Needless to say I kept putting off the “perceived confrontation” many times…until last week. I bit the bullet and took her to lunch. Specifically, to a local restaurant…as in a very public place (I’m no “fool” and this is an important way in preserving… a healthy c-a-l-m). After the initial…Where are you moving to?...and…What’re you Crazy? Well, let’s just say it went better than I thought it would. But, I also found out something very interesting. The reaction that you get from different people is really amazing. From…“WOW…That Is Too Cool” to “WHY” or “You’re NUTS” to my favorite…
”And You’re Giving Up Your Citizenship?” (“no” you do not give up your citizenship when you become an Expat). Bottom line… let everyone give their opinion but stand by your own conviction. This is, after all…your life!

I’m now at the point in which I’ve done almost all my preliminary work. This…by the way is crucial. 

There are many sources of information including e-books, travel guides and especially the internet (this is how I found tons of good information). And, by the way, this is how I first discovered Chiang Mai, my future home.

Let’s face it…getting rid of 99% of your belongings and starting over in an “alien” environment, isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world. So, the more research you do, the easier the actual act of relocating will be. Now you’ve probably noticed that I used the word “alien” a moment ago. Yes, if you expatriate yourself to South or Central America, Europe, anywhere Down Under and numerous other countries throughout this big beautiful world, you’ll most likely get by. But when you become an Expat in Thailand, we are talking strictly “alien” (but friendly). We’re talking about a country and culture that not only dates back to the 12th century, but is the only Asian country that has never ever been colonized by anybody. Now that’s not to say that there haven’t been those that tried to impose their influence. For whatever the reason, thankfully they did not succeed. I say that because “we” now are the ones that can enjoy this, beautiful, peaceful and reverent society.

Now to bring all this into perspective, one thing that I’ve heard over and over and over! And that is simply this,  “if you think you can come to Thailand and change “their” ways of doing something or showing them how to do it better…stay home”. This is, after all, their country so - roll with it! 

This is also a country with some very strange beliefs and superstitions, but one of the most distinct items…and leads the list in the “must be aware of” category…is one word. That word is “FACE”. To a Thai…saving or keeping “face” ,or worse… the loss of, is by far the epitome of Thai essence. That my friend is why any Thai will do anything to prevent a confrontation! This is also why Thais’ always seem to be smiling, a smile by the way that goes very deep, as this helps to keep things on a calm, even footing.

Now, I’ve gotta tell you. I have something most “soon-to-be-expats” don’t have…and that’s what I call…“F.O.G.” (feet on the ground). Call me lucky, but I have a friend who recently made the jump and is enjoying her new life in Chiang Mai, and feeding me constant bits of information 
about real “everyday living”. Now if you don’t have this type of resource, all is not lost. As a Soon-to-be-Expat, I have found the best site for direct Expat information in Chiang Mai and also a great place to easily make real contacts and future friends is…www.chiangmaiexpatsclub.com.

This, in my opinion, is followed closely by www.1stopchiangmai.com and www.thaivisa.com. But, getting back to the here and now…

Recently, I decided to put my “relocating” hat on and started getting rid of things that I know I’ll have no need for in the coming months. To list just a few…clothes, books, a lot of old cd’s and things that I didn’t even know I owned anymore (you know, important stuff). Seriously, one thing people tend to forget about until the last minute is the ever shrinking airline weight allowance. This allowance is currently 70lbs for international plus 1 carry-on - think about it. It’s not a lot!

There is also a goodly amount of planning to contend with. If you don’t already have one…get your passport (you’re going to need it anyway… even for going to the islands, Mexico or Canada etc). Next is obtaining your “visa”. This information is available at www.thaiembdc.org along with the various entry requirements. And if you’re my age and have not yet contacted Social Security http://ssa.gov, it’s something that needs to be taken care of. Personally, I’m taking early retirement (at 62), in which case, filing is allowed 3 months prior to one’s 62nd birthday. 

On a somewhat different note, but non-the-less important is driving in Thailand. If you are indeed planning on staying in Thailand for an extended period of time and plan on doing any driving…in my opinion you should consider getting an International Drivers License. Personally, I haven’t done this yet…but as relayed to me via my Chiang Mai friend…it’s available at any AAA office at a nominal cost.

There is also the small matter of an Airline ticket. Now if you’ve done any kind of traveling you already know about the various alternatives But…if you haven’t done much traveling there are numerous ways in which to buy a ticket. I’ve decided to fly with Thai Air www.thaiair.com I figured I’d pay more but I want to fly in style on my initial flight and also use the country’s Flagship airline. It’s also the only airline that fly’s direct, non-stop from JFK (New York) to BKK (Bangkok). Most major airlines fly to Bangkok and there are of course the Discount sites…Expedia, Travelocity, Cheap Tickets, Kayak, GoNomad* etc (see below for links).

There are also “Consolidator Travel Companies”* affectionately called “Bucket Shops”. These companies will book your flight (usually at a “strong discounted” fare), but plan on incurring additional stops, lay-overs and flying on what some travelers call “no frill” airlines. So, as you can see…it’s a personal choice and if you’re considering taking the “Bucket Shop” route…I strongly recommend that a thorough investigation be preformed well in advance of doing any booking (see below for links). 

A very important and personal item for me (and I have a feeling I’m not alone here) is the question of medical care. Once again Thailand comes in with very high marks. From what I’ve been able to gather the “Land of Smiles” has excellent and extremely affordable health care and most doctors and staff speak English - most Thai doctors are trained in Europe and the U.S.A. It should be noted that some Expats have chosen to forgo purchasing health insurance mainly due to the extremely low cost of medical care. Again…this is a personal choice, but one that should not be taken lightly. 

Here are a few samples from real life medical cost experiences which were relayed personally to me…

• My last bout with the hospital (Chiang Mai) was for a 2 day/night stay. A single/private room was Bt1,500 ($40.00 US) per day. I went in for a stomach problem and all medicines, tests, etc., including the room came to a total of Bt6,314 ($170.00 US). I was put on a 36 hour IV drip to hydrate my body. From the time I entered the hospital… was in my own private room and being attended to by the good doctor…45 minutes! Oh yeah, the room included a sofa/bed for a guest, a couple of chairs, a micro wave, refrigerator, TV, Air Con, phone and Internet hookup. I've been told several people check into a hospital for a night or two just to 'get away' and have a good place to relax! 

• A 59 year old female went to a local Chiang Mai dentist for a check-up and deep-cleaning. No appointment. New,
Modern up-to-date equipment…In and out - under an hour - with clean teeth…total cost $14 U.S. (Incidentally, the
cleaning procedure was done together by both the dentist and his dental assistant) 

Some additional and general quoted dental costs; 

“I had half a bonded tooth break off. I visited a dental clinic. No waiting as I am a farang (foreigner) and will be charged more than the Thai customers (hey it’s their country). Well 20 minutes later I was out of there with the tooth repaired and looking better than before and the cost was 700 baht or about $17.50 U.S.” **

“My teeth are sensitive and I knew it was time for a cleaning. Back home a good cleaning would run me from $50 to $150 Cdn. dollars. I knew that it would be less here and did not know how much less. Well the cost was 300 baht or approximately $7.50 U.S.” **

By the way, while we’re talking about medical related things…it’s a very good idea to gather and “take with you” any medical records (x-rays included) you might have available…especially if there is something current that you’re being treated for. 

Another medical tidbit that is often overlooked (and sorely missed when needed) is a list of any prescription drugs that you’re taking. However, the list (and preferably printed on the bottle) should be in “generically identified” terms with the specific dosage(s). This is important…as you will be in a foreign country and even though they’ll most likely have the drug you need (or a reasonable facsimile)…you can bet it won’t be under any familiar brand (or any brand for that matter) that you might be familiar with. I personally, stay away from prescription drugs. I do however take quite a number of supplements and just for my own peace of mind…I’ll be taking all my “listed” information with me (just in case).

The Ins and Outs of Being an Expat
Consider yourself lucky (especially if you chose to live in and around Chiang Mai) as more often than not…finding someone who speaks English gets easier and easier. Keep in mind though…the level of English varies greatly. Some Thais speak English quite well…while the other side of this spectrum is well…”barely”…and with many different levels in between. Thais also have a way of changing the English language to a point that the word sounds familiar…but they are trying to say something else entirely. Somebody dubbed this “Tinglish” , but just to give you a taste...Pipers whiskey is very popular in Chiang Mai…you’ll hear a Thai say “peepers wisikee”…at least you’ll have an idea what’s being said! 

With this in mind the biggest favor you can do for yourself…is to at least try to learn the basics of the Thai language (remember “you” are the foreigner in “their country”) and a really great free site is www.learningthai.com. As most travelers will tell you, if the people of Thailand see you’re at least trying to speak their language, they will think highly of you, be friendlier, accept you more readily and you will have much more enjoyable experiences. This is especially true in Thailand as they are quite aware that their language is almost impossible for a westerner to master.
While on my previous (snapshot) trip to Thailand, I got a chance to learn, pick-up and observe a number of Thai idiosyncrasies. For some reason Thais have this thing about the placement of showers in the where-in the shower is installed either directly above of very near the toilet - the result - everything gets wet and stays that way. Beside this, Thais like drinking their beer with ice, do not sleep with their heads facing west, duck when walking in front of people, women paste themselves in skin whitening cream (unlike western women, Thai women only want to lighten their skin, not darken it), and the strange beliefs go on and on and on. 

It’s important to keep in mind that life here…is not perfect and can be radically different from 
what we’re all used too. The Thais do some things extremely well. On the other hand…!!.

To give you a real feel of life in Chiang Mai's fast lane…

Do the words "defensive driving" mean anything to you? I think you'll agree this speaks volumes…

...drivers that drive how they want, where they want; when they want, going through red lights as if they weren't there and...not staying in lane (ever). Bicycles, tuk-tuks (3 wheeled motor cycle cabs), taxicabs which are called "songteaws" (red covered pick-up trucks), thousands of motor scooters...many driven by teens talking on cell phones while zipping everywhere, motorcycles, private cars and trucks...all going someplace...and believe it or not...in relative safety. 

You and I may consider the following…idiosyncrasies or just plain old beliefs…but whatever label we may attach to these conducts…they are quite important to every Thai. 

The first I’ve already mentioned…but begs to be repeated and is at the top of the list…Loss of Face or losing your temper. What follows is a guide that I’d advise you to remember and make part of you, especially if you (like me) want to assimilate smoothly into Thailand’s “alien” culture:

• The feet are considered dirty and should not be pointed or raised directly at people (like most American’s we think  nothing of putting our feet up on an empty chair…say at Starbucks etc). …Do Not Do This!

• Shoes are usually never worn indoors and definitely never in a Wat (temple) (there will be a place outside in which you may leave your shoes while you are inside the Wat or home)

• Never touch or pat someone’s head (especially a child’s) as this is considered the purist and most sanctified part  of the body. The exception being…when you’re with an intimate friend.

• Proper dress is important to Thais and contrary to western beliefs…Thais are quite conservative. For women specifically…No Tank Tops as shoulders should always be covered. It should also be noted that “hand  holding” is frowned upon if not considered taboo by the older generation.

• Thais rely more on “body language” then that of the “westerner” as we mostly rely on tone of voice”. With this in mind…smile. It’ll get you a lot further than anything else in The Land of Smiles. But if you’re caught in a  situation where you know you “blew it”…offer a little soft laugh and use the magic words…”mai pen rai” [mi pen ri]  (never mind) with a friendly grin – [and continue on]…this is a common and acceptable everyday excuse.

• By right…this last item should be at the top of the list. Yet maybe it’s best right here…because NOT abiding by  this rule…and this I can guarantee…will bring SEVERE RETRIBUTION. Never…ever…ever say or indicate  anything bad about the King…His Highness Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the Kings’ wife Queen Sirikit or any member of the Royal Family. 

I can’t explain properly the esteem and love that the average Thai has for their King…except to convey to you what was told to me by my Thai tour guide “we all have our own fathers…but the KING IS OUR FATHER” 

Until next time…

www.cheaptickets.com - www.expedia.com - www.orbitz.com - www.asia.com - www.kayak.com - www.gonomad.com 
www.airlineconsolidator.com - www.etn.nl/ggbucket.htm -  www.travel-library.com These sites are my suggestions only and in no way constitute any guarantee in performance of any services. These are sites that I have used for reference purposes only and that I have no connection with nor have I received any compensation from any of the above company’s listed.

** quoted from www.retireon550amonth.com

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