Thailand is a very safe country if you mind your own business you will never have a problem in Thailand Respect culture speak softly don’t shout or raise your voice at Thai people show respect Motorbikes are very dangerous in major cities like pattaya mainly because of drunken farangs a few people I know had really bad accidents unfortunately A very important thing in Thailand is a good medical insurance known lots of people who didn’t and the day came when severe illness or accident happened then the massive bills for great hospitals like Bangkok pattaya Basically enjoy Thailand mind your own business and use common sense you will never have a problem I spent 30 years there
Wow that's another impressive package of wisdom crammed into a short video Cal. Everything is spot on. Motorbikes are death traps here in Thailand! Great work.
I went to Bangkok, three months ago for my first international trip outside of the United States. I was in Banglamphu near Khao San Road. I enjoyed my time out there. I damn near cried when I had to go back to the states.
In my visits it seems that a lot of young westerners get too much liquor in them and start acting crazy. In all my visits I have never felt threatened in any way. Hope to be back as soon as I can. Love Thailand
Well said. I can confirm that road safety in the UK is excellent. It's very very rare that there are road accidents & even in the most populated places. The infrastructure & general compliance of safety rules & regulations is superb.
Cal, thanks for another informative vid. I'd personally like to know more about how to politely observe cultural customs in Thailand , especially religious ones. Like, not touching shrines, how to show respect to monks, and that kind of thing.
I was on a tour once where we entered a crowded temple to view the murals. There were monks sitting on large mats; trying to avoid the crowd, I stepped over the corner of a mat, but not touching it with my foot or even close to the monks. The tour leader warned me this was disrespectful because my foot was in the air above their mat.
I agree. I think sometimes people tend to shut off common sense when their in travel mode. I've definitely been guilty of that. Thanks for the kind words!
A great analysis mate... Yep I think that if someone finds themselves in difficulty in Thailand... Difficulties can nearly always be fixed up by offering small gift or small money because you're playing to their weaknesses.. if this fails still stay open to negotiation, but never make them lose face, or you lose leverage in negotiation. Luke, Australia 🦘
I agree with you. The face thing is huge here.. this approach works very well to get out of scams quite cheaply as well. Just offer a small amount and often it’s accepted. Cheers!
To be honest roads are much safer in bangkok than anywhere in india i have driven moto for 2 years i never got into any accident the only time i had accident was a lalamove girl hitting me from behind while i was waiting for signal to turn green. The only suggestion i would give is to get driving license and insurace for ur moto, dont drive without license if you got to any accident with local you are in huge trouble.
Another excellent video with a lot of great advice for newcomers. In bkk one has to exercise caution even when crossing at a set of traffic lights. I've seen cars and bikes going through red lights if they "think" no one is crossing. I never get bike rides in bkk because I want to live lol and public transport is second to none. When it comes to safety, it's good to exercise caution no matter where you are. I have seen tourists with their phones hanging outside their back pockets and young ladies carrying their handbags wide open behind their backs. That is literally asking for someone to pick your pockets. What you said about losing face when getting upset and angry was really interesting. In France, where I come from, arguing is pretty much a national sport and it's when you're willing to compromise or apologise that you are seen as the "loser". it's exhausting; that's why I left a long time ago. I much prefer the UK or Thailand where they will do anything to avoid conflict and promote harmony rather than hostility. Thanks again 🙂
Thanks for the input! Totally agree with your perspective as well. Pick pocketing has actually become a much larger problem here in Bangkok over the past few years, as international pickpocketing gangs have moved in... a bit similar to Europe in that respect. Cheers!
Recommend you a good place BGC. Makati. Ortigas center. Eastwood city. Mall of Asia area in Manila Philippines , with many skyscrapers, large shopping malls, restaurants, bars and nightclubs
Thanks for the kind words. I'm curious... how does Thailand have a nanny state though? I see it as kindof an absentee parent with a handout kindof state lol
@thebangkokguide Well, when you look up the definition of "nanny state," it's when the government is regarded as overprotective or interfering unduly with personal choice. Setting aside the governments interfering with personal political choice, the restriction on alcohol buying, the potential outlawing of Marijuana for recreational use, internet freedom and the restriction on who can get married are all examples of "nanny" encroaching on personal freedom.
I recall watching the news about a retired western couple getting into some kind of argument/fight with a young Thai man. The Thai man gave the woman a strong kick to the face and she fell straight back, unconscious before she hit the ground. I was shocked because she could have died when her head hit the street, and the fact that the young Thai guy resorted to that much force on an old woman. Do you recall the incident? I may be a little sketchy on the details but I think the young guy might have been part of a gang.
Sorry, not wanting to piss on you, but the predominant reasons for road deaths are different ones. It's alcohol, speeding, not wearing a helmet and overestimating your own abilities. There is a reason why the vast majority of deaths are young men under 30. Always assume everybody is out to kill you and wear a helmet and you will be pretty safe. In rural areas also avoid driving in the evening and at night, especially towards the weekends and around holidays, since car is the only method of transportation over the long stretched city structures and people oftentimes drive shit faced drunk.
I agree, although I do find that western cities tend to have more overt street crime... I think this can also be related to police methods, or lack thereof... particularly in recent years in the west.
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Thailand is a very safe country if you mind your own business you will never have a problem in Thailand
Respect culture speak softly don’t shout or raise your voice at Thai people show respect
Motorbikes are very dangerous in major cities like pattaya mainly because of drunken farangs a few people I know had really bad accidents unfortunately
A very important thing in Thailand is a good medical insurance known lots of people who didn’t and the day came when severe illness or accident happened then the massive bills for great hospitals like Bangkok pattaya
Basically enjoy Thailand mind your own business and use common sense you will never have a problem I spent 30 years there
Thanks for the input! Totally agree. Cheers!
Wow that's another impressive package of wisdom crammed into a short video Cal. Everything is spot on. Motorbikes are death traps here in Thailand! Great work.
Thanks for the kind words! I agree. Motorbikes are definitely risky!
I'm Thai. The topic about keeping face for Thai people I truely agree.
I think most westerners are not so familiar with the concept, and just how important it is. Thank you for your input!
ขอบคุณวีดีโอดีๆ ของคุณ ที่ช่วยแนะนำ ชาวต่างชาติ ที่จะเดินทางมาเที่ยวประเทศไทย
Thank you for the kind words!
I went to Bangkok, three months ago for my first international trip outside of the United States. I was in Banglamphu near Khao San Road. I enjoyed my time out there. I damn near cried when I had to go back to the states.
It’s a great place. I stayed there during my first week and ten years later I’m still here 😂
We welcome and back to visit our again Bro❤
In my visits it seems that a lot of young westerners get too much liquor in them and start acting crazy. In all my visits I have never felt threatened in any way. Hope to be back as soon as I can. Love Thailand
Yep, this is definitely an unfortunate reality here... I've had far more incidents with drunk westerners than any Thai people. Thanks for the input!
Great advice again on understanding and respecting local culture to better adapt and navigate travels or life abroad.
Cheers! Thank you for the kind words!
Well said.
I can confirm that road safety in the UK is excellent. It's very very rare that there are road accidents & even in the most populated places. The infrastructure & general compliance of safety rules & regulations is superb.
Yeah. General infrastructure in the UK is excellent... especially in London. Cheers!
wife and I were chased by a homeless man in San Fransisco. We had to run into an dinner and eat there until he left. pretty scary.
Yeah my friend said it was pretty wild. It’s very unfortunate. I hope things can improve there!
Cal, thanks for another informative vid. I'd personally like to know more about how to politely observe cultural customs in Thailand , especially religious ones. Like, not touching shrines, how to show respect to monks, and that kind of thing.
Sure. It’s a good subject. I’ve covered this information in a few videos but those were quite some time ago. I’ll add it to the schedule! Cheers
I was on a tour once where we entered a crowded temple to view the murals. There were monks sitting on large mats; trying to avoid the crowd, I stepped over the corner of a mat, but not touching it with my foot or even close to the monks. The tour leader warned me this was disrespectful because my foot was in the air above their mat.
คุณอธิบายเกี่ยวกับคนไทยได้อย่างแหลมคมดีมาก เข้าใจง่าย ตรงไปตรงมาดี ชอบวีดีโอของคุณทุกตอนครับ
Thanks for the kind words! Cheers
Thanks for the translation!
It all comes down to sense common, that's the key. Thanks for give us these advice, I really appreciate it
I agree. I think sometimes people tend to shut off common sense when their in travel mode. I've definitely been guilty of that. Thanks for the kind words!
A great analysis mate... Yep I think that if someone finds themselves in difficulty in Thailand... Difficulties can nearly always be fixed up by offering small gift or small money because you're playing to their weaknesses.. if this fails still stay open to negotiation, but never make them lose face, or you lose leverage in negotiation. Luke, Australia 🦘
I agree with you. The face thing is huge here.. this approach works very well to get out of scams quite cheaply as well. Just offer a small amount and often it’s accepted. Cheers!
To be honest roads are much safer in bangkok than anywhere in india i have driven moto for 2 years i never got into any accident the only time i had accident was a lalamove girl hitting me from behind while i was waiting for signal to turn green. The only suggestion i would give is to get driving license and insurace for ur moto, dont drive without license if you got to any accident with local you are in huge trouble.
True, although the overall road death numbers are very high here unfortunately. Thanks for your comment!
Another excellent video with a lot of great advice for newcomers. In bkk one has to exercise caution even when crossing at a set of traffic lights. I've seen cars and bikes going through red lights if they "think" no one is crossing. I never get bike rides in bkk because I want to live lol and public transport is second to none. When it comes to safety, it's good to exercise caution no matter where you are. I have seen tourists with their phones hanging outside their back pockets and young ladies carrying their handbags wide open behind their backs. That is literally asking for someone to pick your pockets. What you said about losing face when getting upset and angry was really interesting. In France, where I come from, arguing is pretty much a national sport and it's when you're willing to compromise or apologise that you are seen as the "loser". it's exhausting; that's why I left a long time ago. I much prefer the UK or Thailand where they will do anything to avoid conflict and promote harmony rather than hostility.
Thanks again 🙂
Thanks for the input! Totally agree with your perspective as well. Pick pocketing has actually become a much larger problem here in Bangkok over the past few years, as international pickpocketing gangs have moved in... a bit similar to Europe in that respect. Cheers!
Good video, Iam coming to Thailand next month, so thank you.
Good stuff! Thanks for the kind comment and safe travels!
Recommend you a good place BGC. Makati. Ortigas center. Eastwood city. Mall of Asia area in Manila Philippines , with many skyscrapers, large shopping malls, restaurants, bars and nightclubs
I've heard it's very nice. Planning a trip over! Cheers
Hi, is Pattaya less risk compared to Bangkok in terms of motorcycle driving? Thank you
It’s less risky as it isn’t as busy but you should still be careful as there can be drinking and driving problems there!
Pretty spot on. Except the part about thailand not being a nanny state.
Thanks for the kind words. I'm curious... how does Thailand have a nanny state though? I see it as kindof an absentee parent with a handout kindof state lol
@thebangkokguide Well, when you look up the definition of "nanny state," it's when the government is regarded as overprotective or interfering unduly with personal choice. Setting aside the governments interfering with personal political choice, the restriction on alcohol buying, the potential outlawing of Marijuana for recreational use, internet freedom and the restriction on who can get married are all examples of "nanny" encroaching on personal freedom.
@@sjw4life546 Fair enough. It's a reasonable definition. Definitely have a nanny state at play here as well. Cheers!
Road deaths statistics aren't helped by the fact Thai men think nothing of driving drunk.
It is a problem here for sure.
Be careful when crossing the road and motorcycles riding on the sidewalk.
Yep. This is a big safety problem here!
I recall watching the news about a retired western couple getting into some kind of argument/fight with a young Thai man. The Thai man gave the woman a strong kick to the face and she fell straight back, unconscious before she hit the ground. I was shocked because she could have died when her head hit the street, and the fact that the young Thai guy resorted to that much force on an old woman. Do you recall the incident? I may be a little sketchy on the details but I think the young guy might have been part of a gang.
I remember that as well…maybe 7 years ago in Hua Hin. You definitely still have incidents like this, but it is quite rare. I was shocked by that too.
Sorry, not wanting to piss on you, but the predominant reasons for road deaths are different ones. It's alcohol, speeding, not wearing a helmet and overestimating your own abilities. There is a reason why the vast majority of deaths are young men under 30. Always assume everybody is out to kill you and wear a helmet and you will be pretty safe. In rural areas also avoid driving in the evening and at night, especially towards the weekends and around holidays, since car is the only method of transportation over the long stretched city structures and people oftentimes drive shit faced drunk.
I think your analysis is correct. Definitely nothing there to piss me off! Thanks for the input!
Many Western cities are very safe, though most of them in Europe.
I agree, although I do find that western cities tend to have more overt street crime... I think this can also be related to police methods, or lack thereof... particularly in recent years in the west.
You sound very saskatchewan
I'm from Toronto but lived in Ottawa for quite some time as well. Perhaps this makes for a Saskatchewan accent! Haha
muay thai or not. Getting into a fight in any country is very very dumb
Definitely agree. Cheers
Thailand much safer per capita than Cana-Duh.
Technically I think Canada ranks as safer, but public spaces definitely seem safer in Thailand.
This is called natural selection 🙃
This is true. I didn’t want to say it but Thailand definitely has that element at play.
this guy is talking just bs
thanks for the insightful comment!