70-Year-Old Hillbilly Expat Built This Mega Complex in Thailand…

George, originally from America, served in the military before pursuing a teaching degree. His initial plan to go to China was altered after the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999, leading him to Thailand for what was intended to be a two-year stay. This extended to 25 years. In Thailand, he met D, who worked as an executive secretary at the international school where he taught. George taught at both Trail International School and Thai Chinese International School, earning an American salary which allowed them to purchase and remodel homes in Bangkok for rental income, and eventually build a retirement home. The pizza business was an unplanned venture, born out of George's desire for American food after growing tired of Thai cuisine. He learned to build a pizza oven from YouTube. Their current lifestyle involves managing their property, which has grown to include a staff of 20 for the pizza business, gardeners, and a caretaker. George enjoys gardening, particularly growing a specific herb strain for personal use, which he decarboxylates and mixes with coconut oil for his coffee. Reflecting on his over 20 years in Thailand, George emphasizes the importance of patience, as things evolve at a different pace than he was accustomed to. He notes a constant negotiation between his way and the "Thai way" of doing things, often learning that the latter can sometimes be more effective. He observes that many foreigners who come to Thailand seeking short-term pleasures like chasing girls and drinking beer often do not last long. George, now 70, contrasts his good health with his younger brothers' significant health issues. He praises Thailand's medical system, finding it comparable to or better than America's but significantly cheaper. He briefly considered moving back to the States for his daughter's American education and found driving easier there due to the chaotic traffic in Thailand. Despite this, he enjoys living in Thailand, viewing it as being 20 or 30 years behind America culturally, while simultaneously having superior technology like internet and fiber optics. He notes that even people in their 80s and 90s have successfully moved to Thailand. Their first building on the property was a teak house, which they remodeled over the years. Their pizza business has garnered a loyal customer base, with patrons from various countries sending photos of themselves wearing George's Pizza t-shirts. George lives by the Nelson Mandela quote, "It always seems impossible until it's done," which he finds particularly applicable in Thailand where some Thais might initially say "cannot." George also built a "Waterfall Museum," a large closet for his wife's collection of old Thai items and his books, where he learned to weld at age 60. He recounts meeting D; she initially "couldn't stand him." After dating for a couple of years, they married simply at the Thai district office for 100 baht, foregoing a traditional wedding which George views as a waste of money. D attributes the success of their long marriage to George allowing her freedom and always giving her money. She appreciates that he ensures she lives in a nice home and has provided her with a massage room and yoga room. They have traveled together, including to America, but D prefers Thailand due to the cold weather in the US. D initially struggled to understand George's accent but eventually fell in love, considering herself lucky. She is actively involved in the pizza business, having started by cooking in the oven herself with friends' help. Now, she oversees operations, ensuring cleanliness and organization. D believes George has integrated well into Thai society, understanding the people and even navigating local hospitals independently. She finds it easy for foreigners to live in Thailand, as Thais are generally open and willing to communicate, even with language barriers. They enjoy a "working retirement," operating the pizza business three days a week. D still enjoys the work, but George, at 70, is considering moving to town for more personal space, with D traveling to the business three days a week. George's final thoughts emphasize that with the right partner, common sense, and hard work, one can achieve amazing things in Thailand. He hopes their story inspires others to see that retirement doesn't mean stopping work entirely; one can still earn money and be happy.