What is your name?Andrew Beeley
What is your current age or age range?
39
What country are you native to?
England
What area of Patong do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Nanai Road
How long have you lived in Patong?
1 year
When you moved to Patong, did you bring your family? What do they think?
No - I was single when I moved
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
No
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
A change of lifestyle
Why did you choose Patong, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Patong?
I like Asia, mainly Phuket
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
Laos
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
Visa no - could not get work permit for running a bar
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Chnage of lifestyle and working hours
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Patong?
not buying a bar on my own - I have a business partner - Josephines Bar, Soi Sea Dragon, Bangla Road, Patong
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
relaxing
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
Not sure
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
I miss my friends but not the expense and costs in England
What do you miss the most about your home country?
watching my football team Manchester City
Are there the same recreational activities in Patong?
No
How easy has it been to make new friends in Patong?
Relatively easy
Do you have many friends from your home country in Patong?
Yes
What are your favorite activities that are available?
going to the beach and meeting people in my bar, Josephines Bar, Soi Sea Dragon, Bangla Road, Patong
Do you speak the language of Patong?
a little
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Patong, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
yes, but you can get by
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
I had medical insurance before I went, but now it has finished and I need to look at renewing it
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
I am looking for work / business venture in Laos
How do you earn your living in Patong?
Running my bar - Josephines Bar, Soi Sea Dragon, Bangla Road, Patong
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
No - I earn a lot less
How did you go about finding a job in Patong? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
Fairly easy to find a bar to buy
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
Friends
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
Not customs, just the general Thai laws that restrict falangs
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
I want to move to Vientiane, Laos and set up some form of business for the future
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
I rent in Patong
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
10,000 baht a month
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
No
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
Cheaper
List some things that are more expensive in Patong
Not many things, but if you are earning a lower income over here anything imported appears to be expensive
List some things that are less expensive in Patong
food, clothing
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Very friendly
What is the best thing about people in Patong?
Very laid back
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Patong?
Make sure you have money in the bank - running a bar in the low season does not support 2 people
What are the good or bad things about living in Patong?
most people are friendly, but there is still corruption
Do you think you will stay in Patong, or it is not suitable for the long run?
I intend staying for the near future - long term it will depend on whether I get a job or business in Laos
If you are living there for the short term, what other countries are you considering?
Laos
Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Patong for people living there?
you can email me at josephinesbar@hotmail.com if you have any questions or want a friendly bar to visit
What else would you like to say?
Please visit my bar - Josephines Bar, Soi Sea Dragon, Bangla Road, Patong
Please enter the name of your Blog
Josephines Bar, Soi Sea Dragon, Patong, Phuket
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