The Plight of the Homeless westerns on the Land of Smiles

A growing number of western men are living homeless; they have turned their backs on their own countries for a life on the streets of Thailand. A five- figured number of westerns living on the streets of Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Phuket provinces, and about a quarter of them believed to reside in Pattaya Thailand.
Hoping to find a local woman and Start a new life; this was commonly the reason why a lot of foreigners particularly the western men decides to live and start a new venture in the land of smiles. Retirement in Thailand somewhat seems to be a global trend of people relocating from high-income countries to lower income countries.
“I do not have anyone in the US,” This words came from Sylvester, a western man who refuse to return in his country after an unsuccessful marriage with her Thai wife. Way back 2009, when his work in a private company supporting US military operations in Iraq, he decided to go back to Thailand after his few visits during the past holidays. He unexpectedly fell in love with a bargirl; he spent most of his savings buying a car and a truck for her, which left him no money to spend after their separation in 2011. Sylvester decided to stay in Thailand even his visa is expiring since he thought no one back in his land cared and worried for him. This man ended up staying on the beach side of Pattaya, and selling recyclable waste has been his means of securing the necessities of life. He is happily living on the beach where he feels he belong, but he also stated that when he gets his pension from the US, he will move to a place where it is more peaceful.
Homeless foreigner’s one issue for overstaying is broke. As most of the spent their cash in alcohol or women, foreigners have a valid visa, but no money. On the other hand, many of these expatriate’s visa was not intend for long-staying within the country. In addressing the overall problem of the growing number of homeless foreigners, Thai authorities are ensuring to have improved cooperation with all embassies in Thailand.

Yutong (Viola) Piao