Additional Coverage:
- He visited a Thai island on vacation 18 years ago and never left. Now, he runs a restaurant by the sea. (businessinsider.com)
Koh Samui, Thailand — Martin Selby, a British expat, has found his home away from home on the tranquil island of Koh Samui. In the 18 years since he swapped the UK for Thailand’s tropical shores, he’s only returned to his native land twice.
On a quiet morning at Foxtrot Bistro, Selby’s own restaurant overlooking the picturesque Bangrak Bay, he shared his story. The restaurant, boasting modern European cuisine with Asian twists, offers a stunning view of the bay’s azure waters.
Selby’s journey to Koh Samui began with a year-long backpacking trip through Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. A spontaneous decision to return to the island led to a permanent stay. He secured a chef position, married, started a family, and now, at 43, can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Initially, Samui’s chaotic atmosphere didn’t impress Selby. But the island’s charm eventually won him over. He honed his culinary skills at various restaurants and hotels before co-founding Blind Tiger Kitchen and Cocktails and later opening Foxtrot Bistro.
Now, his days are filled with managing both establishments, overseeing staff, and, perhaps surprisingly, “crunching numbers.” He acknowledges the complexities of running a restaurant, particularly the financial challenges of fluctuating tourist seasons. Despite the demands, Selby values the flexibility of being his own boss.
Selby’s life is deeply intertwined with the island. He speaks Thai, his wife is Thai, and his son attends a local international school.
Returning to the UK is not an option, though he admits he sometimes misses the changing seasons. However, like a past relationship, he recognizes that the reasons for leaving outweigh the nostalgia.