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Hello,

I have just recently located the Thai Forum site and this is my first post. I came across the site while doing some research on relocation requirements as I am planning my retirement which begins a year from now in the early part of '07.

My twin brother and myself were stationed at Korat RTAFB in 1970-71 during the Vietnam war. In spite of the political climate and our military obligations, this was the "best year of our lives." We talked about going back to Thailand for some 20+ years after that time...through jobs, marriages, divorces, kids, etc. Life somehow always seemed to be getting in the way of any realistic chance we might have to return to the land of smiles. Then, in 1994, when we were both divorced and well into our respective careers, we made the decision and returned to Korat for a couple of weeks of vacation. Bangkok and Phuket were also on the itinerary, and we were thrilled to return to a place that we thought would only rest forever in our memories.

Korat had changed considerably over the years, but there were a number of areas that were exactly the same as we remembered. The sounds and smells of our surroundings snapped our brains into instant recognition mode and, after a few days, it was as though we had never left.

My brother and I are both 54...soon to be 55. We are in the process of selling our home in Phoenix, AZ. and will be staying in this area in a downsized capacity while we wait out our final year before retirement. During that time we will be scouring the internet for any and all information that we can get as we prepare to relocate to Thailand. A lot of our initial questions have been answered through sites I have located so far, but we both know that the most important information that we can get will come from those of you who have already gone through the expatriate process. Visas, laws, travel, and general information is readily available to us. We are looking for some insight into what we might expect from our extended and/or permanent stay in Thailand. What is it like to live in a foreign country for years at a time? How are expats perceived by the locals? Do the local authorities accept or resent this huge influx of foreigners? Where can we get 2% milk? LOL.

We have gone through some real estate sites and have been in contact with realtors to get a sense of price and location for rentals. Our preference is to stay in the Phuket area during the high season, then in Chiang Mai during the summer months. I'm sure you have heard this all before....we are not breaking any new ground here. But, I also know that this process has probably been perfected by a number of you through trial and error over the years. Your input is certainly more valuable than any web site we could visit. What's the best and worst part of the process? Major problems? What problems that you thought were considerable ended up being minor...and how did you overcome them? What about little known locations or towns that can provide many of the ammenities without crowded or tourist type conditions? So many questions....

Please feel free to email us at [email protected] or via the Forum. We look forward to hearing from you...especially any expats that were in Korat in 70-71.

Swadee,

Gary Page

Glenn Page

Phoenix, AZ (USA)

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