David Hughes - the last 40 years

Where are you now? Town, State, Country 

Pak Nam, Samut Prakan, Thailand

Occupation/s? Tell us what you have been doing

Fitter and Machinist, Welder, Jeweller, Event Manager, ESL Teacher

What would you tell your 1977 self if you could send them a message now?

You can do anything if you really want to.

What would you like to share about the last 40 years?

After UHS I studied Civil Engineering for 2 years at Devonport Tech College before taking an apprenticeship with Repco Bearing Company in Launceston. I trained in Melbourne for a year then worked in Lonny for 2 years before completing my apprenticeship at APPM in Wesley Vale.

I then moved to Melbourne with my girlfriend who gave me 2 sons. I worked with Telecom Workshops and then as a contract fitter/machinist around Victoria for 5 years. We then moved back to Tassy where I worked as a Fitter at Renison Bell tin mine and we had 2 more babies (2 girls). I bought a house in Rosebery where we lived for 8 years. 

After the mine closed we bought a house from Savage River and I rebuilt it in Latrobe whilst studying Jewellery Design and Manufacture at Devonport TAFE. We then moved to Tweed Heads in Northern NSW where I worked as a part-time jeweller and fulltime fitter. 

My sons are both gifted natural athletes and I became involved with Little Athletics as an official. We traveled around NSW and QLD for athletics competitions and Aussie Rules competitions with my sons. My daughters were both models and we attended many modelling events on the Gold Coast. 

Working part time, I completed an Advanced Degree in Tourism Management and a Certificate in Personal Training at North Coast TAFE (NSW), I then completed a Bachelor Degree in Business at Southern Cross Uni as a specialist in Convention and Event Tourism Management where I worked firstly at a resort in Coolangatta then with the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival and also with Splendour in the Grass and other music events in the region. My marriage of 24 years ended at the same time I graduated from Uni after 8 years in Tweed Heads. I got a position with ACT Tourism as an Event Manager at the Floriade Festival in Canberra. I spent 2 years in Canberra working at Events in Parliament House, the National Gallery and many other venues. 

During this period I spent a lot of holidays in Thailand and I loved every minute of my time in this country. In 2009, I decided to move to Thailand permanently. I completed a TEFL certificate at Chiang Mai University and began teaching English to Thai students straight away. Over the past 8 years I have taught English, Science and Business to every level from Grade 1 to Grade 12, Technical College and University. I also have a contract teaching Government Officers at the Thailand Revenue Office. Six months ago I left Chiang Mai to teach in Samut Prakan which is Bangkok's port, as my girlfriend is an Official with the Excise Department here. 

I have traveled extensively throughout Thailand and all the neighboring countries. My life has had many ups and downs but I always love what I'm doing and put in 100% every time. I am passionate about teaching, motorcycling and traveling. I love living in Thailand and helping the Thai people. In many ways it is like Ulverstone 40 years ago, very laid back with all the freedom I desire. I am very happy here and I will most likely stay here for the next 40 years or so.

What are you proudest of about your life? What have been your greatest achievements?

My greatest achievement has been successfully raising 4 children. I was Faculty Student of the Year in Tourism Management at North Coast TAFE (NSW) in 2005. Completing my Bachelor Degree with Distinction at the age of 44 was also a highlight.

Any regrets?

I regret the fact that I have never won Tattslotto.