Dutchman runs his own diving school on Koh Tao
The website publishes under the motto “Droombaan”. RTL Z a number of stories about Dutch people who switched from a well-paid job to a less well-paid life, but now enjoy all the freedom of their own entrepreneur by doing what they once dreamed of.
Gert-Jan Verstegen interviewed Dutch Brabander Robert Rhemrev, who went from IT manager to running his own diving school on the island of Hoh Tao. Just quotes from that story:
“Dive school owner Robert Rhemrev lives every day. He doesn't plan. The fact that he ended up on the Thai island of Koh Tao and eventually started his own diving school there is almost pure coincidence. It is very hard work, but island life makes up for everything.”
“ He admits honestly that doing business, especially in Thailand, is not easy. “Especially if you are not well prepared, like me. I had the diving in my fingers, but the business world is very different. Work permits and all the hassle with the Thai tax authorities caused a lot of headaches.
“ The diving school owner is not worried. "I live from day to day. What am I doing next week? No idea." Back to the Netherlands then, where his sisters still live? “I miss family and friends. The long distance and the time difference don't make it easy. But I like life here better.
Sun, sea, beach and make the most beautiful dives every day. To many people, especially Rhemrev, it sounds like paradise. There is uncertainty, hard work and little money on the other side. “People sometimes say: 'That you dare to do that.' Then I say: 'That you dare to support a family.' I think that's more difficult.”
Read the whole story at: www.rtlz.nl/life/carriere/droombaan-robert-runt-his-own-diving-school-op-tropical-koh-tao
Most notable part of the story:
“Because he had little knowledge of it (work permits, taxes, etc.), he left a lot to Thai partners. As a result, he almost lost his case three times. "Now I do it without Thai partners, it's all mine"
Every person needs it to grow in life. The choice doesn't have to be forever. Just look at the choice to get married. Obviously Robert needs this now, but my guess is it won't be forever. He does have a life experience that he can draw from and that is priceless. The way to get to know yourself. Respect and come what may, but the change is inevitable. This typifies life in its diversity.
Last week, when I was still on Koh Tao, I read in a booklet that there are quite a few problems on this island, which need to be filled in. There is an environmental problem with the waste, because it takes on too large proportions and cannot be processed. Think of separated waste and disposal. Tourists are urged to consciously deal with water use (waste) because there is regularly a shortage of (rain) water. There is only one school on the island, opposite the police station and there is a need for people who can support, teach games or languages or other creative interpretations. Consideration is being given to foreigners who can and want to stay there for longer than a month. So if this appeals to you go for it I would say.
Thailand is nice to go on holiday, but not to live or do business, because in the eyes of the Thai you always remain a Farang!
To put it in a very generalized way “but not to live”. We have been living here for almost six years now in paradise for us. Always get help from the Thai when we ask for it and most Thai are friendly to us.
And in the eyes of a farang, a Thai always remains a Thai!
For example, a Dutchman once introduced his wife: 'This is my Thai wife'. So I asked him where his other wives were. He didn't like that.
Hi Tino,
Not everyone can tell the difference between Thai, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc. Maybe that's the reason.
But I understand your position.
Regards Joy
Why 'not to live'……….. my experience is a totally different one!
“Because in the eyes of the Thai you always remain a farang.” For us that is a prejudice, based on all kinds of premature statements by the Dutch.
In the eyes of the Dutchman, a Moroccan will always remain a Moroccan. What is the difference between Dutch and Thai?
Our daughter is, as it is said these days, biracial, just like the future wife of Prince Harry of GB. What about then? Is she then not a Thai but a “farang” for the Thai? Is she not Dutch but a Thai for the Dutch? For us and our families she is simply both with the added bonus of being more beautiful than a Dutch and a Thai beauty.
I therefore wonder whether Walter and Ria know what they are talking about. I have been driving a rental car in Thailand every year since 2007. Once I was hit by a Thai in a new unlicensed pickup driving away from a prohibited double parking. Of course the driver blamed me. This also happens regularly in the Netherlands. I then approached a traffic controller of the Thai police to have an official report drawn up. He immediately left the traffic for what it was and took us to the police station.
Soon the Thai driver backed down at the police station. I was still not satisfied with that. I wanted a black and white admission of guilt that would show that I was NOT at fault for the collision. His insurance company confirmed by phone that I was not at fault and that I would not pay for a single bath, including the deductible at my car rental company. When I was asked for a signature in the book of official reports, I was also allowed to write (also in Dutch) what I signed for and did not accept guilt.
Thailand is nice to go on holiday and (even though I live with my family in Spain / the Netherlands) also to live there. It just depends on how you deal with everyday events that occur all over the world.
Nice just chasing your dreams, I'm secretly a little jealous of it.
Hats off for “jumping in at the deep end”. A lot of people watch “I'm leaving” and have already made up their mind, would secretly like to, but don't have the guts.
Of course a farang always remains a farang and I wouldn't want it any other way.
The Dutch sometimes ask; 'are you already Thai' No, I am and will remain Dutch
Work and live here for 20 years. I have mainly encountered prejudices from foreigners… and often those who do NOT live here and have no experience whatsoever… I have now picked up 1 of the cases from the Thai; the smile …
Well , why not . You just have to live your dreams.
Robert does and so do I.
I started a banana plantation here in the Isaan
and that is going very well. It won't make you rich
but now I have a nice banana to eat every day.
People from the neighborhood come by and order banana.
Then I go to the garden and see which one I can harvest .
Fortunately I don't have to live with that, but it's a nice one
extra income for my wife and her parents and makes
my monthly costs also less .
And weigh that Farang thing , then I always say ,
you know that Buddha was also a Farang –
with as long a nose as I do –
then they have something to think about!