Editor;
I first came to Thailand more than 15 years ago and soon
found myself returning as often as possible. After a few years I decided to
move here. I married a Thai lady and even worked as an English teacher in a
private school for a year. This indeed was the turning point for me.
Then, two years ago I discovered the best kept secret in
Thailand: Cambodia.
During the 40 years that Thailand has benefited (?) from
tourism Cambodia has suffered 3 decades of disaster. Yet the infrastructure
where I live in Sihanoukville is comparable on a smaller scale to that of
Pattaya’s. How is that possible? Perhaps the Thai Government can supply
the answer. I’m sure that like all fairy stories it would be very
entertaining.
It’s cheaper to live in Cambodia, the attitude of the
people is much better and simply by buying a business visa at the border
allows you to remain in the country indefinitely merely by paying to extend
your visa.
I have returned from a visit to my friend in Pattaya.
While I was there I learned of Pattaya’s water shortage. In fact during a
visit to his apartment he complained to his landlady about the many
occasions that the apartments had no water. Her reply summed up Thailand
completely and would have been funny if it were not so serious. She said,
“You want water all the time. You don’t understand. Cannot.”
Let me just explain to Thailand. Your economy is totally
reliant on tourism. Countries that have a dirty water supply or lack of
water end up with diseases like typhoid and cholera. If, or as looks more
than likely, when this happens on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, you will
have no tourists anywhere in Thailand. Unless Thailand opens its eyes there
is no future for the vast majority of Thai people.
My Thai wife and I are both grateful to be back in
Cambodia.
Michael Roberts
