Asia

Stress-free life

I first visited Koh Samui in 1992 with two friends for a fortnight as part of a month's holiday in Thailand.

We had such a good time I always promised myself that some day I would return. Between 1996 and 2004 I returned to the island on six occasions for one month holidays, always during January/February to try and avoid the worst of the cold weather.

Stewart left Newcastle for Koh Samui

I finally plucked up the courage to quit my unrewarding job in local government in December 2005 and holidayed here for a longer period. I returned to Newcastle early in May 2006 to sell up so I could return to Koh Samui as a resident.

Not only is Koh Samui such a beautiful place but the friendliness and warmth of the Thai people is special.

Life is so easy, stress-free and affordable here. The warm sea is never far away and the sunsets are spectacular, especially with a cold beer or two!

I have visited Puk's family village three times. It is called Tha Makok, 190 km north of Bangkok. Puk's father is a rice farmer and although communication is obviously a problem all the local village make me feel so welcome.

I do not miss the UK way of life at all - those increasing traffic jams, high taxes and people working hard/long hours for little gain.

I am retired at the relatively early age of 48 but have some interests to keep my mind active. Puk and I intend to travel back to Newcastle together for my parents 50th wedding celebrations this coming August.

Stewart was won over by the friendly people

Cosmopolitan

Not only do I have Thai friends but people from all over the world have settled here. My immediate neighbours include Skippy from Germany and Ken from Denmark as well as some English guys.

I live in a small coastal village called Ban Tai on the north coast, about 250 km from the beach. My monthly rent is a wopping 5000 baht, or about £70.00!

Koh Samui offers a lifestyle for all - whether it be the peaceful unspoilt south or the high-tech pumping disco scene of Chaweng, the largest of the islands resorts.