An interview with Hans-Peter from Turbenthal, who invited his Thai girlfriend to Switzerland with Swiss Helping Point from October 15.10.2022, 12.01.2023, to January XNUMX, XNUMX. This is his story and experience about his love for Thailand and dealing with an international relationship with his Thai girlfriend.

Swiss Helping Point: Dear Hans-Peter, what is your Thailand story, how did it all begin?

Hans-Peter: After my wife passed away in Switzerland six years ago, a good friend and Thailand expert took me to Thailand. We stayed with his family in the countryside near Ratchaburi. I was immediately captivated by many things: the air, the people, the delicious food, and nature. Unfortunately, I had problems with my legs at the time, and one day I couldn't walk properly anymore. I'm just old and frail. (Hans-Peter laughs heartily with shining eyes)

Our Thai friends helped me immediately and organized a professional masseuse. She helped me skillfully, and after two hours, I was able to walk again without crutches. What a miracle! We spent many days together after that, and our love was born.

Swiss Helping Point: What are your favorite destinations? Favorite foods? What makes Thailand so special for you?

Hans-Peter: We avoid tourist spots whenever possible; we love the simple, authentic way of life. We really like the area around Chumphon and Hua Hin, but a bit further out. Last time, we first visited the city of Kanchanaburi, then stayed at a resort near the River Kwai Bridge, admiring the old steam locomotives of the railway from Thailand to Burma, which was built until 1943. We like things quiet and slow-paced.

Swiss Helping Point: Do you tend to hang out in Swiss or Thai circles in Thailand? (Going out, eating, daily activities)

Hans-Peter: Only in Thai circles. I sometimes visit the father of my Swiss colleague, who also lives in Ratchaburi. Otherwise, I live with my Thai girlfriend and her family. I absolutely love Thai food. The delicious soups, the pork, and seafood in all its forms—amazing. Everything's spicy, but not as spicy as when my girlfriend says "spicy," because then I can't eat it anymore. (Hans-Peter smiles)

I only eat Thai food in Thailand, but I can eat bratwurst in Switzerland.

Swiss Helping Point: Do you want to emigrate to Thailand?

Hans-Peter: No, at 80, I'm too old to emigrate. I want to live in both worlds. When my health allows, I travel to Thailand from time to time and enjoy my life with my lovely Thai wife, or she comes to me.

Swiss Helping Point: You invited your Thai girlfriend to Switzerland for three months over the holidays (October 15.10.2022, 12.01.2023 – January XNUMX, XNUMX) with Swiss Helping Point. What did you do together in Switzerland?

Hans-Peter: Frozen together (laughs). First, we took the post bus toward the Tössbergerland region and enjoyed the nearby Swiss countryside. Later, we spent three days in Domodossola, and then took the Centovalli Railway to Locarno. Afterward, we returned to German-speaking Switzerland in four hours on the Südostbahn. The magic of this railway line, where you see the church of Wassen three times, is always fascinating.

Once we were in Zurich on Bahnhofstrasse, another time in Lucerne on the Chapel Bridge, and once at Fischingen Monastery (Thurgau) and the Abbey/Monastery of St. Gallen. My Thai friend loves to visit churches and chapels, but she herself is a devout Buddhist. Of course, a snowy excursion is a must; we went together to Kronberg in Appenzellerland, where you can see the Säntis directly. She promptly slipped in the snow and fell over. (Hans-Peter laughs) Yes, we did a lot, and she especially enjoyed the Gornergrat in Zermatt.

Swiss Helping Point: Was Switzerland a culture shock for your Thai girlfriend?

Hans-Peter: I think it's the same as when we Europeans go to Thailand; so much is different, and you can't get enough of it. She goes everywhere with me and wants to, but she doesn't dare travel alone. My dear Thai wife enjoyed it and wants to come back, but this time in the summer.

Swiss Helping Point: What special considerations should you take into account when inviting your Thai girlfriend to Switzerland?

Hans-Peter: Hmm, well, I personally don't dwell too much on Thai customs. Whenever she was cold, she just had to make herself a hot water bottle. Complaining is no use, it's winter! For me, it was important that basic needs were met, which, of course, included a rice cooker and 5 kg of rice in reserve. (Hans-Peter laughs). Jokes aside, sometimes we don't agree or understand each other well; that's normal. We don't make a mountain out of a molehill, and we don't always have to discuss everything; tomorrow is a new day. I think it's important to simply accept and let each other's habits be. I've made enough space for my love to feel at home.

Swiss Helping Point: You have chosen our Schengen Visa Service. What can we do better and why?

Hans-Peter: My colleague gave me your address. The service and overall support were excellent. You can always use me as a reference. Since it was my girlfriend's first flight, she was a bit nervous. I booked the airport service through you, which was important. A Thai employee from Swiss Helping Point accompanied her and helped with her luggage and check-in.

Swiss Helping Point: Does the price of the flight influence whether you invite your Thai girlfriend back?

Hans-Peter: No, if I want to invite someone, I'll invite them. I'm single and can't take anything with me; I'm living now. I won't give up my love for a few hundred francs.

Swiss Helping Point: What's next for you two? Will your Thai girlfriend be moving to Switzerland permanently?

Hans-Peter: I don't think my Thai girlfriend will be happy in Switzerland in the long run. At 80, I don't plan too much anymore; I enjoy the moment. I'm happy when I can travel to Thailand or my girlfriend comes to visit me.

Swiss Helping Point: Dear Hans-Peter, thank you for the fascinating interview and we wish you and your Thai girlfriend all the best!