Chasing Love in The Land of Smiles (Thailand) with Frank Dekker

Every morning Frank Dekker goes to work at Starbucks. He’s not a barista—he’s an American whose job as a Software Architect allows him to work from anywhere (as long as there’s a Wifi connection). So he moved to Thailand. His story of moving halfway around the world is awesome and hilarious. He met his wife through Facebook and they were engaged a month later.Frank is a Christian living in a country that is 99.5% Buddhist. He appreciates Thai people, who he believes exemplify humbleness and humanity.The podcast starts with a discussion about the 12 soccer players trapped in a cave last year in Northern Thailand. The incident allowed the world to see the selflessness and sacrifice of Thai people. Rescue workers searched for the boys until they were saved 10 days after they went missing—a Navy Seal lost his life during the rescue. We also talk about family, finances and adapting to Thai culture. Other topics include:The selfless attitude of Thai peopleWhite Westerners’ (FARANGs) impact on ThailandStarbucks are opening throughout Chiang MaiFrank’s Journey to Thailand:Leaving America and moving to ThailandHis attraction to Asian womenDeciding to fly and meet his wife in ThailandHis surprise marriage proposal Deciding to live a simple lifestyle Thai Culture:Thai nightlifeThe culture of giving dowry before marriageWhether he would ever move back to the StatesHis study of Asian culture & Eastern languagesTransportation in ThailandBalancing His New Life & WorkConvenience of working at a coffee shop Working remotely as a software architect Putting in 12-hour daysHis family not attending his weddingHis baby is an American citizenThe changes he faced after marriagePersonal Finance:Managing his financesFrank’s savings planWhat does he do about health insurance?Monthly budget for living comfortably in ThailandTaking calculated risksFun Questions:Do you have a favorite book?Favorite passage from The Bible?Have you heard people in Thailand talk about Donald Trump?What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?If someone dropped $1 million in your lap, what would you do with it?