Th exodus has begun….. and I am going home on 2nd March 2007.

After 5 and half years my time in Thailand is coming to an end.

I have some amazing memories of this wonderful country and every single day has been an eye opener. I have no regrets and no bad feelings. I have grown up a lot during my time here but unfortunately I dont think Thailand is in good shape at the moment.

The new government is not performing. Their motives are still unclear to me but what is obvious is that they are promoting a sufficiency economy – but to a level that means they do not want foreigners staying here long term. IN fact, it would appear that they are only after the exclusive 2 week vacationer and investors to put in money without having any control over their investment.

My prediction is that things will get worse before they get better here. Over the next 2 years there will be political turmoil, the economy will slowdown drastically (crash?), property market will get a substantial correction and huge numbers of foreigners will leave.

THe real results of this exodus will take time to take affect. But it will be the simple Thai person who will get hurt the most. Thais from lower and middle income brackets will feel the effect

  • the new breed of tourists wont be eating at the food stalls or buying in the markets – they will dine in fancy restaurants and shop in the big malls.
  • the foreigners living in small villages in the countryside will go home and that village will suffer economically. They may not contribute a huge amount but in Thai village terms it IS a hge amount
  • Businesses will leave and the job market will suffer. Competition will be intense for jobs and also the level of service will go down – because on lack of competition in the marketplace!
  • Tourists will find a better place to vacation. Why is Thailand so special Has it lost its charm? Lets be honest, pollution and garbage is a huge problem, over development is another and add to that the very strong Thai baht and it makes sense to look elsewhere.

So what will I miss most about Thailand?

  • The weather.
  • Being able to chat to people in Thai – but sometimes just listening in and then seeing their reaction when they realise that I understand what they are saying.
  • THe laid back attitude to almost everything
  • The food
  • Living like a King

What I wont miss:

  • Racism
  • Lack of planning and unprofessionalism
  • Coups!

People are using the term zenophobia quite a lot recently but to me that is just a fancy word for racism and it is prevalent here.

Of course, I also have reservations about going home. Ireland has also undergone major change in the last 5 years and there has been significant immigration. It wil be interesting to see my reaction to that – will I have the same reaction as the THais have to foreigners?

I have about 1 month left – on the basis that they will issue me with a 1 month tourist visa next week. This is Thailand – TIT – so you just never know.

Over the next month I will be planning my departure and I have a lot to organise. I am planning on sending my car home and also a container full of stuff that I have accumulated here.� I also have to figure out where to put it all in Ireland.� Or even where I am going to stay!!

But that is for another update!!