I Moved to Koh Samui, Thailand to Escape Burnout; I am Happier Right here

This as-told-to essay relies on a dialog with Anna Miroshina, 40, proprietor of the actual property company Siam.Villas in Koh Samui, Thailand. It has been edited for size and readability.

Twelve years in the past, I moved to Koh Samui, an island within the south of Thailand that has just lately been within the highlight due to the most recent season of “The White Lotus.”

I used to be younger and had began a profession in IT profession in Russia, however I did not really feel like I had a plan. I used to be grappling with points in my private life and fell into melancholy.

My pal had opened a bar in Samui and requested if I might like to assist him for a 12 months. I needed to take a break from life at dwelling, so I packed up my baggage and left St. Petersburg.

Whereas working on the bar, I had numerous free time and began exploring actual property on the facet. I went on to turn out to be a contract agent, because the earnings was significantly better than what I used to be making on the bar.

I additionally modified my thoughts about going again to Russia, I needed to remain in Thailand.

Having fun with life in Thailand

Two years in the past, I began my very own actual property company. In Thailand, you do not want a license to be an agent.

In Samui, I’ve the suitable work-life steadiness.

At any time when I am drained, I’m going to the seashore or keep on a neighboring island to recharge for a few days. Once I was residing in St. Petersburg, life usually felt sophisticated and tense. There was no outlet for rest.

There is not an excessive amount of visitors on the island. In my automobile or bike, it is solely a seven-minute journey dwelling from my workplace.

Not like the chilly months in Russia, it is summer time all 12 months spherical in Samui. Individuals are friendlier and life is simply extra relaxed. Every thing feels slower and simpler — I dwell close to the ocean and get to dive and swim as usually as I might like.

There’s this Thai saying — “sabai sabai” — which suggests it is essential to take it simple and revel in life.

As a lady, I really feel secure residing in Samui. Crimes, particularly severe ones, are uncommon. I discover the tradition matriarchal, so ladies are well-respected. I really feel like I am on the identical stage right here with everybody.

Dwelling and dealing in Russia was totally different, it felt like males ran the present, and ladies had been usually advised to remain at dwelling and handle the family. It is a part of why I run a enterprise in Samui — folks empower me.

I have been taking Thai language classes for the previous 12 months and plan to use for citizenship within the subsequent two years.

The price of island life

My typical day begins vivid and early. I get up at 5:30 a.m. to catch the dawn. I spend my morning exercising and lounging on the seashore. Work takes up most of my day — promoting properties, consulting with potential consumers, and scouting new places. I usually watch the sundown at round 6:30 p.m. earlier than winding down an hour later and making ready for mattress.

Dwelling in Samui could be costlier than in different elements of Thailand, particularly should you’re in search of consolation or luxurious.

Whereas it is potential to discover a small condominium for as little as $300 a month, many expats select to remain in mid-range, barely bigger residences with facilities like a standard pool for about $1,300 a month.

These in search of a extra luxurious life have the choice of residing in beachfront villas. Leases for four- to five-bedroom homes with direct sea entry often begin from $20,000 a month.

No “White Lotus” actual property impact

Elements of “The White Lotus” had been filmed simply throughout from my workplace on the Anantara Bophut Resort. The present was filmed in Samui final 12 months throughout excessive season, and there have been visitors jams on the island. A few my pals labored on the set as extras.

To this point, “The White Lotus” hasn’t had a lot affect on native actual property. I did not see a rise in consumers or folks shifting right here.

Folks have been thinking about Samui for years, even earlier than the present.

Three years in the past, I noticed I ought to cease renting and purchase a home. I felt able to commit.

Samui is my dwelling.