Hello from Sunny Thailand

Hi there to everyone,

I only just found this site today and I have to say it's a great place for ex-pats to come and share their experience with each other.

I'm a retired teacher who came over to Thailand a few years ago after the Tsunami to see what assistance I could offer. I was immediately swept off my feet by the warmth and compassionate nature of the Thai people and investigated it further.

While there is lot of good work still ongoing around the coastal area of Thailand hit with the wave I found my calling was to the North Eastern region known as Isaan. It's not hugely known outside of Thailand and is a charming place full of community spirit and farming culture. There are pockets of need and a lot of heritage is disappearing as a more modern lifestyle becomes prevalent - something I welcome but am weary of as ancient techniques are being forgotten to the mists of time.

I've been here going on 5 years now with the odd jaunt back home to Oregon.

I've set up an organisation which as charitable status in the US and hopes to benefit the people of Isaan through cultural exchange. It's a shameless plug and for that I wish to apologise up front but if you know of anyone who wishes to volunteer in Thailand please send them our way to at least have a look.

I'm looking forward to engaging with the ex-pat community and am sure I'll find a wealth of resources here as well as make a few friends.

Happy 2010 to you all and see you on the boards!

-Dalyn