Hua Hin / Cha-Am, 12 November 2026
Yesterday we introduced ourselves to the community here at Sunshine Village during an afternoon tea party. A very English occasion in the middle of Thailand, and a good opportunity for us to meet the people with whom we will now be sharing part of our everyday lives.
It began on the way there. We gave an American couple a lift in our buggy. You start talking, learn a little about one another, and suddenly you are no longer just the new neighbour whose story nobody knows yet.
I was surprised by how international this community is. People from the United States, England and Australia, alongside many from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and also from the Flemish part of Belgium. Some have already been living here for two or three years. My impression was that almost half the people at this gathering spoke German.
Of course, you also notice the language boundaries. The English-speaking and German-speaking residents mostly sit in their own groups. A few mix. I understand that, although I find it a little unfortunate too. Meeting people beyond your own language group is part of what makes a place like this interesting.
What I particularly liked was the friendly, natural way people treated one another. People sat together, talked and listened. I found that very welcoming.
Andrew Stocks was there as well. We talked about a new film project and his new plans in Chiang Mai. To me, Andrew is one of those people who always have another idea. You have barely begun one conversation with him before the next subject opens up.
After about an hour and a half, several coffees and some delicious cake, we headed back. Another pleasant detail: the afternoon was part of the resort’s offering. There was no extra charge for the invitation or the event.
My first impression of community life here is distinctly positive. Lively, friendly, with interesting people and very different paths through life. We are still newcomers and have plenty more to discover. But this afternoon was a good start.