Choosing the Right Kind of Life in Thailand

I’m beginning to settle into the life I’ve found myself living here in Thailand. The choices in front of me seem stark: I could chase the chaos of Phuket, with its endless nightlife and temptations, or I could embrace the quieter, more grounded rhythm of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

For me, the decision is clear. I’ve chosen the latter — a life rooted in simplicity, community, and the discipline of doing things the right way.

But that choice comes with its own challenges. I’ve always had a tendency to insist on doing things properly, with clarity and integrity. It’s a strength, but it can also be a stumbling block. In my first marriage, that insistence became an Achilles’ heel. The pursuit of “right” sometimes created friction, and I don’t want to repeat that mistake.

Here, in this new chapter, I’m learning balance. Doing things right doesn’t have to mean doing them perfectly. It means doing them with intention, with respect for the people around me, and with a willingness to adapt when life doesn’t follow the script.

Thailand has a way of teaching patience. Whether it’s the slower pace of bureaucracy, the rhythm of farming towns, or the cultural emphasis on harmony, I’m reminded daily that life isn’t about control — it’s about alignment.

So this is my challenge, and my commitment: to build a life here that is both principled and peaceful. To avoid the chaos of the past by embracing the clarity of the present. And to let “doing things right” mean not just precision, but compassion.

Life’s Everyday Lessons

This week has been a reminder that even small things test patience and discipline. I’m still trying to train the unruly dogs and learning to live with bugs — everywhere. Mosquitos in the bathroom, ants in the kitchen. Since the kitchen is technically outside, it’s a constant battle to find solutions.

The dogs, though, are making huge progress. They’re beginning to understand boundaries, though not yet their own names. Their obedience comes less from knowledge and more from fear of disappointing the alpha — me. It’s far from perfect, but it’s better. A work in progress, like everything else here.

Closing Thought

Life in Nakhon Si Thammarat isn’t glamorous, but it’s real. It’s about facing challenges head-on, whether they’re philosophical or practical, and finding peace in the process. The chaos of Phuket will always be there, but for now, I’m choosing the slower rhythm, the imperfect progress, and the lessons that come with doing things right — one day at a time.