For many European teachers, Thailand offers sun, smiles, and a wonderfully different pace of life. But there are always memories, comforts, and flavors that don’t quite translate. 

We asked 10 teachers from across Europe, who have made Thailand their home, what they miss most about their home country. Their answers were heartfelt, honest, and occasionally humorous.

Sarah (Chiang Mai)

“I absolutely love my life here in Chiang Mai. The weather’s glorious (most of the time), the people are kind, and my students keep me on my toes in the best way possible. But no matter how many years go by, there’s something about the UK that tugs at my heart. What I miss most is the comfort of the familiar and those little rituals that make a place feel like home. I often find myself daydreaming about quiet Sunday afternoons with my family, where we’d sit down for a proper roast with Yorkshire puddings, gravy, the works. You don’t realise how deeply rooted those traditions are until they’re gone. And yes, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t crave a proper cup of tea brewed just the right way, especially on rainy days. One of the silliest things I miss? Mature cheddar. I’ve scoured Chiang Mai for a decent one and still haven’t found a substitute that hits the spot. Back home, it was something I barely thought about, now it’s practically gold dust. It’s these everyday things - roast dinners, cheese, grey skies, and cozy pubs - that I find myself longing for. Thailand has given me so much, but England will always be home in a comforting kind of way”

John (Bangkok)

“I’ve made a great life here, and the Thai sense of humor actually reminds me of home. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the unique energy of an Irish pub - especially when there’s live traditional music playing and everyone knows the words. There’s just something about Irish social life that’s hard to find elsewhere. It's not about drinking, really, it’s about the banter, the sense of belonging, the history in the walls of the old pubs. It’s the ability to walk into a place and feel instantly part of something, even if you’re on your own. I also miss family events, big or small. A christening, a random birthday, or even just the chance to pop in and see my mum without scheduling it months in advance. I’ve found my rhythm here, but that deep, earthy connection to Ireland never fades.”

Emma (Phuket)

“Thailand is paradise in so many ways but I do sometimes feel a pang for the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. There’s something about standing on a wind-blown hill, looking out at the lochs and heather, that just makes your heart full. And then there’s food! I didn’t think I’d miss it as much as I do. My mum’s stovies, fresh-baked tattie scones, even a simple bowl of porridge with a bit of salt - there’s comfort in those flavours. They remind me of family, of home, of being looked after. I certainly don’t miss scraping ice off the car in the morning, but I do miss the feel of crisp air on my face. Thailand has beaches, palm trees, and sunshine, but every now and then I just want to wrap up in a scarf and walk through a Scottish drizzle. Does that sound a bit weird?”

Tomasz (Rayong)

“The thing about Poland is the seasons are very real - you feel them in your bones. Winters are freezing, yes, but there’s something magical about snow falling outside while you’re inside with a hot plate of pierogi and wearing a thick wool jumper. I miss those family Christmasses with 12 different dishes on the table, the smell of borscht and mushroom soup, and the slightly chaotic conversations that only Polish families seem to manage. In Thailand, Christmas is just another warm day. Also, I miss walking in the forest. Poland’s nature is underrated with its deep pine forests, picturesque lakes, and fresh, crisp air. Thailand is stunning, but I’ll always be nostalgic for home’s grey skies and green woods.”

Clair (Chiang Mai)

“I love Thai food, but my heart still belongs to pasta. And not just any pasta - homemade tagliatelle with ragù, the way my nonna makes it. Food in Italy isn’t just about eating, it’s about gathering. Long meals, conversations that last for hours, and no one checking their phone. I also miss walking through Rome in the evening, hearing snippets of poetry and politics in everyday conversation. Italians are expressive, emotional, and sometimes loud, but it’s in a way that makes you feel alive. I’ve learned to adapt to life here, but every time I try to recreate my mum’s lasagna in my Thai kitchen, something always feels just slightly... off.”

Viktor (Nakhon Ratchisima)

“Thailand is vibrant and full of energy, but what I miss most about Spain is the slow, intentional way we enjoy life. Back home, lunch isn’t a quick bite, it’s a social event, often followed by a siesta, and then maybe a sunset walk before dinner. Tapas with friends in the early evening - little dishes passed around with laughter and wine - are a part of everyday life. You don’t just eat; you connect. I miss the rhythm of Spain, where no one’s ever in too much of a rush, and conversations are never hurried. And let’s be honest - Spanish sunsets, especially over the Mediterranean, are hard to beat. The colors, the sea breeze, the sound of waves and distant guitar music. It’s that atmosphere, that laid-back spirit, that I sometimes long for after a long week in the classroom here.”

Natasha (Phuket)

“There’s something about a French café that just doesn’t exist anywhere else. It’s not about the coffee itself, it’s the art of sitting still, watching the world go by, and having a proper conversation without rushing. I miss that rhythm. Here in Phuket, life is beautiful but busy, and cafés are more grab-and-go. Back in Lyon, I could spend an entire afternoon with a friend over one espresso and a croissant, talking about everything and nothing. That kind of simple luxury is what I crave sometimes. Also, the bread. I know it’s a cliché, but I really do miss fresh, crusty baguettes from the bakery down the street. It’s funny how something so ordinary at home becomes almost mythical when you’re far away.”

Kieran (Bangkok)

“What I miss most about home isn’t a thing, it’s a sound. It’s walking into a pub and hearing a fiddle, a bodhrán, maybe someone singing an old folk tune. That music carries generations in it, and it never fails to move me. I used to take that for granted, but now, in the middle of Bangkok traffic or while marking papers at home, I’ll suddenly hear those melodies in my head. It’s comforting, but also makes me ache a little. And of course, the green countryside. Northern Ireland has a kind of moody beauty that’s hard to describe unless you’ve stood in the mist overlooking the coast. Sometimes, I just miss silence - real, deep silence that comes from being surrounded by nature and history.”

Jonas (Chiang Rai)

“Sweden has this tradition called fika, which is essentially a coffee break, but it’s more than that. It’s a time to pause, to connect, to breathe. You sit with friends or colleagues, have coffee and something sweet, and just... be. Here in Thailand, everything moves quickly. People are kind and welcoming, but I do miss that Swedish stillness, the ability to enjoy a pause without guilt. I miss quiet forests, lakes, and the feel of cold air against my face. And cinnamon buns. My god, I miss homemade cinnamon buns. I’ve tried baking them here but the humidity messes with the dough. Still, I try, because sometimes the smell of cardamom is enough to take me home for a few minutes.”

Laura (Chiang Mai)

“One of the first things I noticed in Thailand was how few people cycle, and how chaotic the roads can be. Back in the Netherlands, cycling is everything. I used to go everywhere on my bike - work, the market, to visit friends. It’s a way of life, and I miss that independence. I also miss the simplicity of Dutch design - clean lines, minimalist homes, a kind of tidy calm that suits me well. Thai homes and classrooms can feel a bit visually overwhelming in comparison. And, let’s be honest - stroopwafels. There’s nothing like that gooey caramel center sandwiched between thin, crisp waffles. I ration the packs my parents send me like they’re gold. Every bite is a little piece of home.”