benj005
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Posts posted by benj005
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I don't believe these two young men are guilty for a moment. The whole thing looks like a crude cover-up that is fooling no one. But what it is doing I suspect is making a lot of people think twice before visiting Thailand (again), me included, and that can only result in a loss of tourism income. And I have to say that I am very concerned as to what might happen to two apparent scapegoats. Not good, not good at all.
Not really. People forget very easily.
In no time there will be a lot of people visiting Thailand, and this case will be all forgotten. The two young men who are framed will be put to death,
Sad.
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Have fun in the small Thai jail with 200 other inmates!
Could he receive the death penalty for a crime like this?
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I don't mean to derail this thread, but I had to reply to Greg.Message to all really sincere and professional foreign teachers:
DO NOT TEACH IN THAILAND.
It is much better in China and Korea. If you are a certified teacher or have a Bachelor of Education try the International Schools.
Warm weather is not worth the difference. It must be stifling hot in the classrooms in Thailand on some days.
Greg,
The grass isn't always greener on the other side. I taught in Korea for 2 years. The pros: 1) The money is decent. I was making 2.1and went up to 2.4 my second year. That's equivalent to 2,000 and 2,300 USD. 2) My apartment was paid for. I got an extra months pay at the end of my contract. 3) My flight to Korea and back home to America was paid for as well. The Con's: 1) The weather is cold. I don't mean a little cold. I'm talking about a cold blast that doesn't let up until mid-March. 2) Work hours can be long and hard. I was working 12 hour days. Long days. 3) Hagwon owners are notorious for being not trust worthy. I was supposed to be putting into the pension. I would contribute money and my boss would have to match. Never happened. The same with health insurance. In the contract it states that she was supposed to give her employees health benefits. Never happened. 4) Ageism. Good luck trying to find a teaching position in Korea if you're over 40. I know ageism takes place in Thailand, but it's less rare. In Korea, it's very common.
I could compare the drab Korean environment to Thailand's beautiful scenery. Also, the nasty Korean men who hock spit on the sidewalk and yell curse words, or deliberately bump into you on the sidewalk. Then again you don't have to worry about a stray dog biting you, or corrupt police officers in Korea.
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The government might be monitoring Thai Visa.
I'd watch what I say.
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Nonsense.It is now being suggested that these 3 were beaten and burned with boiling water to get a confession. Also the reason no Burmese fled the island was because they new their DNA would not match.. Burmese and British embassies have been notified of this... AMAZING THAILAND
I will call you a troll until you can confirm this news that you suggest happened.
Check this link out ... https://www.facebook.com/CSILA90210/photos/a.600950366649359.1073741828.596740650403664/707551705989224/?type=1
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Didn't the same thing take place in 2000? A westerner was raped and murdered in Chang Mai. The Thai police rounded up a migrant worker from Myanmar, roughed him up and made him confess. The whole thing was a sham, and the police were caught. They had to let the guy go. The case is still unresolved.
I understand that there is a lot of pressure to end this case. Tourist dollars are on the line. This isn't the way to do this. It's not right.
Finally, even if these are the guys that did it the police on Koh Tao have a lot of explaining to do. They are undocumented and illegal migrant workers who live and work on that island. The police are taking bribes. That's a fact! If I'm a tourist I am not going to feel safe. In that regard the people in power are to blame for this murder.
This is going to still cripple their economy. I can't see a lot of people vacationing there. If I had a choice between Koh Tao or Vietnam, I'm going to Vietnam.
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We had a girl abducted and murdered in America. The alleged murderer left and went cross country. The FBI found him a week later.
This incident is going to be terrible for tourism. Thailand stands to lose millions of dollars. Competition is also fierce. Thailand isn't the only game in town anymore. I know a few people who are scared and have gone to Vietnam instead.
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I was in South Korea for 2 years, and I was able to save up a bit of money. The problem with Korea is the age barrier. You're really at disadvantage if you're over 40. I was actually thinking about going back, but I've been ignored by the recruiters that I've contacted.Again the issue that the OP is facing is that his special ed degree is not wanted in Asia. International schools aren't going to hire him to teach subjects because he is not a subject teacher. If he has taken the praxis 1 and 2 tests and gets certified for subjects like science or math, then he could actually make a decent wage. With what he has now, he is only qualified for TEFL positions.
The other issue of going home isn't so hopeful either. Working less than 30 hours a week for 10 bucks an hour is rubbish for anyone with a degree. The hope of getting hired full time is a lure that rarely pans out. His pipe dream of this materializing to a 50k USD a year salary teaching is less than likely. Starting salary is more like 45kUSD a year for your qualifications. But with the cost of living, taxes,etc. I doubt that would save more than 10k a year. Less if you have a car and a life. TEFL jobs in Korea, and lower tiered international school jobs in China you could save double that.
To teach in the US you will also need to further your education to keep your license current. No chance for admin jobs without a Masters or more likely a PhD by the time you have the proper experience.
Your Korean teaching experience doesn't count towards anything and in most cases will likely hurt a teaching career if done too long.
With that being said. I still think that you best immediate option is to go back to Korea and work at a Hagwon or teach at a low tiered International school in China and save everything. If you save at least 20K usd a year for 2 years, then go back to the US get a Masters in something that is more coveted for International school jobs in Asia. You then in a short 4-5 years could actually be earning a decent wage here or anywhere and still live the lifestyle you want.
You could take the low paid 35k baht a month job and hope to get a lower tiered international school job here making 50-60k baht a month but unless you partner is pulling her weight that will be tough.
Still think it is strange for someone in their 40's to 1 need career and relationship advice from yahoos on TV. 2nd not have anything in equity up to this point, and 3. Make life changing choices for a girl friend you haven't been with that long.
I do wish you the best of luck but you sound like a dreamer without any practical skills.
I have passed the Praxis content knowledge which makes me a dual certified teacher for grades k-6. I just need to pass the math praxis and I expect to take the test sometime this year.
The $10 an hour aide position is only temporary. I don't plan to make it a career. Also, I have a few friends that have moved on from classroom aides to full time teachers. Sometimes you need to start at the beginning to reach your goal.
There are one or two special needs schools in Bangkok. They are out there. You just need to be proactive. They do hire between 50-60k baht a month.
Finally, there are positions in special ed. A lot of positions. High needs areas such as Camden, Newark, and Trenton are hiring all the time. The catch is those cities are very poor. If I wanted I could get 15% if my student loan shaved off if taught in a high needs area for 5 years.
PS... The teaching you do in Korea will count for something. Principals look favorably at a candidate that was able to live in a foreign country. It speaks a lot about the person's character. I know plenty of people that have become full time teachers when they came back from Korea.
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I wish I was Norwegian. Your jails are even very nice. Who was the wacky guy who killed 75 teens? They showed his jail and it was better than some apartments I've been in back home.Reading stories like this , I'm so happy I still have my Norwegian passport.
If I should lose everything here , I can always go back to Norway and a free health care and social welfare system will be waiting for me . But I earn my own money online so I choose to live in Thailand or another country that wants my money.
If you don't me asking, what do you do online to generate income? I know it's a sensitive question, so you don't have to give me a direct answer. Thanks.
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The economy in Greece has gone thru a really bad time. I forget the number that were unemployed. I do know it was very high. Maybe 30%? You can find it online.You need to go where the money is, and save for your retirement. Governments aren't going to do it for you, they are scrambling to cut down on their welfare bills. Just look what happened in Greece. In Australia, the ratio of people who are working to those who are retired is projected to fall from 4:1 to 2:1 - in other words, not enough taxes to pay for pensions.
At 45, you have about 15 years to get a nest egg accumulated. Do it wisely, because there are a lot of sharks out there in the financial waters.
What happened in Greece? Did they cut social security for the over 65's?
They had to make drastic cuts so they could reorganize. I believe SS was cut. Again, you can find it online.
I think NJ is in the same boat. We have police officers who are retiring at 55, and they are collecting highly inflated pensions. That's not even including health benefits for life. We had a police chief retire a few months ago and took him a $275 check because he didn't take any sick days. All paid for by the taxpayers. Our credit has slipped 8 times so far. It's a huge mess.
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Good lord, a lot of rubbish, nonsense and a large pile of "cream della negativity". Since this thread is specifically bloated with U.S citizens, I ask you guys where is your "American optimism"?
The US and EU zone will go "down". Down as in further down: meaning in increased jobless rates, economic stagnation and so forth. The Dollar won't go down from overnight. It's a process and far away from being "conspiracy". China and Russia have dumped the USD for good. Read the right books, listen to the right people, turn off your TV, avoid CNN/FOX NEWS etc.
America will go down, it's just the question of when. Nice summary: http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/34-signs-that-america-is-in-decline
I wonder if people do attentively read other peoples post before posting, seriously. To get things straight: Thailand seems to be here and there still 3rd world (logistics, infrastructure, water quality etc). No doubt. However due to it's increasing transformation it has become a NIC (Newly industrialized country - NICs are countries whose economies have not yet reached developed country status but have, in a macroeconomic sense, outpaced their developing counterparts. Another characterization of NICs is that of nations undergoing rapid economic growth (usually export-oriented).) I wonder if anyone cares to read and extend their education... If we want to be correct, Thailand is a NIC and is gradually moving forward.. or not...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newly_industrialized_country
Back to topic: it's your life pal, you take full control and responsibility. I advise you not to listen to anyone but your heart. There are many factors and circumstances. However, I suggest you try to lookout for a better paying job. First things first, meaning you got to look after yourself right now and I can understand that your girl has become part of your life. What is 45 nowadays?! 45! So what?! Live your life to the fullest, experience it the way you want it.
Make yourself a list of pros and cons but at the end it's your heart and gut feeling. Like I said, try to look after something "new", maybe try different schools, educations sectors etc. Be proactive, contact schools and unis.
If you see no progress and you feel "stuck", you can still go back home to the States keeping in mind that you tried everything to stay in TH. Nevertheless, life is all about tryouts, failures and learning. I don't know where your opportunities going to pop out, but you should look out for them.
You really think Americas best days are in the past? When do you think this will all take place? I'd like to think that America is still the land of opportunity.
I agree with your statement. What's 45 nowadays. When I talk to people online and they tell me I have to get that retirement or else my life will be ruined I know I'm talking to someone that has lived in a different generation. Their generation stayed at one job for 40 years, and went to Florida to retire. I'm not saying that we should spend money and forget about saving. That would be bad. I'm just saying that the field has changed now. I think my generation and people younger than me are going to view retirement differently. To be honest I don't want to retire at 65. Maybe I'd like to open a cafe and be an entrepreneur until I'm 90. I'm just saying...
Thanks for the input.
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What would you do if there was not a gf in the picture...you talk about financial matters...retirement, healthcare, long term career benefits...then you bring up the girl as a factor in making a financial decision...you are not married...nothing is keeping you here...
If you love her so much you can not leave Thailand...then the finances will become secondary for the moment...
If it is more her wants and needs than your own...then make the decision that is best for your future...you have only known her a short time...your have the rest of your life ahead...
Look at the big picture...make a decision that will not be a burden now and a nightmare later...
I'm thinking long-term. Most definitely. If I didn't have my gf I might be a bit reluctant to go home. Then again getting a decent paycheck and bennies are important. More so when your older.
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I appreciate the kick in the ass. I know the mess I've gotten myself into. Who knows. Maybe the US government will take care of people like me. There are a lot of us in America who don't have retirement due to the recession. I believe its a third of the population. A lot of people.my post is going to sound harsh as well
45 with no appreciable assets, no slush fund or fall back position
staying with a GF who may or may not stay with you for the duration
relying on work prospects over the long term in Thailand which are tenuous best in the sense, of the "hire and fire" way things are done in schools here, which may be ok in some sense if a person is decently compensated, which at the salary levels you are talking about it's not decently compensated.
As careers go, this is the time generally in a persons life where their maximum earning capacity is being realized, ie this is as good as its going to get and you need to be maximizing that capacity
if you are considering staying in Thailand for the long term at the behest of your GF, you may as well start paying your subscription to the Pattaya balcony divers club , as if your not careful thats were it could end up, honestly I think your using the wrong head to think this through.
Not trying to p*ss on your parade, but you serious need to do some hard thinking as regards what your about to embark on.
Soutpeel and Gecko are on the money. 45 is pretty late in the game to be starting over. And Thailand is about the last place you want to come to start building a nestegg...you're not going be saving very much at 35k/mo. The advice I would normally give is to stay in the US and start working/saving your ass off. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like you possess any marketable skills that can land you a decent paying job in the US either. You may be better off trying to find employment in places like the Middle East or Japan/Korea. You can certainly come to Thailand and live off the 35k/mo, which isn't horrible. But if you're worried about retirement, not the right move. As for the US Gov, welfare and food stamps is no way to live.
lol... I guess I will just kill myself. You should read "Start Late Finish Rich" by David Beck. There are plenty of stories in the book about people who started in their early 50s and were able to retire by the time they were 65.
I have a special needs degree. There are always jobs for people who want to work with disabled students. It's a high demand field.
This is what I'm going to do. I already have a position as an aide back home. it's not great but it does get my foot in the door. Once I obtain a special ed job I will be making over $50k a year. That's only for 9 months. The rest of the time I can increase my income by opening a store for the summer. My dad has over 20 years experience, and he wants to open another cafe. Before we sold our old cafe my father was generating $140k for 4 months a year. I live down by the shore.
In 20 years I will have an OK retirement plan. But I need to be aggressive. Putting money away from teaching and the cafe if I decide to go this route. Finally, I can also look to become an administrator and double my income. That's a good possibility. Finally, I can always double dip. Retire at 62 but not really retire. Just take another position while I receive my pension. Other teachers do it.
It's not so bad I guess.
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Are you fast on the bike?
You need to ride really fast past the mutts.
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I appreciate the kick in the ass. I know the mess I've gotten myself into. Who knows. Maybe the US government will take care of people like me. There are a lot of us in America who don't have retirement due to the recession. I believe its a third of the population. A lot of people.my post is going to sound harsh as well
45 with no appreciable assets, no slush fund or fall back position
staying with a GF who may or may not stay with you for the duration
relying on work prospects over the long term in Thailand which are tenuous best in the sense, of the "hire and fire" way things are done in schools here, which may be ok in some sense if a person is decently compensated, which at the salary levels you are talking about it's not decently compensated.
As careers go, this is the time generally in a persons life where their maximum earning capacity is being realized, ie this is as good as its going to get and you need to be maximizing that capacity
if you are considering staying in Thailand for the long term at the behest of your GF, you may as well start paying your subscription to the Pattaya balcony divers club , as if your not careful thats were it could end up, honestly I think your using the wrong head to think this through.
Not trying to p*ss on your parade, but you serious need to do some hard thinking as regards what your about to embark on.
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Thanks for the reply.This too is going to sound harsh.
First of all your financial prognosis is perilously close to 'go-up-on-the-roof-and-jump' territory. Your story would bring tears to the eyes of any financial planner and send more than just a few of them into an analeptic shock.
You can neither afford to stay here, or bring your girlfriend back to the states with you. The last thing you need back in the States is a dependant who has even lower earning potential than you have. If you stay here, that's going to wreak havoc on your social security benefits. Your financial situation is so dire romantic considerations are simply not even up for discussion.
You mentioned the girlfriend is keeping you from leaving, but not a word from you about being in love with her. I thought that was very revealing.
My bottom line advice: return home alone, enroll in night classes at the local junior college, and get yourself the necessary credentials so you can earn a decent living. And, oh yeah, keep your eyes peeled for a woman who owns her own house, doesn't want to have kids and has a fat bank account. Normally I would never give such mercenary marital advice, but in your case an exception is called for.
I have a degree in special education. I've taught back home, but my job was terminated because of state cutbacks. Because I was the last man on the totem pole I got the short end of the stick.
Then my mom died and I realized "Oh sh*t. Life is short." She was only 62 years old. So instead of going for another teaching position I decided to teach in South Korea for two years.
I have a degree. Its valid and up to date. I wanted to explore the world before I got too old. I completed my goal. Now, I'm debating on whether I should stay or leave. I think I will leave.
I do love my girlfriend. I'm trying to make this work for the both of us.
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Ben,
This might sound a bit harsh. It is meant to be.
You say that you are 45 years old with no assets. As other Americans have pointed out, your options for retirement benefits are quickly running out.
You have approx 20 years working life left. That is not a lot of time and you may be a long time retired.
Its time to get your skates on, sure live and work for today is a great adage if you can afford it. Think about the potential 25 years retired with no income.
You know what you need to do. NIKE. Just do it.
Good luck.
Actually I'm not the only one in the boat with no retirement/ assets. The great depression of the late 1990s has wiped out a savings for a lot of people. We are seeing a lot of people (1/3) without retirement. Nothing. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/shocking-number-of-americans-have-no-retirement-savings/
Anyway, I know what I need to do now. Go home and restart my career before it does become too late.
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I just saw the pictures from the murder scene. Repulsive.
This was a savage attack.
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All the wild cards thrown out over the last two years, combined with crushing gold prices and non stop printing of US$, combined with holding interest rates at historical lows for a historical period of time kept it from crashing. The tipping point is near with most large foreign countries especially Asia and Russia avoiding the dollar. The Saudis are also about to dump it. When the dollar is manipulated at historical highs it destroys many countries trade as it is too expensive for them to buy US products. It kills US franchises based in foreign countries who under contract must buy US franchise product. The dollar is backed by nothing but promises. Ask China how they feel about those promises? The Federal Reserve is Private. Do your homework! It's not nonsense, but pure evil.
Sorry. I don't buy into the conspiracy nonsense. I worked with a guy in South Korea and he kept telling me the dollar was due for a collapse. This was 2 years ago. It never happened.Obviously you have not heard about all the horror stories presently going on in North American, formerly the USA.
If you were informed, you wouldn't think about returning.
Even main stream news is confirming all your personal sovereignty and country sovereignty is gone with Presidential orders.
Would you feel safe in a country with no constitutional rights and open borders?
Would you feel safe in a country that imports Ebola patients (for the first time in history) and everyone now confirms it is mutating and can be air born? Not to mention other suspicious, mutating viruses appearing. This is also in main stream news.
Currently main stream news even admits the new Presidential orders allow for you to be detained for even cold symptoms with no time limit!
Whistle blowers are scared and coming out of the wood work, including homeland security, top Police Chiefs and Army Generals and confirming all the facts now.
Competent trends forecasters, including an ex US Secretary of the Treasury, who have provided financial and political information to all of the top fortune 500 companies are forecasting the dollar to devaluate or even collapse at the end of 2014 or the beginning of 2015, along with major sell offs of the bond and stock market.
Even if you get a new job, how long will it last in a crisis and collapse?
Your reading the wrong books!
Remarkable.
If the dollar does collapse what makes you think you're safe in Thailand? When America sneezes the world catches a cold. A collapse if the American dollar would affect nearly everyone.
As for Ebola I don't know too much about it. I do know it's very difficult to get. The person needs to have direct contact with the diseases. I didn't hear about it going airborne. Maybe I missed the memo?
I guess you would agree with this then: http://moneymorning.com/ext/articles/rickards/25-year-great-depression.php?iris=252778
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Saudi is one of the highest paid places for teachers.
Yea, it's a good place to make money. I was in South Korea for 2 years, and I made decent amount of money. The thing is I'm thinking more about the money. Retirement, health benefits are becoming a bigger issue for me as I get a bit older.
Thailand is a great place. I really like the people. I live in NJ. The people there are OK, but it's nothing like Thailand.
Thanks.
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Sorry. I don't buy into the conspiracy nonsense. I worked with a guy in South Korea and he kept telling me the dollar was due for a collapse. This was 2 years ago. It never happened.Obviously you have not heard about all the horror stories presently going on in North American, formerly the USA.
If you were informed, you wouldn't think about returning.
Even main stream news is confirming all your personal sovereignty and country sovereignty is gone with Presidential orders.
Would you feel safe in a country with no constitutional rights and open borders?
Would you feel safe in a country that imports Ebola patients (for the first time in history) and everyone now confirms it is mutating and can be air born? Not to mention other suspicious, mutating viruses appearing. This is also in main stream news.
Currently main stream news even admits the new Presidential orders allow for you to be detained for even cold symptoms with no time limit!
Whistle blowers are scared and coming out of the wood work, including homeland security, top Police Chiefs and Army Generals and confirming all the facts now.
Competent trends forecasters, including an ex US Secretary of the Treasury, who have provided financial and political information to all of the top fortune 500 companies are forecasting the dollar to devaluate or even collapse at the end of 2014 or the beginning of 2015, along with major sell offs of the bond and stock market.
Even if you get a new job, how long will it last in a crisis and collapse?
Your reading the wrong books!
Remarkable.
If the dollar does collapse what makes you think you're safe in Thailand? When America sneezes the world catches a cold. A collapse if the American dollar would affect nearly everyone.
As for Ebola I don't know too much about it. I do know it's very difficult to get. The person needs to have direct contact with the diseases. I didn't hear about it going airborne. Maybe I missed the memo?
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I will check on that. Thanks.Social Security benefits are calculated on the amount you paid in for the last 20 years before you turn 65. You'll lose all SS if you don't work in the US.
Teachers get a good retirement also and there are places that need real teachers in the US. It pays pretty well.
You will get old and you will need retirement income or massive savings. You'll need to maintain an address in the US to be eligible for Medicare at 65. If nothing else, google for an address in S. Dakota. It's the only state that actively seeks expats and snowbirds as residents and it's legal.
Retirement is something that I've been thinking about lately. The years go by very fast. Twenty years is nothing.
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True.If you have to ask on an internet forum for the answer to such a life-changing decision............why don't you just flip a coin?
I just don't have a lot of support here in Thailand. My family and friends can't relate. Most still think Thailand is a 3rd world country, and most people live in mud huts. I kid you not.
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Do you have other assets. People can't judge your girlfriend only you can do that. Many people live here that are in their 40's. Good lifestyle for many.
Its a great place as long as you have income from abroad. I don't have any assets. Zero. As I stated earlier I'm going to be starting all over again. I had a business and a house but thru poor planning and a death in the family everything was sold. Leaving only a little which has since been used up.
I guess going home would be my attempt to reestablish myself. I'd like to do it in Thailand, but I see a long road ahead of me.
Maybe I'm wrong.
What Would You Do To Get Your Social Security Back?
in Teaching in Thailand Forum
Posted · Edited by benj005
As for the weather it depends on who you ask. I find the heat to be very uncomfortable at times. I live on the beach in NJ. Right now its Fall weather. 60 degrees and no tourist. Perfect October weather.
I'm flying out of Thailand this Friday to NJ. I'm going to miss this beautiful country, but better opportunities are waiting for me at home.