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!
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
I haven’t moved to Thailand yet, but will be soon. My Thai partner was a professional singer when she was young, so I took a bit of an interest in it, and yes, it didn’t take long before I loved it. Turns out my favorites are a lot of classics. So sorry I never got to see Pumpuang (Phuang). She’s my favorite. She was such a charismatic person as well. Would have been amazing to have seen her perform.
@@dtester61 I missed her as well, but have seen Cathaleya Marasri several times, she is an amazing singer still. I have seen Pumpuangs sisters sing and met Kraisorn once, her husband as well as her son. Big concert on Sunday 12-12 at fm 95, Siriporn Ampaipong should be there, not seen for years. Todays country stars are Lamyai, Yuki and Ung Ing. Watch out for young nong Sophia a morlam singer- she's half English
@@clivebaxter6354 Thanks for that. I love Siriporn Ampaipong too. My Spotify is full of Thai music. Something the Thai staff at the cafe next to my place here in Sydney think is very amusing. They can hear me coming a mile off when I park my car nearby.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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
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.
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 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 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.
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!
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 😂.
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
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.
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
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 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.
It is a brave man that sticks it out like yourself, when the world and his wife are out to relieve you of your every Baht, me love going every year, love coming home, many places in the world are paradise what you got in the bank/ cash is the most important, On a shoestring is for fools or dreamers ! If you do have money, TELL NO ONE.
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
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!
Regarding the issue of "farang farang": it annoys me too, but recently I spent a month in the Malay speaking South of Thailand and I didn't get this 11:05 at all. People were friendly and unobtrusive. Only on one occasion a lady insisted on knowing why I wasn't married!
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🤣😉
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.
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.
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.
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😂
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.
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 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 😋
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.
Great Video and great perspective on life...not just in Thailand. I have been living in Thailand for 2 years (traveled here for more than 30 on business). My struggle is the language...I can only speak English and a fair bit of Spanish (lived in Mexico for a while). It is embarrassing when I try to speak Thai but instead start with Bueno Dias!....and often end with gracias amigo.....but I am not giving up....goin' keep trying.
I"m afraid of this challenge as well. I no longer have the young agile learning brain i once had. I too speak a fair bit of spanish as i also lived in Mexico for a short while, ages ago. i lived & volunteered in an orphanage there some ~25years ago. so i'm a bit rusty.
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 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.
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
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.
Interesting collection of comments. I maintain the following 1.People who are going to be successful and happy , unless they live under a totalitarian regime, are going to be successful and happy where ever they are. 2. People who are miserable at different levels, will remain miserable no matter where they are. Moving here or there will not produce a miracle change. 3. it is possible to go from happy and successful to positively flourishing when living in a location that aligns with yourself on several levels.
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
The beer is better in the UK..😂 The west is analytical task orientated and Thias are Traditionalist.. and that is what and how they deal with issues! I like the weather here I hated the cold Novebers in The UK
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.
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.
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.
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'm starting to hate being a target of extortion by the police and local people on motorbikes... I ALWAYS 1000% wear my helmet, I have two licenses, and always get stopped by the police on my motorbike. A few months ago, an older Thai lady hit me with her motorbike while i was in my car. She immediately started pointing and blaming me. When i pointed at my dashcam, she calmed down. Maybe a month later, she calls my wife and demands we meet her at the police station... she showed up with an group of young women. My wife went to bat for me! I didn't have to pay! A Christmas miracle ✨️
@thenakedguru have you ever had an incident or something involving Thai police? There's no telling what would have happened to me if my wife didn't save me. Get a 360 cam for everything you drive!!!
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!
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 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.
The Thais are proud their country was never colonised, this helped them to maintain their culture. The general population appears to be quite insular in their view of the world which could be viewed as pecular to a farang. I agree with your thoughts on life there. It really depends on the individual & the life baggage they bring with them. Thailand is a wonderful country & the people are on the whole exceptionally nice & polite.
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. 😯😡
There is some place in between that fits. The rose colored glasses apologists get old quickly and so do the "you have to leave your country and move to Thailand" crowd...However, I am hold equal distain for the "this place sucks, Thai people this that blah blah" crowd.
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.
Hi Ryan, no disrespect but I think it’s wrong to say “ if you don’t want to learn Thai “‘ Some people can’t. I’m 60 I hope to learn Thai next year when my Thai wife and I live there. I consider it an act of respect to all Thai’s that I come in contact with , if I can converse in their language Also I’d dearly love to be able to interact with my wife’s lovely family. But so far I am struggling to learn outside of Thailand and with all the pressure’s of our current life 🤞 the basics will come to me. I have huge respect for your ability to interstate where u chose to live
Good one - keeping the proper perspective, after the novelty wears off, can be difficult, regardless of where you live in the world. After the rose-colored glasses fade, it is easy to start dwelling on the negatives. Many of us know this, but it is still good to be reminded. As for the other elephant in the room.... The UK is a democracy (as is the US), where the people actually do select & vote for the people who run the government, as representatives of the people's will. So, if the current government is to blame for all of the ills of the country, then who is ultimately responsible? The people. Who are the only ones who can fix the situation? The people. WHo are the people? We are - all of us. But, we who complain the loudest need to be willing to step up and actively participate in government. That is, after all, what makes a democracy work. Delegation of the important jobs/work of society to the least competent, the least honest, is our own stupid, self-centered, greedy, and short-sighted fault - no one else can honestly be blamed, but ourselves. We have the government that we deserve, by our actions - or, more accurately, our inactions. My opinion only - just sharing in the rant! :)
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
Of course i can get wound up about stuff if i let my mind go down that path...i can get annoyed in every place on the planet inckudung where i was born....i came here as a 20 yr old, 58 now and i wouldnt want to live anywhere else. Isaan is my home, my childrens birthplace and has given me more than its ever taken.
I think you must learn the language. Foreign People who can live in rural Thailand. Respect because it would not be easy sometimes. 100 percent different than the west..
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.
Having a loving family is the key to happiness no matter where you live. Count your blessings every day.
Yes. And if you don't have one, go to Bangkok! Cheers...
@wkrp01 I was there and thought I had that. It has nothing to do with where!
@ras9875 That is the truth and nothing but the truth. People just don’t realize it at times.
@@ras9875 Yes, I guess so... some like Bangkok... for whatever reason
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.
Great rant today. I like that you keep your vlogs grounded and realistic.
Appreciate it
@@thenakedguruagree 💯 %
Got into Thai music 30 years ago, over 1000 concerts later the novelty has not worn off yet.
Is it a Thai Techno?
@@SamaSama-o2i Luktung, lukrung, morlam, ramwong, kantrum, phua cheewit. lare etc
I haven’t moved to Thailand yet, but will be soon. My Thai partner was a professional singer when she was young, so I took a bit of an interest in it, and yes, it didn’t take long before I loved it. Turns out my favorites are a lot of classics. So sorry I never got to see Pumpuang (Phuang). She’s my favorite. She was such a charismatic person as well. Would have been amazing to have seen her perform.
@@dtester61 I missed her as well, but have seen Cathaleya Marasri several times, she is an amazing singer still. I have seen Pumpuangs sisters sing and met Kraisorn once, her husband as well as her son. Big concert on Sunday 12-12 at fm 95, Siriporn Ampaipong should be there, not seen for years. Todays country stars are Lamyai, Yuki and Ung Ing. Watch out for young nong Sophia a morlam singer- she's half English
@@clivebaxter6354 Thanks for that. I love Siriporn Ampaipong too. My Spotify is full of Thai music. Something the Thai staff at the cafe next to my place here in Sydney think is very amusing. They can hear me coming a mile off when I park my car nearby.
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.
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.
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 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 👍🙏
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 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 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 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.
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 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 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.
Spot on again Ryan.
I'm off to the UK for Crimbo and a recharge of family, food and fun.
Merry Christmas. 🎄
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 also miss the UK countryside and the ability to go wild camping , hiking ect .
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.
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.
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.
Great vlog Ryan. Thanks!
I don't miss food from the UK as in dishes but I really miss produce. High quality organic meats and vegetables .
Another great video and the kids will be super pleased with the bikes ❤
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 😂.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Another great & informative video 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it
I wanted to ask, have you ever had a negative experience with a Thai person(s) that left you with a negative feeling about the country as a whole?
Wow ! The translation app is awesome.
Sawadee Kra! Right On! Truth
Ka Pun Ka
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.
Great vlog and fully understood your underlining what can be considered the pitfall of immigration.
Awesome video, thanks heaps. Brendon
Cheers mate!
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.
It is a brave man that sticks it out like yourself, when the world and his wife are out to relieve you of your every Baht, me love going every year, love coming home, many places in the world are paradise what you got in the bank/ cash is the most important, On a shoestring is for fools or dreamers ! If you do have money, TELL NO ONE.
So true bubba 🙏🏿
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
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!
Regarding the issue of "farang farang": it annoys me too, but recently I spent a month in the Malay speaking South of Thailand and I didn't get this 11:05 at all. People were friendly and unobtrusive. Only on one occasion a lady insisted on knowing why I wasn't married!
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.
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.
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😉
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.
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.
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.
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😂
The novelty wears off as soon as you understand the real life. As long as you are with your loved ones.
😂🙌🏼 thanks bro ✌🏼❤️
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
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.
Sabai sabai, jai yen yen🫰
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
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.
Thay are great people. 👍
Great Video and great perspective on life...not just in Thailand. I have been living in Thailand for 2 years (traveled here for more than 30 on business). My struggle is the language...I can only speak English and a fair bit of Spanish (lived in Mexico for a while). It is embarrassing when I try to speak Thai but instead start with Bueno Dias!....and often end with gracias amigo.....but I am not giving up....goin' keep trying.
I"m afraid of this challenge as well. I no longer have the young agile learning brain i once had. I too speak a fair bit of spanish as i also lived in Mexico for a short while, ages ago. i lived & volunteered in an orphanage there some ~25years ago. so i'm a bit rusty.
Whatever happened to your Salang (motorcycle and metal frame)?
Haha you will love the next vlog!
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 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.
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
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.
Interesting collection of comments.
I maintain the following
1.People who are going to be successful and happy , unless they live under a totalitarian regime, are going to be successful and happy where ever they are.
2. People who are miserable at different levels, will remain miserable no matter where they are. Moving here or there will not produce a miracle change.
3. it is possible to go from happy and successful to positively flourishing when living in a location that aligns with yourself on several levels.
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
The beer is better in the UK..😂 The west is analytical task orientated and Thias are Traditionalist.. and that is what and how they deal with issues!
I like the weather here I hated the cold Novebers in The UK
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.
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.
I do check the credit
cards tomorrow ............
maybe there will be the na suew chai kot syndrom
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.
No matter where you move your baggage eventually arrives even when you try to leave it behind. 😂
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'm starting to hate being a target of extortion by the police and local people on motorbikes... I ALWAYS 1000% wear my helmet, I have two licenses, and always get stopped by the police on my motorbike.
A few months ago, an older Thai lady hit me with her motorbike while i was in my car. She immediately started pointing and blaming me. When i pointed at my dashcam, she calmed down. Maybe a month later, she calls my wife and demands we meet her at the police station... she showed up with an group of young women. My wife went to bat for me! I didn't have to pay! A Christmas miracle ✨️
sorry to hear this, valid concern and thanks for sharing
@thenakedguru have you ever had an incident or something involving Thai police? There's no telling what would have happened to me if my wife didn't save me. Get a 360 cam for everything you drive!!!
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!
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 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.
I feel the vibe, do u build ur own house or buy it?
We built it - the playlist for the build
th-cam.com/play/PLthhArAUePtNhuJeeL3D8DaEwQWE79Xkc.html&si=18SywVJQAVCAOfwc
The Thais are proud their country was never colonised, this helped them to maintain their culture. The general population appears to be quite insular in their view of the world which could be viewed as pecular to a farang. I agree with your thoughts on life there. It really depends on the individual & the life baggage they bring with them. Thailand is a wonderful country & the people are on the whole exceptionally nice & polite.
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! 👍
There is some place in between that fits. The rose colored glasses apologists get old quickly and so do the "you have to leave your country and move to Thailand" crowd...However, I am hold equal distain for the "this place sucks, Thai people this that blah blah" crowd.
Expats love to travel from one country to another, and no place is perfect. So, it's common to hear negative things.
Ty
A common view in UK Ryan 😊😊😊❤❤
Which village do you live near?
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.
Hi Ryan, no disrespect but I think it’s wrong to say “ if you don’t want to learn Thai “‘
Some people can’t.
I’m 60 I hope to learn Thai next year when my Thai wife and I live there. I consider it an act of respect to all Thai’s that I come in contact with , if I can converse in their language
Also I’d dearly love to be able to interact with my wife’s lovely family.
But so far I am struggling to learn outside of Thailand and with all the pressure’s of our current life
🤞 the basics will come to me.
I have huge respect for your ability to interstate where u chose to live
Hey David - I think I said if you think you are past it because I understand some can’t especially at a certain age 🙏🙏
@ I’m gonna work at it cos my wife’s family r special. Love ur vlogs.
The written translation said l will deliver tomorrow when you die 😅 but the voice cut that bit. Was that your editing.
One more miss. , High quality construction, trade culture and materials. Of course some of the fantastic architecture.
Good one - keeping the proper perspective, after the novelty wears off, can be difficult, regardless of where you live in the world. After the rose-colored glasses fade, it is easy to start dwelling on the negatives. Many of us know this, but it is still good to be reminded.
As for the other elephant in the room....
The UK is a democracy (as is the US), where the people actually do select & vote for the people who run the government, as representatives of the people's will. So, if the current government is to blame for all of the ills of the country, then who is ultimately responsible? The people. Who are the only ones who can fix the situation? The people. WHo are the people? We are - all of us.
But, we who complain the loudest need to be willing to step up and actively participate in government. That is, after all, what makes a democracy work. Delegation of the important jobs/work of society to the least competent, the least honest, is our own stupid, self-centered, greedy, and short-sighted fault - no one else can honestly be blamed, but ourselves. We have the government that we deserve, by our actions - or, more accurately, our inactions.
My opinion only - just sharing in the rant! :)
So true what you say
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! :)
Change starts within regardless where you run to?!
I live in Sakon nakhon are you anywhere near. I think we might visit if close.
Finally some reality - too many TH-camrs and bloggers painting it as some utopian society and it’s simply not true at all
Agree - too many vloggers - they think they know it all but in reality know nothing 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
Do your homework people and work on yourself no matter where you do you’ll soon find yourself again
Of course i can get wound up about stuff if i let my mind go down that path...i can get annoyed in every place on the planet inckudung where i was born....i came here as a 20 yr old, 58 now and i wouldnt want to live anywhere else. Isaan is my home, my childrens birthplace and has given me more than its ever taken.
I think you must learn the language. Foreign People who can live in rural Thailand. Respect because it would not be easy sometimes. 100 percent different than the west..