A New Life in Thailand?: Escape to Thailand, #1

By Matt Owens Rees

Derek explains in some detail what led up to his bitter divorce in England and the doubts he had about moving to Thailand to be with the woman he had met on a Thai dating site.

He describes what eventually made up his mind. But even then, there were times when he was unsure if he was making the right choice in getting involved with a Thai lady and living in a very different culture.

There are many twists and turns in this true story of his first years in Thailand when he was regularly flying in and out of the country. Would he eventually commit to staying? Would he change his mind again after a few years?

Many expats in the past have stayed for perhaps five years or so and then returned to the West.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matt Owens Rees
• Release date: Nov 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386202073

Matt Owens Rees

My focus group took time to develop but is now paying dividends. I can bounce ideas off Thais from varying social classes. From poor farmers and construction workers to those working in offices and shops. From bankers to well-off business owners. The group includes members of the so-called hi-so elite as well as military and police officers. Interaction sometimes needs to be one-to-one as Thais are cautious expressing their views in front of their other countrymen. To understand Thailand and to integrate better with the Thai people and their culture, it’s important to observe and listen rather than doing all the talking oneself. After all, God gave us two eyes and two ears but only ONE mouth. Through field research and discussions with Thais, either in normal conversation or in the lecture theatre, Matt presents a rich picture of the real Thailand, warts and all. He has written extensively on Thais and Thailand with 20 published books already available in ebook and print format. Despite not being similar in style, his books reflect on some of the observations in “Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind.” ln his opinion, the best introductory book on Thais and Thailand. Written by Carol Hollinger in 1965, its insights are still very revealing and up to date. Sadly, Hollinger passed away at 45 years old before she could see her best- selling book in print. Matt also then lost an opportunity to collaborate with her on a new book on the concept of Face in Thailand. Readers can take a look at all the books written by Matt Owens Rees at www.books2read.com where they can find full details and excerpts for each title, and the opportunity to buy with just one click at the reader's favourite online store.  

Book preview

A NEW LIFE IN THAILAND

by

Matt Owens Rees

© Matt Owens Rees 2013 - 2023

All rights reserved.

Matt Owens Rees has asserted his right under the Copyright Design and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to purchase and download their own copy and take a look at its companion volumes: Thailand Take Two, A Thailand Diary, The Thai Way of Meekness, Escape to Thailand, The Death of a Thai Godfather, and his latest, A Welsh Godfather.

A Welsh Godfather is a true account of recollections which Matt and his friend Johnny Illsley had of Johnny’s grandfather when they were both in primary school. They were both around 10 years old at the time. Only much later when they were both in their late forties and Johnny’s parents had died were Matt and Johnny aware that Johnny’s grand-dad was in fact a Welsh Godfather.

Giving a review and posting online would be appreciated. I would love to know what you think. You can reach me at [e-mail] , my Facebook page is Matt Owens Rees and my Twitter handle is @MattOwensRees. Constructive comments are welcome. It helps me provide a tailored reader experience for all booklovers.

Thanks for taking the time to look at A New Life in Thailand. Please accept my gratitude for your support.

My books are available from all good book stores and on line. For your convenience, clicking the link below in your web browser will take you to my Books2Read author page where you can browse and order any of my books from the book retailer of your choice.

https://www.Books2Read.com/MattOwensRees

This teaser only includes the first two chapters of Escape to Thailand and the early part of chapter three.

There are many twists and turns in this true account of Derek’s life in the Land of Smiles over the first ten years of his life here. The complete book of 13 chapters takes you through what went right for him and what went wrong. We see his frustrations as well as what he like about living in Thailand. Some of the narrative is in his own words. We also become aware of what his friends thought of how he was coping with living in Thailand. I expect there will be surprises for some readers.

Table of Contents for Escape to Thailand

Introduction

Chapter 1   We Are Airborne

Chapter 2  A Blind Date

Chapter 3  No Show

Chapter 4  A Thai Thief

Chapter 5  No Words Spoken

Chapter 6  Talking to My Son

Chapter 7  Feeding the Cat

Chapter 8  Problems at Work

Chapter 9  I Never Looked Back

Chapter 10 Burning My Boats

Chapter 11 Feeling Alone

Chapter 12 A Reality Check

Chapter 13 Expat Clubs

Conclusion

About the Author

Extracts from other Books by Matt Owens Rees

Introduction

Names