Hot Seat

Gerry Tan

We're chatting to expats who live and work in Thailand about the pandemic situation here. Gerry has been in Thailand for 15 years and runs his own web development company.

Q

Could you introduce yourself (where are you from? how long have you lived in Thailand? and what do you do for a living?)

A

I'm Gerry. A Malaysian (born in Australia) who's been living in Thailand for 15 years. I have my own web development company here.

Q

In general, how do you think Thailand has handled the pandemic up to now?

A

I was so proud of Thailand during the start of the pandemic and I was bragging to friends and family all around the world. Unfortunately, complacency and lack of planning has led us to where we are now. I dont see any way out of this situation now for the next couple of years

Q

If you were put in charge of things right now, what would be the first rules or things you would change?

A

I would put all our efforts in getting more vaccines. The lack of vaccines (as well as poor decisions along the way like not locking down for Songkran) has been the major downfall.

Q

Let’s talk about you personally. What is the most regrettable thing that the pandemic has robbed you of or changed about your life?

A

Travel. Before the pandemic, my wife and myself liked to travel outside of Thailand a couple of times a year. She even started her own Japan travel planning company, which was taking off nicely before the pandemic hit.

Q

From a work point of view, how has your situation changed (if indeed it has) and has there been any significant financial impact?

A

In 2020, yes. Some of my biggest clients ran expos so there was a huge financial hit in losing those contracts. Thankfully other clients have used the Covid situation to think outside of the box and expand - so things have a way of balancing out.

Q

Has the pandemic had any positive impacts on your life?

A

It's made me appreciate my family more. I would love to get back to Australia to see them but can't see that happening in the next couple of years (so I guess that's a negative really)

Q

When do you predict the world will return to some sort of normality and we will be able to travel abroad and maybe get to remove these damn face-masks, etc?

A

Not until at least 2023. Maybe I watch the news too much? It's nothing but doom and gloom on there

Q

Things started to go pear-shaped in March 2020. Over the past year or so, has your enthusiasm for living in Thailand increased or decreased?

A

It's decreased a lot. The 'Thais first' mentality of the government has been really disheartening. Despite paying our taxes, etc, we are unfortunately only seen as incovenient guests to them. If it was for my wife and dogs here, I think I would have left already.

Q

When we get to the light at the end of this long tunnel, have you promised yourself to make lifestyle changes or do some things differently?

A

Not really. I generally lead a pretty healthy lifestyle anyway.

Q

For someone who doesn’t know how to get through the days and is perhaps suffering mentally, what would be your advice?

A

There is always help out there. You don't need to go it alone. Unfortunately, being an expat of 15 years, I've lost quite a few friends who have taken their lives here. I'm always open to people messaging me if they're struggling and just need someone to lend an ear

Follow Gerry on Twitter


Read more Hot Seat interviews



Featured Jobs

NES Kindergarten Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

Rayong


Full-time Literacy / EFL Teachers

฿50,000+ / month

Bangkok


Fun Native English Teachers for June Start

฿42,000+ / month

Thailand


English Teachers for June Start

฿35,000+ / month

Suphan Buri


English Teachers for June Start

฿35,000+ / month

Thailand


Kindergarten and Primary Homeroom Teachers

฿37,000+ / month

Lampang


Featured Teachers

  • Jonaly


    Filipino, 23 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Marie


    Filipino, 28 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Xyrelle


    Filipino, 23 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Alex


    Russian, 54 years old. Currently living in Spain

  • Ernilyn


    Filipino, 40 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Khatlene


    Filipino, 25 years old. Currently living in Philippines

The Hot Spot


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


Can you hear me OK?

Can you hear me OK?

In today's modern world, the on-line interview is becoming more and more popular. How do you prepare for it?


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Renting an apartment?

Renting an apartment?

Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.