A little over a year ago, I wrote a column “Why I Live in Thailand,” never really intending to pen a sequel. But I’ve recently noticed a few disgruntled commenters who seem to think my living here while writing articles about the problems in America is inconsistent. One even thought I was being “hypocritical.” I’m not sure these good commenters are thinking very clearly or thoughtfully. There still does exist—though, I confess, it is diminishing worldwide—a thing called “freedom,” and I, as an American, still possess some of it. That means I can choose to live where I want, and people who imply I shouldn’t be living in Thailand while writing about America are, frankly, trying to restrict my freedom, and seem to think they know better how to run my life than I do. I find that very offensive, and EXACTLY the thing I am fighting hardest against—people trying to dictate other people’s lives. I don’t tell others where to live, so please give me the same courtesy. That is my first complaint with the coterie of busybodies who think I shouldn’t appraise America while living elsewhere.
Plus, they never tell me what else I should be doing. I’m supposed to be “in America” “fighting,” but I’m never informed of specifically what I should do there. I reach thousands of people every week, mostly Americans, with my articles on Townhall, substack, and Twitter. You know, I really don’t have to do that. I’m 69 years old. I’m totally blind in one eye and have macular degeneration in the other which limits my vision to about 60% there. It would be very easy for me to just retire, enjoy the beaches of Thailand, and let America head to hell, which it seems to be doing as rapidly as Biden, the Democrats, and the entire Washington Establishment Uniparty can take it. I guess I could go home and run for Congress. If you think I should, I’m sorry if I don’t. My income and resources are, frankly, very limited and really aren’t conducive to mounting a good campaign for office—any office. And I imagine I’d get kicked out of Congress by the Uniparty the first week I was there anyway. Right now, given health and financial limitations, I’m not really sure what else I can do, other than what I am doing. And again, I believe in freedom, which means I believe I have a right to choose where I wish to live. I choose to live in Thailand. If that offends you, well... challenging. I will exercise my freedom to stay here as long as I want—and the Thai government allows. And so far, they haven’t objected to my being here.
I might also mention that I am trying to help the Thai people in whatever way I can, and I still teach English classes online to some students in China. So, actually, I am helping people, in a limited way, in at least three different countries. I’m sure my critics out there are doing the same.
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Thailand is not a perfect country. I have never said it was and never will. There are drug problems here, mainly in the northern part of the nation, and of course, Thailand is famous for being on the “sex vacation” tour list. The city where I live (not Bangkok) is indeed notorious for its sex, weed, and booze establishments. Still, that part of the economy is primarily restricted to certain areas of town. If you want it, you can find it. It is easy to avoid if you don’t want it (and I don’t). I feel safe here, though no place on earth is totally safe. I certainly feel more secure here than I would in a lot of American cities, but those are primarily Democratic-run cities where I wouldn’t live anyway. But Biden is sending the illegals everywhere; how safe are you becoming?
I like the Thai people. They are mostly friendly, amiable, cheerful, and accepting of foreigners. But they are like people everywhere I’ve been in the world. Most folks in Thailand just want to get on with their lives—have a job, a family, and a few nice conveniences, and otherwise want to be left alone to enjoy their peace and whatever comforts they can afford. The biggest problem in Thailand is basically the same as in every country in the world now—government busybodies and bureaucrats who must justify their useless existence by making obstructive rules and regulations that hinder people from pursuing the happiness they wish to pursue. That is the problem you have in America, and it is the same in China, Thailand, and every other country I’ve lived in. I am not an anarchist (I’m a Christian Libertarian). I believe there are certain matters that humans can do better collectively (through government) than individually. Not many, but a few. Governments are necessary for those things. But most government “services” are useless, costly, and a hindrance to human progress. Thailand has that problem just like America does. But, other than that and the sins that have plagued humanity since Adam and Eve, Thailand is not a bad place to live.
I plan to stay here, the good Lord and Thai government willing, for a bit longer. Until I choose to go somewhere else. You can criticize me for writing articles exposing American conundrums while living in a foreign country. You have the freedom to do that—until the Democrats say you can’t. But don’t deny me equal freedom to make the choices I want. Like living where I choose to live and helping the people I choose to help in the best ways I think I can.
Welcome to Thailand. The people here would love for you to visit. Or even live here. Leftists are not needed or wanted.
Check out my substack, mklewis929.substack.com, and listen to my “Wisdom from Our Founders” series, especially my current podcasts on the Declaration of Independence. Many other articles/podcasts as well. Sign up for free. Read my western novels, Whitewater , River Bend, Return to River Bend, and Allie’s Dilemma all available on Amazon. Follow me on Twitter: @thailandmkl.
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