American Expat Found Dead In Nong Khai Home

[webfact]

American Expat found Dead in Nong Khai Home

By Staff Reporter

NONG KHAI: -- A 63 year old American Expat is reported to have been found dead in his home near Nong Khai.

The man, identified to the press only as “Ronnie” was discovered by his ex wife as she visited the home he occupies alone this week.

Police, who were called to the scene, found the body on the stairs and initial medical reports indicate that he had been dead for up to 10 days prior to discovery.

The house showed no signs of break in and investigators think that he either fell down the stairs, after tripping, or had a heart attack.

The man was last seen by local pals on the 28th of December when [more...]

Full story: http://www.pattaya10...-khai-thailand/

--Pattaya 103 FM 2013-01-08

[cannonball]

RIP "Ronnie", at least you were able to live the dream for a while.

CB

[Para]

Dead over NYE how desperately sad?

Problem is we all move here for a better life but in doing so for the most part lose feeling part of a community.

R.I.P Ronnie.

[Jobiwankenobi]

You're telling me Para, I once thought I was part of a community, but after some years here that illusion has gone. I now know I'm part of nothing, and I curse the day I ever set foot in this place. If I only knew then what I know now. And the rest of you, don't tell me to go home. I can't anymore, and on top of that, it seems that I've soiled myself. Now if you will all excuse me!

My condolences to Ronnie's friends and family, let's all hope that someone, somewhere has been truly affected by his untimely passing.

Edited January 8, 2013 by Jobiwankenobi

[scotbeve]

Dead over NYE how desperately sad?

Problem is we all move here for a better life but in doing so for the most part lose feeling part of a community.

R.I.P Ronnie.

Para,

There are still plenty of places in Thailand where one definitely feels a sense of community. Saying that, I've noticed for all the years I've been here, that the sense of community is falling by the wayside.

If one looks at other countries, the same trend has been around for some time. Cities being the worst for lack of community / neighborly...

RIP Ronnie...

[Para]

If one looks at other countries, the same trend has been around for some time. Cities being the worst for lack of community / neighborly...

I feel for the 'older' guys who come over and move up country guess that must be pretty hard at times.

Its been over 10 years since I have been in the UK and I dare say things are, as you say the same there.....

Edited January 8, 2013 by Para

[Gweiloman]

In order to be part of the community, you must first want to be part of it. That means assimilating, participating, contributing, socialising. If you build fences around yourself and your house, have strict rules as to whom can visit and when, don't expect the community to accept and welcome you.

This is not in direct response to the deceased - just a general comment about being a foreigner in a foreign land.

[webfact]

DEATH OF A U.S. CITIZEN

Death is a difficult experience for one's family and friends no matter where it takes place. When death occurs overseas the experience can be even harder, especially if the procedures involved are not clearly understood.

American Citizen Services (ACS) is ready to assist family and friends in the event of the death of an American Citizen in Thailand. Our services include:

• Finding and notifying the Next-of-Kin of the deceased
  
• Acting as a liaison with Thai police, hospital and mortuary authorities
  
• Arranging for the disposition and repatriation of remains
  
• Coordinating administrative and financial requirements
  
• Assisting in the collection and return of personal effects to Next-of-Kin
  
• Issuing a "Report of Death of American Citizen Abroad".
  

Notification of Next-of-Kin

The Thai authorities inform the Embassy upon the death of an American Citizen anywhere in Thailand. We then find the Next-of-Kin of the deceased and contact that person as soon as possible. There are several important things that the Next-of-Kin must do in conjunction with the ACS office. These include:

• Returning a signed and notarized "Affidavit of Next-of-Kin"
  
• Choosing method of disposition of remains
  
• Arranging payment of mortuary and related expenses in Thailand
  
• Arranging return of any personal possessions of the deceased
  

Affidavit of Next-of-Kin and Letter of Instruction

To act on the family's behalf, the Embassy must have a signed, notarized copy of a document called an “Affidavit of Next-of-Kin.” This form is critical because it shows us who is entitled to make the decisions regarding the deceased. Families should first fax or scan and email us a completed copy, and then mail the original.

Next-of-Kin are established in the following order:

• Spouse
  
• Children
  
• Parents
  
• Siblings
  
• Grandparents
  

Additionally, Next-of-Kin should fill out and sign a "Letter of Instruction" and fax or scan and email us a copy. This letter will tell us exactly how to handle the deceased's body. You can find blank copies of the affidavit (PDF 38KB)Our fax number is 011-66-2-205-4103 (02-205-4103 from inside of Thailand). Our email is [email protected]

Disposition and Repatriation of Remains

When an American Citizen dies in Thailand, the body is usually preserved until an autopsy can be performed and instructions are received from us or the Next-of-Kin regarding disposition of remains. There are normally two options regarding the disposition of remains:

• Cremation in Thailand and shipment for internment in the U.S. or other location
  
• Embalming in Thailand and shipment to U.S. or other location for internment or burial
  

We work with a funeral home here in Bangkok to ensure that the wishes of the Next-of-Kin are carried out as quickly and professionally as possible. HOWEVER, IN MOST CASES EMBALMING AND MORTUARY SERVICES IN THAILAND FALL FAR SHORT OF THE STANDARD EXPECTED IN THE UNITED STATES. A FUNERAL DIRECTOR IN THE U.S. SHOULD BE CONSULTED TO DETERMINE THE ADVISABILITY OF VIEWING THE REMAINS AND OF CONDUCTING AN OPEN CASKET FUNERAL.

Autopsies

Autopsies are normally performed if the deceased has died outside of a hospital or if the cause of death cannot be determined. Autopsies are performed within twenty-fours after the Thai forensic authorities receive the remains. Full autopsy reports are not available for up to three months after the completion of the examination. Autopsies are normally performed if the deceased has died outside of a hospital or if the cause of death cannot be determined. If an autopsy is not required by Thai authorities, it can often be conducted at the request and expense of the next-of-kin. Autopsies are performed within twenty-fours after the Thai forensic authorities receive the remains. Please note that full autopsy results are not available for up to three months after the completion of the examination, and that the autopsy results will likely fall far short of the standard expected in the United States.

Timing

Because of many factors, it is best not to make unchangeable plans and dates for funeral ceremonies in the United States until we can provide a firm timetable for return of remains. It takes time to perform an autopsy, to embalm or cremate the body, to prepare remains for shipment, and to prepare all the necessary documents.

Normally, it will be at least 7 to 10 days from the date of death to arrival of remains in the United States, longer if the remains are to be cremated and mailed to the U.S.

Financial Arrangements

The deceased's family or legal representative must pay all funeral home expenses and shipping costs of the remains and any personal effects. Families without a personal representative present in Thailand normally set up what is called an Overseas Citizens Services Trust with the Department of State. We use the money in this account to pay expenses on behalf of the deceased. We can coordinate all aspects of mortuary services under this arrangement.

Costs listed below are estimates, based on deaths with no unusual circumstances and should be considered for guidance purposes only.

• To have remains returned to the U.S. for burial, the cost for embalming and air shipment is approximately $5000.
  
• The cost for cremation and air shipment of ashes is approximately $1500.
  

By law, the Department of State cannot carry out instructions on the disposition of the remains until we have received the required funds. There are several methods for sending money to the Department of State to set up an Overseas Citizens Services Trust. See instructions on how to Sending Money to U.S. Citizens Overseas.

There will normally be an interval of at least seven days between receipt of funds and shipment of the remains.

After all the mortuary and shipping expenses have been received and paid, we will conduct an itemized accounting of final costs and refund any balance in the trust by a United States Treasury check.

Return of Personal Effects

The Embassy can, in most circumstances, take charge of personal effects and possessions of the deceased if instructed to do so by the Next-of-Kin. This may not be necessary if the deceased has a friend or family member present in Thailand at the time of death.

We will conduct a thorough inventory of any personal effects and send a copy to the Next-of Kin. We can send the family any items they wish to have returned at their expense through the United States Postal Service at the Embassy. Most families decide to donate items of little sentimental or monetary value (clothing, suitcases, kitchenware, etc.) to a local charity in order to avoid the large expense involved in returning these items to the United States. The Embassy will gladly arrange for this charitable donation on the family's behalf.

In cases where the estate of the deceased exceeds $1000, the Embassy will require more detailed legal documents, such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, prior to releasing money or effects to the Next-of-Kin.

Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad

The “Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” is an official report, in English, that provides the essential facts concerning the death of a U.S. Citizen. It functions in much the same way as a death certificate issued in the United States and can be used to settle bank accounts, insurance policies and other estate matters.

This report can be issued only after the Thai authorities complete their documentation of the death and takes several weeks to be completed. A minimum of 20 certified copies will be sent to the Next-of-Kin. Families may order additional certified copies from the Department of State for a fee.

Families will thus receive up to three sets of documents from the Embassy:

• 20 copies of "Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad" (free)
  
• An original Thai Death Certificate with a translated English copy (at the family's expense)
  
• An original Autopsy Report with a translated English copy (at the family's expense, takes 3-4 months to complete)
  

For more information you may also refer to the Department of State website.

Contact Us

American Citizen Services (ACS)

U.S. Embassy Bangkok

95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Telephone from outside of Thailand: (66) 2-205-4049

Telephone from inside of Thailand: 02-205-4049

Fax: (66) 2-205-4103

E-mail: [email protected]

Home Page

U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai

387 Witchayanond Road, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Tel: (66) 53-107-700 ext. 7704 or 7738

Fax: (66) 53-252-633

E-mail: [email protected]

US EMBASSY BANGKOK

http://bangkok.usemb...us-citizen.html

[sfbandung]

Sad that someone dies alone and missing for 10 days over the time of the year when we are normally in closest contact with our family.

[mrtoad]

Very sad to hear. The notes on being part of the community are interesting; it's not uncommon in the West either for people to lay undiscovered for weeks and even months.

[harleyd61]

R I P Ronnie

[Whidbeyboy]

RIP "Ronnie", at least you were able to live the dream for a while.

CB

Not being missed for 10 days, and then only by his ex. Not sure what dream you are talking about. Seems the man had no mates. I hope I never end up in this way. Sad, really.

Course, I really didn't know him so maybe he was doing just what he wanted, and that's enough IMO.

[sirchai]

Sad that someone dies alone and missing for 10 days over the time of the year when we are normally in closest contact with our family.

It is sad. But please look at European or American bigger cities. In some cases they only find out that somebody died, because the post box is full, or a bad smell coming out of the apartment/room.

Rest in Peace, Ronnie, hope you've lived your life.-=-

[gohmer]

Dead over NYE how desperately sad?

Problem is we all move here for a better life but in doing so for the most part lose feeling part of a community.

R.I.P Ronnie.

Para,

There are still plenty of places in Thailand where one definitely feels a sense of community. Saying that, I've noticed for all the years I've been here, that the sense of community is falling by the wayside.

If one looks at other countries, the same trend has been around for some time. Cities being the worst for lack of community / neighborly...

RIP Ronnie...

I can't speak of any of the countries in Europe; however, after spending 6 years in Thailand and with a GF and kids most of the time, I couldn't wait to leave. I completely get what Para is saying. I was in Para's position of not being able to come back due to not having a job and not affording to leave the one I had in Thailand. It was 2 years of prospecting and waiting out the crappy economy until I got an awesome company to hire me over Skype. The job is in a beach community just north of San Diego, California. I was very concerned about the cost of living, the SoCal culture, and the possibility that America had changed so much I'd be very disappointed and regretting the move back when I got here (I hadn't visited in that 6 yrs).

Well, unbelievable, the people, weather, streets (I bike to work), beaches, cleanliness, business attitudes, far cheaper rents and food than I ever expected, sense of community, endless activities, parks, nightlife, big name entertainment, dozens and dozens of microbrews, beach runs, endless mountain biking trails out my front door, 2 hours to snowboarding, 30+ year old California women that make 30+ year old Thai women (assuming you get married and don't spend your entire remaining life chasing lowlife bar girls) look like soi dog meat, and on and on and on.

Everyday when I ride my bike to work (and I'm 59) I am so thankful that I don't have to be on edge ready to die dodging the crazy F'n drivers in Thailand. I went to a popular outdoor sports store and bought mtn running shoes. I wore them for 3 months about 40 times, but I bought them half-size too small. I went to buy a second pair and the guy said to bring the first ones back, no questions guarantee of satisfaction. He said if I had wore them for a year or even longer, it would be the same. Now try and find that kind of business in Thailand. When I went through immigration flying into LAX, the immigration police chatted with me and sincerely welcomed me back when I mentioned I had been gone a long time. Get that at immigration in Thailand. When my Issan fiance (we are applying for a Fiance visa right now to get her and the kids to eventually be US citizens) goes to Robinson's makeup counter, she can't even get waited on (I make six-figures and she shows it). In the US, she will be equal to everyone else and my kids won't have to grow up with the kind of F'd up prejudice found in Thailand.

If I was rich, I'd pay for Para to live her just so he could get out as I did. I can't image the kind of crap hole all of the rest of you came from to think Thailand is an up tick. Now, if you come from a really messed up country (fortunately, despite its problems, the US ain't one), then I feel sorry for you too. But if your home country is not messed up, I can't imagine you staying in Thailand for any reason than cheap kittie(synonym), and if that's it, then you are the kind of person who probably doesn't care about community or quality of life anyhow.

[Markaew]

Dead over NYE how desperately sad?

Problem is we all move here for a better life but in doing so for the most part lose feeling part of a community.

R.I.P Ronnie.

Para,

There are still plenty of places in Thailand where one definitely feels a sense of community. Saying that, I've noticed for all the years I've been here, that the sense of community is falling by the wayside.

If one looks at other countries, the same trend has been around for some time. Cities being the worst for lack of community / neighborly...

RIP Ronnie...

Where might that be? I haven't found one yet. Many people think they are a part of a community but the community is only friendly as long as your money holds out.

Ronnie, I hope you time here was happy before the end.

[sirchai]

RIP "Ronnie", at least you were able to live the dream for a while.

CB

To live "the dream" near Nong Khai?---

[BlackPuddingBertha]

Not being missed for 10 days, and then only by his ex. Not sure what dream you are talking about. Seems the man had no mates. I hope I never end up in this way. Sad, really.

Many people are quite satisfied with their own company and do not need or want "mates", any more than they need or want to watch sport or frequent bars.

Of course if he did want that and couldn't get it for whatever reason, that would indeed be sad.

[Para]

I can't speak of any of the countries in Europe; however, after spending 6 years in Thailand and with a GF and kids most of the time, I couldn't wait to leave. I completely get what Para is saying. I was in Para's position of not being able to come back due to not having a job and not affording to leave the one I had in Thailand. It was 2 years of prospecting and waiting out the crappy economy until I got an awesome company to hire me over Skype. The job is in a beach community just north of San Diego, California. I was very concerned about the cost of living, the SoCal culture, and the possibility that America had changed so much I'd be very disappointed and regretting the move back when I got here (I hadn't visited in that 6 yrs).

Well, unbelievable, the people, weather, streets (I bike to work), beaches, cleanliness, business attitudes, far cheaper rents and food than I ever expected, sense of community, endless activities, parks, nightlife, big name entertainment, dozens and dozens of microbrews, beach runs, endless mountain biking trails out my front door, 2 hours to snowboarding, 30+ year old California women that make 30+ year old Thai women (assuming you get married and don't spend your entire remaining life chasing lowlife bar girls) look like soi dog meat, and on and on and on.

Everyday when I ride my bike to work (and I'm 59) I am so thankful that I don't have to be on edge ready to die dodging the crazy F'n drivers in Thailand. I went to a popular outdoor sports store and bought mtn running shoes. I wore them for 3 months about 40 times, but I bought them half-size too small. I went to buy a second pair and the guy said to bring the first ones back, no questions guarantee of satisfaction. He said if I had wore them for a year or even longer, it would be the same. Now try and find that kind of business in Thailand. When I went through immigration flying into LAX, the immigration police chatted with me and sincerely welcomed me back when I mentioned I had been gone a long time. Get that at immigration in Thailand. When my Issan fiance (we are applying for a Fiance visa right now to get her and the kids to eventually be US citizens) goes to Robinson's makeup counter, she can't even get waited on (I make six-figures and she shows it). In the US, she will be equal to everyone else and my kids won't have to grow up with the kind of F'd up prejudice found in Thailand.

If I was rich, I'd pay for Para to live her just so he could get out as I did. I can't image the kind of crap hole all of the rest of you came from to think Thailand is an up tick. Now, if you come from a really messed up country (fortunately, despite its problems, the US ain't one), then I feel sorry for you too. But if your home country is not messed up, I can't imagine you staying in Thailand for any reason than cheap kittie(synonym), and if that's it, then you are the kind of person who probably doesn't care about community or quality of life anyhow.

gohmer that's a kind and sincere post but I am currently a Monk here (through choice) with a job waiting for me in London when I go back next year. I guess after so long here I will really see things in a different light when returning home just as you have. Sure I came from a crap hole back home but at least it was my crap hole!

Had to laugh at the trainers story nothing like a goof old Thai guarantee is there?

Thank you again.

With metta.

Edited January 8, 2013 by Para

[Thaifly88]

Nong Kai was voted a couple of years ago as one of the best retirement destinations in South East Asia. So Ronniw may have had a pretty good life there. As BlackPuddingBerha says, everyone doesn't want loads of company all the time, preferring the freedom to do there own thing - and what's wrong with that.

It may seem sad to read of Ronnie lying there on the stirs for 10 days, but we're putting out own spin and fears on that - Ronnie couldn't care less.

[Gweiloman]

Dead over NYE how desperately sad?

Problem is we all move here for a better life but in doing so for the most part lose feeling part of a community.

R.I.P Ronnie.

Para,

There are still plenty of places in Thailand where one definitely feels a sense of community. Saying that, I've noticed for all the years I've been here, that the sense of community is falling by the wayside.

If one looks at other countries, the same trend has been around for some time. Cities being the worst for lack of community / neighborly...

RIP Ronnie...

I can't speak of any of the countries in Europe; however, after spending 6 years in Thailand and with a GF and kids most of the time, I couldn't wait to leave. I completely get what Para is saying. I was in Para's position of not being able to come back due to not having a job and not affording to leave the one I had in Thailand. It was 2 years of prospecting and waiting out the crappy economy until I got an awesome company to hire me over Skype. The job is in a beach community just north of San Diego, California. I was very concerned about the cost of living, the SoCal culture, and the possibility that America had changed so much I'd be very disappointed and regretting the move back when I got here (I hadn't visited in that 6 yrs).

Well, unbelievable, the people, weather, streets (I bike to work), beaches, cleanliness, business attitudes, far cheaper rents and food than I ever expected, sense of community, endless activities, parks, nightlife, big name entertainment, dozens and dozens of microbrews, beach runs, endless mountain biking trails out my front door, 2 hours to snowboarding, 30+ year old California women that make 30+ year old Thai women (assuming you get married and don't spend your entire remaining life chasing lowlife bar girls) look like soi dog meat, and on and on and on.

Everyday when I ride my bike to work (and I'm 59) I am so thankful that I don't have to be on edge ready to die dodging the crazy F'n drivers in Thailand. I went to a popular outdoor sports store and bought mtn running shoes. I wore them for 3 months about 40 times, but I bought them half-size too small. I went to buy a second pair and the guy said to bring the first ones back, no questions guarantee of satisfaction. He said if I had wore them for a year or even longer, it would be the same. Now try and find that kind of business in Thailand. When I went through immigration flying into LAX, the immigration police chatted with me and sincerely welcomed me back when I mentioned I had been gone a long time. Get that at immigration in Thailand. When my Issan fiance (we are applying for a Fiance visa right now to get her and the kids to eventually be US citizens) goes to Robinson's makeup counter, she can't even get waited on (I make six-figures and she shows it). In the US, she will be equal to everyone else and my kids won't have to grow up with the kind of F'd up prejudice found in Thailand.

If I was rich, I'd pay for Para to live her just so he could get out as I did. I can't image the kind of crap hole all of the rest of you came from to think Thailand is an up tick. Now, if you come from a really messed up country (fortunately, despite its problems, the US ain't one), then I feel sorry for you too. But if your home country is not messed up, I can't imagine you staying in Thailand for any reason than cheap kittie(synonym), and if that's it, then you are the kind of person who probably doesn't care about community or quality of life anyhow.

Sad to hear that you did not have a good experience whilst living in Thailand and glad that your quality of life is much improved.

Having lived fairly extensively in 7 countries over the last 35 years or so, every country has it's pros and cons. We all know that we should be focusing on the pros only but it's hard when either professional or personal issues are not ideal. I still constantly feel frustrated at many things here but before it gets out of hand, I always stop to think of how it was in my previous domiciles. I then make a concerted effort to experience one of the many pros of living in Thailand (be it a nice open air meal, massage, bike ride or just taking in eye candy) and life is good again.

[kawaiimomo]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is so good about a community feeling? I come from a place where there's not such feeling, and to me it looks fake. I only expect people to be nice but in no way I want to socialize too much with them just because they are my neighbors or things like that instead of for being interesting people.

I just moved to a townhouse and was nicely surprised our neighbour talked to us very friendly. She came back from Chiang Mai after new year eve and brought some oranges for us. Now that is something I appreciate. Specially since I still can not speak much Thai yet. I will definitively bring something to her on our next trip.

[IBoldnewguy]

In order to be part of the community, you must first want to be part of it. That means assimilating, participating, contributing, socialising. If you build fences around yourself and your house, have strict rules as to whom can visit and when, don't expect the community to accept and welcome you.

This is not in direct response to the deceased - just a general comment about being a foreigner in a foreign land.

This is some deep stuff - I'm glad I saw it before I stepped in it!

As one ages one's community often dissolves; friends and family move, change and/or die off. Life, like an old love, wrinkles and becomes unfamiliar as well as uninteresting; probably so that when it's our turn to check out, we don't regret leaving.

I hope the gentleman's exit was painless.

[MEL1]

Dead over NYE how desperately sad?

Problem is we all move here for a better life but in doing so for the most part lose feeling part of a community.

R.I.P Ronnie.

Para,

There are still plenty of places in Thailand where one definitely feels a sense of community. Saying that, I've noticed for all the years I've been here, that the sense of community is falling by the wayside.

If one looks at other countries, the same trend has been around for some time. Cities being the worst for lack of community / neighborly...

RIP Ronnie...

I can't speak of any of the countries in Europe; however, after spending 6 years in Thailand and with a GF and kids most of the time, I couldn't wait to leave. I completely get what Para is saying. I was in Para's position of not being able to come back due to not having a job and not affording to leave the one I had in Thailand. It was 2 years of prospecting and waiting out the crappy economy until I got an awesome company to hire me over Skype. The job is in a beach community just north of San Diego, California. I was very concerned about the cost of living, the SoCal culture, and the possibility that America had changed so much I'd be very disappointed and regretting the move back when I got here (I hadn't visited in that 6 yrs).

Well, unbelievable, the people, weather, streets (I bike to work), beaches, cleanliness, business attitudes, far cheaper rents and food than I ever expected, sense of community, endless activities, parks, nightlife, big name entertainment, dozens and dozens of microbrews, beach runs, endless mountain biking trails out my front door, 2 hours to snowboarding, 30+ year old California women that make 30+ year old Thai women (assuming you get married and don't spend your entire remaining life chasing lowlife bar girls) look like soi dog meat, and on and on and on.

Everyday when I ride my bike to work (and I'm 59) I am so thankful that I don't have to be on edge ready to die dodging the crazy F'n drivers in Thailand. I went to a popular outdoor sports store and bought mtn running shoes. I wore them for 3 months about 40 times, but I bought them half-size too small. I went to buy a second pair and the guy said to bring the first ones back, no questions guarantee of satisfaction. He said if I had wore them for a year or even longer, it would be the same. Now try and find that kind of business in Thailand. When I went through immigration flying into LAX, the immigration police chatted with me and sincerely welcomed me back when I mentioned I had been gone a long time. Get that at immigration in Thailand. When my Issan fiance (we are applying for a Fiance visa right now to get her and the kids to eventually be US citizens) goes to Robinson's makeup counter, she can't even get waited on (I make six-figures and she shows it). In the US, she will be equal to everyone else and my kids won't have to grow up with the kind of F'd up prejudice found in Thailand.

If I was rich, I'd pay for Para to live her just so he could get out as I did. I can't image the kind of crap hole all of the rest of you came from to think Thailand is an up tick. Now, if you come from a really messed up country (fortunately, despite its problems, the US ain't one), then I feel sorry for you too. But if your home country is not messed up, I can't imagine you staying in Thailand for any reason than cheap kittie(synonym), and if that's it, then you are the kind of person who probably doesn't care about community or quality of life anyhow.

I see your sincerity, in pissing off and leaving your love and the kids.

Congrats.

-mel.

[allucero]

gohmer:

You said it bother. I did retire in Thailand with my Thai wife in March 2012. I purchased a car that was a two month wait renting a car until it arrived. I cought a bacteria flesh eating infection two weeks in the hospital plus surgery. The finance company would not take back the car unless i had owned it for two years? In the meantime a motorbike hit my car and I had to repir it before I sold it for a $10,000 loss. I payed for schooling for my child and stayed until her term was completed and everyone there was questioning why I refured to stay until the end of the year. I arrived in March 2012 and stayed five months (that was five months too long) with the humid weather, I could not wait to get home. All in all it cost me about $30,000 but , I am home again and don;t have to drive in that mess. I am glad i did not get into that home buying mess. I also, don't have to see older forgieners men playing with young Thai boys. Pattaya is the only one sin city of several in Thailand. If you are and older gent and want a young beautiful girl and drink youself to death, this is the place for you,

And Yes, Thailand has beautiful beaches and I will return but only for my wifes family once a year for one month. RIP Ronnie!!!

[Para]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is so good about a community feeling?

It stops people laying dead on the floor for 10 days over New Year that's what communities are all about.

IMHO.

[BeforeTigers]

I'm sure anyone living alone here has had this thought before.

How long would it be before someone knocked on my door looking for me.

I'm active online, I have work every morning, and the girl I'm dating would expect a call sooner or later... but how long until someone physically knocked on my door. That's a little frightening.

That reminds me, I nee to make more friends in Bangkok. Heh.

[ratcatcher]

Dead over NYE how desperately sad?

Problem is we all move here for a better life but in doing so for the most part lose feeling part of a community.

R.I.P Ronnie.

Para,

There are still plenty of places in Thailand where one definitely feels a sense of community. Saying that, I've noticed for all the years I've been here, that the sense of community is falling by the wayside.

If one looks at other countries, the same trend has been around for some time. Cities being the worst for lack of community / neighborly...

RIP Ronnie...

I can't speak of any of the countries in Europe; however, after spending 6 years in Thailand and with a GF and kids most of the time, I couldn't wait to leave. I completely get what Para is saying. I was in Para's position of not being able to come back due to not having a job and not affording to leave the one I had in Thailand. It was 2 years of prospecting and waiting out the crappy economy until I got an awesome company to hire me over Skype. The job is in a beach community just north of San Diego, California. I was very concerned about the cost of living, the SoCal culture, and the possibility that America had changed so much I'd be very disappointed and regretting the move back when I got here (I hadn't visited in that 6 yrs).

Well, unbelievable, the people, weather, streets (I bike to work), beaches, cleanliness, business attitudes, far cheaper rents and food than I ever expected, sense of community, endless activities, parks, nightlife, big name entertainment, dozens and dozens of microbrews, beach runs, endless mountain biking trails out my front door, 2 hours to snowboarding, 30+ year old California women that make 30+ year old Thai women (assuming you get married and don't spend your entire remaining life chasing lowlife bar girls) look like soi dog meat, and on and on and on.

Everyday when I ride my bike to work (and I'm 59) I am so thankful that I don't have to be on edge ready to die dodging the crazy F'n drivers in Thailand. I went to a popular outdoor sports store and bought mtn running shoes. I wore them for 3 months about 40 times, but I bought them half-size too small. I went to buy a second pair and the guy said to bring the first ones back, no questions guarantee of satisfaction. He said if I had wore them for a year or even longer, it would be the same. Now try and find that kind of business in Thailand. When I went through immigration flying into LAX, the immigration police chatted with me and sincerely welcomed me back when I mentioned I had been gone a long time. Get that at immigration in Thailand. When my Issan fiance (we are applying for a Fiance visa right now to get her and the kids to eventually be US citizens) goes to Robinson's makeup counter, she can't even get waited on (I make six-figures and she shows it). In the US, she will be equal to everyone else and my kids won't have to grow up with the kind of F'd up prejudice found in Thailand.

If I was rich, I'd pay for Para to live her just so he could get out as I did. I can't image the kind of crap hole all of the rest of you came from to think Thailand is an up tick. Now, if you come from a really messed up country (fortunately, despite its problems, the US ain't one), then I feel sorry for you too. But if your home country is not messed up, I can't imagine you staying in Thailand for any reason than cheap kittie(synonym), and if that's it, then you are the kind of person who probably doesn't care about community or quality of life anyhow.

I enjoyed your post, even the running shoe bit and the gripes about Thailand's faults.

However, your last paragraph ruined the story. You may very well be happy with your six figure income and your Isaan GF and her kids ready to share the SoCal dream, but your put down of others who do not share your enthusiasm for the west is disappointing.

I happen to be from the large land mass squatting to the north of your country and even though it's not quite as 'messed up' as the USA, I, like thousands of other expats choose to live our lives, peacefully here in Thailand. I can do without the snow, cold and constant drizzle that makes the 'wet coast' experience. Summers there can be beautiful.

Thailand has many expats who for one reason or another cannot fit in with the Thais and live their lives among their fellow farangs, speaking English with their female partners if they have one. Good for them, if they are happy.

On the other hand I know of many American, Canadian and British as well as Australians and other Europeans etc who speak some Thai and are absorbed in Thai communities, with their families, with access to just about all the services one might want without being part of a nanny society and believe it or not, they are quite happy.

I, like many who came here, am well past the "kitty" seeking age and realize this country has major problems but where on earth doesn't? Certainly not in the Excited States of America, with their fiscal problems etc. The United Sharia Kingdom of GB is definitely not a place I'd head back to.

Anyway as far as the original story is concerned, even in Nong Khai, there is a sizeable expat community and it is indeed sad that one of them should have had an accident and nobody was concerned enough to try and contact him..

I hope Nong Khai Ronnie rests in peace in a far better place and I hope you enjoy your new life in the California sun.

[CMTourist]

10 days isn't that long. He might have had lots of friends but they all just assumed he'd gone away for the holiday break.

I think this thread is revealing of a lot of people's worries about their own lack of social support rather than the true state of Ronny's

[gohmer]

Dead over NYE how desperately sad?

Problem is we all move here for a better life but in doing so for the most part lose feeling part of a community.

R.I.P Ronnie.

Para,

There are still plenty of places in Thailand where one definitely feels a sense of community. Saying that, I've noticed for all the years I've been here, that the sense of community is falling by the wayside.

If one looks at other countries, the same trend has been around for some time. Cities being the worst for lack of community / neighborly...

RIP Ronnie...

I can't speak of any of the countries in Europe; however, after spending 6 years in Thailand and with a GF and kids most of the time, I couldn't wait to leave. I completely get what Para is saying. I was in Para's position of not being able to come back due to not having a job and not affording to leave the one I had in Thailand. It was 2 years of prospecting and waiting out the crappy economy until I got an awesome company to hire me over Skype. The job is in a beach community just north of San Diego, California. I was very concerned about the cost of living, the SoCal culture, and the possibility that America had changed so much I'd be very disappointed and regretting the move back when I got here (I hadn't visited in that 6 yrs).

Well, unbelievable, the people, weather, streets (I bike to work), beaches, cleanliness, business attitudes, far cheaper rents and food than I ever expected, sense of community, endless activities, parks, nightlife, big name entertainment, dozens and dozens of microbrews, beach runs, endless mountain biking trails out my front door, 2 hours to snowboarding, 30+ year old California women that make 30+ year old Thai women (assuming you get married and don't spend your entire remaining life chasing lowlife bar girls) look like soi dog meat, and on and on and on.

Everyday when I ride my bike to work (and I'm 59) I am so thankful that I don't have to be on edge ready to die dodging the crazy F'n drivers in Thailand. I went to a popular outdoor sports store and bought mtn running shoes. I wore them for 3 months about 40 times, but I bought them half-size too small. I went to buy a second pair and the guy said to bring the first ones back, no questions guarantee of satisfaction. He said if I had wore them for a year or even longer, it would be the same. Now try and find that kind of business in Thailand. When I went through immigration flying into LAX, the immigration police chatted with me and sincerely welcomed me back when I mentioned I had been gone a long time. Get that at immigration in Thailand. When my Issan fiance (we are applying for a Fiance visa right now to get her and the kids to eventually be US citizens) goes to Robinson's makeup counter, she can't even get waited on (I make six-figures and she shows it). In the US, she will be equal to everyone else and my kids won't have to grow up with the kind of F'd up prejudice found in Thailand.

If I was rich, I'd pay for Para to live her just so he could get out as I did. I can't image the kind of crap hole all of the rest of you came from to think Thailand is an up tick. Now, if you come from a really messed up country (fortunately, despite its problems, the US ain't one), then I feel sorry for you too. But if your home country is not messed up, I can't imagine you staying in Thailand for any reason than cheap kittie(synonym), and if that's it, then you are the kind of person who probably doesn't care about community or quality of life anyhow.

Sad to hear that you did not have a good experience whilst living in Thailand and glad that your quality of life is much improved.

Having lived fairly extensively in 7 countries over the last 35 years or so, every country has it's pros and cons. We all know that we should be focusing on the pros only but it's hard when either professional or personal issues are not ideal. I still constantly feel frustrated at many things here but before it gets out of hand, I always stop to think of how it was in my previous domiciles. I then make a concerted effort to experience one of the many pros of living in Thailand (be it a nice open air meal, massage, bike ride or just taking in eye candy) and life is good again.

I guess it is all about what you've experienced before. You are right, there's pros and cons. If you put these side by side and list them all out for each country you or I have lived in, it is easy to decide which is better given all the considerations. The list in the USA column was so vastly much longer than the list in the Thailand column that it was just not a debate or subjective consideration. It was fully qualified and quantified as to which place I needed to be.

Was Thailand all bad, absolutely not. I got a wonderful wife-to-be and kids out of the deal, so I will always hold Thailand as a special place and experience, but I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT want my kids to go to a Thai high school or university, not even an international one. There's just no comparison. One of the main things I did in my jobs in Thailand over 6 years was to train Thai programmers with Bachelors, Masters, and even a few with Ph.Ds how to design and build good software. I could write a book and the knowledge/skills gap between western and Thai software engineers. It is so pitiful it is sad for Thailand. I don't want my kids to end up in that same boat.

[chooka]

R.I.P Ronnie.

It is a sad thing when someone dies alone and not discovered for such a length of time.