After 38 Years, This is What OLD School Farang has Learned from Living in Thailand
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2024
- I know or have known an awful lot of different characters here in Bangkok over the years; from charlatans to vagabonds, clowns to wise men, nice guys, a**holes, pirates, criminals, head-the-balls, sages and wise men; for this is a city that has always drawn interesting characters to it.
I spent a morning with one of these characters just last week. Paul is an old school farang, a fascinating character and very much an individual.
This part 2 to last week's video. In today's video, Paul tells us a few things he has learnt from living 38 years in Thailand and also tells us a great story that ties it all in.
#livinginthailand #lifeinthailand #interview #paulwallis #4kuhd
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Just the way he's chillin' squatting...he's definitely taken on local lifestyle
Indeed 🙏
Another great interview with Paul. He speaks a lot of sense. I live in a small village in Chonburi and there are no farangs here. I can go a month or two even and not see another non Thai. When he talked about the hump you go over it took me about a year to stop comparing things with Scotland. During the pandemic I was stuck in Angola for 7 months (work) as Thailand was closed. I eventually got a repatriation flight from the Angola, UK to Thailand. This was when we thought it was all over before the second wave. I had to wait 10 days to get the flight from London visiting Aberdeen, Manchester and London. I was completely lost. Everything had changed. I don't think I could re assimilate to UK life now. After 14yrs here I must have hit a big hump.
A year? That's pretty good Toby to be fair - I know people who are still doing it after 15 years. I'm in a similar position mate - I would find it INCREDIBLY tough to re-assimilate to UK life too. It's the same for me; where I live, I only see other foreigners if I wish to. Continue living the dream mate
Really appreciated part 2. Recently retired and always lived in the UK. Being regretful/bitter with the past I am very familiar with - too familiar!. Just listening to the content helping me to appreciate what I do have, hopefully getting over that regretful/bitter hump. In part 1, he said if negative thinking came up, he would literally pinch himself and remind himself of the wonderful world he lived in. So helpful the reset.Being content in the present (no matter cirumstances) so priceless. Fear of death that is a a big one for me. So much in life to be fearful about, yet such a waste without a helpful living philosophy - regardless of where you live.
This is something I have been guilty of in the past too; overthinking and being regretful/bitter at certain situations. Now I realise that the past is the past and the future hasn't arrived yet... I've been trying to live in the moment for quite some time now. Thanks for the comment Robert and have a wonderful day.
Thanks for the journey, could listen Paul all day long. Paul has a certain way he tell stories and experiences out of his life, his words are well chosen and he is in a way like a living book and the stories just sprout out of it, whatever you asks he finds the necessary right words. You either have this gift or you don't, I do not think you can train that kind of talking, this may come with age and travel, yes, but I also think he tells his stories always in a way like he is still within it, he does not detatch himself from the experience and he always tries to make sense out of the experience, - the what and why certain things happen to him. This is a certain way of awarenes I like and feel attached to, as it shows that you are a thinker, means you not take everything for granted and you are not a shallow person. He doesn't come over like he wants to teach you things, but he certainly enhance the life of others by his input and view regarding life itself.
He has certainly developed to very much of a Thai soul but he doesn't brag about this, like so many others do. There are these people who also life long in Thailand and then they want to teach you everything, as the think they know everything but this is certainly not the case, because even if you stay 30 years or more in Thailand you still are not the enlightened, but there are much videos on YT were the fallang is in such state of mind, which I do not appreciate. Therefore I like Paul, he is still humble, kind and just a smart human being. May health and happiness further follow your path.
All the best to Paul and the interviewer and thanks again for the video.
That's a very good analysis of Paul indeed. He has the gift of the gab in terms of storytelling and explaining various topics where he doesn't detach himself. I have had many conversations with him where he explains something but doesn't look to actually impose his opinions. A Thai lady commented that he is similar to a wise, older Thai gentleman in the way he speaks; giving knowledge and sage advice but not looking to change anybody's mind per se. Thanks for watching and commenting Syntax. Have a lovely day.
As someone having been in Thailand for 18 years I enjoyed and found your video very interesting. Great always to hear a fellow Farang provide a positive take on Thailand. When listening to your intro music I start to anticipate Stevie Nicks breaking into Edge of Seventeen. 😊
Good evening from the North of Thailand. Noticing from Paul's sitting in a squatting position it can be guaranteed that he really loves Thailand. HaHaHa. And I've to admit that Paul not only understands Thai way of living but he also understands the culture and Buddhism too. Most of us Thai are born in Buddhist families but have very little understanding of what Buddhism teaches, it's like a ladle soaking in a big pot of curry but knows no taste of the curry. I really love your VDO. It so nice and it's thought provoking and eye openning.
Thanks very much indeed. I love your curry analogy - it is perfect.
I am very appreciate this interview with Paul. I replay for my Husband to listen as I just pretend to listen for the first time😅 Paul, he is a master of his mind. He get it I wish my husband get what he gets too. He still as he is and that ok. Just want him to be mindful. Keep doing more with positivity for the World. Thanks 🙏🏼
Thanks Kate. I've been trying to be more mindful for a while now.. it definitely seems to be the right path for me. I'm sure hubby will jump on board a little. I decided recently to keep everything positive. Have a lovely day
Very enjoyable gents. A good watch and great advice to all about when in Rome. Drives me nuts reading comments online from fellow expats who also attend Thai football complaining it’s not the same as back home. Same as many things, shrug your shoulders, smile, and accept. Fortunately over the hump quickly here in the Sisaket countryside and loving every minute.
Thanks Rob. Are you the chap I have 'replaced' in the snooker foursome? Have you moved to Sisaket? That's a great way to look at it - shrug, smile and crack on with your day!
@@JBWanders73 Yeah, up here most of the time with occasional jaunts back to Minburi. Certainly a learning curve up here and a very enjoyable one at that. Miss the snooker but good to know you’ve come in so the show goes on.
Was also thinking the same ….Paul’s developed the “Asian squat”……I tried doing this the other day and only lasted about 2 minutes….a real leg burner 😄
I am also a squatter haha... Paul was surprised when he saw me squat like that too as I am 6'4"
Enjoy Paul !! My path is similar to his but different. He’s right with the out of body talk. Been there!! Would like to meet him someday. Donnie in Arizona
Cheers Donnie... Give us a shout when you visit and we'll sit down for a chat mate
At 06:06...he's lived in Thailand for so long that he's mastered the ASIAN SQUAT!
Haha he has indeed Kevin!
Thanks for the video Paul is sharing his nuggets of wisdom as usual brilliant
Thanks for watching mate ✌🙏
Happy to get to watch this one too
Happy that you watched... thanks
Would really love to be able to think like Paul...it's just so hard...
Yes it is.
Missed his Second aobexperience. Happy Birthday wishes to this beautiful soul of a man
Thanks very much..... both Paul and I have had the flu since this interview but I will take him for a game of snooker for a belated birthday celebration soon.
@@JBWanders73
Happy 60 Something ? Birthday -
Mr. Paul ㊗️
Thank you both for these 2 uplifting episodes. I'm year 3 into my life here in Thailand. So happy for Paul to have found his blissful and happy life. Gives me hope:)
Thanks for the comment mate. We all live in hope
Lots of great wisdom is shared in this interview! Really enjoyed every minute of it. Keep up the great work!
Thanks a lot Andrew, I appreciate that mate.
I jumped in with both feet, never regretted it yet mate, what a lovely chap that man is!
Good for you mate! Yes, he is a really decent chap, and definitely an individual.
This makes my day.
Thanks mate 🙏
Great follow up mate like the first one I really enjoyed it thank you. 🍻
Thanks a lot Ricardo
Legend guy so chilled out i wish i could do that maybe i need to get out of Australia go Thailand🤔🤔🙏✅👍
Do it!
Thailand is waiting brother
@@PaulWalliswriter problem is im a surfer who needs his fix✅🏄♂️💯🙏
I'll take you wake surfing... not the same but pretty cool
Enjoyed that Jimmy, even better than part 1. I loved the way you kept changing the scene with the walks and the various shelters along the way. Very impressed with the GoPro 11 picture quality
Thanks Karl, really appreciate that mate... I would like to do a few chats like this, maybe even on a jungle hike or two. I am on day 16 of the lurgy now..... just a stuffy nose and phlegm left but what a palava! Thanks mate; it is definitely better than the GP 7 I used for so long.
Great info from this gentleman! I know exactly where he is coming from. Musch respect to him an you for posting !!
Thanks Richard
Paul certainly mastered the Asian squat , something most farang can’t even attempt
He has indeed, as have I (we both chuckled at each other when we both squatted like that for a chat recently... as we were surprised to see each other do that hehe)
paul has lived in thailand for so long now, he even sits like a thai! 😊
He does indeed... he's the only farang I know, apart from me, who does that!
Please listen to (monk) luang ta singkhid,ubon
rachatani.....you will understand as Paul said
Thanks mate. Have a lovely day.
The Best Country in the world is Thailand
Wow, thank you so much for loving Thailand. We are happy to see foreigners loving our country. Remember, there are areas that needs improvement in Thailand.
@@DreamofThailand19000 th-cam.com/video/1AQSZ5VW9Hk/w-d-xo.html
@@DreamofThailand19000 th-cam.com/video/1AQSZ5VW9Hk/w-d-xo.html
I'm thai, left for the US since I was 8 never cames back till I'm 28 even I have to adapt my self to live in my own home country
That's actually a very interesting subject matter for me. Did it take long to adapt?
For a couple of years, my thoughts and ideas from the state are different from them I felt like an outsider it does make you want to scream and go crazy😊 then I came to my senses and realize that what is wrong here is ME. I'm trying to force society to understand ME. instead of trying to learn and understand society and live with it.
Exactly the same thing happened to me Khun Santisook... I adapted to my surroundings rather than thinking they will adapt to me. Have a lovely day.
Please ask Paul to write a book.
He has..... I'll find a link mate
Paul's books:
The Essential Guide To Living In Thailand: amzn.to/3kpmkCQ
A Wanderer's Words: amzn.to/3vrQTy7
@@JBWanders73 thanks Mate.
Paul's facial expressions remind me very much of Johnny Rotten
Haha yes I can see that now you mention it
Good initiative. Stay safe and healthy.
Thanks... you too
Should meet Paul so that we can share our experience. I am 62 years old came to Thailand when 19 years old and has the luck to live with a Thai family . I have never had an issue with cultural difference at all. Probably it was because I was young and traveled in many other countries ie Pakistan and India prior my arrival and those countries were harder to fit in. Though did married an Indian Hindu woman that I had met in my first travel. One thing I knew after my first encounter with Thailand I knew I would live there despite the fact that I had to work outside Thailand on humanitarian relief operations in conflict zone in Africa and the Middle East for 20 years and another 10 years on the Thai Myanmar border. Now retired in Thailand able to speak Thai of course and still seeing the Thai family that I had met when 19 years old.
Nice story Pierre. What part of Thailand did you retire to mate?
@@JBWanders73 Loei city quite province doing a little farming .
2 cool guys. He's not over fed. Give him a few large dinners, man.
Thanks Paul. I think he's always been slim. He used to box in his youth... at a light weight
After 5 years in Thailand I've finally stopped comparing Thailand to my other countries that were home .
Its a huge step and a huge sense of contentment
Totally agree with that mate... love your TH-cam name by the way!
Paul is so spot on about assimilation and respecting cultures. You are a foreigner, keep that in mind and accept how it is and accept it or get the hell out of their country if you can't. I do see a lot of foreigners on TH-cam complaining about Thailand, all they do is hang out with other farangs and whatnot. The out of body experience was interesting story. No fear of death is a good way to live. Positivity goes a long ways Jimmy.👍. Glad you are recovering from that flu episode, really 15 years? Curious to know why Paul wants to die at 106
well I'm in a blissful state,so I want it to last a long time!
@@PaulWalliswriter That is a great state to be in, Paul. I hope you have a lifetime of blissfulness
@@brucewayne2773 Thank you sir1
Agreed Bruce.... eventually, it becomes 'fit in or f off". There are too many complainers and too many whinging old farangs, bitter at life. I am determined not to become one - I am trying to revert back to my old self, which was a VERY positive soul, always looking on the bright side. There's too much negativity - I aim to be positive AF from now on ❤
@@JBWanders73 As Paul would put it, blissfulness 🙏♥
Your interview with Paul is brilliant…totally brilliant and flawlessly spot on.
My own personal experience is almost identical, but not in Thailand, but rather, in Ubud, Bali, and for just a few less years less than his fulfilled life in Thailand.
As he says, the common weft thread in our mutual brotherhood is Buddhism, which for the Balinese is an essential part of their culture as well, aka, Agama Hindu Bali.
When you next speak with him, please pass on our way of identifying the naughty monkeys, which is "monyet nakal", and more importantly, please pass on my open invitation for him to stay with us should he ever visit Bali.
Mature suksama! (Greatest thanks).
Thank you very much. I will certainly pass on your way of identifying the naughty monkey and the invitation. Have a lovely day mate.
@Paul Wallis Love your philosophy - the Thairish times interviews were superb. We need a weekly story from you on TH-cam. The life and times of Paul Wallis.
Tell me a couple of Buddhist to get me started??
Cheers Andy. We will do some regular videos soon, for sure!
Blissfully, Paul. Be you, sir. JB is a good interviewer, I might add, to allow you to speak of your wisdom freely. Thank you both.
Thanks very much indeed Panna. Paul is certainly an interesting individual and he made the interview really easy. Have a lovely day.
Such a great interview ❤
just wondering ,
What kind of Visa does lovey Paul ( and yourself ? ) has to stay in Thailand for so long ?
Thank you
🙏🏻
I'm not sure about Paul but mine has switched between a Thai wife visa and a child dependent visa over the years....
@@JBWanders73
Ah - I see 👍🏻
Thank you so much 🙏🏻
This is the disadvantage of living in Thailand for foreigners , I guess ?
I was told that many people have to apply for Visa even after paying Tax for many years ?
Thank you again - we enjoyed it
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@@Tommy-xy1eh It's easy to get visas but residency?? Forget about it mate haha
i love the thai way, that's what i think made me fall in love with thailand more than anything else. that's what made me believe (after 1 visit)i want to live there. still do after 3 visits
It's a pretty easy place to live mate
Tolerance is okay when the people you’re tolerating are peaceful. The people who can afford to vacation there tend to be peaceful.
I don't think either of us ever sees a tourist.... certainly never where we live
i was homeless 3 years before i came here so comparing with that this is heaven 555
Addaboy Benny
❤ how you think and have a beautiful open mind. Actually, I did die twice, but I guess it was not my time .and actually, I didn't scare at all when it happened to me, but I would be above all of those experiences because I wouldn't never be here today to see my 4 kids, 4 grandkids and 2 great grandkids plus 1 more greatgrandkid coming sometime in June ❤🙏 🙏🙏
Thanks... have a lovely day
1. I saw a traffic police ridding his motor bike briefly on the sidewalk myself in BK.
2. A planter box extended onto the sidewalk.
Yeah. Accept it. It’s normal here.
Yeah. Buddhism is a Philosophy.
People tends to ‘mix’ Buddhism with Taoism.
Taoism is a religion.
Haha yeah, they ride wherever they want and when they want. It is all normal for me as I've been here since I was 25.
Buddhism is both a philosophy AND a religion. Taoism is both a philosophy AND a religion (Lao Tzu, a philosopher, came up with Taoism). Both were originally meant as philosophies.
Assimilation to the Thai/Issan society.
1. Know my Issan Thai friend for more than 30 yrs. With the family when his son was born. The son is already 23 yrs old now and graduated from a university in BK.
I supported him through his education and he call me ‘por’ (father).
2. The residents in the village NP knew me well. I am now a part of them. I speak Thai and some Laos. I am a Singaporean.
That's a lovely story mate, and great that you supported someone with their education - that's a good thing to do. Assimilation is so important. If you make just a little effort, which you clearly did, they will welcome you as part of the family. Have a great day
👍😎
✌
Just wondering: have been to Thailand a decade ago; liked it; but chose to live in South America. I love living here; just one thing I have difficulty with: often as not when you arrange something; it will invariably be cancelled; sometimes with an excuse; but often with nothing said. Does that happen in Thailand? And; if so; how do people overcome the frustration of the time wasted and expectations not met. Don't create expectations?
We don't have the manana thing here although things do get cancelled.... and time keeping isn't always the best here either. I think Paul would say 'don't expect anything'. Cheers Marco
Ep.2 from the last one?
Hi Dann, you should go and do an interview with Paul
@@brucewayne2773 Thank you, I will see what I can do, not really an interviewer guy. LOL Will need to meet up with JB first. 😁
@@brucewayne2773 I've not had time to watch this ep. yet. I am going to watch it later, but last ep. was awesome.
@@dannbangkok You may not be an interview guy yet. But Paul is a very interesting person and I think you both have things in common.
@@brucewayne2773 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 need to get to know him. ❤
is the host really kevin pietersen?
Haha I'll take that mate... it's better than being mistaken for Shrek 😂
No shit,….he could speak thais with native tongue….respect, 4me i never fit in Thais society.. been in mid west Colorado for half of my life, Back to settle here in bkk… .. lots of issue n differ attitudes in culture, but in present day lots of things change, at leastt i could found a real decent biscuit n real Americans burger…. No doubt😂
Yes, he has assimilated himself pretty well in Thai society. You're right; the availability of a decent burger has grown exponentially over the years. There are some really decent joints all over town. I'm sure you'll find your place mate - not everyone has to 'be at one with the culture' to be able to have a great life in Thailand. Cheers.
his "asian squat" shows his inclusion lol
Haha true
What about the thai alcoholism? Acceptance I suppose.
How do you mean? Paul rarely drinks alcohol...... but there is alcoholism about for sure
Anyone trust this dude?
What's to trust or not to trust? He isn't trying to sell you anything. He is merely answering questions.
@@JBWanders73 he’s a bullshitter. A floater.
No
@@Twiceonasunday 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
A loon.
yes and a very happy one!
@@PaulWalliswriter ♥👍
@ tim ....Why would you think that way? Crazy people for me now...want money and power and want nice clothes etc etc. Guys like Paul are content with very little.
@@onehappykamper as Paul would put it, he is living blissfully now. Wished I could be more like him
คุณพอลพูดถึงกรรมฐาน ?
We will cover meditation in a future video.... thanks
The tolerance could also be a "nice at any price". look at the corruption and treatment of the poor and many wrongly jailed and often killed in jail. This isn't real tolerance, its more avoiding conflict at any price. I don't think this is true Buddhist teachings. Too much under thinking.
🙏🙏 Thanks for watching