When he’s not studying for a Bachelor of International Studies at Phuket’s Prince of Songkla University (PSU) campus, Braddy, 24, also works as a volunteer with the Region 8 police based in Patong, the youngest of 25 foreign volunteers in the team.
He is also a volunteer with the Asia Center Foundation, a charity that engages and works with underprivileged, impoverished and children-at-risk in Phuket.
After he graduated from Balgowlah Heights School in northern Sydney, Braddy travelled to Japan and lived there for around four years, but moved to Phuket to escape the busy lifestyle.
“I realised I had no time for myself. I came to Phuket because I love the beach, and I grew up with the beach. I worked on boats as a part time job during school, and I sailed a lot and also did lifesaving.”
He decided to study for a Bachelor of International Studies at PSU, majoring in Thai studies (both language and culture). He spent time studying in Indonesia last year as part of the programme, and also will spend next semester in Chiang Mai as part of an exchange.
Braddy said PSU is a good place to study, and said teachers were very helpful and friendly, taking good care of students.
His reason to study Thai language came from his passion for Thailand, he says.
“I like Japan and Thailand – that is why I chose to study these languages. Thai is not really a popular language but Thailand is a very good place to stay. I still have a long way to go. I can speak and read now [at a beginner level] and I am starting to learn to write.
“It is a difficult language compared to Japanese. There are many people speaking English so it is harder to practice, unlike in Japan where I [had to] speak Japanese to survive.
“As well as my studies, I also work for the Region 8 police under the Royal Thai Police, as an International Liaison Volunteer. We help tourists and look out for their safety, and tell them what is right and wrong – a lot of tourists do not know about the Thai laws.”
When Braddy first arrived on the island he wanted to get involved, so approached Wal Brown, the co-ordinator of Region 8 andwho started the volunteer programme. He now volunteers once a week.
Volunteers are taught about safety and first aid, how to diffuse heated situations and stop violence escalating. Being a police volunteer helps him gain skills relating to the cause and effects behind the scenes, and understanding how situations happen.
“Region 8 police volunteers don’t work only in Patong, but everywhere in Phuket including Kamala, Kata and Karon. Though my group focuses on the Patong area, I can work in other areas if something happens.”
Braddy now has his eye on a career in foreign affairs, describing it as a career where he can learn many things, have interesting experiences, and help people at the same time.
“My father always says that Asia will boom at one point. Foreign affairs in Asia is where I want to work as well, so I want to learn another language. I think Thailand is a good place to be because of the religion and the way of life.”
He has no plans to return to Australia, preferring to gain experience in the area of foreign affairs.
“The whole reason why I went to Japan was because I wanted to do something by myself, choose my own direction, and be independent. I do not want to get things for free or be spoiled, so I have tried to make my own life, and I will see how it goes.”