The Number One Reason To NOT Move To Thailand 🇹🇭
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Thinking about moving to Thailand? Before you pack your bags, there’s something you need to know. In this video, we uncover the number one reason not to move to Thailand-the alarming PM2.5 health risks caused by the terrible air quality that plagues the country during certain times of the year.
Thailand’s air pollution is a growing concern, with PM2.5 levels reaching hazardous levels in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. If you value clean air and good health, this is a major factor to consider before relocating.
Stay informed about why this is bad in Thailand and what you can do to protect yourself if you’re already living here or planning to visit. The truth about Thailand’s air quality might just change your perspective.
🔴 Don’t miss this important video if you’re thinking about moving to Thailand. Hit subscribe for more honest insights about life in Thailand.
Keywords:
Don’t move to Thailand, This is bad in Thailand, Thailand air quality, Thailand PM2.5, Air pollution in Thailand, Living in Thailand, Moving to Thailand risks
----------------------------------------
SUPPORT MY CHANNEL:
☕️ Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/rickyisaan
🙏 PayPal: www.paypal.me/rickjintana
----------------------------------------
PROCEEDS HELP THE TWINS
🖼 Framed Photo & Memories: facebook.com/share/859FyS6n3bkE2Naa/
🫶 Become A Member: th-cam.com/channels/KwN8XKL5gjRzhaF_7hG_HQ.htmljoin
----------------------------------------
FOLLOW AND SUB
🔔 Ricky In Isaan: www.youtube.com/@RickyIsaan
🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093513716066&mibextid=ZbWKwL
🟣 Lily Daisy Channel: www.youtube.com/@LilyDaisyChannel
----------------------------------------.
Contact - rickyinisaan@influint.co
----------------------------------------
Gosh I had no clue about this PM2.5, thanks for sharing as I’ve now had time to research, pretty hectic. 😊
Doesn't affect you in NZ. In Australia we only really learnt about it during the big 2020 bush fires
The truth is that if you choose to live in a third world country you get a third world level of environmental protection
And yet I don't live in a 3rd world country
Great that you reported on this for those considering a move. People with heart conditions etc, really something to be aware of. have been here only 1 year, but was back in Oz at this time last year so I missed the worst of the pollution. Jomtien has been in the red zone. I am struggling being stuck indoors and not being able to open doors and windows, not being able to excercise outdoors and swim. You are doing a good service to others discussing this very important topic. I love Thailand with all my heart but I can't stay here during this time next year for sure
Yeah I can't imagine being stuck indoors for that long! Hope you find a solution. There's beautiful spots down south right now with amazing air quality
@@RickyIsaan Probably not amazing air quality but down south it rains this time of year so the air quality should be much better than further north.
At the end of the day you need weigh up where your happiness is which out weighs bad and good points ,
I found myself Thailand to be a very interesting country with Beautiful people!! Interesting topic Ricky. Thank you.
…………………..🌸🌼❤️………………….
I would list health care as the number one reason. I got sick and no doctor in Thailand could diagnose it. I am back in Australia and so are many others.
@GSSurry that's awful to hear mate. I've found the Healthcare here to be fantastic, even better than Aus in my case. But definitely appreciate hearing the bad too. Appreciate it
This is why I went to Thailand in May last year and not early in February. I love the country but the air quality is horrific at times.
Wisely done Kate. I think May is great time to come
I wonder if there is knowledge being spread to the farmers about how they produce sugar in Brazil without the burning. Brazil is also the biggest producer. I saw some videos on TH-cam about it. It's just awareness to new ways of doing things instead of sticking to old ways sometimes.
That's probably the hard part. Here in Thailand they don't often like being shown/told how to do things I've noticed
@@RickyIsaan yup I am dealing with that everyday with my extended family in loei, haha 😂. They don't mind trying new types of whiskey and beer. But no one can try to open their eyes about somethings they have grown up doing for generations. It's just awareness that has to start somewhere, like give a man a fish to eat for a day or teach him to fish so that he can then never go hungry again.
@@RickyIsaan Yep, that's because they're very stubborn.
Hey Ricky
Yeah it’s a same about the smoke season every year. But it’s not stopping me from retiring in Chaiyaphum next year. I’ve already designed a system to keep the house under positive pressure to keep the bad air out.👍🏻👍🏻🇦🇺🇦🇺
Sounds like you've got it all planned out mate. You'll be sweet and healthy mate
Happy Australia Day 🇦🇺 Rick.
I have heard you talk about this problem previously when you lived in the village. What is the answer being the million dollar question. We got burnt out in Ash Wednesday 1983 so l can understand the smell you are talking about. Thanks for sharing this insightful video. 👍
Unfortunately it's always going to part of life here I think. But hopefully they can reduce it a little and keep the air out of the danger zones.
Sorry, I couldn’t do it. As much as I love Thailand, that air pollution is not good for long term exposure. Especially as a retired older guy
Definitely not something I like
I live in Chayaphum and grow sugar cane. It is illegal to fire cane fields to make harvesting easier, and no one will buy the blackened cane, as doing so comes with penalties. However, many farmers set fire to the chaff to clear it after harvest, but there is no need to. It acts as a great form of mulch for the following year or can be ploughed in as an earth conditioner/fertilizer.
@@stevecoombes2375 alot of the empty already harvested rice fields too get burnt now unfortunately. I drove down Chaiyaphum - Bua Yai road yesterday and couldn't believe how much was burnt. Least the air is alot better yesterday and today Steve
We just got back from Vietnam and the air quality was horrible in Saigon.
I have had bronchitis for the past week that we have been home 😢
That's awful
Wearing a mask but not a helmet says it all...what a state of affairs young fella :D
@@stevenator22 ⛑️🚨
He's become Thai. Mask wearing is the state religion of Thailand. No other country believes in the powers of masks as Thailand does.
Farms which use labour to manually cut sugar cane burn crop to remove foliage,snakes rats etc,however large farms use machines to remove foliage and cut the cane into smaller pieces.
The foliage when burnt can float for kilometers and coats everything with black carbon.
Correct Robert
Gday Rick - The last 2 weeks here in Hua Hin the Air Quality rating has been extremely high most days - the sky is hazy & I didn’t realise how poor it was until today I drove 60 kms south to San Roi Yot area - blue skies and clear 🤔 and it’s not even March yet 🫣 - hopefully it’s a big one off & it clears in HH soon - take care mate - Thanks for the video 👍😎👋🙏
Yes HH is still kinda in tbeir rainy season I think, the rain helps heaps. I haven't seen rain here in CHAIYAPHUM since maybe November unfortunately
This is the main reason that I have not been back to Thailand anymore since 2019! My family and friends are mainly in Bangkok wearing masks PM 2.5 and I can’t wear mask more than an hour during COVID times in England! I love hiking and breathing ozone and I can’t be locked up indoors 😢
Bangkoks air looks so awful right now Nok. Don't blame you at all
@@RickyIsaan I’m living in Bangkok right now, and honestly, it’s been really bad. The past two years, I’ve gone back to my home country this time of year, but not this year. Maybe next year I’ll head down south for a bit.
The farmers should be subsidized like in most countries to help them do things better with incentive, if they burn they could be dropped. The sugar can refineries should not be allowed by low to take the burned cane, this would help as they are industry, have money and will follow the rules, the poor farmers cant comply for lack of funds and support by the government !
Unfortunately Yingluck tried this with the rice. Good for the farmers of course but didn't turn out in the end very good for Thailand. Neighbouring countries just filled in the shortfall and undercut the prices.
Apparently 'they say' that the factories aren't allowing burnt cane. Whether or not this is happening for real, I doubt it
That pick of Daisy(?) + luga is adorable 💛💫🌼
Thank you
It will never get better Ricky has been like that for decades and will never change. Move down South Ricky the air quality is better as the sea breeze helps a lot.
Hard to move completely south. But perhaps we strive long-term for a place down south to escape to from Jan - May to avoid this dust and heat
@ that is another solution to the problem mate, but then you maintaining 2 houses. Moving to PKK or around this area is not a big move, you are both young can work online or remotely and the twins would love growing up by the ocean. Just a thought mate as you basically have no ties to hold you down in one place at the moment, just me thinking out loud.
The pollution is terrible here also today. Normally I am not bothered by it but I can taste and smell it today.
Up to the 170s today in Chaiyaphum 🤢
Absolutely correct Ricky, I live in jomtien and hear a lot of tourists saying they cutting there holidays short here due to the pollution, it’s a sad situation as a lot of farmers cannot afford the alternative to burning.
Spot on Malcolm. I definitely wouldn't be holidaying in this
Ricky you blady legend, I was just saying the worse thing I hate about Thailand is the air quality..it's terrible😢
It's terrible mate
@@RickyIsaan Yes Ricky it's sad because we have kids here and can't just leave it's not that easy I feel for you I'm in the same boat.
Many keep saying move south but that's easier said than done plus it doesn't make a huge difference. I stay between Chiang Mai and Bangkok but now I'm south at the sea and it's not any better over here.
Apparently burning is forbidden now but I still see people burning..... Apparently some can burn but they need to show you a letter from government allowing them to burn on certain day or something...
Every time we landed in udon Thani in the evening the first thing you get is a whiff of burning, when we had our eldest in the village when she was 7 months old the neighbours were burning off there rubbish, the black smoke just poured in through the families home, from then on I knew we would only visit as a tourist,they do have a rubbish service but still burn like you said
I was up in Chiang Mai during the last burn season and it was pretty bad. Im down in Pattaya now and i dont notice any smoke, but im near the beach...
Few comments on this video have mentioned how bad it is in Jomtein, but the main thing is that it's not affecting you mate
@@RickyIsaan I'm also in Jomtien 😅. Maybe I just don't notice it....
I live in southernmost Thailand, right at the Malaysian border.
Skies are clear here and we have never had to use a mask or air purifier. Few farangs live here due to various reasons (Muslims, bombs, no English spoken) but the air is very good for Thai standards.
You could try somewhere south, Ricky.
I'd actually love to see that part mate. Chaiyaphum will always be home, but yeah could be worth hitting the road for a couple months as this smoke lingers
Hat Yai has moderate air quality.
Hat Yai has better air quality because it's the rainy season there now. It rains far more down there than further north, which helps a lot.
@@ThePatriot-gm1fg the rain is perfect and cleans it all away, I guess down south perhaps have a different smoke season
@RickyIsaan They do get a little smoke here and there but for shorter periods and it tends to be less intense. Sometimes it blows in from Indonesia, usually around April or May.
Brigitte L Jones. Before moving to Thailand to live, Westerners need to consider how much these 3 things would bother them: extreme humid heat, burning seasons, and lots of huge bugs that can enter buildings. Other wise just visit Thailand at suitable times of the year, suitable places, staying in great hotels or partying so hard with lots of wine women and song that you can't register anything else.
I'm now in the south at the sea and it's terrible smoke here😢
Significantly worse again today
The whole country has been affected; the south is generally better but good air quality can't really be found anywhere in the country this time of year.
@@ThePatriot-gm1fg very true 💯
Hi Ricky, The PM 2.5 is over 200 in Jomtien today. It's choking me just taking a quick trip to the shop.
Woah. That's insane. Over 200 and you're by the sea
The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA) was established on 15 September 1992. DRRAA in 2019 has flown about 6,000 rain seeding flights, up from its yearly average of 5,000 sorties. DRRAA employs 71 pilots who fly 39 cloud seeding aircraft from Royal Rain Operations Centres in Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Khon Kaen, Rayong, and Surat Thani. The department plans to open new centres in Buriram and Phitsanulok and to hire an additional 44 pilots.
Oh so it's already a practice in place. Wow
Hey buddy do they wear helmets back home in moe Australia 😂 been flat out mate very hot 🥵 here atm hope you are well
It's definitely hot out there, hope you're taking care of yourself Matt
Ricky mate, im in Bangkok for 2 week holiday smog is awful. Im flying out to udon thani tomorrow hopefully slightly better.
Last 2 days it's actually been worse out here. But things are supposed to clear up tomorrow so fingers crossed for tomorrow mate
Would you consider living in samui for those three months of the year? A lot of expats do that
Definitely not Samui, but plenty of spots down south that could work. I really loved Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan
Friend in Ubon R was moaning when it was reading 90-100…. Here in my part of northern Bangkok this week it’s been reading 170-180 in the mornings .. then it normally eases. This week however evenings have been 180-190… 🥺😒. Gives you a headache & cough .. they say they acknowledge the issue but nothing really will change too much in the short term ..last year was not this bad ..
This morning we're up to 190 and alot of Isaan is now in the purple zone 200+
@ yes is crap. Makes me a bit cough & tight chested. Here is 206 now .. 🥺
@ 206 is awful. Purple zone
@ shite zone 🥹
@ it’s a miracle ! Reading 45 now 🫣😮
By the way.. as you know.. or maybe before your time.. we used to burn our rubbish in Australia .. in the backyard.. Now .. there are massive fines.. or even jail.. Thailand could implement the same.. and reeducate how they do agriculture.
Yes I do know about how that was a thing in Australia previously
Brigitte L Jones. I hate years when we have had prolonged bushfires that send smoke for up to nearly 3 months to the La Trobe Valley (where I live) forcing me to live inside for that time and to remain feeling seedy. It bothers me more now that I'm elderly. It happened once for 2 summer/autumn seasons in a row which was unbelievably awful. So you have my sympathy!!😢🤢😷 Reactions of elderly and babies aren't the best indicator of risk for the local population and who persist in doing "burning" as a clean up of whatever. The Thai population have a good life span and have the greatest risk from junk food and motor bike accidents. They seem to have ended up with a bit of genes that cope with the burn seasons and personally not suffer much. As they would not persevere with this practice if it caused any where near the level of distress and health issues that is felt by those of European origin. Besides seems like a number of expats (using some air purifiers sometimes) adjust to this issue. While it's stinky it's possible burning may be a lesser evil than weed killers and other chemicals??!! Burning is not killing most Thais!!
Unfortunately, as you pointed out, until the neighbouring countries crack down it is going to be very difficult to control.
@@darylmcgee4349 exactly right Daryl. But Thailand itself holds some of their own blame too. Hopefully if it's a viable option, rain seeding could be a possible solution
@@RickyIsaan rain seeding won't remove the stubble though, it would work against what the farmers need I think
@@marglewis7652 that's true also Marg
Mulching, conposting, fodder, making paper from the leftover sugar cane. I have never seen mulching I think they believe it encourages pests.
The only way things are going to change, is when tourists numbers start dropping dramatically. Hopefully this will wake up the government!
Living like this longterm will definitely have a detrimental impact on your health 💯 percent !!!
Correct
I bought one of the first PCXs in Thailand in 2010 when they were rare and "special" and now every man and his grandmother has one! LOL
Just as common as the Honda Wave now. They are good reliable bikes
@@RickyIsaan I know. I rode mine all around Thailand, across into Cambo, Vietnam, then back to Thailand. Had it for 4 years and only had 1 flat tyre and 1 drive belt break in all that time.
@ that's great mate. I haven't had any yet, but looking like I need to change my tyre's very soon
I hear ya Ricky, last year me and the missus came back to Australia from visiting her family in Korat with bronchitis. Everyone in the village was constantly coughing. As I’m writing this in Melbourne our air is 18 , Bangkok 165 , Pattaya 155. Great vid as usual Ricky..
Appreciate it Chris
It's such a shame that this is getting worse all the time, and it's a catch22 that the farmers would have to use all their profit to have the stubbled removed. I obviously don't have the answer either, but maybe once the economy of the country is seriously affected the Government may step in... who knows??
Hopefully something happens one day Marg
In my wife’s village near Sukhothai, the farmers burn the harvested rice crops, so much for the Bans
Yep. It's banned but still very regular to see a fire
Watching this by the pool in Rayong right now winning!!!
Living the life mate
@RickyIsaan Indeed. T.I.T!
Copped some PM 2.5 last night though. Rayong apparently with some of the highest levels. Much clearer today. Weather has been EPIC.
@RickyIsaan Have been contemplating a short Isaan trip. But hard to break from family in many ways!!!
@ would avoid it for a while now until this air gets better mate
Could move to the southern part of thailand
Definitely right mate. Would love to go travel more down that way and perhaps during this time of the year it's best to do so
It's just as bad in the south my mate posted on Facebook about Pattaya and Rayong which he lives there it is covered in a blanket there's no wind to help it disappear.
@@siscott6066 That is not the south. Hat Yai, Pattani and Yala, that is the real south. The more Muslims, the cleaner the air.
so what cities in TH are ok for that?
None
Right now south
Unless you are well off financially, you will not last in Thailand very long. After 30 years here, I can tell you the YT videos of living on little money are not true. Also up here in Issan, the air is clean here despite some fields being burned, better by far than BKK. The worst pollution that blew down from China with the cold weather is gone now in the Kong sugar growing region.
It's my 4th year here in Chaiyaphum and the air is not clear here bud. PM2.5 reading in the 170s
Not true. You don't need a whole lot of money to live in Thailand. All depends on your lifestyle
You're talking nonsense about Isarn air quality. It's vile this time of year, worse than Bangkok.
I'm old enough to remember the farmers burning their own fields in the UK in September and yes it used to get the back of your throats but its been banned since the late1970's, nowadays they just plough and muck spread the field ready for the next crop which will a different type of crop.
I don't think they could rotate their crops in Thailand due to the temperatures its ok in the north but middle to south of the country i would say they couldn't the north they can grow potatoes strawberry cabbage e.t.c which needs a cooler climate but I'm not a farmer or claim to be an expert in farming thats before the trolls look it up on Google or Wikipedia and start to slag me off as per usual because we all know that were they get there information from and we all know Google and Wikipedia is always right🤔🤨😂😂😂😂
I'm fairly show they still burn in Australia for the sugarcane. But could be wrong. I guess the wind is alot better at not letting it all sit and linger in Australia however
@@RickyIsaan it's a good job in a way we can't grow rice or sugar cane it's too bloody cold 🥶 especially January and February you excuse my language "you freeze your tits off" 😂😂😂😂
Wow.. that is terrible. So many people now. getting the flu. sore throats.. They desperately need to do something.. most would agree. It may be a games changer.. in terms of health for your twins too and staying there. Yes, wearing a mask.. but ... yeah.. not good. Clean air and water.. and streets and in terms of noise.. is a reason to stay in Australia. However, the word global exists for a reason.. especially when it comes to the ocean garbage patches.
AQI Melbourne 19
Yes
@@RickyIsaan About 50 years ago all Victorian homes used to have some kind of incinerator in their back yards and everything burnable got burned. Thankfully they were banned.
@@TheScalyman yes
I remember those days like it was yesterday.
Including the outdoor thunderbox in the backyard as well!
ทุกคนต้องใส่แมสค่ะ
I thought you were gonna say if you can't drive/like pavements 😂
Dude wearing a mask hahaha he's not even happy breathing.., go get another vax dude
@@canaryveteran never got the Vax. Imagine being triggered by someone wearing a mask 🤣🤣
@@canaryveteran incomprehensible drivel
👍👍🦘🦘
🇦🇺