Nostalgia Soup Part Ii

[drycatchmini]

After spending three weeks on Samui, my first stay on the island in two decades, I've had a very positive experience. Much has changed for the better. And best of all, the beauty is still here and tranquility can still easily be acheived.

Chaweng was more or less a tourist dump twenty years ago, so I was not in the least surprised to see how the havoc has evolved into a chaotic inferno. Much better than Patong Beach on Phuket though – and definitely more expensive than anywhere else on the east coast of Thailand. I sort of miss the bamboo construct called the Reggae Pub though...

But generally, the roads are alot better than before and certainly more fit for the historically heavy ring road traffic.

The hospitals are much better equipped and there are more of them and the wide menu selection at eateries around Samui, along with the price range for accommodations, is just astonishing. I recently stumbled across a place offering bungalows for THB 150/night! (That's equal or even cheaper than what I payed for way back when). A few hours later, I visited a place renting out villas with private pools and 1Mbit/s WiFi for THB 25,000/day.

I've found that you can enjoy surfing the Net at decent speeds in the comfort of your beach side or hill top crib, let alone use the services of about 499 places island wide offering "hispeed" Internet connectivity.

Most of what hasn't changed comes as no big surprise to me.

As in 1988, the greedy, the loafers and the wannabe hippies still flock to the island in droves from all parts of the world.

I can imagine that at least a few of the pseudo hippies from back then have returned to Samui as wealthy property investors – now getting even wealthier.

And the local mafia were just as active and probably more visible back then. (A son from one of the then five families that basically ran the island in 1988 was a friend of mine. Unfortunately, he had an "accident" about 15 years ago).

Here's a thought. If just say 1% of all money that is spent on extremely expensive residential projects currently underway across the island was invested towards improving infrastructure (electricity, water, roads etc) and education (driving schools, English language schools), Koh Samui as an island and its inhabitants, both indigenous and visitors, would greatly benefit. Call it an investment tax or whatever.

I know this won't fly though.

Why? Well, mainly because however nice living on a tropical island is, we are in a developing country. I think its key to keep this in mind – even if island facilities are fairly modern and almost any western taste (and distaste) can be satisfied here.

This is a country with a population generally struggling to enjoy a better everyday life. Just like the rest of the world. A quality of life they see amongst their fellow and more fortunate countrymen as well as through western television and film culture. And however lovable and friendly and street smart most of the Thais I have met over the years, far from all are motivated, prepared, educated or mature enough to reach their goals in an environmentally friendly or financially sustainable way.

Starting small businesses, including, yes, like so many Farangs on Samui and other places in Thailand, property related business, in order to seize current (short and long term) opportunities is one way of cashing in on the tourism boom. Who can blame them? I have spoken with a few Thai and Farang property dealers and land owners. Both here and on Phuket (which went through a similar "gold rush" many years ago). Many have seen what was defined as worthless land turn into primo locations for property developers. I say, good on ya! Jealous? A little. But I don't begrudge their good luck.

So good folks, before you pass too much more judgement on how things are on Samui 2005, reflect on the following:

– Was the quality of your life better before coming to Samui?

– Do you actively partake in community services to improve the quality of life for locals and visitors alike? (example: beach cleaning, charities etc)

– When you complain about everything from speeding and on the ring road to commercialism, do you also ask yourself why you are still here?

– When not participating in this forum, do you at all socialize with locals and get their take on issues that you spend so much time bitching about?

– Do you at all socialize with others when not "contributing" to this and other forums?

– Do you need to reevaluate your life and take charge of your destiny in a more constructive and positive way?

Questions, questions. But hey, we're all on an island, most of the time the weather's great (compared to northern Europe at least) and there should be some time to squeeze in a bit of pondering, even for the busiest of schedules....

Edited September 25, 2005 by drycatchmini

[skipdivils]

Here here....

I second almost everything you said. Funny how there aren't the usual reams of cynical responses from the members of this forum. How refreshing to hear an opinion like yours.

If more expats who live on Samui shared your wisdom, the island would be a far better place. I guess these people just can't see that it is folks just like them - the ones who only bitch and do nothing positive or constructive themsevles - that drag down the vibe of the whole island.

Samui is one of the only places I have been in the world where I spend much more time hanging out with locals than with other expats. And that says a lot. That is also why I love the place so much. If I spent all my waking hours in grungy bars hanging out with only other expats who share the same cynicism and bad attititude, then yeah, I would badmouth the island and its locals too I guess. But spending time with locals that have become good friends over the years is much more preferable and rewarding.

[benson]

what a complete load of <deleted> from the op and not much better from the first reply what exactly are you trying to say?

[benson]

p.s in less than one thousand words!

[drycatchmini]

My seven word reply: If you can't enjoy life here, leave.

[sbk]

drycatchmini, well posted. I certainly enjoyed reading what you had to say and couldn't agree more. Too many people try to see how much they can get out of a place (or person) and rarely see how they can put back in. I guess it's easier to complain than to be proactive.

BTW, the Reggae Pub burned down about 6-7 years ago, New Years Eve, fireworks landed on the roof and poof! Up it went. We could see the flames from over here (Koh phangan).

[Soph]

what a complete load of <deleted> from the op and not much better from the first reply what exactly are you trying to say?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree, great post from the OP - but Benson what are you going on about - can you not read? The OP is merely voicing his opinion based on his experience in Samui, what is there not to understand

[skipdivils]

Benson,

What exactly is &lt;deleted&gt; about the OP? Could you be more specific?

[pluto_manibo]

I remember Reggae Pub burning in 1993-1994 on New Years eve, I think you might be mistaking with the years, unless it burned down again.....

[sbk]

I remember Reggae Pub burning in 1993-1994 on New Years eve, I think you might be mistaking with the years, unless it burned down again.....

God, was it that long ago? How embarassing, time flies when you are having fun, I guess