He visited a Thai island on vacation 18 years ago and never left. Now, he runs a restaurant by the sea.

Martin Selby came to Koh Samui, Thailand, for a vacation and never left.

Amanda Goh for Business Insider.

In the 18 years since he moved to the island of Koh Samui in Thailand, Martin Selby tells me that he's only been back home to the UK twice.

It's a quiet morning, and we're seated in Foxtrot Bistro, Selby's restaurant that serves modern European fare with Asian influences. The place hasn't opened for the day yet, so we have it all to ourselves. A new breakfast menu is on the way...