Just Perfect

[ginooooo]

Asked a lot of questions here and got a lot of great advice on how to make the move as painlessly as possible and hope I had my "ducks lined up" before the commitment. Stuff about Tricare, hospitals, banks, laws, and about any possible snafus. And I want to say again thank you to all those who have helped.

Now the picture is complete. My wife and I had some friends, American, she Thai, husband retired Air Force like me, when we lived in Spokane, Wash in 1980. Lost track of them when we moved and later they moved to somewhere in Thailand to retire. Today, wife's friend, another girl in Wash. called and gave us their address, phone number and they have been living in Pattaya for many years. None of us have ever been to Pattaya but looks like next month when we come to Phayao to start getting things set up for the final move, Pattaya here we come to talk to a guy who knows that, done that being an ex-pat American for many years in Thailand. A big load off my mind and also a place to stay later to vacation in Pattaya with family. Life is good and looking forward to 2011.

Edited January 2, 2011 by ginooooo

[sunholidaysun1]

Pattaya, not the nicest place to visit especially if you are taking the family .

[sceadugenga]

No problem, there are nice places there, there's no rule that says you have to take the kids down Walking Street at ten o'clock at night.

Many foreigners live and raise their families there or nearby, the furthermost corners of Thailand aren't everyone's cup of tea.

[villagefarang]

Perfect?…I think not. You and your ever present ducks have a long row to hoe, I fear. Granted it must be a frightening prospect, moving from the coddling embrace of your past life, into this uncharted world where we must all fend for ourselves.

I’m glad that the thought of an old long lost friend in Pattaya makes you feel more comfortable about living in Phayao, even if those two places are as different as night and day. As for, been there done that, I’m sure that applies to most of us. If you get out and about in the Rai, no doubt you will meet plenty of helpful people who fit that criteria. It won’t happen overnight, just give it time.

My advice would be to let your ducks for free-range, and learn to go with the flow. Things will never be perfect, but with a little poise and self-confidence things usually work out for the best. Try not focussing so much on the destination and just enjoy the ride. After all it may be a long one. Good luck.

[scorpio1945]

No problem, there are nice places there, there's no rule that says you have to take the kids down Walking Street at ten o'clock at night.

Many foreigners live and raise their families there or nearby, the furthermost corners of Thailand aren't everyone's cup of tea.

Agreed. Jomtien beach area just fine as well as other areas. Koh Larn also worth a trip Several beaches. 4-5?.

[ginooooo]

I have lived in Korea for 6 years, Japan 2, Vietnam 1 and no problem adapting. Went to a lot of places in countries which were not really safe for an American and have learned to stay away from bar rows, prostitutes, etc and I think my wife and I will have no problems visiting Pattaya. Heck, can find trouble in Bangkok or even Phayao by going to the wrong places/areas.

I never said I would feel uncomfortable living there, very anxious to do so, just trying to get as much done right the 1st time this trip with a person who done it. Only got 30 days and want to come back and sell my home as fast as possible and accounts set up, medical doctors to contact for my type of insurance. Wife needs every 8 weeks an I V called Remicade for her RA which runs about 9k every time. Our friend in Pattaya has the same insurance, knows what hospitals/doctors/type paperwork to be submitted, and other logistics needed.

[bifftastic]

Gino, I'm happy to hear you found your long lost friend.

Good luck with everything.

Biff

[maxmiller]

No problem, there are nice places there, there's no rule that says you have to take the kids down Walking Street at ten o'clock at night.

Many foreigners live and raise their families there or nearby, the furthermost corners of Thailand aren't everyone's cup of tea.

Absolutely!

The good thing about Pattaya is that the 'naughty bits' are at least concentrated and you can find nice areas away from there.

The way people speak, you would think Pattaya is the only place in Thailand that nookie can be found.

Strange newbie post...I know, but hopefully it gets better.

[sceadugenga]

Welcome to the Chiang Rai forum, hope to see more of you.

[ginooooo]

Gino, I'm happy to hear you found your long lost friend.

Good luck with everything.

Biff

Thanks, Biff. I really do not remember him, maybe met him twice in 1979. My wife says he has a tumor of some sort now which is unfortunate but since we have the same medical insurance, he will be able to help me learn the process of it in Thailand as it is much different than in the states if I want to get reimbursed.

Sure is cold here in Utah but you are in a big deep freeze this year.