Lived there 4 years before the covid. On my way back to the Kingdom Of Thailand right now today. Wish me luck on my journey back for a looooong time this time around. Thank for sharing and Happy New Year 2025. Will be great.
Bangkok is a big city with more than 12 million permanent residence and a lot of tourists and expats. It is easy to meet people, but it is quite hard to find good matches. You have to understand the cultural differences between Thailand and the west, especially drinking, partying, socializing in night life. Most of good Thai women are hard working with goal and family oriented mindset. They usually don’t drink much alcohol beverages and no smoking. You rarely meet these women in night clubs. There are a lot of good women in Thailand but you have to be in the right place at the right time to find a perfect match.
A diet of booze,women,nightlife 🍻 👩 🕺 🎶 is pleasurable like a diet of donuts,ice cream, soda,etc.. 🥤 🍦but neither are sustainable for a long-term healthy life 💪
Seemingly sudden and sharp change in lifestyle approach. Could be being religious or corvette having blonde bimbo dating accountant by trade guy. Seems like midlife crisis to me.
Yes! Has been trying to find meaning, couldn't, so finds god. To be fair I have followed this channel for nearly 4 years and few of the videos are genuinely positive/optimistic.
I’ve been in Thailand for 4 years now too. I didn’t come to make friends but to get away from all the western drama and a bit of peace. Fast forward to today, I have a healthy lifestyle with gym everyday, a girlfriend who is 48 like me and helps me through the mundane aspects of life here and importantly makes me feel settled. Also I have a 6 month old cat who helps relax me. I rarely leave the condo as I have everything here including a beautiful sea view and the rest is delivered by foodpanda lol
The worst experience you can have with friends is when you become aware of their issues, like medication or depression like you mention. And you really have that mindset of wanting to be a good friend and do the right thing and try to help them out by being a positive influence in their life. Like trying to just do fun things, good honest wholesome activities, you listen to their problems, trying to be understanding. But in the end, these people mistake your kindness for a weakness to be exploited. That really hurts... that moment the truth hits that someone is just manipulating you for their own benefit, or often supposed benefit. And its not about injustice or getting angry, its just the sadness that such relationships are just a waste of everyones time. And time is perhaps the most valuable thing we have, so yeah, that really sucks.
It’s called codependency when you think you can / should fix someone. I know from experience and it can be devastating emotionally and financially. In the end you can’t and shouldn’t want to try to “fix” anyone.
My favorite thing about Thailand are the people. Most aren’t Christians. I like Sabai Sabai. I think that’s why I prefer Thailand over the Philippines. It’s definitely a facet of US culture that I do not miss.
I relate to alot of this video, especially with losing and gaining friendships. Life has definitely taught me to embrace the impermanence of everything and to practice gratitude for sure
Mr Lee love your content, i need to ask you something, I was born and raised in San Francisco but I haven't been back in 10 years how did the city change and how is now? Also good move by becoming a Catholic I was born and raised in Catholic I went to Saint Ignatius High School in San Francisco.😊😊😊
forrest i'm a big fan, and i'm not disagreeing with what you're saying, but you're sounding more like a bitter expat every life update video. we get it, you're a wholesome boy now. midlife crisis perhaps? i'm a few years younger than you, and i've lived in bkk for 6 years. i still party and do degen stuff here and there, but i also have my money right, have a great career, a great girlfriend, work out every day, got my Thai language skills to a decent level. i also started training muay thai and volunteering. the partying is still fun, and i don't necessarily think my party friends are useless shitbags. there's nothing wrong with partying, just like there's nothing wrong with going to church. you can do both, you don't have to choose just one. everything in moderation my guy.
Nuance and context is lost upon those who view the world in absolutes. For the mentally lazy they want to view and approach the world with “all ins”. No moderation allowed. It’s just easier this way. Partying is a mentally and emotionally healthy activity as it’s a celebration of life. But there’s no life to celebrate without some achievements here and there. See? Balance. Quick edit: I replied to the original post without reading the other half portion. Wow we agree on the same points.
I’m turning 36 after new years and i think the mindset is just part of getting old. I hope you actually make the decision to make Europe second base. May the new year bring you an abundance of peace and joy.
Congrats on your confirmation... I left California in the mid-90's never to return. There are things that I would love to show my wife (she's never been there), but it has changed so much. I truly agree with you regarding friends and making lasting relationships. When I was younger, my Dad often told me that he could count his true friends on one hand. I really didn't understand that until I got older. We're retiring early next year and getting ready to do some travelling.. Thailand is on the list!
This is unavoidable for somebody who has a minimum of braincells when you come from a Western country. Too many cultural differences,too much lack of communication. Thailand sanuk at frist,jaded later...this is a very common road.
Living in Thailand for 8, partying, working, and learning the Thai culture it gets to the point I was just home sick. Nobody (Thais) understood my jokes or humour most of the time and having and watching Thai T.V. the majority of the time I find it lonesome as nobody really knows you. Maybe your home sick or missing that western touch. Oh, by the way I'm Thai but I grew up overseas and realised I was home sick.
I’m Thai too, and after living here for nearly 16 years, the longer I stay, the more I miss Europe. I miss the snow, the food, the weather with four seasons, and the multicultural vibe of European cities, with people (especially womans😜) from all over the world. I started missing Europe after just 5 years. Thailand is great for living long term or retirement, but only if you live in a chill beach town. Bangkok just isn’t my vibe - it’s fun for a few weeks or months, but for long-term living, it’s not suited to me and most expats.
Belief, especially strong belief should be evidence based. Your blind faith in supernatural myth and legend scribed in iron-age scrolls while aligning yourself with a particular religious sect or cult is hardly a virtuous endeavour. Rather, it's exposing yourself to indoctrination into a cult of wishful thinkers in eternal life and a particular man-made God concept. It's a shame that so much of this vid is devoted to religious references instead of reflections on living in Thailand for the last 4 years, a predominantly Buddhist society. Suggesting a more appropriate and honest title for this vid, My Religious Awakening in Thailand.
When I move to BKK my hope is to meet people thru Pickleball and Tennis. Gave up the drinking over 4 years ago so I’m not the bar fly I used to be. Congrats on your 4 years in Thailand and have a very Happy New Years Forest !!!
Damn. Have been subscribed and liking videos but the Communist California comment lost me. Most of my Thai family are proud Californians and have made a great life there and have helped many relatives in Thailand. You obviously have zero idea what communism is if you’re making this kind of dumb comment.
Thanks Forrest for keeping it real, your videos come across as very authentic. Paul Lee is too commercial while Joyce has overly idealistic views of Thailand IMO
Not saying it’s them or anyone else. But know there are slander and libel laws in Thailand. So the “positivity” viewpoints should be interpreted with a grain of salt. A person can’t say anything negative to harm another persons company or reputation.
13:30 I have seen this attitude with many people and don't get it. What is so different between swimming or boxing all day, and partying all day. Unless you want to make a career and earn money from swimming or boxing, you are still just enjoying your time. Same when partying. Unless the amount of alcohol or drugs become dangerous for your health, spending a night hanging out with your friends versus boxing brings no benefits one way or another.
complains about usa and american society, complains about countries and society trying to control, lives in buddhist thailand, loves the way of life of buddhist thailand....becomes a catholic.
Congratulations on your 4 year anniversary! Lots of truth to what you said & many have followed the same trials of initiation into Thailand. Many never survived it so it is good to see you have made it thru those stages. I would not have pegged you for a church person though I would have thought more towards the Theosophical Society type. But it is all good & Good you have made it & seem quite stable & happy. Wish you continued success in 2025!
Split between Thailand and Portugal, either way my wife and I are going to be spending some time in Thailand in 2025. Thanks for all your wise words and videos Forrest, all the best in 2025 !
Interestingly enough it is also my fourth year in Thailand. Now that the exploration thrill is over - that includes the ladies - it’s time to recalibrate my life here.
Classic case of The original five stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance - have adapted over the years.....and now it's getting older and wiser by evaluating of self reflecting
WHEN are you going to stop holding back and tell us how you really feel?? LOL....!! I was just in Bangkok and Pattaya! Got back on December 11, 2024. I really liked Bangkok and I am planning to retire in Thailand too..! God bless you and your girlfriend and Thank for sharing this video..!
To sum it up you meet better people in church than you do in bars. True. In my experience expats in Bangkok often suffer from Peter Pan syndrome. When living there I felt like I had a lot of acquaintances but few friends. I feel like in the past Forest mistook acquaintance drinking buddies for friends.
Totally agree. In his eyes having him as a friend is a privilege but I would be bored with this dudes attitude in two days. And apparently it takes him months to figure out somebody is not really compatible or a good friend. Totally insecure, and with a massive chip on his shoulder. I knew somebody just like him, ironically in the Bay Area.
@@theelitelifeee Highly disagree, as a foreigner it has all of the amenities and services I'm used to. I can manage with English as my Thai slowly improves. It has an airport so travel is convenient. What's your alternative? And more importantly why did you put "learn Thai" in quotes haha?
So happy for you Forrest on your 4 years in Thailand,I have just done 3 years,I have also been married to a Thai for 38 years,in one of your early videos your said,you mentioned fat people looking like shit 😂😂😂😂😂,well I am fat and for them 3 years I have been really trying to lose some weight,I have really struggled,but one thing I have not struggled with is I was 5 years sober on Christmas Day ,I was recently in Saudi Arabia for the boxing and on the bus to the plane a young Asian girl kept smiling at me,she was about 20 years old,I was a bit embarrassed,so I looked away,she done it again and then again,in the end she held her rosary up to show me in her hand,from the day I went to Bethlehem on a pilgrimage and got my rosary I have worn my rosary proudly outside my shirt,the amount of pleasure fellow Christians get from seeing me where my rosary is just lovely,I hope you have a happy new year ,and I for give you for saying fat people looking like a piece of shit😂😂😂😂😂😂
Communist California? .......surely that's an oxymoron. Disillusionment , at times, is par for the course, (sorry about cliche) but Forrest you strike me as being too young for a mid-life crisis, but if you wish to fast-track it, Bangkok is the place. Sometimes it is better to philosophise rather than analyse and criticise.
Hi Forrest. I'm a long time subscriber and viewer. I enjoy your content and your frankness. Today I came across the TH-cam channel for Donald Lee. Donald is a young Canadian Chinese guy living in Dallas. I hope that you will check out his Channel and communicate with him. I sense that he could use a wise "big brother" like you to share your story. I sense that he feels like he is alone in his walk in life. I bet you might make a difference. Keep on being Forrest! Keep up
Thailand is a unique place. You can either crash an burn there, stay for the rest of your life in a state of alienation or try to make some sense of it all and go forward. During my last trip there, I decided to take refuge in Chiang Mai. Attended a buddhist retreat for farangs, went to the jesuit wooden chapel, did some bike tours. After coming back, decided to learn thai. Slowly. First figure out the thai script and then move to spoken thai. I grew up speaking portuguese (long words, few meanings for each one), so learning a tonal language is surely going to be a big challenge. But northern thailand seems to be worthy the effort. The peace, the serenity, life just continuing with all the helmetless school girls driving around their vespas. Having a nice thai meal for 200 bath somewhere in the neighborhood. There are Thailands and Thailands. It is just a matter of choosing the one that is better for you.
Having financial success over the last year perhaps you could do some motivational videos for early semi retirees planning on moving to SE Asia.. and share some ideas.
Forrest is a mix of an 10-year-old and a NPC. He needs others to tell him what to do: Trump, the Church... and if someone disagrees he is a "communist" lol. And to cope with all that he needs to tell us how much money he has in every single video 😂
I like Bangkok, but I would consider looking at some other places in Thailand. The issue of fast friends and not being able to find good long lasting friendships can be found a lot easier outside of BKK. Also, a lot of the non-BKK locales are just peaceful and good for your mental health. I met one of my best friends here in Thailand. Unfortunately, this friend passed away this week. I can say that my life has been made richer, more satisfying and fulfilling having known him. I hope you and anyone who reads this comment do find a great friend like mine because one's life is made so much better from it. I wish you and the others who've read this comment well. Cheers, Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!
Europe is a great 2nd base, for sure, many very interesting different countries to explore, some of them are even cheap,, and you get that feeling after a while it would be nice to go back to thailand over the winter. Also you have many direct flights forth n back for cheap. Not a bad living..
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. You sound linely especially on Christmas 🎄. Maybe that because living in Bangkok has different pace and culture than in other provinces. I feel that you will feel much happier in a place like Samui or Pang-ngar (sorry for not checking for spelling). I think you will find some people (either Thais or forieners) who you could feel closer to hang out with in other places in Thailand. Living is fast pace in Bangkok. It is normal even with many Thais to feel linely there. I really encourage you to visit Samui or Pangan for a month. I wish you will consider my advice for your own benefit. I really wish you happiness. All the best.
Good stuff. I've tuned in to your channel a number of times last couple years. I was baptized Catholic as a newborn but later grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church in NY City. I've been looking forward to getting to Bangkok for many many years. I'm a lot older than you, early 50s, but still looking forward to getting to Thailand as an expat. I'm planning. My parents are seniors and my children are well into their 20s now. Right now I'm stacking bonus points for flights. Might be in SEAsia next month for work. As far as I'm concerned, Bangkok is where it's at. For the record: cut out all energy vampires. I quit drugs and alcohol 30 years ago. Life is better spent looking after yourself first. Only then can we show up for the people that matter.
Forrest- random question here..... *what's your approximate BODY COUNT since landing in Thailand 4 years ago?!!!!!* please includes paid and non paid bodies ... (triple digit territory? 🤣)
I think its incredibly based that you're speaking your mind and pursuing whats important to you. While Im not religious, I have many friends that get vakue from their religion. Keep being based.
The surface level friendship/relationships issue... I would say its hard to find good people with integrity everywhere.. its not a Bankgok thing.. hell, in the west its way worse!
The sad part is,,,,people watch these videos and see themselves there and think (only Bangkok) ...Thailand is massive..there is so much to explore and understand ...you really MUST learn Thai
While your personal journey and reflections are undoubtedly meaningful to you, the 16-minute monologue felt overly self-indulgent and lacked a clear, engaging structure for the audience. The constant shifts between religious conversion, dating anecdotes, and financial success came across as disjointed, making it difficult to connect with the core message. A more focused narrative or thematic thread could have elevated the video, transforming it from a personal diary entry into a compelling story that resonates with viewers. That said, your honesty is commendable, but brevity and clarity would make your insights far more impactful.
Yes, the market did well in 2024, but, but, but, unless you sold your coin, it's still at risk...it's unrealized gains until you cash in, which leads to a massive tax bill in the US. For that reason, I don't rest easy. So volatile.
Forrest- congrats on your 4 years there. How is that even possible? So I’ve been telling you I planned to move there for 4 yrs.😅 Glad you found a church to be a part of there and to embrace it. When I lived in Tokyo for those 10 yrs, it was my church family that I leaned on for support and made some genuine friends. All the best in 2025. Smile more- you have a great smile to share.
He’s been saying he feels old for the past 5 years. Misery is both his identity and crutch. If something goes wrong “whoops, knew it. That’s the horrible world for you”. If something goes right “well, I do deserve it once in a while after all my horrible things in life”.
It's comforting to know that I can still connect with other Christians, even in Bangkok. That's amazing that you found a church there. It's a lot more important than people realize.
Ew he was hanging out with that tool? I watched some of his content back in the day for the shock value but always thought he was a d-bag who I would never want to be around. The aura that guy fumegates is putrid. Forrest might be critical but he's someone who just aspires to be a good person. He's extremely reflective and you can tell he wants to be better for the right reasons and his heart is in the right place. Thailand is rife with what many would consider meaningless pursuits. Once you strip away those facets from your day to day life you realize how very simple life in Thailand really is. We tend to overcomplicate it. Because everywhere you go, there you are. I'm envious of people who have carved out a life here with discovering true deep passions that make life fulfilling. I'm not there yet personally. I'm still new to this and very naive. But it seems like Forrest is figuring something out anyway lol.
Lived there 4 years before the covid. On my way back to the Kingdom Of Thailand right now today. Wish me luck on my journey back for a looooong time this time around. Thank for sharing and Happy New Year 2025. Will be great.
Have a safe trip.
Have fun friend
watch out for that rampant *HIV* in Bangkok!!!! 🤣
Bangkok is a big city with more than 12 million permanent residence and a lot of tourists and expats. It is easy to meet people, but it is quite hard to find good matches. You have to understand the cultural differences between Thailand and the west, especially drinking, partying, socializing in night life. Most of good Thai women are hard working with goal and family oriented mindset. They usually don’t drink much alcohol beverages and no smoking. You rarely meet these women in night clubs. There are a lot of good women in Thailand but you have to be in the right place at the right time to find a perfect match.
Not true
same in most Asian countries
@@kriskravt3428 Well said and very true👍. I am an Asian born in a country that is located in the Indian Subcontinent.
@saksitb3491 foreigners usually date 👎 girls ....(that middle class people from the country don t want)
Bullshit,warum gibt es hier so viele tödliche Unfälle? Fleißig?5555
Very happy for you Forrest, keep moving forward in your life 🙏🏼
A diet of booze,women,nightlife 🍻 👩 🕺 🎶 is pleasurable like a diet of donuts,ice cream, soda,etc.. 🥤 🍦but neither are sustainable for a long-term healthy life 💪
I agree but please let's leave women on the diet!
Doh!!! Captain Obviuos. Come on dude...we all know the body was not designed for non stop abuse.
This is just you venting. Nothing to do with Thailand
It basically sounds like your having a mid life crises trying to figure out the meaning of life.
He’s having a mid life crisis? Lmao, since when is maturing and settling down a “mid life crisis”? Thats such a weird take.
Hahaha...it's call maturity and responsibility.
A mid life crisis.What a facile comment.
Seemingly sudden and sharp change in lifestyle approach. Could be being religious or corvette having blonde bimbo dating accountant by trade guy. Seems like midlife crisis to me.
Yes! Has been trying to find meaning, couldn't, so finds god. To be fair I have followed this channel for nearly 4 years and few of the videos are genuinely positive/optimistic.
Isn't the Buddhist religion what makes Thailand and the people amazing ?
Exactly lol
Only if these pagans are willing to be saved. Forrest to the rescue. lol
Catholicism has never been the answer
Forrest, You just keep up being you; I watch you because of your candid opinions, and Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year.
That’s life. Things change. People change. You will keep changing. Just keep moving forward in your life 🙏🏼
I’ve been in Thailand for 4 years now too. I didn’t come to make friends but to get away from all the western drama and a bit of peace.
Fast forward to today, I have a healthy lifestyle with gym everyday, a girlfriend who is 48 like me and helps me through the mundane aspects of life here and importantly makes me feel settled. Also I have a 6 month old cat who helps relax me. I rarely leave the condo as I have everything here including a beautiful sea view and the rest is delivered by foodpanda lol
The worst experience you can have with friends is when you become aware of their issues, like medication or depression like you mention. And you really have that mindset of wanting to be a good friend and do the right thing and try to help them out by being a positive influence in their life. Like trying to just do fun things, good honest wholesome activities, you listen to their problems, trying to be understanding. But in the end, these people mistake your kindness for a weakness to be exploited. That really hurts... that moment the truth hits that someone is just manipulating you for their own benefit, or often supposed benefit. And its not about injustice or getting angry, its just the sadness that such relationships are just a waste of everyones time. And time is perhaps the most valuable thing we have, so yeah, that really sucks.
Yeah, sometimes we hesitate to help coz things can turn weird after
It’s called codependency when you think you can / should fix someone. I know from experience and it can be devastating emotionally and financially. In the end you can’t and shouldn’t want to try to “fix” anyone.
My favorite thing about Thailand are the people. Most aren’t Christians. I like Sabai Sabai. I think that’s why I prefer Thailand over the Philippines. It’s definitely a facet of US culture that I do not miss.
Yup. Christianity is horrible
I relate to alot of this video, especially with losing and gaining friendships. Life has definitely taught me to embrace the impermanence of everything and to practice gratitude for sure
Mr Lee love your content, i need to ask you something, I was born and raised in San Francisco but I haven't been back in 10 years how did the city change and how is now? Also good move by becoming a Catholic I was born and raised in Catholic I went to Saint Ignatius High School in San Francisco.😊😊😊
Thank you for having this talk 💯
" If a man is tired of Bangkok he is tired of life.. "
Anonymous
Dumbest shit I’ve ever read. Ty
forrest i'm a big fan, and i'm not disagreeing with what you're saying, but you're sounding more like a bitter expat every life update video. we get it, you're a wholesome boy now. midlife crisis perhaps?
i'm a few years younger than you, and i've lived in bkk for 6 years. i still party and do degen stuff here and there, but i also have my money right, have a great career, a great girlfriend, work out every day, got my Thai language skills to a decent level. i also started training muay thai and volunteering. the partying is still fun, and i don't necessarily think my party friends are useless shitbags. there's nothing wrong with partying, just like there's nothing wrong with going to church. you can do both, you don't have to choose just one. everything in moderation my guy.
Great comment. He's becoming "holier than thou".
I agree
You've also got your attitude right.
Nuance and context is lost upon those who view the world in absolutes. For the mentally lazy they want to view and approach the world with “all ins”. No moderation allowed. It’s just easier this way. Partying is a mentally and emotionally healthy activity as it’s a celebration of life. But there’s no life to celebrate without some achievements here and there. See? Balance.
Quick edit: I replied to the original post without reading the other half portion. Wow we agree on the same points.
I’m turning 36 after new years and i think the mindset is just part of getting old. I hope you actually make the decision to make Europe second base. May the new year bring you an abundance of peace and joy.
Congrats on your confirmation... I left California in the mid-90's never to return. There are things that I would love to show my wife (she's never been there), but it has changed so much. I truly agree with you regarding friends and making lasting relationships. When I was younger, my Dad often told me that he could count his true friends on one hand. I really didn't understand that until I got older. We're retiring early next year and getting ready to do some travelling.. Thailand is on the list!
Partied so hard he in Bangkok he had to turn Catholic, That's some epic party hahah.
Stories only he and God will know! Ladyboys?? Hahaa
born again Virgin......He's gonna wait until marriage.....
dude sounds jaded af
This is unavoidable for somebody who has a minimum of braincells when you come from a Western country.
Too many cultural differences,too much lack of communication.
Thailand sanuk at frist,jaded later...this is a very common road.
Great video Forrest, I always enjoy your updates as they're thought provoking. God Bless you
Living in Thailand for 8, partying, working, and learning the Thai culture it gets to the point I was just home sick. Nobody (Thais) understood my jokes or humour most of the time and having and watching Thai T.V. the majority of the time I find it lonesome as nobody really knows you.
Maybe your home sick or missing that western touch. Oh, by the way I'm Thai but I grew up overseas and realised I was home sick.
I’m Thai too, and after living here for nearly 16 years, the longer I stay, the more I miss Europe. I miss the snow, the food, the weather with four seasons, and the multicultural vibe of European cities, with people (especially womans😜) from all over the world. I started missing Europe after just 5 years. Thailand is great for living long term or retirement, but only if you live in a chill beach town. Bangkok just isn’t my vibe - it’s fun for a few weeks or months, but for long-term living, it’s not suited to me and most expats.
Belief, especially strong belief should be evidence based. Your blind faith in supernatural myth and legend scribed in iron-age scrolls while aligning yourself with a particular religious sect or cult is hardly a virtuous endeavour. Rather, it's exposing yourself to indoctrination into a cult of wishful thinkers in eternal life and a particular man-made God concept. It's a shame that so much of this vid is devoted to religious references instead of reflections on living in Thailand for the last 4 years, a predominantly Buddhist society. Suggesting a more appropriate and honest title for this vid, My Religious Awakening in Thailand.
Amen
Communist California, seriously? Life is delusional itself… Chasing and clinging to cravings will only make them harder.
When I move to BKK my hope is to meet people thru Pickleball and Tennis. Gave up the drinking over 4 years ago so I’m not the bar fly I used to be. Congrats on your 4 years in Thailand and have a very Happy New Years Forest !!!
Living abroad can be hard work: culture, language and acceptance. Good luck and Happy New Years!
Damn. Have been subscribed and liking videos but the Communist California comment lost me. Most of my Thai family are proud Californians and have made a great life there and have helped many relatives in Thailand. You obviously have zero idea what communism is if you’re making this kind of dumb comment.
Thanks Forrest for keeping it real, your videos come across as very authentic. Paul Lee is too commercial while Joyce has overly idealistic views of Thailand IMO
They are all only glamorizing Thailand lol.
Not saying it’s them or anyone else. But know there are slander and libel laws in Thailand. So the “positivity” viewpoints should be interpreted with a grain of salt. A person can’t say anything negative to harm another persons company or reputation.
@@overclocked1290 But, but, but, Forrest says he's more free in Thailand than in the good old USA. lol
13:30 I have seen this attitude with many people and don't get it. What is so different between swimming or boxing all day, and partying all day. Unless you want to make a career and earn money from swimming or boxing, you are still just enjoying your time. Same when partying. Unless the amount of alcohol or drugs become dangerous for your health, spending a night hanging out with your friends versus boxing brings no benefits one way or another.
Been here 20 years. Pretty easy. Depends on your lifestyle.
Sabai sabai
Bangkok is not Thailand. If you’re lucky, it won’t take too many years for you to figure that out.🙏
complains about usa and american society, complains about countries and society trying to control, lives in buddhist thailand, loves the way of life of buddhist thailand....becomes a catholic.
Very happy for you Forrest!
I used to be a church goer Forest. It's a LOTTA work getting saved as the brothers would say....
Good to meet u today Forrest
and didn’t know that you make TH-cam video
love hearing your perspective bro…here’s to an amazing 2025!
Congratulations on your 4 year anniversary! Lots of truth to what you said & many have followed the same trials of initiation into Thailand. Many never survived it so it is good to see you have made it thru those stages. I would not have pegged you for a church person though I would have thought more towards the Theosophical Society type. But it is all good & Good you have made it & seem quite stable & happy. Wish you continued success in 2025!
Split between Thailand and Portugal, either way my wife and I are going to be spending some time in Thailand in 2025. Thanks for all your wise words and videos Forrest, all the best in 2025 !
Happy Four years anniversary! Keep making videos!🎉
Welcome to the faith Forrest! I’m visiting Thailand in 2 weeks. Cant wait.
.. you mean the deviant cult ! Come half way around the world to join a cult. Amazing !
Interestingly enough it is also my fourth year in Thailand. Now that the exploration thrill is over - that includes the ladies - it’s time to recalibrate my life here.
That thrill was over for me already after 2 months lol
Classic case of The original five stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance - have adapted over the years.....and now it's getting older and wiser by evaluating of self reflecting
Damn good advice Forrest. I'm gonna hit you up when I move to Thailand. Hopefully within 1 year.
WHEN are you going to stop holding back and tell us how you really feel?? LOL....!! I was just in Bangkok and Pattaya! Got back on December 11, 2024. I really liked Bangkok and I am planning to retire in Thailand too..! God bless you and your girlfriend and Thank for sharing this video..!
Exactly...
To sum it up you meet better people in church than you do in bars. True.
In my experience expats in Bangkok often suffer from Peter Pan syndrome. When living there I felt like I had a lot of acquaintances but few friends. I feel like in the past Forest mistook acquaintance drinking buddies for friends.
I think your analysis about friendships is accurate. Going to bars or places like that are not good places.
Thank you 🙏 very very much for sharing. ALL of the truth. Situation. ❤❤ thank you. My dear brother 👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇹🇭
How did you get to be able to stay, is there a special visa that you need
I feel sorry for you that you have allowed yourself to be brainwashed into the fear of the Christian faith.
He's into cults, first it was maga and now this.
Which religion do you recommend?
@@ceeIoc NONE!
4 years in BK , check your lungs every year
How does the air quality and flooding affect your day to day living in Thailand?
honestly, being salty about people and grumpy doesn't really help. and yes i'm also from cali so called 'communist' and been in thailand for awhile
Totally agree. In his eyes having him as a friend is a privilege but I would be bored with this dudes attitude in two days. And apparently it takes him months to figure out somebody is not really compatible or a good friend. Totally insecure, and with a massive chip on his shoulder. I knew somebody just like him, ironically in the Bay Area.
I would stay in Bangkok until I learned to speak Thai, then I would move to an area that is not just dedicated to tourism.
Bangkok is the worst to “learn Thai” if you aren’t in a school.
@@theelitelifeee Highly disagree, as a foreigner it has all of the amenities and services I'm used to. I can manage with English as my Thai slowly improves. It has an airport so travel is convenient.
What's your alternative? And more importantly why did you put "learn Thai" in quotes haha?
@ lol no. Everyone will just speak English to you and no one cares to help improve your English.
Thai*
@@theelitelifeee What's your alternative? Otherwise your comment is moot.
What is your job/how do you make your living?
He gets an allowance from his parents. Fact.
So happy for you Forrest on your 4 years in Thailand,I have just done 3 years,I have also been married to a Thai for 38 years,in one of your early videos your said,you mentioned fat people looking like shit 😂😂😂😂😂,well I am fat and for them 3 years I have been really trying to lose some weight,I have really struggled,but one thing I have not struggled with is I was 5 years sober on Christmas Day ,I was recently in Saudi Arabia for the boxing and on the bus to the plane a young Asian girl kept smiling at me,she was about 20 years old,I was a bit embarrassed,so I looked away,she done it again and then again,in the end she held her rosary up to show me in her hand,from the day I went to Bethlehem on a pilgrimage and got my rosary I have worn my rosary proudly outside my shirt,the amount of pleasure fellow Christians get from seeing me where my rosary is just lovely,I hope you have a happy new year ,and I for give you for saying fat people looking like a piece of shit😂😂😂😂😂😂
Communist California? .......surely that's an oxymoron. Disillusionment , at times, is par for the course, (sorry about cliche) but Forrest you strike me as being too young for a mid-life crisis, but if you wish to fast-track it, Bangkok is the place. Sometimes it is better to philosophise rather than analyse and criticise.
From commie SF to military dictatorship feudalism BKK😅
I bought a 20,000 usd Rolex and got depressed when I realized I had a clock on my phone 😂😅🎉
Poor. It’s not near 20k either
Hi Forrest. I'm a long time subscriber and viewer. I enjoy your content and your frankness. Today I came across the TH-cam channel for Donald Lee. Donald is a young Canadian Chinese guy living in Dallas. I hope that you will check out his Channel and communicate with him. I sense that he could use a wise "big brother" like you to share your story. I sense that he feels like he is alone in his walk in life. I bet you might make a difference.
Keep on being Forrest!
Keep up
Can't see the Forrest for the trees. 😅
Thailand is a unique place. You can either crash an burn there, stay for the rest of your life in a state of alienation or try to make some sense of it all and go forward. During my last trip there, I decided to take refuge in Chiang Mai. Attended a buddhist retreat for farangs, went to the jesuit wooden chapel, did some bike tours. After coming back, decided to learn thai. Slowly. First figure out the thai script and then move to spoken thai. I grew up speaking portuguese (long words, few meanings for each one), so learning a tonal language is surely going to be a big challenge. But northern thailand seems to be worthy the effort. The peace, the serenity, life just continuing with all the helmetless school girls driving around their vespas. Having a nice thai meal for 200 bath somewhere in the neighborhood. There are Thailands and Thailands. It is just a matter of choosing the one that is better for you.
Having financial success over the last year perhaps you could do some motivational videos for early semi retirees planning on moving to SE Asia.. and share some ideas.
That will help so many
Did his parents increase his allowance?
Forrest is a mix of an 10-year-old and a NPC. He needs others to tell him what to do: Trump, the Church... and if someone disagrees he is a "communist" lol.
And to cope with all that he needs to tell us how much money he has in every single video 😂
Forrest, who hurt you? Please don't leave all the juicy tidbits just for confessions on Sundays.
This is the time in life were men have a family and put all their energy into that.
An excellent vlog, Forrest; I hope this new religious phase is what you are looking for in your life ❤️🙏🏽😇
I don't see it. Everyone is trying to sell you something even the Catholic Church.
I like Bangkok, but I would consider looking at some other places in Thailand. The issue of fast friends and not being able to find good long lasting friendships can be found a lot easier outside of BKK. Also, a lot of the non-BKK locales are just peaceful and good for your mental health. I met one of my best friends here in Thailand. Unfortunately, this friend passed away this week. I can say that my life has been made richer, more satisfying and fulfilling having known him. I hope you and anyone who reads this comment do find a great friend like mine because one's life is made so much better from it. I wish you and the others who've read this comment well. Cheers, Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!
Sorry to hear that. What was the cause of the passing if you don’t mind me asking?
@ he died of a sudden heart failure. It took all of us by surprise. I just feel so bad for his wife and kids.
new Forrest is a judgmental machine, what fun
Europe is a great 2nd base, for sure, many very interesting different countries to explore, some of them are even cheap,, and you get that feeling after a while it would be nice to go back to thailand over the winter. Also you have many direct flights forth n back for cheap. Not a bad living..
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. You sound linely especially on Christmas 🎄. Maybe that because living in Bangkok has different pace and culture than in other provinces. I feel that you will feel much happier in a place like Samui or Pang-ngar (sorry for not checking for spelling). I think you will find some people (either Thais or forieners) who you could feel closer to hang out with in other places in Thailand. Living is fast pace in Bangkok. It is normal even with many Thais to feel linely there. I really encourage you to visit Samui or Pangan for a month. I wish you will consider my advice for your own benefit. I really wish you happiness. All the best.
If you got girl problems i can't help you Sun i got 99 problems but that ain't one.
Jail-Z
@@Suspicious_Elmo yeah, he cant help with girlproblems.....
Good stuff. I've tuned in to your channel a number of times last couple years. I was baptized Catholic as a newborn but later grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church in NY City. I've been looking forward to getting to Bangkok for many many years. I'm a lot older than you, early 50s, but still looking forward to getting to Thailand as an expat. I'm planning. My parents are seniors and my children are well into their 20s now. Right now I'm stacking bonus points for flights. Might be in SEAsia next month for work. As far as I'm concerned, Bangkok is where it's at.
For the record: cut out all energy vampires. I quit drugs and alcohol 30 years ago. Life is better spent looking after yourself first. Only then can we show up for the people that matter.
Forrest- random question here..... *what's your approximate BODY COUNT since landing in Thailand 4 years ago?!!!!!* please includes paid and non paid bodies ... (triple digit territory? 🤣)
How dare you question Forrest's purity. He is saving it for marriage. Am I right, Forrest? lol
@@ellvtv2314 I bet he'd have to declare himself a *born again virgin* many times over to do that!
@@kendallhughes7507 Forrest often mentions the idea of a reset. Perhaps that's what he was referencing. Lord Hallelujah! haha
I think its incredibly based that you're speaking your mind and pursuing whats important to you. While Im not religious, I have many friends that get vakue from their religion. Keep being based.
The surface level friendship/relationships issue... I would say its hard to find good people with integrity everywhere.. its not a Bankgok thing.. hell, in the west its way worse!
The sad part is,,,,people watch these videos and see themselves there and think (only Bangkok) ...Thailand is massive..there is so much to explore and understand ...you really MUST learn Thai
Good video. I saw you once at a mall lol. I feel similar when im in thailand. Check out Bali. I think it can fill the gaps you mentioned.
how did you make your money this year?
Partied so hard and couldn't get a good thai lady gf. Sad case wrong priorities and goals.
Thailand and Europe sounds pretty good. yeah money is good to have, but only up to a point. Thinking about the big picture sounds admirable.
yeah same here. ive been here since the military discharge and pack everything up in San Diego and left, i tried the teaching business, but it is ok.
While your personal journey and reflections are undoubtedly meaningful to you, the 16-minute monologue felt overly self-indulgent and lacked a clear, engaging structure for the audience. The constant shifts between religious conversion, dating anecdotes, and financial success came across as disjointed, making it difficult to connect with the core message. A more focused narrative or thematic thread could have elevated the video, transforming it from a personal diary entry into a compelling story that resonates with viewers. That said, your honesty is commendable, but brevity and clarity would make your insights far more impactful.
Thoughtful. Thank you
Happy New Year Forrest!
A lot of the ease you have in a place like Bangkok is related to how attractive you look and the amount of money you have. Hard facts.
I'm Thai, also want to learn about life in Europe thru your perspective. Why not try it, right? 🎉 If it doesn't work, just get back..
Yes, the market did well in 2024, but, but, but, unless you sold your coin, it's still at risk...it's unrealized gains until you cash in, which leads to a massive tax bill in the US. For that reason, I don't rest easy. So volatile.
Forrest- congrats on your 4 years there. How is that even possible? So I’ve been telling you I planned to move there for 4 yrs.😅 Glad you found a church to be a part of there and to embrace it. When I lived in Tokyo for those 10 yrs, it was my church family that I leaned on for support and made some genuine friends. All the best in 2025. Smile more- you have a great smile to share.
You being maga and surrounding yourself with maga may be the reason why you are depressed.
What lol 😂
That was also my impression...........referring to California as being communist was a bit of a giveaway!
“Being maga”. Please stop with these meaningless labels.
Why are you hiding your girlfriend from social media ?
Isn’t it obvious?
@@theelitelifeeeladyboy?
Hey brother, I'm also a veteran and moving in May. Is there any expat groups for fellow vets? Love your content
I've been smiling, bowing and using broken Thai-English all my life and its hasn't been working here in the States. LOL
God bless you bro 🙏
Unfortunately he sounds bitter and depressed.
Yes that´s what you get for being a grumpy Trumpist and hating on Immigrants while being an Immigrant yourself.
He’s been saying he feels old for the past 5 years. Misery is both his identity and crutch. If something goes wrong “whoops, knew it. That’s the horrible world for you”. If something goes right “well, I do deserve it once in a while after all my horrible things in life”.
@@Numbe-i2qno one is hating on immigrants.
It's comforting to know that I can still connect with other Christians, even in Bangkok. That's amazing that you found a church there. It's a lot more important than people realize.
Great video and look back. We are cut from the same cloth. Would love to do lunch sometime. I live here in Bangkok...cheers!
Hi Forrest,
At 03:40, the "piece p00p" you are talking about, is it David Bond?
Are you alright????? not mind sicko
I don’t see him partying with him anymore. 😂
Ew he was hanging out with that tool? I watched some of his content back in the day for the shock value but always thought he was a d-bag who I would never want to be around. The aura that guy fumegates is putrid. Forrest might be critical but he's someone who just aspires to be a good person. He's extremely reflective and you can tell he wants to be better for the right reasons and his heart is in the right place. Thailand is rife with what many would consider meaningless pursuits. Once you strip away those facets from your day to day life you realize how very simple life in Thailand really is. We tend to overcomplicate it. Because everywhere you go, there you are. I'm envious of people who have carved out a life here with discovering true deep passions that make life fulfilling. I'm not there yet personally. I'm still new to this and very naive. But it seems like Forrest is figuring something out anyway lol.
Was great to meet you at Spartan Race in Thalang - Come move to Phuket brotha!
Is Phutek nice??
So not much luck for all the medicated people. Where is the love guys? What matters is if they are good people. Don’t stigmatise people