PATTAYA, Thailand – On January 7, 2026, the Pattaya City Expats Club welcomed Miguel Echols, a speaker, consultant, and author, for a presentation that left a lasting impression on attendees. The event began with a dramatic skit: Anastasia conducted an interview with Miguel, who appeared on stage in manacles, escorted by SWAT guards. This theatrical opening set the tone for a deeply personal and thought-provoking session.
Miguel’s talk, titled “Survivor’s Remorse,” drew from his experiences in the United States Marine Corps and the profound loss of a close friend. Through storytelling and audience engagement, Miguel explored the complex emotions of survivor’s remorse—guilt, empathy, and memories that haunt those who survive traumatic events while others do not.
He recounted the bonds formed during military training and the tragedy of losing a friend to violence after leaving the service. Miguel described how this loss led to years of guilt and grief, sharing metaphors like the brain as a storage room filled with file cabinets, where trauma and grief are processed.
Miguel emphasized that survivor’s remorse is not exclusive to veterans; it can affect anyone who has lived through trauma. He encouraged the audience to reflect on their own experiences and recognize the silent impact of survivor’s remorse in their communities.
Offering practical advice, Miguel shared three tips for overcoming survivor’s remorse: channel guilt into purposeful action, practice self-compassion, and embrace survival as a second chance. He urged attendees to redirect the energy of guilt into positive activities, treat themselves with empathy, and view survival as an opportunity for growth and gratitude.
Throughout the presentation, Miguel engaged the audience in reflection exercises, fostering a sense of support and understanding. The session concluded with a message of hope: survivor’s remorse is not a shadow meant to haunt, but a reminder of the opportunity to live, heal, and appreciate life’s second chances.
After the presentation, MC Brian Maxey brought everyone up to date on upcoming PCEC events. This was followed by the Open Forum where questions are asked and comments made about Expat living in Thailand. To learn more about the PCEC, visit their website at https:/pcec.club. To view the video of the presentation, visit PCEC’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVnvRbpzUgQ.
