Debate coach to move to Thailand with wife

Although Dr. Jeffrey Hobbs said he’s never thought of himself as a world traveler, he plans to move halfway around the globe at the end of this semester.

Hobbs said he met his future wife, Piengpen Na Pattalung, in Denton at The University of North Texas where she was studying to complete her doctorate in higher education. The two married in Thailand on Jan. 1, 2007.

“[Penn and I] share a common spirit,” Hobbs said. “We are good for each other.”

Pattalung is a native of Thailand and returned to her country in August to teach at Phuket Rajabhat University in Phuket, Thailand.

Hobbs said he hopes to get a job at the same University in Phuket, teaching in the English or tourism departments. Hobbs’ started teaching at the University in 2001 and is currently the interim chair of the Department of Communication and he also coaches the University’s debate team.

“In many ways, it is difficult to leave the University of Texas at Tyler,” Hobbs said. “I enjoy the students here and I’ve had the privilege to coach an astounding group of debaters.”

He said he has coached debate at various levels since 1980 and has been involved in debate since his freshman year in high school.

“I like the type of people debate attracts – intelligent and willing to discuss issues in a controlled environment,” he said.

Hobbs said he might be able to continue his tradition of debate in Thailand. He explained that debate is a great tool used to teach foreign languages, and he said many countries are using it to teach English.

Hobbs visited Thailand with his wife in 2007. The two married in the U.S., then went to Thailand and were married in a Thai ceremony. He said they stayed for about a month in Phuket, “a resort island.”

There is a climate of political turmoil surrounding the Prime Minister of Thailand right now, and Hobbs said he has been following it closely. He also said he’s read some books on Buddhism, the country’s main religion, and he’s trying to learn the language.

He said the idea of moving to a new culture and learning a new language is “a somewhat frightening task.” His wife has taught him some phrases, but the language is very tonal, which he said is difficult to hear.

Although it was never a part of his plans before meeting Pattalung, Hobbs said he anticipates the adventure this move will bring.

“It surprises a lot of people that I’m doing this,” he said. “But, I’ve learned that love empowers you to do things that you’ve never imagined doing before. So, I’m ready for the adventure.

“I look forward to being with Penn. I look forward to the challenges associated with teaching students from a culture different from my own. I look forward to green curry,” Hobbs said.

Hobbs has two sisters in Kansas and his father currently lives in Arkansas.

By Karli Tedford Staff Writer