Bangkok’s air quality finally drove DAVID BARRETT to seek a better life in the UK. But there are still many things this well-known marketing guru misses about the Land of Smiles After more than three successful decades in Thailand, what prompted the return to the UK? It must have been an incredible wrench, or maybe not? Bangkok’s air quality drove me to leave Thailand and relocate to the UK after 32 years of living in Krungthep. It was during the thick smog of 2019 and the need to close windows and wear a mask in Bangkok’s city centre that set my plans in motion. I began the slow process of selling my assets in Thailand to part fund my relocation to the UK. It was time for a move and I was up for an exciting new adventure. My property hunting since 2019 had me bidding at auctions for houses in Pembrokeshire, Bath and Devon. Eventually, Cornwall came up. After protracted negotiations, I bought a modest 1831 Grade II listed Cornish stone cottage in the Heritage Quarter of Helston, gateway to the Lizard Peninsula. I had bought the property online, unseen in a town I had never visited. I felt pretty confident, as I had researched the area and felt the property would give me a good base to settle back into UK life. The move was timely because the address I had been using in the UK as my main contact was no longer available. Being away from the UK for so long, I was off the radar. I was not on the electoral register. I had no credit history. No banking inactivity. I’d not been paying rates, utilities or a phone bill. This all meant I was in ghost mode in the UK. This was the biggest challenge I faced with the move back home. Getting a credit card was not easy as I had no history with credit rating agencies, even though I had substantial funds in my bank account. |
What work did you give up to relocate?
I left Bangkok in April 2021 after closing down my boutique marketing consultancy, DBC, which was easy as this coincided with the early days of the downturn in tourism from the pandemic. As the COVID lockdown was seriously impacting the hospitality industry, cutbacks industry-wide here in Thailand followed. My consultancy business shrank, which made the move much easier.
The UK had been masked up, locked down, vaxxed and was coming out of lockdown, with business rebooting as I returned to the UK in April 2021. That was at a time when Thailand was heading into the lockdown. So, my move back to the UK was perfectly timed. Aged 62, work was not an issue or influencing my move. I returned to the UK with ‘semi-retired’ status. I was still servicing a Myanmar client remotely but that contract came to an end late 2021, allowing my full focus on house renovations.
I left Bangkok in April 2021 after closing down my boutique marketing consultancy, DBC, which was easy as this coincided with the early days of the downturn in tourism from the pandemic. As the COVID lockdown was seriously impacting the hospitality industry, cutbacks industry-wide here in Thailand followed. My consultancy business shrank, which made the move much easier.
The UK had been masked up, locked down, vaxxed and was coming out of lockdown, with business rebooting as I returned to the UK in April 2021. That was at a time when Thailand was heading into the lockdown. So, my move back to the UK was perfectly timed. Aged 62, work was not an issue or influencing my move. I returned to the UK with ‘semi-retired’ status. I was still servicing a Myanmar client remotely but that contract came to an end late 2021, allowing my full focus on house renovations.
Why Cornwall?
Back in 2019 when I made the decision to move to the UK, while staring out of my Suan Phlu apartment window into a very hazy polluted Bangkok, I set one criterium for my new home town - clean air.
Researching online, I had decided South Wales or the South West of England would be the best places to scout for a new home. After putting in unsuccessful offers for properties in these areas, I finally clinched a deal on a house after three months of tricky negotiations. I had secured a deal at pre-Cornwall boom prices, paying £150,000 for a two-bedroom property in Cornwall. This gave me the base to move back to, and fast tracked my plans. The Helston property needed a lot of work and I had set aside £100k for renovations, so there were no nasty unexpected surprises.
Has it lived up to your expectations?
The move has lived up to and exceeded my expectations. I had this dream of driving down the Cornish country lanes in summer in an open top roof car. The reality is, the country lanes in Cornwall are very narrow, in parts only wide enough for one vehicle, and when you are driving head on into an oncoming bus, stress levels went through the roof…well, sky high as the roof was down.
Having a company car and driver in Thailand for 13 years when working for Diethelm Travel, and having countless taxis at low fares in Bangkok, I had been spoiled. Back in the UK, I felt nervous getting behind the wheel again after a long absence. So much so that I booked three driving lessons.
Dave, my driving instructor, was surprised to see how old I was when he pulled up for my first lesson. When he saw I had a full UK driving license since 1982 he was perplexed. I said I needed my confidence back. It was good having those lessons as driving in the UK is completely different to 32 years ago when I worked in London in the Lloyds insurance market and there were far less cars on the roads back then. It took me a couple of months to fully regain my confidence behind the wheel.
Now the only issue is my car paintwork is scratched from the prickly hedgerow along the very narrow streets. Don’t buy a new car if you’re planning to drive in Cornwall. Your bodywork will be trashed.
What about British weather?
I actually enjoy the weather here, having missed the four seasons for 32 years. With the heating on full blast and a cosy home, it’s comfortable living and enjoyable going out in winter wrapped up in thermals. Thankfully, Cornwall traditionally has a milder winter climate than other parts of the UK. But wetter than most.
Last June, when I was in my garden with two contractors building a shed, it was a gloriously sunny but cold day. I asked “When will we get the hot summer weather?” They replied “This is our hot summer”. Thankfully, a few weeks later we did get five days when the temperatures soared above 30 degrees.
I enjoy the lifestyle and weather of living in Cornwall. Bangkok’s oppressive heat and humidity, and the atrocious seasonal pollution, makes it unbearable to walk outside in the city for long periods. The risky, uneven pavements used all too often by speeding motorcycle taxis do not make walking an enjoyable experience in Krungthep. Whereas, a two-hour walk along a Cornish coastal path is healthy and wonderfully refreshing, with plenty of time to take a deep breath and enjoy the clean air.
What about everyday life in the UK?
Living in a small Cornish market town you have to plan your shopping as most shops open 10am til 3pm Mondays to Fridays and possibly a couple of hours on Saturdays. The town lacks a decent dining scene, there’s no nightlife apart from a couple of pubs and the Chamber of Commerce, with double digit membership, is the only business interaction I get. This all makes for a very different lifestyle to the one I had and loved in Bangkok. But I am enjoying my new life and have no plans to return to Thailand. Unless a hotel or DMC enticed me back with a good offer. As the expression in Charles Dickens's Pickwick Papers of 1837 “Never say never.”
Back in 2019 when I made the decision to move to the UK, while staring out of my Suan Phlu apartment window into a very hazy polluted Bangkok, I set one criterium for my new home town - clean air.
Researching online, I had decided South Wales or the South West of England would be the best places to scout for a new home. After putting in unsuccessful offers for properties in these areas, I finally clinched a deal on a house after three months of tricky negotiations. I had secured a deal at pre-Cornwall boom prices, paying £150,000 for a two-bedroom property in Cornwall. This gave me the base to move back to, and fast tracked my plans. The Helston property needed a lot of work and I had set aside £100k for renovations, so there were no nasty unexpected surprises.
Has it lived up to your expectations?
The move has lived up to and exceeded my expectations. I had this dream of driving down the Cornish country lanes in summer in an open top roof car. The reality is, the country lanes in Cornwall are very narrow, in parts only wide enough for one vehicle, and when you are driving head on into an oncoming bus, stress levels went through the roof…well, sky high as the roof was down.
Having a company car and driver in Thailand for 13 years when working for Diethelm Travel, and having countless taxis at low fares in Bangkok, I had been spoiled. Back in the UK, I felt nervous getting behind the wheel again after a long absence. So much so that I booked three driving lessons.
Dave, my driving instructor, was surprised to see how old I was when he pulled up for my first lesson. When he saw I had a full UK driving license since 1982 he was perplexed. I said I needed my confidence back. It was good having those lessons as driving in the UK is completely different to 32 years ago when I worked in London in the Lloyds insurance market and there were far less cars on the roads back then. It took me a couple of months to fully regain my confidence behind the wheel.
Now the only issue is my car paintwork is scratched from the prickly hedgerow along the very narrow streets. Don’t buy a new car if you’re planning to drive in Cornwall. Your bodywork will be trashed.
What about British weather?
I actually enjoy the weather here, having missed the four seasons for 32 years. With the heating on full blast and a cosy home, it’s comfortable living and enjoyable going out in winter wrapped up in thermals. Thankfully, Cornwall traditionally has a milder winter climate than other parts of the UK. But wetter than most.
Last June, when I was in my garden with two contractors building a shed, it was a gloriously sunny but cold day. I asked “When will we get the hot summer weather?” They replied “This is our hot summer”. Thankfully, a few weeks later we did get five days when the temperatures soared above 30 degrees.
I enjoy the lifestyle and weather of living in Cornwall. Bangkok’s oppressive heat and humidity, and the atrocious seasonal pollution, makes it unbearable to walk outside in the city for long periods. The risky, uneven pavements used all too often by speeding motorcycle taxis do not make walking an enjoyable experience in Krungthep. Whereas, a two-hour walk along a Cornish coastal path is healthy and wonderfully refreshing, with plenty of time to take a deep breath and enjoy the clean air.
What about everyday life in the UK?
Living in a small Cornish market town you have to plan your shopping as most shops open 10am til 3pm Mondays to Fridays and possibly a couple of hours on Saturdays. The town lacks a decent dining scene, there’s no nightlife apart from a couple of pubs and the Chamber of Commerce, with double digit membership, is the only business interaction I get. This all makes for a very different lifestyle to the one I had and loved in Bangkok. But I am enjoying my new life and have no plans to return to Thailand. Unless a hotel or DMC enticed me back with a good offer. As the expression in Charles Dickens's Pickwick Papers of 1837 “Never say never.”
Isn’t it risky buying a house without having viewed it? Buying a house online, unseen in a town I had never visited was indeed one hell of a risk. Some thought I needed psychotherapy. But I had done some limited research and knew the property needed work and had a good feel for the town. I put an offer in. Withdrew my offer a few weeks late. And then, a month later, presented a new cheeky offer which was accepted. Fast forward to April 2021, I was walking down a street to a house I had just bought but not seen. A surreal experience. A walk filled with anticipation, worry and adrenalin. The street was one of the most iconic heritage streets in town and looked great. The Grade II listed home had 18-inch thick walls and was built to last. I had hit the jackpot and had a fantastic base to build a home. Then the renovations, right? After seeking planning permission, which is not an easy task for Grade II listed buildings, I had a new slate roof, new oak floor rafters and floorboards installed and the entire interior gutted and remodelled, whilst retaining the heritage features. I had planned for essential works to be completed within 12 weeks, while I was renting a holiday home. However, the timeline went awry and I ended up moving into the home in July 2020 with no working bathroom or kitchen. I was using the public toilet around the corner and daily shower in the town’s swimming pool facilities, which was challenging given the pandemic lockdown arrangements for fitness centres and public spaces in the UK back then. Thankfully I had a fully functional bathroom and kitchen by October. That same month I spotted another property for sale. A 1971-built bungalow around the corner was the perfect investment and new home. I had plans to move and rent out the two-bedroom cottage. |
How long did it take to settle into your new home?
Renovation of my Grade II Listed Cornish end terrace cottage turned into a nightmare experience and dragged on far too long. It was a nightmare living amongst the construction mess and not having a working bathroom or kitchen with winter approaching. I was living renovation hell. Something I would never do again. Brushing teeth in the backyard in view of neighbors with water from an outside hose pipe, using the public toilets in town and showering at the public swimming pool facilities was tough.
But the challenges were worth it. I ended up with a very comfortable home, during which time a boom in Cornwall’s property prices had pushed up the value of the house to double the purchase price. I had got back on the UK property ladder just in time.
The second property purchase, a 1971-built three-bedroom bungalow, was much higher priced. I was the first of 15 viewings one weekend. I forcefully put in an offer 14% over the asking price to secure the deal. A year later it was worth it, considering the way Cornwall’s property market has gone.
Luckily I recently sold the Cornish cottage at the peak of the property market boom. I am now in the process of buying a place in Truro city centre. I had also put the bungalow on the market in the first week of October, for an agreed two-week listing. That was bad timing as the UK political and financial debacle crashed the economy and the property market. Mid October I walked into the front garden and ripped out the For Sale signboard. I am presently in a happy place and not pushed to sell. I’ll see where the property market is next Spring and may consider relisting the bungalow. I may be living in Truro by then.
Renovation of my Grade II Listed Cornish end terrace cottage turned into a nightmare experience and dragged on far too long. It was a nightmare living amongst the construction mess and not having a working bathroom or kitchen with winter approaching. I was living renovation hell. Something I would never do again. Brushing teeth in the backyard in view of neighbors with water from an outside hose pipe, using the public toilets in town and showering at the public swimming pool facilities was tough.
But the challenges were worth it. I ended up with a very comfortable home, during which time a boom in Cornwall’s property prices had pushed up the value of the house to double the purchase price. I had got back on the UK property ladder just in time.
The second property purchase, a 1971-built three-bedroom bungalow, was much higher priced. I was the first of 15 viewings one weekend. I forcefully put in an offer 14% over the asking price to secure the deal. A year later it was worth it, considering the way Cornwall’s property market has gone.
Luckily I recently sold the Cornish cottage at the peak of the property market boom. I am now in the process of buying a place in Truro city centre. I had also put the bungalow on the market in the first week of October, for an agreed two-week listing. That was bad timing as the UK political and financial debacle crashed the economy and the property market. Mid October I walked into the front garden and ripped out the For Sale signboard. I am presently in a happy place and not pushed to sell. I’ll see where the property market is next Spring and may consider relisting the bungalow. I may be living in Truro by then.
What do you miss about Thailand? I miss friends and colleagues in Thailand terribly. However, the locals here are wonderful. A mix of out-of-towners, like me, who have moved to Cornwall for one reason or another, and real Cornish locals born and bred here. In the town where I am living right now, the Hesltonians are very welcoming and friendly. It’s not just Thailand that is the land of smiles. You can add Helston to the list of smiley places with smiley faces. Anything else you miss? I miss the street food, friends and beaches in Thailand. Nothing can compete. I especially crave my favorite street food dishes and vendors serving Tom Yum soup, Gai Yaang grilled chicken, Som tum papaya salad and Khao Mok Gai, the yellow curry chicken and rice dish. Oh my goodness, talking about these Thai dishes has set my stomach rumbling. I also miss the hustle and bustle of pre-pandemic Bangkok and the ease of dining and retail in a city that never sleeps. There is just so much on offer in Bangkok. It really is the best place to live, if you don’t care about the quality of the air. What are you doing for work? I am now self-proclaimed semi-retired. Last month, I received two opportunities to work with Thailand clients but graciously declined. My focus at the moment is helping our local high street. Many town centre retail neighborhoods across the UK are facing distress with a downturn in footfall and competition from online shopping. With fewer customers and increased operating costs our High Street needs help. In local social media groups, high street shopping is often slammed for lack of retail offering and too many charity shops. However, Helston’s High Street has a lot going for it and we need to encourage locals back to the high street. I have set up a website (www.helstonhighstreet.co.uk) and facebook page (facebook.com/helstonhighstreet) |
with the aim of bringing back customers through a destination marketing campaign. I did it with Bangkok’s River of Kings and North Pattaya hotels alliance. With that experience, I am now supporting Helston town centre.
Additionally, I am on the Helston Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s working group putting together three Christmas Late Night shopping events in the town centre on 9, 16 and 23 December this year. The project is being championed by the local chamber of commerce and aims to help small businesses in the high street. These two Helston focused projects are keeping me busy. A plan to open a Thai takeaway in Truro in partnership with local Thais is set for 2023.
Any regrets?
My biggest regret is Bangkok’s air quality. Seeing the pollution increase over 32 years of city living was saddening. And deeply worrying for my long-term health. I have no lung problems but I don’t want to live life with closed windows and wearing a mask when there’s no pandemic risk. It’s the single piece of the puzzle that drove me away from Bangkok.
I recall we were wearing masks in the city long before anyone had heard of COVID. Daily alerts to the polluted air in the city and recommendation of wearing a mask was not uncommon in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Looking out to a polluted haze that hung over Bangkok is what set me on my journey back to the UK. Seasonal flooding of Suan Phlu also was a pain. I’d never consider returning to Bangkok until the city clocks up two years of PM2.5 dust particles being below 10. Bangkok’s average PM2.5 for 2018 was above 25.
Additionally, I am on the Helston Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s working group putting together three Christmas Late Night shopping events in the town centre on 9, 16 and 23 December this year. The project is being championed by the local chamber of commerce and aims to help small businesses in the high street. These two Helston focused projects are keeping me busy. A plan to open a Thai takeaway in Truro in partnership with local Thais is set for 2023.
Any regrets?
My biggest regret is Bangkok’s air quality. Seeing the pollution increase over 32 years of city living was saddening. And deeply worrying for my long-term health. I have no lung problems but I don’t want to live life with closed windows and wearing a mask when there’s no pandemic risk. It’s the single piece of the puzzle that drove me away from Bangkok.
I recall we were wearing masks in the city long before anyone had heard of COVID. Daily alerts to the polluted air in the city and recommendation of wearing a mask was not uncommon in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Looking out to a polluted haze that hung over Bangkok is what set me on my journey back to the UK. Seasonal flooding of Suan Phlu also was a pain. I’d never consider returning to Bangkok until the city clocks up two years of PM2.5 dust particles being below 10. Bangkok’s average PM2.5 for 2018 was above 25.
Planning a trip to Thailand? I am planning a trip back early 2023 to see my Thai dentist! One benefit of Bangkok is the quality and access to healthcare. Dental work in the UK is a major issue, which I have raised with our local Member of Parliament. There is a reported five-year waiting list with dentists in Helston and many dental practices throughout the UK are not taking on any new patients. The private medical treatment and facilities in Thailand are truly excellent and accessible, if you have the budget. I am planning a return around a dental check-up and polish, and a full health check-up at BNH Hospital. And, sorry, friends, catching up with dear friends and colleagues comes second to feasting on Thai food. There’s no better place to dine on Thai food than in its home….Thailand. Here I come 2023! What lessons have you learned about Thailand now that you're settled in the UK? Living here in the UK and subjecting myself to the British winter weather, I would head to the beach as much as possible if I was living back in Bangkok. I would not buy property in Thailand again. I recommend UK property as a better performing asset. Rent out a UK property and rent a place in Thailand. Another lesson learned. Take a risk in life. For me it paid off with my internet purchase of a house. However, I do not recommend you try this at home. Your thoughts about the UK after a year or so there? After 18 months back here my thoughts are overwhelmed by a sense of anger and embarrassment at the antics of the British government over the handling of the UK economy in October. UK politics of October and November 2022 are playing out for the perfect script for a Christmas pantomime. |
Any advice for those thinking about relocating back to the UK?
I know of three Brits who yearn to relocate back to the UK but are unable to do so as their finances are entwined with the Thai wife and her family. The biggest hurdle I faced in the mammoth move was cashing in my Thailand based assets at a time when the currency exchange was in favour of moving Thai Baht back to the UK. And moving large amounts of money out of Thailand with the approval of the Bank of Thailand requires considerable documentation. Proving source of funds was required in the UK as well as in Thailand.
The long-term mistake I made was not to keep my credit cards activated in the UK for the 32 years of absence. Keeping a credit card with nominal monthly transactions on the cards to maintain a basic credit score in the UK is advisable. It took me eight months to get my first credit card. A final piece of advice; if you love Thai food, seriously consider relocating. Can’t live without Thai food? Don’t move. The overriding factor to everything I have mentioned here about my move is Family. You must have family onboard with any adventure. Family first.
While Helston is home, Thailand is in my heart.
I know of three Brits who yearn to relocate back to the UK but are unable to do so as their finances are entwined with the Thai wife and her family. The biggest hurdle I faced in the mammoth move was cashing in my Thailand based assets at a time when the currency exchange was in favour of moving Thai Baht back to the UK. And moving large amounts of money out of Thailand with the approval of the Bank of Thailand requires considerable documentation. Proving source of funds was required in the UK as well as in Thailand.
The long-term mistake I made was not to keep my credit cards activated in the UK for the 32 years of absence. Keeping a credit card with nominal monthly transactions on the cards to maintain a basic credit score in the UK is advisable. It took me eight months to get my first credit card. A final piece of advice; if you love Thai food, seriously consider relocating. Can’t live without Thai food? Don’t move. The overriding factor to everything I have mentioned here about my move is Family. You must have family onboard with any adventure. Family first.
While Helston is home, Thailand is in my heart.
My first major social interaction in the UK – the police!
Ding dong! The doorbell interrupted my viewing of BBC TV’s Six O’Clock News. I walked casually to the front door, opened it and was confronted by two masked police officers.
“Good evening,” greeted one of the officers, looking sternly at me. “We’ve had reports that you’re from Thailand” was their opening gambit. “Yes, I am” I replied. Knowing they were in for a long, a very long monologue from me. I began to present my evidence.
“I went there for a week on holiday and stayed 32 years, while pointing at my passport. Now I’m back!” The officers took a step back. I grabbed my vaccination papers and passport, and presented the evidence for examination. I confirmed I was self-isolating and not going out for another two days.
I then went on to talk about living in Thailand, at which point the male officeturned and walked back to their police car. His excuse was to switch off the flashing light.
The female officer was locked into listening to my story of life in Thailand and heavy sales pitch for a Thai holiday when international travel resumed. The officer rudely interrupted me and said she had another call to make. I stood at the doorway looking as the police departed, flashing light back on, and that was my first major social interaction while living back in the UK.
I was home in Cornwall. Isolating. Vaxed. Certified. And ready to start a new life in England.
Ding dong! The doorbell interrupted my viewing of BBC TV’s Six O’Clock News. I walked casually to the front door, opened it and was confronted by two masked police officers.
“Good evening,” greeted one of the officers, looking sternly at me. “We’ve had reports that you’re from Thailand” was their opening gambit. “Yes, I am” I replied. Knowing they were in for a long, a very long monologue from me. I began to present my evidence.
“I went there for a week on holiday and stayed 32 years, while pointing at my passport. Now I’m back!” The officers took a step back. I grabbed my vaccination papers and passport, and presented the evidence for examination. I confirmed I was self-isolating and not going out for another two days.
I then went on to talk about living in Thailand, at which point the male officeturned and walked back to their police car. His excuse was to switch off the flashing light.
The female officer was locked into listening to my story of life in Thailand and heavy sales pitch for a Thai holiday when international travel resumed. The officer rudely interrupted me and said she had another call to make. I stood at the doorway looking as the police departed, flashing light back on, and that was my first major social interaction while living back in the UK.
I was home in Cornwall. Isolating. Vaxed. Certified. And ready to start a new life in England.