The giant leap of faith

[TanMan]

Hi everyone,

I want to thank all the board members for the content on this site. I used it as a library to research all there is to know about Phuket. Based on that research, I have decided to take the "giant leap of faith". Yes... I am talking about moving to Phuket.

I've been visiting twice a year for the last 6 years (3 weeks per visit). It all started when I was doing a lot of business travel to India in FY 2000 - 2002 time period and, having round-the-world ticket status, I decided to visit a friend of a friend who basically retired early, married a local Thai lass, and set up a little restaurant in Kata Beach. I basically stopped over for just a few days on my way back to the US. Now, 6 years later, I am re-locating there. I've got my 1 year, multi entry non-imm B visa in hand. Funny... life is.

So, now I am gearing up for the move (basically selling assets, and tying up loose ends at work before I go). My nest egg should carry me through. Just a little moderation on the girls, golf and beer should do it. Well, maybe not!

I'll be spending December in Bangkok, and I plan to land on Phuket soil on 1/1/2007 for the start of a new year.... and a new way of life. So, here's to new friends I have yet to meet and the many beers we have yet to drink.

I actually met a few BM's on my last trip in July:

IJ (who I'll make sure I'm on the same side of if there is ever a bar brawl on Bangla somewhere)
Allibabba22 (who makes me a little envious he found Phuket at such a young age)
Nicke (the brainchild behind this great site)
Gollum (who has a perfect nickname)

See you in the new year.

[Pad Mc]

Originally Posted by TanMan

Hi everyone,

I want to thank all the board members for the content on this site. I used it as a library to research all there is to know about Phuket. Based on that research, I have decided to take the "giant leap of faith". Yes... I am talking about moving to Phuket.

I've been visiting twice a year for the last 6 years (3 weeks per visit). It all started when I was doing a lot of business travel to India in FY 2000 - 2002 time period and, having round-the-world ticket status, I decided to visit a friend of a friend who basically retired early, married a local Thai lass, and set up a little restaurant in Kata Beach. I basically stopped over for just a few days on my way back to the US. Now, 6 years later, I am re-locating there. I've got my 1 year, multi entry non-imm B visa in hand. Funny... life is.

So, now I am gearing up for the move (basically selling assets, and tying up loose ends at work before I go). My nest egg should carry me through. Just a little moderation on the girls, golf and beer should do it. Well, maybe not!

I'll be spending December in Bangkok, and I plan to land on Phuket soil on 1/1/2007 for the start of a new year.... and a new way of life. So, here's to new friends I have yet to meet and the many beers we have yet to drink.

I actually met a few BM's on my last trip in July:

IJ (who I'll make sure I'm on the same side of if there is ever a bar brawl on Bangla somewhere)
Allibabba22 (who makes me a little envious he found Phuket at such a young age)
Nicke (the brainchild behind this great site)
Gollum (who has a perfect nickname)

See you in the new year.

Count on it...


Welcome to the board TanMan. Good luck with the move.

[Iltis]

welcome to the board mate good luck with your move to los.

[Crustasian]

Welcome.At least you have been out here and done you recces.You are not arriving wet behind the ears.

Good luck for the move.

[TanMan]

Thanks for the welcomes. I'm definitely not wet, but still "green". For instance, I've stayed exclusively at the Sun Hill on Nanai for 6 years, and never knew about the "happy endings" part of the massage. I thought the place was strictly legit! Living and touring are two different things, I guess, but I'm ready.

BTW, for US citizens regarding Thai non-imm B visas:

I had a friend in India write a letter (on her company letterhead) to the Thai embassy in Wash, DC saying that I would be part-time consulting in India, and I would be travelling back and forth from US, but spending considerable R&R time in Phuket, Thailand. She went on to say that I would need a non-imm B, multiple entry visa so that I could: (1) get an apartment lease, (2) open a bank account, and (3) get a Thai driver's license. It was all pretty simple, and I passed with flying colors. I'm good for one year, with 90 day stays a pop. Notice how all three means "spending Baht in Thailand". This was before the Karr incident and the coup, so I'm not sure how the renewal will go next July. Good luck.