I really appreciate your measured, non-judgmental approach to talking about these topics. You present aspects of Thai life and culture with the realization that not all people are the same. "If you're this kind of person, you'll like it. If you're that kind of person, you won't" So refreshing!
Whats up from Vegas buddy, didn't know you were from here. Hope to travel your way one day soon and check it out. Will take 88° and humidity over 122° and can't go outside much for 3 months. Love hitting 95 north towards creech and open up and fly. Happy new years!!
I miss most of those things about the uk too but once again the pros outweigh the cons massively and like I’ve said previously, the west is not even close to what it used to be and my nostalgia will be replaced by disgust if I ever went back! I am going to try and live in Penang, Malaysia within the next 5 years and see if that is more palatable
Many years ago, I moved from Hawaii to California for college. There were definitely things i missed that i had grown up with. But i adapted and moved on. I expect the same would be true if i moved to Thailand.
Love the bidet hygiene culture in Thailand which does not exist in western countries. Safety is also huge plus in Thailand which is much less in west. I miss access to buying organic produce online like Amazon which is not as extensive in Thailand. On the plus side, Thailand has amazing local fresh food markets at incredible prices by family farms that are probably close to organic.
More honest content, thanks. In Bangkok for a week, scoping out neighborhoods for when we move here. Coming from Saudi (me) and Dubai (her), the heat is not an issue here. Had lunch at the Big C food court on Friday - two filling entrees and two beers was $6. But, last night had a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale pint near Central World and it was about $9 lol. Love the variety of things to do here - culture, food, shopping, walking. Since arriving Thursday night, we've had two days of over 15,000 steps per day. Echo your point on service (hit or miss), but always friendly. Service in the Middle East is terrible and grumpy - Thailand wins that one.
I’ve been retired in Bangkok full-time for the last 7 years. Go home once every couple years to visit family. There’s nothing I miss about the United States. I still get to watch the NFL , NBA CNBC on 55 inch in Bkk. Maybe once in a while, I have a craving for In-N-Out Burger. As I’m from California, I do miss my wine prices and my Christmas tamales🤣
@RamzeTravels remember where you are, Pattaya ! Hello,... Why there of all the choices, especially since you're not a young/old Single guy ? Seriously, why there, I'm honestly curious, even though I haven't been to that area, but live in Patong for a year.?
I think if you live anywhere permanently there will always be negatives and positives, it’s unavoidable, for me to try to get the best out of my life I don’t live permanently anywhere but I do have homes in 3 countries, if you alternate between your favourite countries it is truly amazing , you will always have issues but that’s called life!! Great video Ramze☘️
One thing I'm curious about is the product or groceries? Are there things you miss from the US? E.g. fresh produce? Fruit? I've heard cheese is expensive. Or what about things like bread? Does it taste the same?
Cheese is a bit more and less variety. Produce is everywhere here and is better and cheaper by a lot. Bread seems similar but way less variety. We don’t cook much at home so that has very little effect on us. There are places like Villa Market that stock a lot of imported items but at a higher price.
Ramze…good show as always…take a fly down to Langkawi…the Duty Free capital of the region…a bottle of Bourban under $10 bucks…the most Super cars per capita anywhere in the world…had lunch their one day and a crew of 10 McLarens rolled in..
The thing I miss the most are basic safety features. Railings mostly non-existent, which I deal with everyday in my new condo as there is no way to reach ground level without going down stairs with the exception of using the garage car ramps. Stepping off a pier in Koh Phangan on to the round railing of a bouncing boat. Is a plank so hard? They do this 8 times a day? The complete disregard for traffic direction, and most other traffic laws. The eye-level covers of the motorbike carts. Disrepair and hazards of sidewalks (broken arm in Bangkok from that). Of less importance... trash cans are hard to find, can't read the ingredients of items - even import items as usually covered by a sticker in Thai, and the expense of import items, especially cigars! Entering my third year here and the good far outweighs the bad, and a few trips a year to the US and other places will be enough to maintain balance. Thanks for all the information on your channel, and hope you continue. Happy New Year!
When I first started going to Thailand, I ate mostly Thai food. Now it's probably 50/50 at least when I'm in Bangkok. I've had some great burgers and pizza here. Bulgogi pizza from Korean restaurants is awesome. On the same note. I've been spoiled by Thai food there, the only time I eat it here is if friends want it.
I miss the four distinct seasons we have in the New England area of the United States, which is why for now I'm traveling back and forth to Thailand and my home base in New York City.
Well done on your balanced view of Thailand. NO place is perfect. All places have Pros and Cons. As individuals we have free will to decide if the place we’ve chosen to live have pros that outweigh the cons and if those cons are something we can live with! I do love Thailand, especially Bangkok where I’ve had some of the best food including *Western* food, whatever that may be exactly😉
Bangkok has the most food variety of any big city in the world, and going out on a limb, the western food you find is better than the western food at home, (in the west). They just put more effort in the craft. You'll have to go to a real fine dining place in the west to find stuff comparable with the local italian restaurant in Bangkok, mostly you're going to get sloppy service and frozen reheated food. THE best western food I had in my life, has been in Asia, not in the west. Also there are perfectly authentic Mexican restaurants in Bangkok run by Mexicans, perhaps you haven't found those yet.
When I first started dating my wife she wanted Chinese food and got me to go with her by saying that they have American food on the menu as well. When we got there she told me it's on the menu but probably won't be very good. This got me to try Chinese food for the first time. After that we went so often she got tired of it.😊
When I was younger I always had the philosophy of embracing winter, doing things like skiing, snowshoeing, etc...Now I'm a grumpy old(er) man who never wants to see a snowflake or single digit temperatures again.
Con - toilets. The state of them that is. I’m not talking about the plush malls. Just your everyday bar or eatery. Usually no flush on the urinal, so they honk. Or no running water in the taps - or soap for that matter. Then if you do find running water and soap, you end up rubbing your wet hands in your shorts because there’s nothing to dry them with. On the plus side. The bum gun is probably the best invention ever. You think how much of the Amazon rain forest would still be here today if the west adopted the bum gun! Keep up the good work.
Always got to feed the algo 🤣 but you are right. Even in America, when you move form the city to the burbs, you will notice the Mexican food in the city is far far far better, you will miss the city food.
So soooo many TH-camrs making any video that will attract clicks because their ability to live there depends on it. Always appreciate your sincerity. Last visit to Thailand I noticed it really has lost its magic.
The USA sucks right now to be honest. Lots of sad events in the news. Rampant price inflation, increased crime, and political drama. I'm headed to Thailand for a year and hope to not even think about the USA
@@RamzeTravels I'm sure there will be things I miss about the USA, but at this point I just need a break from the USA. Last few years have been so bad. Business failure, relationship ended, cost of living is to the moon. I could go on but I digress.
I've had soi dogs get hit by a car 4 feet from me as I'm walking down the busy street. As a dog dad it makes me mad that the thais appear to not give a shit about this disaster. Also was telling my wife back home in the snow that the constant sun and sweat was getting a little much. Ive been here 5 weeks and id like a little cold to balance out the heat. The red light scene is a lot worse in person than I ever thought it would be. I know it's a lot more acceptable here, but it's just creepy as hell to me seeing the girlfriend experience 1000 times a day in the very obvious couples.
"Food was decent?" . . . . Wow!! You're much too kind!! Again Ramze, let's put this into an actual context. If one is, say multi-millionaire, would they seriously be living in Thailand permanently? I really don't think so! It's all just cheaper or "Economically-Friendly". Ones could get anything and everything Thailand in La La Land's Bangrak Market or Las Vegas's Chinatown (and a couple of Thai Grocery stores there too) Not to mention many Thai restaurants in La La Land and Vegas are even better than some of the fancy hotels' here!! In the U.S., at least you wouldn't die prematurely because of Air Pollutions nor Traffic-related incidents that wouldn't happen anywhere else on the planet. Some days in Chiangmai, the pollution was "the worst" in the world!! It's all just economically friendlier and yes, Thai people mostly won't bother you as long as you have $$$. And pretty soon after the pandora box has been opened (Visa-Free) sooner or later the repercussions of "Over Tourism" is going to be catastrophic to the level unimaginable before. All I'm saying also is that you're giving things as they are from factual-based point of views. "Truth is relative" One;s truth is definitely going to be different from the other, even if you're an actual conjoined Siamese Twins, right? One head is going to like it while the other is going to feel or think otherwise!! One Planet Earth and 8 billion individual's world!! That's a fact!! Thailand is a very doable place to visit and staying short-term but try to look at how many expats have left after so many years and how many have actually managed to have stayed permanently? I think the ratio is not even comparable!
Brother, your so quick with the likes ! Anyway, just thinking that maybe Hua Hin area would suit you better because it's a different mind set and overall attitude. Just saying,as just like here on Maui, just 20 mins down/up the road, the people are totally different ! Just wish it was cheaper and closed in, but no where more beautiful or better weather, but $120+min, for a massage,ouch. And yes, it's a thing of enjoyment and now a need, for me. Ok, just saying
I have been to Hua Hin. Nice place but just felt like a much less seedy Pattaya. I think I will be leaving Thailand and keeping the parts of Thailand I love as a yearly 2-3 month vacation spot. Best of all worlds.
I just returned to the USA and the very first day clearly remember why I want to leave and return to my spirit home in Thailand. For me the combative nature of the western culture makes me physically ill. I have travelled SA and Philip and Thailand is like night and day. Here in the US I immediately feel angry and ready to fight. In Thailand I feel peaceful and happy. I served in the military and love the country I was born and raised in. Unfortunately the country where I was born was never my home. Never respected or loved me like I loved what I thought was home.
Ramze, if you order "ส้มตำไทย“ (sôm tam thai) you should never get shrimp or crab or the nasty "ปลาร้า" (fermented fish). Failing that, copy and paste this ส้มตำไทย ไม่เอาปลาร้า ไม่เอาปู ไม่เอากุ้ง ครับ and they'll get it right every time! good luck with your papaya salad!
Ramse I’m afraid the love hate relationship is at the hate stage. 5 restaurants 5 mistakes and items missing I am like you but not as daring. I refuse to drive in this lunacy. The food is really getting boring, there are so many pad krapows and sai eua you can have. I avoid street food at all costs been sick twice and I’m jumping for joy….. boarding the plane on Tuesday for my beautiful Australia….. The funny thing is come songkran I’ll be itching again with anticipation to come back….. Is this bordering on masochism or what
I can't live in a country that doesn't have a rich assortment of IPA's and bourbon. I can't live without Weller 12 or Antique 107....Tell you what Ramze when I get to visiting Thailand ,( I believe I can bring in 2 bottles duty free).I WILL find you and share it.....that is what bourbon is for.
Always interesting to hear a person from a different race explain things they miss about “ America “ as they call it … good content … I NEVER miss ANYTHING about “ America after leaving “ because “ America “ only wanted my people for slave labor but I can understand why a white man would feel different … good content
I really appreciate your measured, non-judgmental approach to talking about these topics. You present aspects of Thai life and culture with the realization that not all people are the same. "If you're this kind of person, you'll like it. If you're that kind of person, you won't" So refreshing!
Absolutely love when you point out the Possible negative aspects ! Thanks 👍
I'll be moving to BKK in May for retirement. Thanks for the realistic videos. It's opened my eyes to the good and bad
having grown up in eastern Canada, snow would be the last thing I would miss... but high 80's most days would take some time to get used to.
Whats up from Vegas buddy, didn't know you were from here. Hope to travel your way one day soon and check it out. Will take 88° and humidity over 122° and can't go outside much for 3 months. Love hitting 95 north towards creech and open up and fly. Happy new years!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR RAMZE!!!
I miss most of those things about the uk too but once again the pros outweigh the cons massively and like I’ve said previously, the west is not even close to what it used to be and my nostalgia will be replaced by disgust if I ever went back!
I am going to try and live in Penang, Malaysia within the next 5 years and see if that is more palatable
Many years ago, I moved from Hawaii to California for college. There were definitely things i missed that i had grown up with. But i adapted and moved on. I expect the same would be true if i moved to Thailand.
Love the bidet hygiene culture in Thailand which does not exist in western countries. Safety is also huge plus in Thailand which is much less in west. I miss access to buying organic produce online like Amazon which is not as extensive in Thailand. On the plus side, Thailand has amazing local fresh food markets at incredible prices by family farms that are probably close to organic.
More honest content, thanks. In Bangkok for a week, scoping out neighborhoods for when we move here. Coming from Saudi (me) and Dubai (her), the heat is not an issue here. Had lunch at the Big C food court on Friday - two filling entrees and two beers was $6. But, last night had a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale pint near Central World and it was about $9 lol. Love the variety of things to do here - culture, food, shopping, walking. Since arriving Thursday night, we've had two days of over 15,000 steps per day. Echo your point on service (hit or miss), but always friendly. Service in the Middle East is terrible and grumpy - Thailand wins that one.
Always enjoy and appreciate your candor in the videos. Thank you
I’ve been retired in Bangkok full-time for the last 7 years. Go home once every couple years to visit family. There’s nothing I miss about the United States. I still get to watch the NFL , NBA CNBC on 55 inch in Bkk. Maybe once in a while, I have a craving for In-N-Out Burger. As I’m from California, I do miss my wine prices and my Christmas tamales🤣
Ramz was it difficult trying to find like minded ppl/friends that you can actually trust and hang out with over there
Pretty much impossible and will probably be the main issue that drives me away.
@ noted cheers can’t wait for the next video 👍😎👏🤟🍻
@RamzeTravels remember where you are, Pattaya ! Hello,... Why there of all the choices, especially since you're not a young/old Single guy ? Seriously, why there, I'm honestly curious, even though I haven't been to that area, but live in Patong for a year.?
Thumbs up 👍 Ramze
For the seasons, take a trip to Baguio Philippines ! Or others just a few hours away!?😊
The dog issue is a big one for me too so thanks for mentioning it
You and I have a few things in common. IPA...bourbon (my goto is Bulleit), road tripping and México. I miss good Méxican food. Heading back in Feb.
I think if you live anywhere permanently there will always be negatives and positives, it’s unavoidable, for me to try to get the best out of my life I don’t live permanently anywhere but I do have homes in 3 countries, if you alternate between your favourite countries it is truly amazing , you will always have issues but that’s called life!! Great video Ramze☘️
One thing I'm curious about is the product or groceries? Are there things you miss from the US? E.g. fresh produce? Fruit? I've heard cheese is expensive. Or what about things like bread? Does it taste the same?
Cheese is a bit more and less variety. Produce is everywhere here and is better and cheaper by a lot. Bread seems similar but way less variety. We don’t cook much at home so that has very little effect on us. There are places like Villa Market that stock a lot of imported items but at a higher price.
Ramze…good show as always…take a fly down to Langkawi…the Duty Free capital of the region…a bottle of Bourban under $10 bucks…the most Super cars per capita anywhere in the world…had lunch their one day and a crew of 10 McLarens rolled in..
The thing I miss the most are basic safety features. Railings mostly non-existent, which I deal with everyday in my new condo as there is no way to reach ground level without going down stairs with the exception of using the garage car ramps. Stepping off a pier in Koh Phangan on to the round railing of a bouncing boat. Is a plank so hard? They do this 8 times a day? The complete disregard for traffic direction, and most other traffic laws. The eye-level covers of the motorbike carts. Disrepair and hazards of sidewalks (broken arm in Bangkok from that).
Of less importance... trash cans are hard to find, can't read the ingredients of items - even import items as usually covered by a sticker in Thai, and the expense of import items, especially cigars! Entering my third year here and the good far outweighs the bad, and a few trips a year to the US and other places will be enough to maintain balance. Thanks for all the information on your channel, and hope you continue.
Happy New Year!
It's good to hear you are enjoying your time here and are finding ways to balance the differences!
Jumping on a plane to Thailand tomorrow. For the next two three months I certainly will not miss the cold and darkness of Sweden.
CNX gets pretty cool in the winter, but not as much as Vegas can.
When I first started going to Thailand, I ate mostly Thai food. Now it's probably 50/50 at least when I'm in Bangkok. I've had some great burgers and pizza here.
Bulgogi pizza from Korean restaurants is awesome. On the same note. I've been spoiled by Thai food there, the only time I eat it here is if friends want it.
I miss the four distinct seasons we have in the New England area of the United States, which is why for now I'm traveling back and forth to Thailand and my home base in New York City.
Well done on your balanced view of Thailand. NO place is perfect. All places have Pros and Cons. As individuals we have free will to decide if the place we’ve chosen to live have pros that outweigh the cons and if those cons are something we can live with! I do love Thailand, especially Bangkok where I’ve had some of the best food including *Western* food, whatever that may be exactly😉
Bangkok has the most food variety of any big city in the world, and going out on a limb, the western food you find is better than the western food at home, (in the west). They just put more effort in the craft. You'll have to go to a real fine dining place in the west to find stuff comparable with the local italian restaurant in Bangkok, mostly you're going to get sloppy service and frozen reheated food. THE best western food I had in my life, has been in Asia, not in the west. Also there are perfectly authentic Mexican restaurants in Bangkok run by Mexicans, perhaps you haven't found those yet.
Disagree. Ever been to Vegas, LA, Boston or NYC?
@@40yearexpat Not much. Mostly comparing to Europe.
Exactly. He's never been to New York City for sure.@@40yearexpat
Ok mame those restaurants so we can check it out too
@@Love2trav and @RamzeTravels For Mexican food. Try Danzante at Soi 61 and tell me that's not authentic enough.
Hello, for the algorithm !😎
When I first started dating my wife she wanted Chinese food and got me to go with her by saying that they have American food on the menu as well. When we got there she told me it's on the menu but probably won't be very good. This got me to try Chinese food for the first time. After that we went so often she got tired of it.😊
We do care about the restaurant names …. I wish u make a video just for the best places u ate so far … thanks
Good idea, I'll put it on the list!
Some help for the algorithm and help for the soi dogs👍
Thank you 🙏
When I was younger I always had the philosophy of embracing winter, doing things like skiing, snowshoeing, etc...Now I'm a grumpy old(er) man who never wants to see a snowflake or single digit temperatures again.
Con - toilets. The state of them that is. I’m not talking about the plush malls. Just your everyday bar or eatery. Usually no flush on the urinal, so they honk. Or no running water in the taps - or soap for that matter. Then if you do find running water and soap, you end up rubbing your wet hands in your shorts because there’s nothing to dry them with.
On the plus side. The bum gun is probably the best invention ever. You think how much of the Amazon rain forest would still be here today if the west adopted the bum gun!
Keep up the good work.
Always got to feed the algo 🤣 but you are right. Even in America, when you move form the city to the burbs, you will notice the Mexican food in the city is far far far better, you will miss the city food.
So soooo many TH-camrs making any video that will attract clicks because their ability to live there depends on it. Always appreciate your sincerity. Last visit to Thailand I noticed it really has lost its magic.
“Pay for extra egg”….. 😂✌🏽
The USA sucks right now to be honest. Lots of sad events in the news. Rampant price inflation, increased crime, and political drama. I'm headed to Thailand for a year and hope to not even think about the USA
You may be surprised what you miss. The grass is always greener as they say.
@@RamzeTravels I'm sure there will be things I miss about the USA, but at this point I just need a break from the USA. Last few years have been so bad. Business failure, relationship ended, cost of living is to the moon. I could go on but I digress.
A break is just what you need!
I've had soi dogs get hit by a car 4 feet from me as I'm walking down the busy street. As a dog dad it makes me mad that the thais appear to not give a shit about this disaster.
Also was telling my wife back home in the snow that the constant sun and sweat was getting a little much. Ive been here 5 weeks and id like a little cold to balance out the heat.
The red light scene is a lot worse in person than I ever thought it would be. I know it's a lot more acceptable here, but it's just creepy as hell to me seeing the girlfriend experience 1000 times a day in the very obvious couples.
"Food was decent?" . . . . Wow!! You're much too kind!!
Again Ramze, let's put this into an actual context. If one is, say multi-millionaire, would they seriously be living in Thailand permanently? I really don't think so!
It's all just cheaper or "Economically-Friendly". Ones could get anything and everything Thailand in La La Land's Bangrak Market or Las Vegas's Chinatown (and a couple of Thai Grocery stores there too) Not to mention many Thai restaurants in La La Land and Vegas are even better than some of the fancy hotels' here!!
In the U.S., at least you wouldn't die prematurely because of Air Pollutions nor Traffic-related incidents that wouldn't happen anywhere else on the planet. Some days in Chiangmai, the pollution was "the worst" in the world!!
It's all just economically friendlier and yes, Thai people mostly won't bother you as long as you have $$$. And pretty soon after the pandora box has been opened (Visa-Free) sooner or later the repercussions of "Over Tourism" is going to be catastrophic to the level unimaginable before.
All I'm saying also is that you're giving things as they are from factual-based point of views. "Truth is relative" One;s truth is definitely going to be different from the other, even if you're an actual conjoined Siamese Twins, right? One head is going to like it while the other is going to feel or think otherwise!!
One Planet Earth and 8 billion individual's world!! That's a fact!!
Thailand is a very doable place to visit and staying short-term but try to look at how many expats have left after so many years and how many have actually managed to have stayed permanently? I think the ratio is not even comparable!
Buffalo Trace😂
Brother, your so quick with the likes ! Anyway, just thinking that maybe Hua Hin area would suit you better because it's a different mind set and overall attitude. Just saying,as just like here on Maui, just 20 mins down/up the road, the people are totally different ! Just wish it was cheaper and closed in, but no where more beautiful or better weather, but $120+min, for a massage,ouch. And yes, it's a thing of enjoyment and now a need, for me. Ok, just saying
I have been to Hua Hin. Nice place but just felt like a much less seedy Pattaya. I think I will be leaving Thailand and keeping the parts of Thailand I love as a yearly 2-3 month vacation spot. Best of all worlds.
Wow, 20 cent meal !!! Hope it wasn't a sou dog !😮😢😉
An easy way to solve the issue is spend time 50/50 in your home country and your adopted country. Scotch is my drink, bourbon is too sugary!
Key takeaway. Bring a bottle of bourbon in your checked bag.
I just returned to the USA and the very first day clearly remember why I want to leave and return to my spirit home in Thailand. For me the combative nature of the western culture makes me physically ill. I have travelled SA and Philip and Thailand is like night and day. Here in the US I immediately feel angry and ready to fight. In Thailand I feel peaceful and happy. I served in the military and love the country I was born and raised in. Unfortunately the country where I was born was never my home. Never respected or loved me like I loved what I thought was home.
I prefer cats anyway 😂
Ramze, if you order "ส้มตำไทย“ (sôm tam thai) you should never get shrimp or crab or the nasty "ปลาร้า" (fermented fish). Failing that, copy and paste this ส้มตำไทย ไม่เอาปลาร้า ไม่เอาปู ไม่เอากุ้ง ครับ and they'll get it right every time! good luck with your papaya salad!
Thank you
Ramse I’m afraid the love hate relationship is at the hate stage. 5 restaurants 5 mistakes and items missing
I am like you but not as daring. I refuse to drive in this lunacy. The food is really getting boring, there are so many pad krapows and sai eua you can have. I avoid street food at all costs been sick twice and I’m jumping for joy….. boarding the plane on Tuesday for my beautiful Australia…..
The funny thing is come songkran I’ll be itching again with anticipation to come back…..
Is this bordering on masochism or what
I understand you completely. I think it’s a great country to visit but can get old to live in.
I don't like Chinese food
I can't live in a country that doesn't have a rich assortment of IPA's and bourbon. I can't live without Weller 12 or Antique 107....Tell you what Ramze when I get to visiting Thailand ,( I believe I can bring in 2 bottles duty free).I WILL find you and share it.....that is what bourbon is for.
Always interesting to hear a person from a different race explain things they miss about “ America “ as they call it … good content … I NEVER miss ANYTHING about “ America after leaving “ because “ America “ only wanted my people for slave labor but I can understand why a white man would feel different … good content