79-Year-Old American in Udon Thani — Why He'll Never Leave Thailand

I interviewed Mark Harris, an American expat turning 80 in November, who's lived in Udon Thani for two years. Mark first came to Thailand in 1967 as a member of the military, worked with the Thai army and police, and then taught English. After his wife of 53 years died from cancer three years ago, he moved from Bangkok to Udon Thani.

Mark chose Udon Thani because people are friendlier than in Bangkok. Small town feel. Locals greet him, have conversations. In Bangkok, even when speaking Thai, people were business-only and abrupt. Here, he gets the warmth he remembers from small American towns.

His routine: 9:30 AM at Starbucks, mall walking for knee rehabilitation, and an evening market. Lives near the airport in a house he bought through family for 600,000 baht, renovated to under 2 million. Pays a local woman 12,000 baht per month to clean and prepare dinner six nights a week.

Medical care impresses him. Bangkok Hospital Udon Thani saw him immediately, compared to the 10-hour waits in America. Had both knees and hip replaced in Thailand. Doctors give him their WhatsApp numbers for direct contact.

Mark plans to die in Thailand. Researched assisted living options in Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. Believes Thai caregivers are more compassionate than American facilities. His housekeeper treats him like family.

We discussed how Americans built Udon Thani's infrastructure during the Vietnam War. Highway 2, expanded airport, military presence. This created generational familiarity with foreigners that continues today. Local shop owners defended Americans when students protested in the 1970s.
Mark says Udon Thani suits laid-back expats.
Not a party scene like Pattaya. More like authentic American small town living, but cheaper with friendlier people.

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