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An Expat Talks about Living in Songkhla, Thailand

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Songkhla

How long have you lived there?

4 months (been an Asian expat 2 years)

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Songkhla International Women's Group, a small but welcoming group of both accompanying spouses (including men and domestic partners) and career women. There is a HASH and various informal clubs for sailing, flying, etc... one only has to go to the local pubs and ask around.

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The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Unlike the majority of Thailand which is Buddist, there is a large visible Muslim population in the area, especially in the villages and cities going south to the Malaysian border(a majority muslem country). An active separist movement among various Muslem militant groups has led to an intolerance towards muslems by a majority of the Thais and, I am sorry to say, the expat population as well. Christians are a small part of the Thai population but are accepted as a normal part of society.

Foreigners, expats, (called "Farangs") are all assumed to be Christian with no prejudice. Thailand is a homogenous population, so Farangs attract alot of attention, especially if your are fair with blond or red hair and blue eyes. (our family is all blond and blue eyed) It is quite a bit like the fame of being a movie star. Usually this curiousity is limited to being constantly watched and being approached by people wanting to practace their English or take pictures. Thai children are adored and this will extend to Farang children being especialy fawned on, constantly talked to, and touched. The touching especially the hair and arms seem to be the biggest concern among the expat population, but if you ask them to stop or the child seems distressed they will. There is a large Thai middle class and upper class population, with a majority of the laboring classes living in the surrounding villages. The Buddist belief of reincaration and acceptance of fate, leads to a tolerant and generally easy going society, with the exceptions noted above.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Songkhla is a primarily a regional tourist destination. The main industries are fishing and oil. The expats are mostly from the internation oil and oil service companies with a few English teachers. The next city over, Hat Yai, has a larger population of expat English teachers. Thailand is very protective of it's labor force and it is difficult to find a career outside of teaching English or the medical field if arrangements haven't been made prior to entering the country. Several expats have small businesses selling the variety of Thai handicrafts such as silver, silk and wood in their home countries. Presenting yourself at a local hospital is the best way to get into the medical field. As a farang you will be constantly approached about teaching English or can inquire at the bi-lingual or local schools.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Due to the nationalization of the major oil and oil service companies here (source of most of the expats)the expat population is substantially smaller then in the past and a majority of those are commuters and couples without children. There are also a number of English teachers working in the area, mostly young and single or married to Thai nationals. Work is definitly a priority, but the pub scene and travel are very popular. Thailand's central location and low cost airlines make it a great jumping off point for regional travel from China, Vietnam, HongKong, Singapore etc... Thailand itself is a major vacation destination, so with airfares ranging from US$30 and up for in country round trips shopping in Bangkok, treking in the north or SCUBA in the south, is an easy weekend get away. There is not an international school available, but are 2 bi-langiul (English-Thai)in the near by city, so the few expat families here tend to have very young children. Also the standard of living is comparable to a mid-eastern European country with good utilities and a low crime rate. Although there is not a large selection of import goods, the Thai equivilent is good quality.

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Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Thailand has good weather, great food and friendly people. The expat population is small and friendly and the Thais are welcoming so it's easy to make friends and become a part of the local society. The shopping and resources are quite good and world class stores are located a short and cheap plane flight away. If you are working for a local company the wages will be substantially lower than in your home country, but the cost of living is so low, you will be able to live comfortably. As with any overseas assignment, come here with a tolerant attitude. Learning the language helps but it is more important to understand and accept the new culture.

The TEFL Institute of Ireland
The TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

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