Welcome to my new blog
I’ve moved my website to www.understanding-thailand.com so that more readers can easily find my posts. The new name also better reflects what this blog is…
Toy Storms Upstairs
Toy Storms UpstairsDerek speaks his mind about their relationship, then doubts himself. Toy walks away without a word. What happens next will surprise you.INTRODUCTIONDerek and…
Expat Clubs
Derek’s Disdain for Expat Clubs in Chiang Mai Derek continues discussing his friends’ reactions to their lives in Thailand. He enjoys chatting with Brits, Americans,…
A Reality Check
Nolan and Daniel Explain Why Some Expats Thrive in Thailand While Others Struggle Derek meets up with Nolan and Daniel over some beers. They discuss…
I Never Looked Back
Derek returns to England, resigns from work, divides marital assets, then flies back to Chiang Mai and Toy After a western style dinner-dance with Toy,…
Feeling Alone
Derek wonders if he is truly integrating into Thai society, sharing coffee-shop pen portraits of fellow expats and reflecting on the cultural gaps that still…
Burning My Boats
Derek faces culture shock, costly habits, and a hovering daughter — but marries Toy anyway. Burning My Boats Derek worries he won’t see Michael again…
Everyday Examples of Mai Pen Rai
Everyday examples of Mai Pen Rai. Give me grace to accept with serenitythe things that cannot be changed,Courage to change the thingswhich should be changed,Living one…
Spending Time at Toy’s School
Cruel Words from His Ex-Wife, Cruel Words from His Boss Spending Time at Toy’s School Derek describes his Christmas in Thailand, helping at Toy’s school….
Feeding The Cat
Planning a Future Under Pressure Feeding The Cat Derek describes Toy and Kanya’s modest home and nearby Chiangmai Sports Stadium. He begins to realise that…
We’re Airborne
We’re Airborne Get off this plane now. But it was too late. Thai Airways Flight TG 911 was preparing for take-off. Rather an unfortunate flight…