Thanks for your support guys (Tony and Tim on Postbox). I know I have it easy compared to many and have little to worry about. Yes, I could go elsewhere but I have a wife/family here so not so easy. I had a great offer from China recently, but that's a no go now due to the Coronavirus outbreak. I was never really sold on China anyway, despite the great offer (around 130,000 baht a month).

We plan on living in the UK in the end, as I can't stay out in Asia forever. I'm thinking of pensions, possible medical bills as we get older if we stay here, not to mention the difficulties in staying here (visas) if you need a few months off sick (I'm never ill, nor is my wife, but as you get older you never know, of course).

Let's be honest, as soon as you're of no immediate use to the Thais (or anywhere in Asia for that matter) you've got to go (unless you have a huge pension in place or are a millionaire). "You've got a Thai wife? What's that? Been here twenty years without as much as a parking ticket? Paid a ton in tax? Off you jog, son. And do it today or else."

There is no loyalty from the authorities (or most schools if you say, broke your legs in a car crash that wasn't your fault and needed two months off) here. No pressure groups on TV lobbying government for your rights to stay, like back home in the West. It's a one-way street when it comes to rights for foreigners as far as Asia and many other countries are concerned. Not saying they're wrong either, it's just the way it is. And I accept it and that it's not going to change anytime soon.

And yes, I could stay here longer (but lets' see what happens with this damn Coronavirus first!). I have been offered a job now about 10,000 baht / month less than I would normally expect as a minimum, but it's a good school and I also have just been accepted for an online teaching job with Dada (China), so my overall income will be reasonable, at least, but I'll be working hard for it! Pretty much 7:30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m, doing two jobs (weekdays only though). I will get about 8 weeks paid holiday though.

Therefore, we can live in a house near a beach for 3 or 4 years and save about 30,000 - 35,000 baht a month until we go back to the UK (the wife has a job too, but will need a new one when we move). So, I should, and will, stop moaning. It could be much, much worse. It is what it is out here. I accept that. Thanks again guys, and good luck to you too.

Old Bloke, Bangkok