Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Back to the UK five years ago this month, after having spent 16 months of 2002-3 dossing around getting drunk in Thailand, and 39 months of 2005-9 working in office-based roles in Bangkok

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

A few illegal bits and pieces during 2002-3 and 39 months during 2005-9 working for the UN and a large audit firm in central Bangkok

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

My intention was only ever to spend 2-3 years exploring Asia as something to do during my 30s before settling down in the UK. I ended up spending 4.5 years there, which was far too long.

It's easy to waste time there and let it slip by, such is the halfwitted nature of the place which begins to consume every westerner there sooner or later.

There is a real danger IMO in beginning to feel settled there, because just like an alcoholic begins to feel that being drunk is normal, the alternative reality that Thailand provides effortlessly consumes those who are susceptible to its charms, or those who oddly see returning to the west as a backward step

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

Where to start! Citizenship, no legally restricted roles, no work permits, permanent job contracts if required, ethical employers, professional workplaces that provide training and career advancement, professional colleagues, ease of getting short-term contract roles and taking breaks in between them to travel, the ability to obtain remote working roles which allow you to work online and travel at the same time

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Some good friends I made whilst I lived there, the cheap spicy food, the weather from November to February (but it's even nicer in southern California, where I'll be spending next winter)

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

I don't teach and barely ever have (despite being UK qualified teacher). If someone wants a fascinating experience then give Thailand a go for a year or three, but have an escape route planned in advance, because only the most peculiar types want to make it their permanent home.

If you want to be a real, career teacher, do it here, and give the international schools over there a try as a busman's holiday.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

I pop back every now and then and continue to have a giggle on a thailand expat forum, but as there are so many places to see in Europe and the wider world, it's a rarity, and I have no reason or desire to live there for a third time. Been there, done that

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

It's been exactly 10 years since my Hotseat. Doesn't time fly!