I have just over 1 month left in the Land of Smiles – but am I smiling?…..

The next few weeks will be eventful for me. There is a lot to organise but there are many emotions flying around my head.

First of all I am sure that my decision to go back to Ireland is the right one. For a long time I was unsure but the more I think about it the more I am convinced that I HAVE to go back.

In a weird way I am thankful that the Thai authorities have clamped down on foreigners cause if they didnt I think I could be still here with my life just drifting along. I tried the “early retirement” thing and it just wasnt for me. I need a challenge, I need to be doing something. And I need to fit in!

I need a dose of reality and I will NOT get that here.

The whole situation here in Thailand is not good and it is great timing to be getting out of here. Actually, I think there will be a significant exodus over the next few months. This will have a major impact on the economy and combined with all the new laws and restrictions against foreigners and investments it looks like Thailand has a bleak future.

But I am sure they will bounce back but I will wait for news of that.

Anyway, this weekend I am heading to Udon Thani in the North East to be able to sort out my Visa. I will have to leave Thailand and enter Laos. I plan on just walking across the border and back. Bit silly really.

I will be back in Bangkok on the Monday and then I will stay a few days to sort out some shopping and requests from people back home.After that weekend I will have exactly 1 month left so it looks like I will be home on the first week of March.

Over the next while I will be writing an interesting article in detail about what I will miss about THailand and what I will NOT miss about Thailand. I think it will make for interesting reading.