Nine Years as an Expat in Thailand | Firsthand Insights into Thai Life
When I was assigned to work in Thailand, I started playing golf for business reasons—and soon became hooked! It didn’t take long to realize that Thailand is home to some of the most luxurious and world-renowned golf courses. Read more
Thailand has some truly unique snacks all over the country. To experience these special Thai treats, you really have to venture deep into the side alleys—otherwise you'll never discover the authentic local flavors! Today's exploration was full of tasty finds, and fellow foodies should definitely come give them a try! Read more
Recently, I visited our Vietnam team. On the surface, everything seemed to be running smoothly—processes moving forward and weekly reports coming in on schedule. But after digging deeper, I realized that many issues had actually been simmering silently all along, just never openly confronted.
Before moving to Thailand, I used to shower multiple times a day while traveling there—it’s just that hot and humid! With all the sweating, laundry services are a must. So, how do expats handle laundry in Thailand? If you're staying long-term, this is something you’ll definitely need!
Besides Thailand, I believe all Southeast Asian countries are actually heading down a shared path:
the journey from developing nation to developed nation.
And the one most worth watching is the Indonesian market.
In recent years, Chinese and Taiwanese capital has flooded into Vietnam. Being able to speak Mandarin is a major competitive advantage whether you're job hunting or doing business, so finding Mandarin-speaking talent in Vietnam isn't difficult.
But setting up a company and building a team in Vietnam, it remains a big challenge for me.
When traveling in Thailand, besides public transportation like the BTS Skytrain and buses,
the most common ways to get around are taxis and Grab. Grab, similar to Uber, is very popular and has been legally operating for years.
Thailand is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, with many locals being devout followers. They hold great respect for deities and monks, believing that receiving a Sak Yant tattoo—an ancient Buddhist sacred tattoo—blessed by a master brings protection, luck, and spiritual power. In recent years, more foreigners have traveled to Thailand for these tattoos, not just for their beauty but also for their spiritual significance.
If you ever find yourself in Thailand wondering what to eat, you can’t go wrong with Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)—Thailand’s ultimate comfort food.
This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in Thai households, a go-to meal when people want something quick, delicious, and satisfying.
Today, we’re learning how to make it the authentic way, straight from a Thai chef
—ready in just 20 minutes and budget-friendly!
Recently, we began collaborating with an Indonesian company,
which made me re-experience this country's business culture,
both conservative and pragmatic; both hospitable and highly skilled at negotiation.
Here are my real observations from doing business on the front lines in Indonesia.