Chasing Love in The Land of Smiles (Thailand) with Frank Dekker
Man Overseas Podcast · Brad Dantonio
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Show Notes
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 people
White Westerners’ (FARANGs) impact on Thailand
Starbucks are opening throughout Chiang Mai
Frank’s Journey to Thailand:
Leaving America and moving to Thailand
His attraction to Asian women
Deciding to fly and meet his wife in Thailand
His surprise marriage proposal
Deciding to live a simple lifestyle
Thai Culture:
Thai nightlife
The culture of giving dowry before marriage
Whether he would ever move back to the States
His study of Asian culture & Eastern languages
Transportation in Thailand
Balancing His New Life & Work
Convenience of working at a coffee shop
Working remotely as a software architect
Putting in 12-hour days
His family not attending his wedding
His baby is an American citizen
The changes he faced after marriage
Personal Finance:
Managing his finances
Frank’s savings plan
What does he do about health insurance?
Monthly budget for living comfortably in Thailand
Taking calculated risks
Fun 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?