Uk or Thailand??? - Page 2 - Ajarn Forum

ellroy · 14th August 2008, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Bean

The England that I remember can be difficult to find these days.

Are you talking about any particular era, or do you just mean 'when I was younger and things were going well for me'?

The tendency to be hysterical about somewhere that's still a great place to live in is rife amongst ex-pats. In many ways, England is a far better place than the one I remember in the grim late 70s and 80s. In other respects, largely due to the effects neo-liberalism, it's worse. Either way, this eulogising of a golden age of England has been going on since the Renaissance, and it's always been a crock of shit.

Having said that, there were better groups in the late 70s and 80s. Discontent breeds good art.

kenkannif · 14th August 2008, 16:35

Personally my life would be a lot easier in the UK...and I may have to go back at some point...but all said and done purely IMO I think my kid would be better off here overall!!! Although I might send him over for a bit at some point.

ellroy · 14th August 2008, 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenkannif

Personally my life would be a lot easier in the UK...and I may have to go back at some point...but all said and done purely IMO I think my kid would be better off here overall!!! Although I might send him over for a bit at some point.

It's a tricky balancing act. Despite it's problems, the education system still has a lot to offer (and teachers are certainly better qualified and trained than they've ever been). Depending upon where in the country you live, it can be tough for young people. Having said that, my recent experiences in UK inner city Secondary schools suggests that there are far more decent kids than bad - but they don't get the headlines, do they?

A mate of mine who is married to a Thai woman, recently brought over her 10 year old kid to London. She loves it here, thinks school is great, and is really flourishing. Luck plays a part, but I think it's often forgotten just how good the education system is in comparison.

Nick · 14th August 2008, 17:03

England.

kenkannif · 14th August 2008, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellroy

It's a tricky balancing act. Despite it's problems, the education system still has a lot to offer (and teachers are certainly better qualified and trained than they've ever been). Depending upon where in the country you live, it can be tough for young people. Having said that, my recent experiences in UK inner city Secondary schools suggests that there are far more decent kids than bad - but they don't get the headlines, do they?

A mate of mine who is married to a Thai woman, recently brought over her 10 year old kid to London. She loves it here, thinks school is great, and is really flourishing. Luck plays a part, but I think it's often forgotten just how good the education system is in comparison.

Cool.....each to their own....as I posted IMO!!! Not saying everyone should do it though obviously.

Education can be sorted by the parent to be honest....I don't work too many hours, so would hope to impart my wicked wisdom to my little one.

Much nicer life here for my son IMO!!!

ellroy · 14th August 2008, 17:09

Creamy Old England. In the summer time. The whack of leather on willow. Catching sticklebacks in an old tin can. The vicar on his bicycle, freewheeling down the lane. Warm beer. Old maids serving in the post office. England, creamy, creamy Old England.

kenkannif · 14th August 2008, 17:10

^ That's even before my time mate!!!

ellroy · 14th August 2008, 17:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenkannif

Much nicer life here for my son IMO!!!

Oh yeah, there's definitely some truth in that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenkannif

^ That's even before my time mate!!!

Even before everyone's I think. Except maybe Bangkok Phil.

Here's a sketch to demonstrate: YouTube - Abit of Fry and Laurie - English Strawberries

Mr Bean · 15th August 2008, 04:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellroy

Are you talking about any particular era, or do you just mean 'when I was younger and things were going well for me'?

The tendency to be hysterical about somewhere that's still a great place to live in is rife amongst ex-pats. In many ways, England is a far better place than the one I remember in the grim late 70s and 80s. In other respects, largely due to the effects neo-liberalism, it's worse. Either way, this eulogising of a golden age of England has been going on since the Renaissance, and it's always been a crock of shit.

Having said that, there were better groups in the late 70s and 80s. Discontent breeds good art.

Nay lad, the biggest prob I may have is that it might be a case of 'grass is greener' with me. I'm still in the UK, hanging onto quite a well paid job and trying to stash some cash to go into partial retirement before I'm 50.

What gets me the most is a) the weather b) the infrastructure (crap bus services, expensive trains etc) and, well, the majority of the population seem to be really miserable. None of the above is era-specific.

Agree with you on the music scene though chap.

martyboy · 15th August 2008, 06:57

I reckon this question is such a personal matter that it's pointless asking anyone else their opinion. I love Thailand but I couldn't live there permanently. Great in small doses i.e. December - March, those shitty months in the UK. I couldn't live without walking in our lovely countryide or the anticipation of Spring. But there are people here who have never walked down a country lane in their lives. It's all so subjective. At least I know what I like. My cousin owns a hotel in Phuket. I was there one August and it rained horizontal rain for days and days even weeks. I thought it rained in England but boy! Thailand is great as a holiday destination and cultural experience. I've been going there for 25 years. I also do 2-3 months voluntary teaching in rural schools but I couldn't live there. Kow paht and phad Thai every day?? I am an incurable Anglophile. Our countryside, forests, Spring, beer, temperate climate, quality meat, cricket, are irreplaceable. But it's subjective.

I forgot to add a quote for you literary aficionados.

"There is no other contrivance known to man that is responsible for so much human happiness as a good tavern" - Dr. Johnson. (no such thing in Thailand)

Ellroy, your prose reminded me of two summers ago when I was working temporarily in Saffron Walden, a beautiful medieval country town. I had just downed three pints of ambrosial nectar and took a stroll back to my digs. It was a balmy summer evening and the bell ringers were practising in Saffron's famous old church. That sound of peeling bells was so redolent of Old Blighty. I think every true Englishman abroad eventually pines for his native heath. There are things which are not good but the good things outweigh the bad for sure.

Tick Tock · 15th August 2008, 07:57

OEG

Go home that is the best.

Thailand does not offer 2 things which are important to a young family.

Certainty

How certain are you that work permit rules and visa rules won't change again in the next two or three years. At what age can you afford to uproot yourself and your family and fit back into the UK job market? If you are sitting on loads of cash, then you can afford to gamble - if not, gambling with your kids future is a bit risky.

Safety Net

There is no safety net in Thailand. If you had a major accident tomorrow, can your wife support you and your kid on her own? Would she have to make frantic calls home to your family for money. What happens then with getting back to the UK after such an incident? There is no welfare system in Thailand nor subsidies or for that matter housing schemes like they have in the UK. Can you afford major surgery here?

Those to me are the two important questions to ask. Its not a question to me about the weather or education as I view such decisions as risk management.

2Pac · 15th August 2008, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Bean

I'm still in the UK

I thought you were over here Bean old chap, didn't you came out here to teach?

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyboy

I reckon this question is such a personal matter that it's pointless asking anyone else their opinion

I just wanted to hear from other people with kids and what they thought.

reinvented · 15th August 2008, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyboy

reckon this question is such a personal matter that it's pointless asking anyone else their opinion. I

yeah but then what would we talk about eh?

i think if its a girl then you have more leeway at first, they tend to turn out as lovely kids, then get em out of here before they turn pouty

boys are a bit more difficult IMHO, Thais spooil the first boy and you have to work very hard to stop im turnin out a lazy coaster

8ball · 15th August 2008, 10:54

I had kids and decided 2 stay in Thailand

it has worked out well 4 me,,,,but that's me

the choice is between,,,,in general,,,,, a more miserable but safer life

and,,,, a happier but slightly riskier life

defo a personal choice,,,,,,, no right or wrong in this one

aging one · 15th August 2008, 11:13

We do have to get together OEG. Same situation. My kids are finishing 6th grade in a Thai school here. Its been great for them. Completely bilingual and sharp. But its over now, they need a much better education than Thailand can provide now. I feel they need classes like Literature, World History and Geography which are not offered here. So we going by this time next year.

Hard decision as life is so easy here. It will be harder for me than for them I am sure. But I must make sure before I go I can lead the same lifestyle as here when I go home. Nice house, couple of cars, and the ability to travel when wanted. If not, some serious thinking must be done.

But I dont even like to think about it.