| For Vern, matters spiritual were the deciding factors in his decision to move from the United States to Thailand. He lives in Isaan in the northeastern part of the country, where he's developing his Web site. There are many reasons why Vern loves living in Thailand, but that isn't to say he turns a blind eye to its not-so-positive points. He tells us about some of these and gives tips on what to consider before moving to Thailand.
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 Vern Lovic |
-Where were you born?
America
-In which country and city are you living now?
Isaan (Northeast) of Thailand
-Are you living alone or with your family?
Alone
-How long have you been living in Thailand?
I've lived in Thailand since November, 2004.
-What is your age?
40
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Thailand?
About 8 years prior I had meditated using Vipassana and I reached a place that...
Uhm, even today I cannot come up with any description that can convey what it was. I asked MANY practicioners of Buddhism and meditaiton what it was and they were having a hard time understanding what I experienced. I thought, someday I would go to Thailand and try to meet someone that understood...
Sometime in 2001 I was sitting at home in Clearwater, Florida, wondering why I was trying so hard to relax. I had many projects going and I was overwhelmed. I thought, man, some people don't LIVE like this... I went back to Hawaii for a couple years, returned to Florida and then decided that I needed a BIG change. Thailand was the best choice for a country. There were many factors that went into that decision, but Buddhism and meditation and finding out what was going on during that time of meditation so many years ago was the deciding factor.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Very easy with a valid degree and having English as my native language.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No, it comes with teaching positions at government schools.
-How do you make your living in Thailand? Do you have any type of income generated?
Basically if you are a native English speaker you can get a job the same day you arrive if you wish. I'd advise taking a trip around Thailand first. See what areas of the country are what you're looking for. The South versus Bangkok versus Isaan are so different that they are like separate countries. I taught English for about 2 years. The Ajarn.com web site has many jobs listed you'll be able to find one just using that resource.
I'm now blogging at ThaiPulse! (Living in Thailand blog) and it seems to be something that I'll do for a long time. No income to speak of from it yet.
-Do you speak Thai and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
When I first arrived I set out to methodically learn the language... I built my vocabulary quickly in areas of daily life where it would come in handy. I knew about 1000 words when I met my girlfriend, and basically stopped trying to learn! That's a problem here. Meet a partner that speaks English well and there's no point in speaking Thai. Better for the person to learn English to a high degree. However, now I'm kind of suffering for it. I can hold a conversation in Thai - basic. But then, that's what most conversations are in Thailand.
It is bizarre to me how expats come to Thailand and choose not to learn anything about the country. It's like they want to bring their home country here and not assimilate into Thai culture. Expats and tourists should really learn a lot about the issue of "face" and what it means to Thais. It could save your life!
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I don't miss anything much except my son and fishing. Florida fishing is incredible. When there and trying to relax I would throw the kayak off the dock in my backyard and go fishing from it all day in Tampa Bay. Here in Thailand the fishing is lame. I've seen nothing bigger caught at the shore than an eight-inch baitfish.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I always have plans, but they don't stay the same from day to day. In the States I was an internet marketing consultant. I'd go to companies for a couple months and set them up on a 6-month to 1-year plan for their marketing efforts online. I enjoyed it and yet I enjoy it a lot more doing it for myself. I'd like to ramp up the ThaiPulse! blog some more and see what happens.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I am renting a room in a dormitory filled with university students at present. In the northeast of Thailand rooms are cheap. I have a fan on the ceiling, no air. I have a restroom outside the room, yet it's private. I have 2 beds, a table and chairs and a dresser and vanity. For a month I pay 2000 baht (about $60 USD). Electricity is extra - and will be about 250 baht because I use the computer a LOT. Water should be about 60 baht for a month.
-What is the cost of living in Thailand?
As hinted at above, it's dirty, dirty cheap. For room, eating, transportation (motorbike) I am living on less than 250 baht per day. That's around $7.00 USD.
-What do you think about the Thai people?
Overall, Thais are awesome! I don't have this generalized and jaded view of the Thais like most foreigners seem to have after a couple years. If you come to their country and try to live like it's your country - you'll not have a good time here. If you come to their country with the idea that you'll do what it takes to FIT IN, then you'll probably have a much better experience.
Thai people treat us extremely well considering foreigners USUALLY are not trying to fit into their culture and are seen as rude, ignorant, and impolite. Thai people seem to have an incredible tolerance for idiots in their country, which we in America don't have.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Thailand?
Wow, this question would take 3 days to cover properly. The ones that pop into mind are:
Positive: Great food; Cheap everything; VERY friendly, tolerant, giving people; Opportunities; Little violence; Beautiful country (mountains, beaches, waterfalls, caves, etc.)
Negative: Political leaders act on their self-interests; Buddhism and tradition are going away, Thailand is becoming more like the USA every day.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Thailand?
*Look at the whole country before deciding on a place to live.
*Take some time deciding what age group of students you want to teach (if teaching) because your contract is for a year.
*Learn conversational Thai.
*Use condoms.
*Eat at places where you see a LOT of people because the food is good and cheap.
*Look down at the sidewalk when you're walking or you'll injure yourself.
*Look up when you're walking on the sidewalk or you may catch a stray power line to the forehead.
*Don't look at bargirls as a long-term relationship possibility. If you want to "save" somebody go to Isaan and find a girl working in a restaurant that isn't a bar, go-go, soapie, karaoke, massage house, brothel, or fishbowl.
*Go see some of the waterfalls, there are MANY good ones.
*Try the dragonfruit, jackfruit and lumyai (fruits) when they're in season.
*If you are interested in meditation try Suan Mokkh in Suratthani province, Wat Pah Nanachat in Ubon Ratchathani province (town: Warin Chamrap).
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Thailand?
ThaiPulse! Living in Thailand blog (mine)
ThaiPulse! - Web site with videos and lots of photos (mine)
Try Thai Food! - My friend's Thai food recipe and cooking site!
Pattaya Mail News - for their breaking news about Pattaya crime - very interesting!
