#21
In this Chicky Net interview we meet Cristy from New Zealand who lives in Phuket.
About Me
I was born in New Zealand, spent my younger years growing up in Singapore and Australia and have also lived in Canada, Japan and now Thailand. I am 36 years young and have a 6 year old son with my partner.
Living in Thailand
Currently I live in Bang Tao/Surin which I love. I have lived in Thailand for nearly 4 and a half years. I came on my first holiday in 2002 and decided, whilst sitting up on a hill in Koh Samui looking over Chaweng Beach, that I was going to live here one day. I loved it!
There are so many positive points including food, people, weather, beaches, lifestyle, living costs etc. I feel very grateful for my life here in Phuket. My friends are amazing and I have had many great experiences living here. If I were to mention a negative I think it would be driving in Phuket, it does make me a little bit crazy - but that could also be my impatience. And I need to learn more Thai.
Housing in Phuket
We are renting and our experiences are generally very good - our current landlady is amazing and has done so much for us. We will be sad to say goodbye when we move in June although I think our next landlord is going to be great too.
Working in Thailand
I work as a volunteer for the Soi Dog Foundation organising fundraising events on Phuket.
Founded in late 2003 by just 3 concerned expats, this organization has over the past seven years already sterilized over 32,000 stray animals, treated thousands more for sickness and disease, and established a shelter for dogs that have been abused and ill treated and have literally nowhere else to go. The result of all this is that Phuket actually has less dogs now than in 2003, and although there are still appalling individual cases the condition of the animals generally has vastly improved to what it was then. In addition Phuket was recently named Thailand’s first rabies free zone, which is in no small part a result of SDF’s vaccination program.
Today SDF is a fully registered Thai Foundation, but is still run entirely by volunteers, both foreign and Thai at their own expense. It is also registered in Australia, The Netherlands, France and in the US has state recognition in California, and full IRS501c status has been applied for. It receives no government funding but employs 19 full time local staff (4 veterinarians, dog catchers, shelter and clinic staff), and needs to raise 800,000 thb per month to run its programs, entirely by donations.
All the management is carried out by volunteers both on Phuket and overseas entirely at their own expense. In addition to staff salaries, SDF spends large amounts each month on drugs and medical supplies, food and other overheads. In addition to the 300 plus dogs at the shelter, SDF directly cares for many more in the islands temples and other locations, which keeps them off the streets. The food bill alone is in excess of 80,000 thb per month.
In addition to Phuket SDF now holds regular clinics in many other locations including Kao Lak and other areas of Phang Nga, and in Krabi province Koh Lanta and Phi Phi island, and its aim is to expand its programs throughout the country setting an example to the rest of the region.
To learn more about The Soi Dog Foundation please visit The Soi Dog Website.
The biggest challenge is the Western way of doing things and the Thai way. Once you learn to live with this – improving your patience and understanding abilities along the way – everything becomes alot easier.
Fashion in Phuket
I am a huge online shopper - the majority of all my clothing is bought online from the USA or Australia. My very understanding partner realizes I have a bit of an addiction when it comes to this and just lets me get on with it. When I do go shopping in Phuket I visit Island Bliss Phuket, Lola (both in Surin) Central and Zara.
Restaurants & Food in Phuket
~ Pesto - next to Black Cat near Laguna. Western and Thai, amazing Gnocchi.
~ Farang - next to Lemongrass in Cherng Talay. Western and Thai, great prices and service.
~ Tatonkas – Laguna village serving Globetrotter cuisine. Harold is a fantastic chef, must try the sashimi rolls!
~ Jungle Restaurant (I think this is what it’s called) – located in the Khao Phra Thaeo
~ National Park before the Gibbon Rehabilitation centre. Delicious Thai food.
~ Dedos – Laguna village. Fusion cuisine with mouth watering moments.
Clubs and Bars in Phuket
~ 360 at Phuket Pavilions – love those chilli martinis.
~ Blow at Seduction – great club if you want a night out dancing in Patong.
~ Supper Club – always good fun in Laguna.
Recommended Thailand websites and blogs
Thai Visa is pretty good for all sorts of questions. Saltwater Dreaming and Magic Seaweed for daily surf reports in Phuket.
Advice
Start volunteering as soon as you can for a local charity that you are interested in. A great way to put back into the community and meet lots of new friends.
What's life like in Thailand? The Chicky Net interviews tell the stories of women who have decided that Thailand is their home (for now). How did they end up here, what's it like to work in Thailand and what challenges and amazing experiences have they have come across?
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