In today's video, I answer a question about corruption and the changes here in Thailand. If I knew back when I moved to Thailand what I know now about the country, would I change anything? Hindsight is 20/20 and there is a concern that present day Thailand has lost much of it's previous charm. Would I still move here? Would knowing about the corruption that takes place in Thailand, would this stop me or would I still come here. Some of my thoughts might be surprising. 

This week has been rough. First, my buddy with liver cancer, Frank, passed away. Next, the father of my best friend here in Thailand passed away, also from cancer.  Now, I did not know his father, I only knew of him, but I know it has to be hard on my friend. Quite a bit of sadness this week. The older a person gets, the more it seems people drop off like flies. 

Frank and I met approximately two years ago and over time I also got to know his family. He was a stand up guy and it will be hard to forget his rapid physical decline, how he looked when I said goodbye to him, and his eventual death. 

He and I, along with one or two others, would often sit at Starbucks or McDonald several times a week discussing everything from politics to life in Thailand. The last time, he looked pretty good and for some reason, I thought he was going to be okay. The very next day he was back in the hospital, this time for the last time.

His impending death death yesterday got me thinking, and our circle of friends thinking, about the importance of preparation. If you live in Thailand, or anywhere for that matter, you need to have your ducks in a row.

1. Unless you have a good reason for not letting them know where you are, register with the embassy. On the US Embassy website you can do this online.

2. Birth certificate of any children born in Thailand. Translate and make copies of it.

3. If you do have children, do make certain to get the Certificate of Birth Abroad
from your local embassy or consulate.

4. Make sure to get your children's passports and all the passports in your family are up-to-date.

5. Once you have your children's passports, get their social security cards. If you don't have yours, get it. If you pass away, social security survivor benefits for your wife or children can help alleviate some of the financial strain. Once you’re gone, you're gone and in most cases, it's too late.