly hard to leave for extended periods of time the longer I stay in Thailand. I used to be able to do 3, 4, 6 month stints in the Gulf and be cool with a few weeks or a month back in LoS and be ready to go back to work no problem. But now I have been in Afghanistan for barely 2 months and I can't wait to get back home. I never felt this way, EVER, about the States.

Is there something in the water in Thailand that has addictive qualities, like nicotine or crack, that over time builds up a resistance to leave the country?

Do any of you long term guys that go away occasionally for work or for other reasons, find it tough to be away for any respectable amount of time?

Anyone got the Away from Thailand Blues?

[samuibeachcomber]

am not in your situation as i am retired here(now 4 years) but i agree with you ,every time i leave for visits to the UK or australia,the minute i am on tha plane i really dont want to leave and am always in a hurry to get back.I dont know what it is.That i love thailand and my life here is a given,everyday i count my blessings that i am here and i can understand the wrench,when leaving,particularly if you have to leave for financial or health reasons.

[WhiteShrek]

Have been through similar phases as well. I think the "addictive" quality you refer to is one most Thais definitely have. Thailand is sort of an easy way out in many things - like drugs I guess - you can just go there, not do very much, laze around, chill out and no-one really bothers you. Generally you can just avoid accountability, responsibility and do what you feel like. Same way as when people are bored or feeling unsatisfied they can just eat chocolate Must be tough going in Afghanistan on many levels, so can understand the craving for something sweeter.

Thailand is the world's comfort food for many. In the same way though it's often not tha deeply nourishing

A few years back we moved overseas for a couple of years. After that stint, and returning here I've never really felt an addiction to Thailand again. Perhaps it was long enough to go cold turkey

[TheGoodDoctor]

Not really, but then again, its like I am on vacation 365 days out of the year anyways, so...

[Huey]

Shrek, I don't know, addictive yes. But the way you make it sound is as if it's some how hollow and without meaningful substance.

In contrast I find that it's fulfilling, and unlike chocolate or some sweets with no real nutritional value, I can say I have grown more, learned more, and advanced farther on so many levels from being here. Especially, when you compare that to where I lived before, on the east cost, working a nice union job with the phone company, stable, easy, boring... I experienced more growth and introspection in 1 month in Thailand then I did a year in the States. And actually I have much more accountability in Thailand then I did in America, in the States I just had to go about my 9-5 and let my X handle the bills when our paychecks came. To easy.

Now, I have my own company here to worry about, my wife is starting her own business, just bought a new house, she wants a baby soon, I got work in the Gulf I need to get sorted and it's all Consultant or own business stuff..... I guess if I just had a fat pension and no family, I could sit back in Pattaya and avoid all accountability that didn't involve a latex coating

But then I guess Thailand, like anything in life, is what ya make of it.

[meom]

Been working in Saudi since 1992. Two months on, two weeks off.

Sure I used to get the blues every once in a while. Driving through the desert in the middle of nowhere there have been times that I asked myself what the fvk am I doing here.

Over time you get used to it though and now a days it don’t really bother me. Must be getting braindead.

[bonobo]

I find myself looking forward to every trip out of Thailand.  I am going to the US for 8 days in two weeks, for example, and I am eagerly planning foods to eat and bring back, books to buy.  And I will be going to the Philippines and Vietnam in December, and I am looking forward to that.  But I am finding that I am missing Thailand quicker and quicker on each trip.  And I always wish I hadn't thrown on an extra fews days on the end of these trips and just scheduled my flight back to Thailand sooner.

[Tingnongnoi]

the longer im here the more I look forward to small trips away also, but its always nice to come back.

[givenall]

Have been through similar phases as well. I think the "addictive" quality you refer to is one most Thais definitely have. Thailand is sort of an easy way out in many things - like drugs I guess - you can just go there, not do very much, laze around, chill out and no-one really bothers you. Generally you can just avoid accountability, responsibility and do what you feel like. Same way as when people are bored or feeling unsatisfied they can just eat chocolate Must be tough going in Afghanistan on many levels, so can understand the craving for something sweeter.

Thailand is the world's comfort food for many. In the same way though it's often not tha deeply nourishing

A few years back we moved overseas for a couple of years. After that stint, and returning here I've never really felt an addiction to Thailand again. Perhaps it was long enough to go cold turkey

May be is true that "your home is where your heart is"

[Ulysses G.]

Most men miss the lovely women and all the female attention they get here, but of course Thai Visa members just are not that way.

[Huey]

Thanks everyone for the input. Yeah I feel you guys when you say the longer you stay the more you like thouse brief trips away. Just to hit something different for a week or 2. But I think what got me is I worked from home in Thailand for over a year before I went back to the Middle East this time. And it's really beating me up these days. I know that I have to find something...or rather BUILD something that will make enough money to support my lifestyle without me having to leave Thailand very often. Easier said then done, but I know long term it's what I gotta do. The place really grows on some of us doesn't it?

The only things I really miss about the Sates is being able to speak English at a comfortable pace and in the vernacular of my choosing, BANDWIDTH, and good and reasonably priced cars (Cadillac...my kingdom for a Cadillac....actually you would probably have to be royalty to afford a Escalade around here LOL)..man what I wouldn't give to have a XLR-V here in Thailand.

[WhiteShrek]

Shrek, I don't know, addictive yes. But the way you make it sound is as if it's some how hollow and without meaningful substance.

In contrast I find that it's fulfilling, and unlike chocolate or some sweets with no real nutritional value, I can say I have grown more, learned more, and advanced farther on so many levels from being here. Especially, when you compare that to where I lived before, on the east cost, working a nice union job with the phone company, stable, easy, boring... I experienced more growth and introspection in 1 month in Thailand then I did a year in the States. And actually I have much more accountability in Thailand then I did in America, in the States I just had to go about my 9-5 and let my X handle the bills when our paychecks came. To easy.

Now, I have my own company here to worry about, my wife is starting her own business, just bought a new house, she wants a baby soon, I got work in the Gulf I need to get sorted and it's all Consultant or own business stuff..... I guess if I just had a fat pension and no family, I could sit back in Pattaya and avoid all accountability that didn't involve a latex coating

But then I guess Thailand, like anything in life, is what ya make of it.

Totally agree that life is what you make it. I enjoy Thailand, but to be honest no longer miss it when I'm away - for that very reason.

As the years roll by it's exactly what you said that you realise happiness is within. The most important things in life for me are my wife and children. Thailand is just background. Work here can be fun, but well hard work compared to most places if you want to acheive anything other than general sabai sabai.

The only things you need to be accountable for here in Thailand are yourself, your family, and your job. Even then that's only if you choose to. Thailand has many people who just choose not to be accountable and responsbile.

I think when you mention that some people have an addiction to Thailand, that's because there's something missing in themselves as they fill it with Thai chocolate. It can be a great country to lose yourself for a while though...

May be is true that "your home is where your heart is"

Definitely agree with you on that, givenall.

[dumball]

Could just put it down to 'pussy_pull' , effects most males when they are aware from home , no matter where that place may be .

[Huey]

LOL Yeah Dumball, except for when they are away from home visiting Thailand for the first time

Now once we have made Thailand our home, I'm guessing the pull is about as difficult to resist as say.....

[lovelomsak]

What you decribe was the reason I retired early and moved here. For years I came here for january and february. That got to be to long to go , so I startedcoming jamuary and july that wasnot lonng eonough each time. So I sold everything and retired here. Been here three years and went back home twice each time I couldnot wait to be back in thailand.

I should add I donot live in Pattaya or krung thep. I live in a small amphur, but life is so simple and easy and absolutely no accountabil;ity. Life here is as easy as you make it. I will only return to Canada in a box as a permanent resident.

[MiG16]

........... Same way as when people are bored or feeling unsatisfied they can just eat chocolate

......... But the way you make it sound is as if it's some how hollow and without meaningful substance.

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

In contrast I find that it's fulfilling, and unlike chocolate or some sweets with no real nutritional value,

.........I think when you mention that some people have an addiction to Thailand, that's because there's something missing in themselves as they fill it with Thai chocolate.

now now.

there really is no need to slag off chocolates you know

somewhat off topic, but I have to come to chocolates defense any continued slagging of chocolates and I may have to issue warnings

[note to self: must lobby for rules to expand to flaming of persons and or objects in particular chocolates is against forum rules]

[Huey]

Mig16 I formally apologize and I have to say some of my best friends are chocolates, and I am in no way a anti-cocco zealot. I donate copious amounts of money to the chocolate cause. I am not trying to chocolate bash. See, here's me and a crate of 178 of my closest chocolate friends....

Damm they were good, Laderach ...I mean....damm www.laderach.com if anyone knows IF you can get these in Thailand I will buy you a box. and thats saying something considering in Geneva they were like .75 Euro cents, with the dam taxes they have in Thailand they would probably be like a 120 Baht a pop

[sokal]

I have been traveling extensively since I first left the States in 1999. I went through 4 passports (extra pages and all) in that time, and since 2001 I have been making Thailand my home base. One thing I have been noticing however it has been increasingly hard to leave for extended periods of time the longer I stay in Thailand. I used to be able to do 3, 4, 6 month stints in the Gulf and be cool with a few weeks or a month back in LoS and be ready to go back to work no problem. But now I have been in Afghanistan for barely 2 months and I can't wait to get back home. I never felt this way, EVER, about the States.

Is there something in the water in Thailand that has addictive qualities, like nicotine or crack, that over time builds up a resistance to leave the country?

Do any of you long term guys that go away occasionally for work or for other reasons, find it tough to be away for any respectable amount of time?

Anyone got the Away from Thailand Blues?

I get the blues now and then, sometimes are worse then others. One time I could not sleep for a week and I had to ho to the doctor.

When I first landed in Thailand, I felt like I was on a different planet. The sights, the sounds, the smell, culture shock, everything.

[sokal]

Most men miss the lovely women and all the female attention they get here, but of course Thai Visa members just are not that way.

That is what most people think it is but it is only part of it. I know a 28 year old farang girl that goes to Thailand every year, she loves it just as much as I do. She spends half her time on kohsan road and the other half on the beaches. Thailand is always happening, that is where the party is. The laid back attitude that everyone gets when they go there is the addictive part.

[sokal]

Thanks everyone for the input. Yeah I feel you guys when you say the longer you stay the more you like thouse brief trips away. Just to hit something different for a week or 2. But I think what got me is I worked from home in Thailand for over a year before I went back to the Middle East this time. And it's really beating me up these days. I know that I have to find something...or rather BUILD something that will make enough money to support my lifestyle without me having to leave Thailand very often. Easier said then done, but I know long term it's what I gotta do. The place really grows on some of us doesn't it?

The only things I really miss about the Sates is being able to speak English at a comfortable pace and in the vernacular of my choosing, BANDWIDTH, and good and reasonably priced cars (Cadillac...my kingdom for a Cadillac....actually you would probably have to be royalty to afford a Escalade around here LOL)..man what I wouldn't give to have a XLR-V here in Thailand.

I agree, I will miss the cars too. Nice ride but I prefer the Vette over the Caddie

[bonobo]

Thanks everyone for the input. Yeah I feel you guys when you say the longer you stay the more you like thouse brief trips away. Just to hit something different for a week or 2. 

Yes, I do enjoy the thought of getting away and what I will do/buy.  But after only about 3 or 4 days, I find I am really missing Thailand.

I do a little better on trips to the US, and I had a good trip to Europe with my business partner and some friends, but still, I get missing Thailand real quick now.  I had to go to Manila for a few days in April, and that got extended.  After only three days, I had eaten all the crispy pata and adobo I wanted, and I was going stir crazy.  No offense intended to Filipinos, but Manila is rather dirty and uninteresting to me when compared to Bangkok.  I basically holed up in my hotel for the last few days, exercising and watching tv (Filipino tv is much, much better than TrueVision.)  I was never so happy as when I could finally go to the airport and fly back home.

[Maigo6]

Many guys I know who work overseas can't wait to get back to Thailand, they earn a lot of money and can afford to live like kings when they are there.

So why wouldn't they.