BARRY UPTON
Born in Hasings U.K.. Grew up in Luton but left as soon as possible to be a pro entertainer after school, Vauxhall Motors design draftsman training and college.
Raised by a lower middle class family and, to date, worked hard for my successes and everything I have. Was never given anything of note.
Always loved to play tennis and be creative.

1. When did you arrive in Pattaya and what brought you here?
I arrived to live in Pattaya 2009 after years of enduring the awful British weather, loving the climate here and the abundance of everything.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No, although, at the start of my professional music career, my band spent a lot of months in Scandinavia, especially Denmark.

3. What surprised you most about Pattaya?
How wonderfully chaotic it is which brings ‘never a dull moment’. The place is so alive.

4. Friends are in Pattaya for a holiday – what must they absolutely see or do?
The variety of our wonderful city, but then to experience Thailand outside of Pattaya, and the unique culture.
5. What is your favorite Thai food?
Sweet and sour.

6. What is never missing in your refrigerator?
Duck eggs and Florida ruby grapefruit juice.

7. What is your favorite Thai word?
Jing jing – has a great ring to it.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
A few friends from the world of entertainment, but Facebook keeps us in touch on a daily basis.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I would make a very good psycotherapist as I find I can pinpoint peoples strengths, weaknesses and individual traits easily. (Book early for a one to one session. 555.)

10. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
7/11 checkout operative. That constant ringing doorbell would drive me nuts.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Japan, a fascinating and wonderful country. Definitely going back.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Probably Da Nang in Vietnam.
Also love the Lam Mae Pim area close to Koh Samet. Go there regularly. Still not visited Koh Kood, but will.

13. What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band…The Beatles – hobby… pretending to be a Beatle – film… Hard Days Night.

14. Apart from temptation what can’t you resist?
Being creative and dreaming up something new musically or visually.

15. Red wine or white?
Rosè (555)

16. Book or movie?
Movie. Never been good at reading books. However, on the verge of finishing writing one.

17. Morning person or night person?
Mornings here in Thailand are a joy.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Extremism. Why can’t people all over the world find a little middle ground which is one if the very best Bhuddist teachings.
‘Hate’ for an opposing opinion is never big, or clever.

19. What area do you like most, Pattaya city or Nongprue (the Dark Side)?
I’ve lived in the fabulously diverse Nongprue area for 10 years now and it’s so easy to visit the city whenever neccessary.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Wake up and really look forward to the day ahead. The only important time is ‘now’.