CHAPTERS BELOW 👇 Get the Timekettle M3 translation device here: Official website: bitl.to/3NAb Code: TMK10OFF 👉 OUR LAZADA SHOP For Honey, Cacao, Super Greens Powder, Ginger Extract Celtic Salt & Lots More! Here: shorturl.at/Q863r 🍄 MUSHROOMS: Get Discounted Fruiting Body Mushroom Supplements Thailand & Worldwide Shipping: bit.ly/3Vu8Hp3 CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:30 The Novelty Does Wear Off On Some Aspects Of Thailand 01:20 Don't End Up A Grumpy Old Expat 02:00 False Expectation Of Thailand 04:16 Adapting To The Culture 04:30 Learning The Thai Language 05:10 Time-Kettle Translation Device 07:37 What Annoys Me Now In Thailand 10:20 How To Deal With It 10:40 Thai Food - Missing Western Food 11:40 The Novelty Of The Weather In Thailand 12:15 How To Play The Thailand Game 12:36 Don't Become Jaded - Some Expats Hate Thailand & Thai People 13:20 These Things Do Not Wear Off 14:05 Family Concerns Back Home 14:38 Thailand Won't Solve All Your Problems 15:42 Coming Into Acceptance - It Won't Be Any Fun! 16:50 Money Makes Things Easier. But 17:08 Being A "Thailand" Vlogger.. 18:10 Conclusion 18:57 Kids Bikes Arrive!
Suits me that I'm considered a foreigner in their country. I have an identity, I am English. I am also a visitor who is enjoying the hospitality afforded me by Thailand. I'm very aware of that fact. I don’t strut around like I own the place nor expect special treatment. Its my responsibility to fit in with them, not the other way around. If it doesnt work out I am free to leave. I think its called having manners. Sadly missing from the bahaviour of many foreigners that come to the UK. Thailand has its priorities right in that respect. I struggle with the heat but there is a lot to like as well.
“That isn’t representative of the country, that’s representative of their own personal experience” I hope more and more people come to this realization. There’s so many gems in this video!
17 years in Thailand, 20 years married to a Thai. In my case novelty has not worn off. On the contrary, I am happy to be here and glad to stay out of woke western madness and freezing weather.
I'm not sure why you have to integrate with them just keep yourself to yourself don't get involved with them i join in with some things but not everything the only thing that annoys me is that they feel because your a ferang they can just charge you more for some things than thais I certainly don't miss the u k
It's easy to fall into a rut and become jaded no matter where you live. One of the things I like to do occasionally here in Thailand to mix things up and lift my spirits is to approach a young child selling vegetables or some other thing and buy everything they have for a sum more than what they are asking for and then give them to someone else that could use them. Watching a child walk away with more than they expected and then jumping for joy when they think they are out of your line-of-sight is priceless. Not to mention the joy you give the person on the other end.
@derekwatson7037 for one, it is not ruining it for everyone. You have the free will to say I'm not interested and not buy. Secondly, this is not something I do every day, maybe 2 or 3 times per year. It might do you some good to occasionally have a heart.
@@derekwatson7037No it's a BEAUTIFUL thing to do and of course you would think something is "wrong" with it because you disease bringing Farangs would rather SLEEP with that child than help
@@Boddav I appreciate your concern but there's literally no concept in any Buddhist tradition or teaching that would even insinuate limiting how many times you can make merit in regards to any specific time frame. To further exemplify this point, imagine the response you would get from any adult who's been practicing making merit and living the Buddhist teachings all of their life if you told them that they shouldn't overdo making merit. I can assure you it wouldn't be in the affirmative.
I recall a road trip I was on with my mates around Isaan back in 1992 and I called into a small shop on a rural road near Loei to buy a new toothbrush and I walked out of the shop, then the shop girl ran down the road after me to give me a few sitang change.................motto of the story try to remember the nice things.
I'm an expat for several decades, and I agree with every word you say here. Very well and honstlyly put! Almost all other expat vloggers produce knowingliy or unkowingly BS of some kind. Your are THE exception.
Great Vlog mate. Thank you for being so transparent and sharing your thoughts and videos here. I have been a somewhat short term follower, but watch them every time! And really appreciate the videos you put out for us all to see.
Great gifts for the village kids . From my experience in rural Thailand, nobody has a tire pump for bicycles or foot balls. That's something to prepare for Ryan. I am looking forward to seeing the kids on the bikes. You guys are showing great kindness to so many.
I am a very happy and content old expat, I am delighted to be a guest here and won't be leaving. Due to my unwillingness to put in the time and effort to learn Thai, I do encounter little frustrating events often. They are all minor little things, but they happen over and over. It can push some people the wrong way... not me, I get it and laugh! It is all on me. I am content to skim the surface here, stopped thinking I "should" learn Thai recently. Maybe I will buy the timekettle gizmo.
People tend to personalize their success and socialize their failure. What is meant by that is when people are successful it's because of their "hard work" and "genius" but when they fail it's because of "weather, society, government, those people". Bringing it back to Thailand and your video, it's very easy for people to blame Thailand culture, Thai government, or Thai people for their failures and problems. Much harder to internalize and recognize our own failings. Sometimes it's just us. Sometimes we suck.
You stirred a great memory for me today. Back in the early 2000s, my mother-in-law and father-in- law lived on Koh Yai Noi, in a bamboo house. She needed a faucet replacement part. We spoke ZERO Thai language at that time, yet we volunteered to pedal into town for the part. Luckily, my husband is an excellent artist. We smiled a lot and he drew a perfect picture of the part we needed. We all laughed and laughed. Now, we have choices for thai language translation. Easy peasy. Thanks for the video!
I live in a quiet, semi rural area, and you can only get Thai food, so I take a trip to Chiang Mai once a month, which has Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Indian restaurants. You can also get imported fish and chips (cod), burgers, and Australian steaks.
I fell out of love when I realized that I would always be a foreigner in Thailand. Moved to Brazil, learned Portuguese, and I am more or less considered Brazilian now. Fairly western culture and norms so it's easy to become more or less a local - and there are people who look just like me in Brazil.
Yea this element does concern me as well since i'm about to make the move there. I lived in Mexico for a brief time & nearly 5years in the Philippines. The US just doesn't feel like home anymore. I know no country is perfect. but its just gotten so toxic here. i can't stand to be around people at all. I also considered a few latin countries. so we shall see.
@@nt4409 One of the reasons I chose Brazil is that there are Brazilians of all shades - I have Brazilian friends who are blonde and blue eyed, Brazilian whose ancestors came from Japan, and black Brazilians. Any westerner can pass as a Brazilian if they speak Portuguese well enough.
@@Wooddust6 You have a real concern. It's a non factor for the first few years but it gets old afterwards. Luckily, I wasn't married and had no children so I was able to leave Thailand to Brazil. I have a friend with a child who is still in Thailand and is your typical grumpy foreigner who no longer likes the country but is forced to live there for his wife and kid.
Despite having no intentions to move to Thailand myself (I do have colleagues who are intending to retire there ) I really enjoy watching your videos about living in Thailand they’re a breath of fresh air compared to the grumpy old expat passport grandad videos 😂. Happy New Year & thanks ❤
16 years living and working in Thailand, and planning for retirement here in a rural area. Agree pretty much with everything you've said. I love it here and have totally embraced the culture and people. I've been lucky in love (13 years together) , and her family are thoroughly decent folk who've never asked for any handouts - they've got too much self-respect. The fact they don't ask makes me more inclined to help out. I think it also comes down to what kind of person you are - I'm very comfortable with my own company, have many hobbies and interests, I have no desire to meet up with expats in a bar and to be honest I keep away from the main foreigner tourist areas. When you see what they get up to in Phuket and Pattaya etc, it's make you embarrassed. Keep up the good work 🙏
Very interesting vlog Ryan , I think one of you're greatest talents is how well you can express youself and get your message across to your viewers , you certainly have a firm command of the english language. All the best !
I have got to say that after 4 times 1 month visits to Thailand in 08 - 16 - 19 & this time in 24. Clearly this young man’s opinion at advise is by far the best example of exactly how things are in Thailand. I form that opinion on the basis of my well considered due diligence regarding my considering retirement in Thailand. Regardless of the fact that Thailand is close to but not my final choice of retirement destination. Needless to say this young gent’s opinion shines with numerous glimpses of the utmost integrity. Well done lad
Hanging out at the beach in Pattaya and have been here since yesterday. Two days in Bangkok before. Two more days to go and then back to the Philippines for a week. Thailand has been great. I have noticed a larger number of expats here than I’ve noticed in the Philippines. English is definitely NOT very well understood even in the more touristy areas. It’s very clean and of course the food is fantastic. I have been blown away by places like the Grand Palace and the Sanuaury of Truth, amazing. Lot more expensive than I expected. Did get a 1 hour fantastic massage for 300 baht with tip added it was still $10.15. Amazing
I love watching your channels. I am still struggling financially. However, I am still managed to come back to Thailand for a second time this year. Interesting video on the downside of being here. However, I also struggle with the heat and accept that you have to take things as they are. Accepting the rough with the smooth and being patient is a must as somethings you say are not always taken as you meant them to be.
Good content. I am old now but have lived abroad. Mostly in Central and South America. Over the many years I have lived in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico. The one most important thing I suggest to everyone who is considering moving abroad is NEVER buy right way! You need to take the time and money to rent long term. Start out gradually. Build up to longer and longer terms. So many people I know went to a place on vacation, once maybe more and decided “THATS THE PLACE’ they then dumped everything and went headlong in. Then all the things you have dressed in detail come to haunt them! Rent first, long stay, (even if it takes a few years) make very sure! The “honeymoon period” is temporary. You will need to actually LIVE there!
Really enjoy you videos. As a Texan who’s lived in Bangkok since 2004 the heat has never been an issue. I still love Thailand, have made my life here and still prefer it over anywhere else. 🙏
Even with the abundance and easy access to information these days, I still find mind boggling that people are surprised with what you said. I had the privilege to live in different countries, and the last thing you want is being surprised. So, doing your research is key and more important, come to terms that you will have to adapt to the place you are moving to. That place won't change for you. Finally, everywhere in the world there are good and bad things, you have to find a balance, if the balance isn't there, then you won't be happy. Sound so simple and it really is, but the number of people that miss this point is incredibly large.
I'm taking a trip to Thailand in Jan. and purchased a couple of sets of ear buds for translation. After visiting Mexico a couple of times, I decided it's worth the money. If you're in desperate need of help, they're a god send. Wherever I end up living, I will learn the language.
The very few I've come across that full out of love with Thailand: Run out of money Fall out of love Negative mine set. Never their fault of course. Lol
I’m in the Uk…..and ive learned to love the weather here…damp cloudy..May is the best month….its gorgeous…but im jaded with the summer if we have a hot one after a hot spell i can get the blues..
Hi Ryan, I've been living here for sixteen years and have never had a boring moment. The reason is that when I came to Thailand, the first thing I did was kill the word "expectations." We Westerners are prone to expecting what we have had all our lives, which is the hardest hurdle to overcome. I was a South African, and I say WAS. The heat here is okay for me; no problem. Speaking Thai is an advantage and fosters more respect. Love your videos; they are very down-to-earth, and you say it as it is. Keep it up, the work I mean, Hahaha!!!!!
It's probably easier for the average South African to adapt compared to us from Western Europe. Most of you are built for a rough environment. Thailand must be pleasant and calm in comparison.
I lived in Thailand for 16 years. Lao-French wife. Kids born in Bangkok. But it was time to leave. Thai people are lovely. Food amazing. Lovely laid-back lifestyle. But I missed the intellectual curiosity, deeper conversations and humour one gets in Britain. I also missed quality TV as opposed to soaps and game shows. And the humidity was draining. I found my brain was not being stimulated or challenged and that for me is the most important thing in life.
Really good episode. I'm here with my family for the first time in 16 years. We've been here for 2 months soon, we'll stay 1 more month in our house that we built. I love this, being around family and just being here. The best thing is that my wife (Thai) who is back in Thailand after 16 years initially so it didn't matter that much whether she was here or in Sweden is now starting to think it's better here. Everyone is doing well, our son who is 16 is doing great, he has a developmental disorder and has difficulty getting around during the winter loves being here. We were a little worried about how he would cope. My wife is doing better here and I'm doing great. My goal is to be in Thailand 5.5 months a year, during the winter in Europe. What you say in this episode I will show to my wife, it will explain how I feel but she will understand it better through your words. Best regards Mathias
Been living in Thailand for over 15 years and never had any issues. Never heard the word farang or had issues with accepting culture as culture was totally tailored to myself from beginning. Spend most of the time with Thai friends which most foreigners don't have. Just stay flexible and stay young. Why talk deep stuff. The thing I love about Thailand is that nothing is serious and it's all good laughs. So can't agree on many things and I'm a farang😂
I'm Thai. To be honest, the term "farang" does not connote rudeness or hostility toward foreigners. That's how Thai people easily describe Western-looking folks only. (However, I have no idea why we also refer to French folks as "Farang Sade.") In any case, I need to be more careful going forward to prevent unintentionally offending expats like you after viewing your contents.
I lived in Cambodia for a total of 5 1/2 years. Tons and tons of Expats, who were tired of living in Thailand, continuously came to Cambodia to see if it was better. I can't remember a single person who stayed. Thailand is much cleaner, the medical care is better, and depending on where you eat, the food can be even cheaper than it is in Cambodia. Cambodia is rougher in many, many ways. I spend short periods of time in Thailand during 10-12 separate trips I made there. I will say, however, that I had an easier time in Cambodia with the people, most of whom (but not all) are pretty friendly. In Thailand, a lot of local people got mad at me, suddenly, and I could never quite figure out why. That never happened to me in Cambodia. I just figured I'd put some information about my experiences out there in the hope that it will save some people some time.
Thanks for sharing, yes true the novelty does wear off after time,15 years for me and 12 of them have been with my partner in All of what you say is true, but I'd rather be here than alone in my own country or in Pattaya single and complaining and grumpy 😂.
My Thai wife of 31 years and I moved here during this year to fully enjoy the house we built years ago . We leave Thailand every time hot season is imminent, from mid-March until June 1st. Other than that we love it here.
Thanks Ryan! I found your channel after deciding Thailand would be home in retirement. Couple years watching you and others I came to realize the Khmer are my true love. Cambodia is simpler regarding visas so it shall be my first home😉. Thanks for changing my mind🤣😉
I worked as a teacher both in the UK and here .and the students in Thailand are much happier .. all though I critise Thai education that the students are generally much happier is a huge consideration!
People move overseas partly for the new experience and partly to get away from some things at home. However, some move almost exclusively to escape things from home. That doesn't last.
I resonate with the concluding section where you essentially assert that Thailand is merely a location where you reside and does not constitute the entirety of your existence. Personally, I prefer to view Thailand as the backdrop upon which I have woven my life’s tapestry, rather than as the primary subject or focal point.
I've been doing Thailand for over 27 years. Never lived there full time but have spent a lot of time there similar to living there. There are lots of things I certainly don't like but there are things I like a lot less in Australia. .. I do things that way I want and don't worry too much about that culture. I found that I didn't really need to adapt too much. Never had an issue. We'll be building a house over the next years and will look at buying Ava living in Malaysia as well.
Good video Ryan, I think as you get older you get grumpier, well I seem to, who likes getting older. But I can tell you there is nothing I miss about the uk, in saying that the driving is atrocious here this I find frustrating & March, April, May time is very hot, that is the downside for me living in Thailand.
The novelty of the heat wears off? But would you trade that hot season for the cold and damp of England or the Arctic freeze of the Mid-Western USA? That's no fun for anyone (other than the super-fit with perfect blood circulation), especially the elderly
Language barrier is the biggest problem. especially when you get older. best way to avoid a lot of the troubles that comes with this is choosing a country where they speak english like Phillipines, india or sri lanka. or more touristy countries/areas where its more common
Hi there, good to hear your life roll by. Well, this is life, you could have been experiencing and complaining about English weather, no sunshine and the gov. treating you badly because you are a "native" (to the UK) You have a wonderful family, true like most, you do give your dad and sister a great time and experience in rural Thailand, give so much back to the local community. From my visits, Thais are naturally curious about any farang, had some fun questions with my mixed marrage and cross culture looks, all part of the fun. Cheers and to a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a bright Channukah to any Jewish friends around.
As an American I wish our country would put our own people first but this is viewed as a horrible way of thinking by many ( not me). But a country like Thailand proves that it is not a bad thing. This world is falling apart in a hurry it seems. Thanks for the video!
I agree with you, I think we all go through a fustration stage where you just want to live your life and not be stared at and called farrang everywhere but then if you stay longer you learn to accept that too.
The novelty hasn't worn off for me. Everyday I wish I were there again! Well, I left to go back home to earn more money and wait for retirement, so absence makes the heart grow fonder, as they say 555
I miss the deeper philosophical discussions with friends who left Thailand as well. If you're up for it and ever come through Bangkok again, first pint is on me 😋
Moving to Mukdahan, Laos border, soon. Wifey tells me that locally the language is cross between Thai and Loatian. Will the translation app still work Ryan?
I'm pretty sure the novelty won't wear off on me as I only get to come here during Canadian winters. I need to work in Canada April to Dec to be able to come from Dec-April. I really looking into the Timekettle translator. If it works as good as it showed on you video I might get one. Thanks for sharing and Be well.
Great ranting Ryan, i realize now the word novelty is apropos. The human condition of always looking for something different or better or more exciting. Yes some days i feel bitter jaded and grumpy, but going out in the sunshine and seeing the smiling, happy people always boosts my mood . i am stuck here, but being retired, appreciate the ease of getting health care, foods, fruits, and living simple without the need of a personal vehicle. Thanks my friend, and why no invite to the Christmas party? 555 Happy Holidays to you and yours buddy. Peace and Love Y'all My biggest annoyance is crowds these day, though also entertaining if you like to people watch. The numbers of people i must walk around nowadays, Doom-scrollers, smokers, drinkers, vloggers, and beggars all crowding the small walkways in this devils lair of a city by the sea Pattaya.
Left the UK when i was 20 in 2013, then went back for a year for work in 2022. It was surprising to see the decline over those 9 years, I don't miss anything about the UK. It's a nanny state, one example is I went to the shop to buy some contact lenses, in Thailand it's easy, just pay and leave, in the UK i need a prescription which requires a £20 optician appointment which were fully booked on weekends and evenings for the next 4 months. It's one of many UK examples of turning something simple into a long, tedious, expensive process
I missed my travels to Thailand I wish I could’ve stayed longer but with my pre-existing condition of having hypothyrodism Thailand doesn’t have the thyroid medication I need that the states have. There’s no video out there for those to figure out how to live in Thailand with pre-existing conditions dependent on medication that’s not available in Thailand. Thailand only has one kind of thyroid medication that doesn’t work with me. If anyone can figure out how to solve this problem please share.
The being called foreigner really resonates with me in China. I live in a small town, relatively, I’m one of 3 foreigners in a town with over 80,000 people. I get that I’m a novelty but I just want to go about my daily business. Some days it really pisses me off, especially during major holidays when everyone is out and about. I counted once and got called out over 100 times in just over an hour. I had to go home before I started getting angry with people. Most of the time I can deal with it.
@@ellvtv2314 I dont think anyone suggested it is, imagine an immigrant in the UK went to a market and heard the words immigrant (which is also not a slur) over and over again, by small children and adults alike. It is the constant repetition of the word not the feeling that it may be negative (because it very very rarely is) that can make you uncomfortable sometimes.
East Asians are robots so yeah forget about having a normal life there as a foreigner. The Buddhist SEA countries are more humane. Will need thick skin though.
It’s funny that in Isan where my wife comes from there aren’t many foreigners, when we are there on holidays (usually a month each year) the kids are great, they just stare and look and seem fascinated by my blue eyes. The kids are typical kids and are naturally curious which is good. The mothers also look but when I look at them the mothers are quick to look away, which I find amusing though I don’t show it, as I don’t want to embarrass them. It’s a novelty that after many years of visiting, I haven’t gotten used to but don’t mind.
I am from the USA, I have lived in Thailand for a year and a half on this trip and also for a year 10 years ago, this time I am here to stay, My Thai GF and I have been together for a year now and She tells me I am calm and more chill now, The only thing I miss about America is my local brand of Cheese, I found a market here that has it but it's 5 times the price, so I get a small block once in a while.
Man tell me about it. Cheese was the 1 thing i missed the most when i was living in the Phillipines also. But sadly because of medical reasons i have to make major dietary changes that exclude things like dairy, yeast, sugars, etc. Basically chew on a stick & hope i survive. If the disease doesn't kill me. the diet will.
Good video but that constant background music in the car was doing my head in. I struggle to hear so you speaking and the constant music was making it really difficult so I had to put the captions on screen which I've never done before. 😯😡
Actually, I'm looking forward to retirement life in Chiang Rai. Bit slower. We're essentially homebodies (my husband and I), so prattling around the house doing a bit of gardening sounds like the life. Been going back to spend time there, so when the move occurs, I'll be ready mentally. Given my habits today, Chiang Rai has everything I need that I can get now in the U.S. Language will be the issue, but with time on my hands, I'll hire a teacher and learn.
@@HairyPixels Most of my husband's family WAS from Chiang Rai but now lives in Chiang Mai. I don't like it because of the traffic and noise levels. Too much big city chaos.
The novelty hasn't worn off for me after five years. As you said, the drawbacks are inconsequential. I really love it here but I hear what you say about people saying ฝรั่ง ฝรั่ง ฝรั่ง all the time when you wander around somewhere. One thing I find mildly annoying is that having put a lot of effort into learning the language, people assume that I don't understand anything, and talk exclusively to my wife and don't even give me eye contact, as though I don't even exist. Recently I bought a new phone and the lady explained the extended guarantee plan to my wife. I understood pretty much every word and she was ตกใจ when I said I didn't need it. Of course a lot of giggling ensued (like on Oriental Pearl) ... but really I just wanted to buy the phone, get it set up and go on my way! On the other hand, I really love the level of customer service you get when buying anything. They explain absolutely everything, carry the item to the cash desk etc. I miss that a lot whenever I go back to the UK.
The conversation thing can be difficult. I’ve been with my wife 10 years and she speaks good English but has zero interest on what’s going on around her until we’re back in Thailand
Thailand is what you make of it. Once the honeymoon is over, you must adapt and like the culture, otherwise, it is nothing more than a vacation, not an adaption and love for the country. I have an Isaac wife and love the country. Learning the language is a necessity.
I’ve lived in 3 different countries and some local things that you don’t like from the beginning will typically keep bothering you. The only way to get around it is to try and find a way around it. If you can’t it will seriously affect your outlook. Eventually you will become the disgruntled expat . I lived in each location over 3 years. I eventually just got tired of dealing with those issues. I’m going to be moving to another country at the start of 2025 and looking forward to the experience.
Good therapeutic chat, Ryan. Question for you Ryan does the Timekettle M3 require a WiFi or mobile connection to translate? I can’t get a clear answer from their product description.
Can you say the price of this translation app/ear buds. I belive it will help me learn thai more. Listen and hear etc. Would love to bump into you and family in the new year when we start looking for land in rural Thailand
My longest spell in Thailand was for 1 year, and probably the only thing that I didn't like was the bureaucracy. That was annoying. Pretty slow sorting anything out. But apart from that, nothing!
The older I get the more driving here stresses me out. I'm a cyclist and when a car comes flying narrowly past me and in between another vehicle at high speeds I feel like someone put a gun to head. It get upset so much it ruins the rest of the day and this happens all too often. I often see wrecks and I even saw a puppy get hit and killed the other day which the owner drug away totally indifferent. It's all very upsetting and I'd like to not die myself if possible but that's out of my hands if I keep using the roads here.
Man ur not kidding. I was walking on the side of the road when i first visited Thailand, in Phuket. and a car nearly hit me even tho i was walking basically on the grass well to the side of the lines. it was like they intentionally tried to almost hit me, because it wasn't a space issue. I do a lot of walking to places as i hate being taken advantage of if i use any kind of transportation. (i know its really bad in the Phillipines, they see a foreigner and they will charge u 10x the actual cost without a 2nd thought. and that really cooks me. being taken advantage of just because i'm from another country) So i walk a lot if i can. I even walked nearly 2km from the train station in BKK to my hotel carrying all my luggage.
I have grown tired of hearing the word farang a lot when I go into the 20 baht store. I also get a lot of questions from women how they can “get”a farang also. Sometimes I’ll pretend to take orders for farang from them and delivery instructions.
CHAPTERS BELOW 👇
Get the Timekettle M3 translation device here:
Official website: bitl.to/3NAb
Code: TMK10OFF
👉 OUR LAZADA SHOP For Honey, Cacao, Super Greens Powder, Ginger Extract Celtic Salt & Lots More! Here: shorturl.at/Q863r
🍄 MUSHROOMS:
Get Discounted Fruiting Body Mushroom Supplements
Thailand & Worldwide Shipping: bit.ly/3Vu8Hp3
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:30 The Novelty Does Wear Off On Some Aspects Of Thailand
01:20 Don't End Up A Grumpy Old Expat
02:00 False Expectation Of Thailand
04:16 Adapting To The Culture
04:30 Learning The Thai Language
05:10 Time-Kettle Translation Device
07:37 What Annoys Me Now In Thailand
10:20 How To Deal With It
10:40 Thai Food - Missing Western Food
11:40 The Novelty Of The Weather In Thailand
12:15 How To Play The Thailand Game
12:36 Don't Become Jaded - Some Expats Hate Thailand & Thai People
13:20 These Things Do Not Wear Off
14:05 Family Concerns Back Home
14:38 Thailand Won't Solve All Your Problems
15:42 Coming Into Acceptance - It Won't Be Any Fun!
16:50 Money Makes Things Easier. But
17:08 Being A "Thailand" Vlogger..
18:10 Conclusion
18:57 Kids Bikes Arrive!
When you go back to your birth country after many years you will experience reverse culture shock
" Thailand made me a better, calmer, happier person" . Couldn't agree more.
I'm eternally grateful for that !
@Dorothy-v3k I couldn't believe the rudeness, aggression and lack of trust the English had when I went back last time. I was literally shocked.
I also don't mind being called farang .
I am a farang !
In UK I miss about 3 or 4 trivial things.
Nothing deeply missed.
Suits me that I'm considered a foreigner in their country. I have an identity, I am English. I am also a visitor who is enjoying the hospitality afforded me by Thailand. I'm very aware of that fact. I don’t strut around like I own the place nor expect special treatment. Its my responsibility to fit in with them, not the other way around. If it doesnt work out I am free to leave. I think its called having manners. Sadly missing from the bahaviour of many foreigners that come to the UK. Thailand has its priorities right in that respect. I struggle with the heat but there is a lot to like as well.
That's the way I see it too.
“That isn’t representative of the country, that’s representative of their own personal experience” I hope more and more people come to this realization. There’s so many gems in this video!
17 years in Thailand, 20 years married to a Thai. In my case novelty has not worn off. On the contrary, I am happy to be here and glad to stay out of woke western madness and freezing weather.
Bang on mate. However bad Thailand ever gets, it's a hell of alot better than the West.
I've been here 14 years and I'm with you i am as happy today as the first day I got here just got to keep your feet on the ground
I'm not sure why you have to integrate with them just keep yourself to yourself don't get involved with them i join in with some things but not everything the only thing that annoys me is that they feel because your a ferang they can just charge you more for some things than thais I certainly don't miss the u k
Now you get the hottest weather on the planet
Married to a Thai over 45 years and yes the woke attitude in many western country's is becoming a bore and a distraction.
The novelty won't wear off for me until I've learned the language, visited every old temple and photographed every corner of Thailand.
I've been visiting 2-3 months a year for over a decade. I love it more each time I go.
It's easy to fall into a rut and become jaded no matter where you live. One of the things I like to do occasionally here in Thailand to mix things up and lift my spirits is to approach a young child selling vegetables or some other thing and buy everything they have for a sum more than what they are asking for and then give them to someone else that could use them. Watching a child walk away with more than they expected and then jumping for joy when they think they are out of your line-of-sight is priceless. Not to mention the joy you give the person on the other end.
That is caused ruining it for everyone for your own ego.
@derekwatson7037 for one, it is not ruining it for everyone. You have the free will to say I'm not interested and not buy. Secondly, this is not something I do every day, maybe 2 or 3 times per year. It might do you some good to occasionally have a heart.
@@derekwatson7037No it's a BEAUTIFUL thing to do and of course you would think something is "wrong" with it because you disease bringing Farangs would rather SLEEP with that child than help
@@MikiGirl1-I have similar practice.It’s called making merit.It’s a good thing.
But you don’t want to overdo it.
@@Boddav I appreciate your concern but there's literally no concept in any Buddhist tradition or teaching that would even insinuate limiting how many times you can make merit in regards to any specific time frame. To further exemplify this point, imagine the response you would get from any adult who's been practicing making merit and living the Buddhist teachings all of their life if you told them that they shouldn't overdo making merit. I can assure you it wouldn't be in the affirmative.
Great rant today. I like that you keep your vlogs grounded and realistic.
Appreciate it
@@thenakedguruagree 💯 %
I recall a road trip I was on with my mates around Isaan back in 1992 and I called into a small shop on a rural road near Loei to buy a new toothbrush and I walked out of the shop, then the shop girl ran down the road after me to give me a few sitang change.................motto of the story try to remember the nice things.
I'm an expat for several decades, and I agree with every word you say here. Very well and honstlyly put! Almost all other expat vloggers produce knowingliy or unkowingly BS of some kind. Your are THE exception.
You are an immigrant, not an expat.
Great Vlog mate. Thank you for being so transparent and sharing your thoughts and videos here. I have been a somewhat short term follower, but watch them every time! And really appreciate the videos you put out for us all to see.
Great gifts for the village kids . From my experience in rural Thailand, nobody has a tire pump for bicycles or foot balls. That's something to prepare for Ryan. I am looking forward to seeing the kids on the bikes. You guys are showing great kindness to so many.
I am a very happy and content old expat, I am delighted to be a guest here and won't be leaving. Due to my unwillingness to put in the time and effort to learn Thai, I do encounter little frustrating events often. They are all minor little things, but they happen over and over. It can push some people the wrong way... not me, I get it and laugh! It is all on me. I am content to skim the surface here, stopped thinking I "should" learn Thai recently. Maybe I will buy the timekettle gizmo.
People tend to personalize their success and socialize their failure. What is meant by that is when people are successful it's because of their "hard work" and "genius" but when they fail it's because of "weather, society, government, those people". Bringing it back to Thailand and your video, it's very easy for people to blame Thailand culture, Thai government, or Thai people for their failures and problems. Much harder to internalize and recognize our own failings. Sometimes it's just us. Sometimes we suck.
You stirred a great memory for me today. Back in the early 2000s, my mother-in-law and father-in- law lived on Koh Yai Noi, in a bamboo house. She needed a faucet replacement part. We spoke ZERO Thai language at that time, yet we volunteered to pedal into town for the part. Luckily, my husband is an excellent artist. We smiled a lot and he drew a perfect picture of the part we needed. We all laughed and laughed. Now, we have choices for thai language translation. Easy peasy. Thanks for the video!
I live in a quiet, semi rural area, and you can only get Thai food, so I take a trip to Chiang Mai once a month, which has Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Indian restaurants. You can also get imported fish and chips (cod), burgers, and Australian steaks.
I just cannot deal with the unending humidity. Can’t imagine living there for that reason alone.
I agree
I will take the heat over the freezing cold any day.
I fell out of love when I realized that I would always be a foreigner in Thailand. Moved to Brazil, learned Portuguese, and I am more or less considered Brazilian now. Fairly western culture and norms so it's easy to become more or less a local - and there are people who look just like me in Brazil.
I was gonna say perhaps its the way u look
Yea this element does concern me as well since i'm about to make the move there. I lived in Mexico for a brief time & nearly 5years in the Philippines. The US just doesn't feel like home anymore. I know no country is perfect. but its just gotten so toxic here. i can't stand to be around people at all. I also considered a few latin countries. so we shall see.
I am Cambodia still Cambodia living speaking English in Oz. They call Chinese ? WTF,We are who we are, can’t change .
@@nt4409 One of the reasons I chose Brazil is that there are Brazilians of all shades - I have Brazilian friends who are blonde and blue eyed, Brazilian whose ancestors came from Japan, and black Brazilians. Any westerner can pass as a Brazilian if they speak Portuguese well enough.
@@Wooddust6 You have a real concern. It's a non factor for the first few years but it gets old afterwards.
Luckily, I wasn't married and had no children so I was able to leave Thailand to Brazil. I have a friend with a child who is still in Thailand and is your typical grumpy foreigner who no longer likes the country but is forced to live there for his wife and kid.
Despite having no intentions to move to Thailand myself (I do have colleagues who are intending to retire there ) I really enjoy watching your videos about living in Thailand they’re a breath of fresh air compared to the grumpy old expat passport grandad videos 😂. Happy New Year & thanks ❤
16 years living and working in Thailand, and planning for retirement here in a rural area. Agree pretty much with everything you've said. I love it here and have totally embraced the culture and people. I've been lucky in love (13 years together) , and her family are thoroughly decent folk who've never asked for any handouts - they've got too much self-respect. The fact they don't ask makes me more inclined to help out.
I think it also comes down to what kind of person you are - I'm very comfortable with my own company, have many hobbies and interests, I have no desire to meet up with expats in a bar and to be honest I keep away from the main foreigner tourist areas. When you see what they get up to in Phuket and Pattaya etc, it's make you embarrassed.
Keep up the good work 🙏
Very interesting vlog Ryan , I think one of you're greatest talents is how well you can express
youself and get your message across to your viewers , you certainly have a firm command
of the english language. All the best !
I have got to say that after 4 times 1 month visits to Thailand in 08 - 16 - 19 & this time in 24. Clearly this young man’s opinion at advise is by far the best example of exactly how things are in Thailand. I form that opinion on the basis of my well considered due diligence regarding my considering retirement in Thailand. Regardless of the fact that Thailand is close to but not my final choice of retirement destination. Needless to say this young gent’s opinion shines with numerous glimpses of the utmost integrity.
Well done lad
Singapore is my chosen retirement destination
I appreciate everything you showed and talked about in this video. 🙏
Always a pleasure to watch/listen to your vlog. Great content. A lot of what you say is applicable to all countries across SE Asia.
Hanging out at the beach in Pattaya and have been here since yesterday. Two days in Bangkok before. Two more days to go and then back to the Philippines for a week. Thailand has been great. I have noticed a larger number of expats here than I’ve noticed in the Philippines. English is definitely NOT very well understood even in the more touristy areas. It’s very clean and of course the food is fantastic. I have been blown away by places like the Grand Palace and the Sanuaury of Truth, amazing. Lot more expensive than I expected. Did get a 1 hour fantastic massage for 300 baht with tip added it was still $10.15. Amazing
Spot on again Ryan.
I'm off to the UK for Crimbo and a recharge of family, food and fun.
Merry Christmas. 🎄
Thailand is not as charming as it use to be and more expensive but that tends to happen with any nice place that gets flooded with people.
Been here 18 years and love it just as much as when i arrived.
I love watching your channels.
I am still struggling financially. However, I am still managed to come back to Thailand for a second time this year.
Interesting video on the downside of being here. However, I also struggle with the heat and accept that you have to take things as they are. Accepting the rough with the smooth and being patient is a must as somethings you say are not always taken as you meant them to be.
Good content. I am old now but have lived abroad. Mostly in Central and South America. Over the many years I have lived in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico. The one most important thing I suggest to everyone who is considering moving abroad is NEVER buy right way! You need to take the time and money to rent long term. Start out gradually. Build up to longer and longer terms. So many people I know went to a place on vacation, once maybe more and decided “THATS THE PLACE’ they then dumped everything and went headlong in. Then all the things you have dressed in detail come to haunt them!
Rent first, long stay, (even if it takes a few years) make very sure! The “honeymoon period” is temporary. You will need to actually LIVE there!
I like your honest content with the balance of good and bad
Really enjoy you videos. As a Texan who’s lived in Bangkok since 2004 the heat has never been an issue. I still love Thailand, have made my life here and still prefer it over anywhere else. 🙏
Even with the abundance and easy access to information these days, I still find mind boggling that people are surprised with what you said. I had the privilege to live in different countries, and the last thing you want is being surprised. So, doing your research is key and more important, come to terms that you will have to adapt to the place you are moving to. That place won't change for you. Finally, everywhere in the world there are good and bad things, you have to find a balance, if the balance isn't there, then you won't be happy. Sound so simple and it really is, but the number of people that miss this point is incredibly large.
I'm taking a trip to Thailand in Jan. and purchased a couple of sets of ear buds for translation. After visiting Mexico a couple of times, I decided it's worth the money. If you're in desperate need of help, they're a god send. Wherever I end up living, I will learn the language.
The very few I've come across that full out of love with Thailand:
Run out of money
Fall out of love
Negative mine set.
Never their fault of course. Lol
haha yeah - its the Thais!
Spot on I reckon.
That time kettle device translate it very good amazed 👍
I’m in the Uk…..and ive learned to love the weather here…damp cloudy..May is the best month….its gorgeous…but im jaded with the summer if we have a hot one after a hot spell i can get the blues..
I also miss the UK countryside and the ability to go wild camping , hiking ect .
The novelty wears off as soon as you understand the real life. As long as you are with your loved ones.
Beautiful vlog, very balanced opinions honestly expressed as always. Love to you and family and merry Christmas to all : )
Thanks for being transparent. Being overseas has its challenges and to be healthy it is good to acknowledge them much less in a hardware store too.
Another great video and the kids will be super pleased with the bikes ❤
Hi Ryan, I've been living here for sixteen years and have never had a boring moment. The reason is that when I came to Thailand, the first thing I did was kill the word "expectations." We Westerners are prone to expecting what we have had all our lives, which is the hardest hurdle to overcome. I was a South African, and I say WAS. The heat here is okay for me; no problem. Speaking Thai is an advantage and fosters more respect. Love your videos; they are very down-to-earth, and you say it as it is. Keep it up, the work I mean, Hahaha!!!!!
Appreciate it and sounds like you worked it out well!
It's probably easier for the average South African to adapt compared to us from Western Europe. Most of you are built for a rough environment. Thailand must be pleasant and calm in comparison.
Bingo.
I lived in Thailand for 16 years. Lao-French wife. Kids born in Bangkok. But it was time to leave. Thai people are lovely. Food amazing. Lovely laid-back lifestyle. But I missed the intellectual curiosity, deeper conversations and humour one gets in Britain. I also missed quality TV as opposed to soaps and game shows. And the humidity was draining. I found my brain was not being stimulated or challenged and that for me is the most important thing in life.
Be honest...you want to be a part of Blockleiter Starmer's utopia!
Really good episode. I'm here with my family for the first time in 16 years. We've been here for 2 months soon, we'll stay 1 more month in our house that we built. I love this, being around family and just being here. The best thing is that my wife (Thai) who is back in Thailand after 16 years initially so it didn't matter that much whether she was here or in Sweden is now starting to think it's better here. Everyone is doing well, our son who is 16 is doing great, he has a developmental disorder and has difficulty getting around during the winter loves being here. We were a little worried about how he would cope. My wife is doing better here and I'm doing great. My goal is to be in Thailand 5.5 months a year, during the winter in Europe.
What you say in this episode I will show to my wife, it will explain how I feel but she will understand it better through your words.
Best regards
Mathias
The heat is brutal to be honest. I am trying to plan a way around that. Build a “spaceship” that can keep one a couple degrees cooler would work.
My thoughts too. Great country but too 🔥 ...especially away from the coast.
Been living in Thailand for over 15 years and never had any issues. Never heard the word farang or had issues with accepting culture as culture was totally tailored to myself from beginning. Spend most of the time with Thai friends which most foreigners don't have. Just stay flexible and stay young. Why talk deep stuff. The thing I love about Thailand is that nothing is serious and it's all good laughs. So can't agree on many things and I'm a farang😂
Never heard the word Falang ? Bollocks 🤣
I'm Thai. To be honest, the term "farang" does not connote rudeness or hostility toward foreigners. That's how Thai people easily describe Western-looking folks only.
(However, I have no idea why we also refer to French folks as "Farang Sade.")
In any case, I need to be more careful going forward to prevent unintentionally offending expats like you after viewing your contents.
I lived in Cambodia for a total of 5 1/2 years. Tons and tons of Expats, who were tired of living in Thailand, continuously came to Cambodia to see if it was better. I can't remember a single person who stayed. Thailand is much cleaner, the medical care is better, and depending on where you eat, the food can be even cheaper than it is in Cambodia. Cambodia is rougher in many, many ways. I spend short periods of time in Thailand during 10-12 separate trips I made there. I will say, however, that I had an easier time in Cambodia with the people, most of whom (but not all) are pretty friendly. In Thailand, a lot of local people got mad at me, suddenly, and I could never quite figure out why. That never happened to me in Cambodia. I just figured I'd put some information about my experiences out there in the hope that it will save some people some time.
Thanks for sharing, yes true the novelty does wear off after time,15 years for me and 12 of them have been with my partner in All of what you say is true, but I'd rather be here than alone in my own country or in Pattaya single and complaining and grumpy 😂.
I don't miss food from the UK as in dishes but I really miss produce. High quality organic meats and vegetables .
Wow ! The translation app is awesome.
Sawadee Kra! Right On! Truth
Ka Pun Ka
Great vlog Ryan. Thanks!
Another great & informative video 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it
My Thai wife of 31 years and I moved here during this year to fully enjoy the house we built years ago . We leave Thailand every time hot season is imminent, from mid-March until June 1st. Other than that we love it here.
Thanks Ryan! I found your channel after deciding Thailand would be home in retirement. Couple years watching you and others I came to realize the Khmer are my true love. Cambodia is simpler regarding visas so it shall be my first home😉. Thanks for changing my mind🤣😉
Thanks for sharing Brenda! Glad i convinced you not to choose Thailand! haha
Point being…you’ve done a wonderful job of presenting Khmer culture!😘
@@thenakedguru 🤣🤣Thailand will have a hard time keeping me out😉
@@thenakedguru 🤣🤣Thailand will have a hard time keeping me out😉
I worked as a teacher both in the UK and here .and the students in Thailand are much happier .. all though I critise Thai education that the students are generally much happier is a huge consideration!
People move overseas partly for the new experience and partly to get away from some things at home. However, some move almost exclusively to escape things from home. That doesn't last.
I resonate with the concluding section where you essentially assert that Thailand is merely a location where you reside and does not constitute the entirety of your existence. Personally, I prefer to view Thailand as the backdrop upon which I have woven my life’s tapestry, rather than as the primary subject or focal point.
Quite right my friend 👍🙏
well said. too many expats make it their identity
I've been doing Thailand for over 27 years. Never lived there full time but have spent a lot of time there similar to living there.
There are lots of things I certainly don't like but there are things I like a lot less in Australia. ..
I do things that way I want and don't worry too much about that culture. I found that I didn't really need to adapt too much. Never had an issue.
We'll be building a house over the next years and will look at buying Ava living in Malaysia as well.
Good video Ryan, I think as you get older you get grumpier, well I seem to, who likes getting older. But I can tell you there is nothing I miss about the uk, in saying that the driving is atrocious here this I find frustrating & March, April, May time is very hot, that is the downside for me living in Thailand.
Great vlog and fully understood your underlining what can be considered the pitfall of immigration.
having grown up in a hot climate (Sydney) i think i will love retiring to Thailand
you should do well
Awesome video, thanks heaps. Brendon
Cheers mate!
The novelty of the heat wears off? But would you trade that hot season for the cold and damp of England or the Arctic freeze of the Mid-Western USA? That's no fun for anyone (other than the super-fit with perfect blood circulation), especially the elderly
Language barrier is the biggest problem. especially when you get older. best way to avoid a lot of the troubles that comes with this is choosing a country where they speak english like Phillipines, india or sri lanka. or more touristy countries/areas where its more common
Lots of English in Malaysia, too. Well-organized and orderly culture, as well.
Hi, is there any way to contact you directly please?
Hi there, good to hear your life roll by. Well, this is life, you could have been experiencing and complaining about English weather, no sunshine and the gov. treating you badly because you are a "native" (to the UK) You have a wonderful family, true like most, you do give your dad and sister a great time and experience in rural Thailand, give so much back to the local community.
From my visits, Thais are naturally curious about any farang, had some fun questions with my mixed marrage and cross culture looks, all part of the fun. Cheers and to a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a bright Channukah to any Jewish friends around.
As an American I wish our country would put our own people first but this is viewed as a horrible way of thinking by many ( not me). But a country like Thailand proves that it is not a bad thing. This world is falling apart in a hurry it seems. Thanks for the video!
I agree with you, I think we all go through a fustration stage where you just want to live your life and not be stared at and called farrang everywhere but then if you stay longer you learn to accept that too.
As long as you can dumb yourself down ,You good
The novelty hasn't worn off for me. Everyday I wish I were there again!
Well, I left to go back home to earn more money and wait for retirement, so absence makes the heart grow fonder, as they say 555
Get back soon Beverly! :)
I miss the deeper philosophical discussions with friends who left Thailand as well. If you're up for it and ever come through Bangkok again, first pint is on me 😋
Cheers Matey
Quick question, how’s that Mazda car doing now it’s been fixed properly?
yeh its really good, no problems, the issue is more the roads in this areas are very bumpy.
Life in Thailand have a pros and cons. You'll find out the culture shock here without any preparation. So make sure before you move to anywhere.
Moving to Mukdahan, Laos border, soon. Wifey tells me that locally the language is cross between Thai and Loatian. Will the translation app still work Ryan?
I'm pretty sure the novelty won't wear off on me as I only get to come here during Canadian winters. I need to work in Canada April to Dec to be able to come from Dec-April. I really looking into the Timekettle translator. If it works as good as it showed on you video I might get one. Thanks for sharing and Be well.
Great ranting Ryan, i realize now the word novelty is apropos. The human condition of always looking for something different or better or more exciting. Yes some days i feel bitter jaded and grumpy, but going out in the sunshine and seeing the smiling, happy people always boosts my mood . i am stuck here, but being retired, appreciate the ease of getting health care, foods, fruits, and living simple without the need of a personal vehicle. Thanks my friend, and why no invite to the Christmas party? 555 Happy Holidays to you and yours buddy. Peace and Love Y'all
My biggest annoyance is crowds these day, though also entertaining if you like to people watch. The numbers of people i must walk around nowadays, Doom-scrollers, smokers, drinkers, vloggers, and beggars all crowding the small walkways in this devils lair of a city by the sea Pattaya.
A common view in UK Ryan 😊😊😊❤❤
It’s not all roses here, but I appreciate my wife and family, the warm weather, and being away from the toxic culture in the States.
Left the UK when i was 20 in 2013, then went back for a year for work in 2022. It was surprising to see the decline over those 9 years, I don't miss anything about the UK. It's a nanny state, one example is I went to the shop to buy some contact lenses, in Thailand it's easy, just pay and leave, in the UK i need a prescription which requires a £20 optician appointment which were fully booked on weekends and evenings for the next 4 months. It's one of many UK examples of turning something simple into a long, tedious, expensive process
I missed my travels to Thailand I wish I could’ve stayed longer but with my pre-existing condition of having hypothyrodism Thailand doesn’t have the thyroid medication I need that the states have. There’s no video out there for those to figure out how to live in Thailand with pre-existing conditions dependent on medication that’s not available in Thailand. Thailand only has one kind of thyroid medication that doesn’t work with me. If anyone can figure out how to solve this problem please share.
The being called foreigner really resonates with me in China. I live in a small town, relatively, I’m one of 3 foreigners in a town with over 80,000 people. I get that I’m a novelty but I just want to go about my daily business. Some days it really pisses me off, especially during major holidays when everyone is out and about. I counted once and got called out over 100 times in just over an hour. I had to go home before I started getting angry with people. Most of the time I can deal with it.
Gets really old, really fast i agree
@@thenakedguruI sometimes wish I hadn’t learnt the word for foreigner then I’d be blissfully ignorant haha
Being called a foreigner isn't a slur by the way.
@@ellvtv2314 I dont think anyone suggested it is, imagine an immigrant in the UK went to a market and heard the words immigrant (which is also not a slur) over and over again, by small children and adults alike. It is the constant repetition of the word not the feeling that it may be negative (because it very very rarely is) that can make you uncomfortable sometimes.
East Asians are robots so yeah forget about having a normal life there as a foreigner. The Buddhist SEA countries are more humane. Will need thick skin though.
It’s funny that in Isan where my wife comes from there aren’t many foreigners, when we are there on holidays (usually a month each year) the kids are great, they just stare and look and seem fascinated by my blue eyes. The kids are typical kids and are naturally curious which is good. The mothers also look but when I look at them the mothers are quick to look away, which I find amusing though I don’t show it, as I don’t want to embarrass them. It’s a novelty that after many years of visiting, I haven’t gotten used to but don’t mind.
I am from the USA, I have lived in Thailand for a year and a half on this trip and also for a year 10 years ago, this time I am here to stay, My Thai GF and I have been together for a year now and She tells me I am calm and more chill now, The only thing I miss about America is my local brand of Cheese, I found a market here that has it but it's 5 times the price, so I get a small block once in a while.
Man tell me about it. Cheese was the 1 thing i missed the most when i was living in the Phillipines also. But sadly because of medical reasons i have to make major dietary changes that exclude things like dairy, yeast, sugars, etc. Basically chew on a stick & hope i survive. If the disease doesn't kill me. the diet will.
Good video but that constant background music in the car was doing my head in. I struggle to hear so you speaking and the constant music was making it really difficult so I had to put the captions on screen which I've never done before. 😯😡
Noted, i usually only add at the start to set the tone but may do away with it completely , makes editing easier too
@@thenakedguru It was when you're in the car and was drowning out some of your words. Excellent video though! 👍
Actually, I'm looking forward to retirement life in Chiang Rai. Bit slower. We're essentially homebodies (my husband and I), so prattling around the house doing a bit of gardening sounds like the life. Been going back to spend time there, so when the move occurs, I'll be ready mentally. Given my habits today, Chiang Rai has everything I need that I can get now in the U.S. Language will be the issue, but with time on my hands, I'll hire a teacher and learn.
good choice, the more common choice in the north, Chiang Mai is not as desirable as it used to be.
@@HairyPixels Most of my husband's family WAS from Chiang Rai but now lives in Chiang Mai. I don't like it because of the traffic and noise levels. Too much big city chaos.
@@michaelcooksey7232 it gets worse every year too so I had to leave. so many nicer places up north if you navigate it since it's not easy like CM is.
7 years with thai lady married 3 Thailand s incredible.
The novelty hasn't worn off for me after five years. As you said, the drawbacks are inconsequential. I really love it here but I hear what you say about people saying ฝรั่ง ฝรั่ง ฝรั่ง all the time when you wander around somewhere. One thing I find mildly annoying is that having put a lot of effort into learning the language, people assume that I don't understand anything, and talk exclusively to my wife and don't even give me eye contact, as though I don't even exist. Recently I bought a new phone and the lady explained the extended guarantee plan to my wife. I understood pretty much every word and she was ตกใจ when I said I didn't need it. Of course a lot of giggling ensued (like on Oriental Pearl) ... but really I just wanted to buy the phone, get it set up and go on my way! On the other hand, I really love the level of customer service you get when buying anything. They explain absolutely everything, carry the item to the cash desk etc. I miss that a lot whenever I go back to the UK.
The conversation thing can be difficult. I’ve been with my wife 10 years and she speaks good English but has zero interest on what’s going on around her until we’re back in Thailand
So true bubba 🙏🏿
Thailand is what you make of it. Once the honeymoon is over, you must adapt and like the culture, otherwise, it is nothing more than a vacation, not an adaption and love for the country. I have an Isaac wife and love the country. Learning the language is a necessity.
😂🙌🏼 thanks bro ✌🏼❤️
Let's see Thailand or back to Massachusetts. I'll take Thailand hands down!
I’ve lived in 3 different countries and some local things that you don’t like from the beginning will typically keep bothering you. The only way to get around it is to try and find a way around it. If you can’t it will seriously affect your outlook. Eventually you will become the disgruntled expat . I lived in each location over 3 years. I eventually just got tired of dealing with those issues. I’m going to be moving to another country at the start of 2025 and looking forward to the experience.
Good therapeutic chat, Ryan. Question for you Ryan does the Timekettle M3 require a WiFi or mobile connection to translate? I can’t get a clear answer from their product description.
Yes it needs the WiFi in my opinion to be fast - though I used. My cellular data with a lag, and they do now have the offline Thai available yet 🙏
@ thanks
@@sgraham005 that was they do not have haha typing fast
Can you say the price of this translation app/ear buds.
I belive it will help me learn thai more. Listen and hear etc.
Would love to bump into you and family in the new year when we start looking for land in rural Thailand
My longest spell in Thailand was for 1 year, and probably the only thing that I didn't like was the bureaucracy. That was annoying. Pretty slow sorting anything out. But apart from that, nothing!
The older I get the more driving here stresses me out. I'm a cyclist and when a car comes flying narrowly past me and in between another vehicle at high speeds I feel like someone put a gun to head. It get upset so much it ruins the rest of the day and this happens all too often. I often see wrecks and I even saw a puppy get hit and killed the other day which the owner drug away totally indifferent. It's all very upsetting and I'd like to not die myself if possible but that's out of my hands if I keep using the roads here.
Weirdo
Man ur not kidding. I was walking on the side of the road when i first visited Thailand, in Phuket. and a car nearly hit me even tho i was walking basically on the grass well to the side of the lines. it was like they intentionally tried to almost hit me, because it wasn't a space issue. I do a lot of walking to places as i hate being taken advantage of if i use any kind of transportation. (i know its really bad in the Phillipines, they see a foreigner and they will charge u 10x the actual cost without a 2nd thought. and that really cooks me. being taken advantage of just because i'm from another country) So i walk a lot if i can. I even walked nearly 2km from the train station in BKK to my hotel carrying all my luggage.
Whatever happened to your Salang (motorcycle and metal frame)?
Haha you will love the next vlog!
Hi a very good video!
I have grown tired of hearing the word farang a lot when I go into the 20 baht store. I also get a lot of questions from women how they can “get”a farang also. Sometimes I’ll pretend to take orders for farang from them and delivery instructions.