Submit your own Great Escape


Rick Sanchez

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Cambodia in late 2019. Sue S'dai!

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

11 years! I taught in Trang, Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai. You could say I got around a bit.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

The visa bullshit. After 11 years, it just wore me down. Also the nagging feeling they simply don't want Westerners there anymore. TM30 anyone?

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

A far more lubricated and welcoming immigration system. Khmer folk are even more chilled than Thais - something I wouldn't have thought possible.
$0.50 beer. That's 15 baht for a beer. $0.25 for cigarettes. That's 7 baht for a pack of 20. Let those prices sink in. For the health-conscious, the gym is 10 baht.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

The roads. Beautifully engineered roads with tarmac extending to the sidewalks. Cambodia is dusty as a result of the poor roads.
I also miss the lingo because I could speak, read and write Thai. I can already read Khmer but speaking it is a different ball game. Thai is easier.

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

Thailand's best days are behind it. 1997 to 2013 were the golden years but not so much now. Get yourself a bit of coin in Saudi or China and then go to Thailand on holiday if you must.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Nah. After three months here, I'm loving it. It's like Thailand was back in the 90s. I'll be happy if I never see another Thai immigration officer in my life. I sure am glad I never got married or invested in anything there.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

I used to love watching Thai footy. However, I never got to see an actual Thai Premier League game the whole time I was there.

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