Three Years in Thailand and Still Counting

I thought I would never be in this foreign land this long but unbelievably, I am already here in Thailand for exactly three years. On board the Philippine Airlines, I first arrived here September 6, 2006. The country was so strange to me then -- the food, the people, the place. But now, it seems like I am already well-adjusted in the Land of Smiles for I have been doing what Thai people usually do.

Being here for three years now, I already have a good grasp of the Thai language. Apparently, I won't hesitate anymore to answer back when somebody would greet me "Sawatdee Kha/Khrap!" I do eat the hot and spicy Thai food from time to time and have been used to eating raw vegetables together with the delicious somtam (papaya salad). I have ridden tuktuk (Thai vehicle with three wheels like the one in VISA Electron advertisement before). Yes, I have done so many things that the locals do and for that, I am happy that I was able to adopt my host country's culture and ways of living although I still have complaints sometimes.

Remembering, I had my first teaching job in a government school in the smallest province of Thailand. I first taught English as Foreign Language (EFL) to Grades 1, 2 and 3. That was really awesome! I am glad I did it. After working there for one year and six months, luck has stricken me when I was hired in a prestigious Catholic learning institution in Bangkok. I first taught Mathematics to Grades 2 and 4 students and then presently, to Grades 8 and 11.

The number of years for me to stay here is not yet fix but I am planning to stay here for a maximum of five years. It all depends to my work. If I could see that I am continuously growing and earning good amount of bucks then I would probably stay although my heart is whispering me to go back to my country and serve my countrymen. I do hope to do that. I am very positive on going back to Philippines for good for we all know that there's no place like home.

For now, I could do nothing but thank all those people who have helped me in every step of my life abroad. To the strangers I met who became my close friends and even my family here in Thailand. To my unexpected acquaintances who unexpectedly lend their support when I was struggling here. Indeed, they will always be a part of me. I am still here in Thailand because of their generosity. May they will be blessed more and more!

My online community, Siam Pinoy, is really worth of a mention. I am so blessed to have found this online community which later became a part of my growth as a professional in Thailand. The trust and the online network support with my fellow kababayans Siam Pinoy has given is more than what I could ask as neophyte . I hope that the community will continue to grow and will endlessly help other Filipinos in the kingdom.