The Problem With Living in Bangkok Thailand As An Expat
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- After experiencing life in Bangkok for coming on 2 years, I've personally ran into a few of these problems as an Expat living in Bangkok Thailand...
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Life is what you make of it, no matter where you live. I lived in Bangkok for 11 years, and I have lived in Chiang Mai now for 7 years. It's apples and oranges, but there are attributes to living in both places, so I occasionally spend some of my time in Bangkok. The one thing I have found is that the older I get, the fewer friends I have, but if I can't have quality friends then what's the point of having friends. I no longer settle for friendship, that to me is a characteristic of desperation. However, I have made a few friends here of whom I can appreciate. I can no longer workout as I once did, but I can appreciate the world I live in, the world we live in. Life is an art show, as long as you indulge yourself into the many paintings it has to offer; so again, life is what you make of it, so I do my best to enjoy each and every day! I wish you all a happy life!
Thailand is heaven for westerners. You can live large in Thailand if you receive a minimal pension or social security payment. Please don't complain as the locals live even much below minimal.
Well said
This is a REALLY important message. I lived in China for many years (most of my 30’s!) and although China isn’t nearly as crazy as Thailand, if you search for it, you can find trouble. I hope to go teach in Thailand soon.
Great insight and thoughts. Thanks for the content. Be safe.
Excellent video Forrest with sound advice to prevent self destruction. Happiness is dependent on conditions that are always changing, but to be content with your life it is personal relationships that give meaning & joy.
Sending back some love your way from Texas, bro. Thanks for being a genuine person and keeping your message real, Forrest. My best friend is half-Thai and retiring soon from the Navy after two decades of service. We plan to enjoy Bangkok and Chiang Mai early next year and will heed your sage advice on heading home when the nights over(while we still can) vs. keeping the party going. Live well and continue spreading your strong message of interdependence and good health my brother.
👍
Just happen to see this video. Great video and such great advice ! Hope you continue to motivate lots of people.
Pretty solid advice👍…. I would also add that exploring the city beyond the city center, can be a hobby within itself, and fill one’s time, initially. The city is huge. Just jump on the BTS/metro and ride to the end of the line, and see other parts, that most don’t venture to. Ride the canal boats and get off at random stops. I fill a lot of time just exploring that way and walking around the areas I stop at… And for the night life, I probably average going out 1-2 nights a week. Have gone overboard a few times, as well. But no one is entitled to our dirty laundry, so don’t feel obligated to share stories you don’t want to. 👍
That’s not a bad idea
he's just a whining grumpy old man.
I like these videos. Very authentic and grounded. No nonsense or gimmicks.
Love the honesty in these videos. Provides a realistic insight of expat life in Thailand and what to expect.
Good advice. Thanks for sharing.
One of the most real and excellent pieces of advice..to anyone anywhere.
thanks man. that was a very important piece of advice
Love the positive messages dude. Moving over in a few weeks.
I agree its very difficult to avoid the party culture in BKK, but my god does it make you feel alive that city!
Wow just found your channel and subscribed. Great video man🤙
I'm planning to move to Thailand in December and become an English teacher, haha. I've traveled around quite a bit as a tourist and could definitely see how the nightlife consumes people. Great advice you give🤌🙌
Looking forward to teaching and finding some fun hobbies to do for exercise😁
Thanks Forest, excellent commentary about the temptations facing expats in Thailand. This was a very thoughtful and serious video about the pitfalls of going solo and not having a support system. I wish you all the best in your move to Chiang Mai. Eagerly awaiting videos on this topic as I'm also struggling to decide which place is better for me to retire in the near future.
Welcome to Chiang Mai City of balance Living.
a good video with best points for an expat in Thailand..
Solid advice about the partying and drugs issue in BKK. It is very easy to get lost doing this as the partying scene in BKK is very huge (almost everyday there are parties and multiple raves throughout the year) and the fact that alcohols are pretty cheap as well.
Great advice !
I am a Bangkokian, born, raised and live here all my life and I appreciate your honesty so much.
Don’t you guys think that foreigners are ruining your country ?
Good 👍 Solid Advice Brother
I love Thai people because they are genuine, loving, caring, generous, beautiful, honest and peaceful. Amazing people.
Great perspective video.
I would like to throw in a few words of support for all the high-functioning lone wolves out there. I found male friends more problematic than helpful in my 20 years in the Bangkok nightlife. I went out pretty much every night during my 20s and 30s but by not being part of a pack, I feel I had much more control. I was a regular and knew people wherever I went but wasn’t obligated to stick with a group. In my opinion the problem is not living in Bangkok, the problem lies within the individual, but living in Thailand is good at exposing ones weaknesses.
I totally agree about your views about male (so called friends) in Thailand. Problematic is an understatement.
I agree that outcomes usually are highly influenced by WHO someone is hanging out with. If they are hanging out with people with poor self control, they are more likely to get dragged into bad situations.
Find better friends in Thailand. Maybe someone who likes gym instead of party.
Best comment ever.
True
Got it hobbies and quality friends! Looking forward to you in Chiang Mai!
Excellent advice Forest, couldn't agree more!
I've been following your channel for a while now and really identify with your content. I lived in Bangkok for 7 months and travelled all around SE Asia for a year, working on a travel website / blog for a sabbatical vacation from tech work in USA. Eventually everything changed when I met my Thai wife there and now we live back in California and have a somewhat typical/boring life with day jobs haha.
I think you made the right choice moving to Chiang Mai... as you know it's a bit cheaper, cooler, more laid back, and there's a fairly big expat community there (especially for tech/social media stuff)... plus there's still a handful of fun bars/clubs for occasional outings. The food options in Thailand are 10/10, even better than neighboring countries imo. It's easy to eat healthy there, especially compared with Philippines which I found to be difficult to find veggies in some areas (fried chicken and rice for every meal gets old, but damn the chicken is good). Too bad the gyms there are crazy expensive in Thailand (and all over SE Asia)... I would just use the free equipment at the parks or my airbnb condo's gym instead.
I loved partying and going out in Sukhumvit area and going out to rooftop bars, clubs, W District, Best Beef, etc, etc., and I was drinking SingHas almost every day, but eventually the noise/pollution/bad sidewalks (haha) got old. Still, I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. BKK is an amazing place to be single, also, as you know.
I may reach out and pick your brain about moving back to Thailand some day. Also, I think Malaysia got rated very high for expat retirees in one article I saw, and have you heard about the new Indonesia digital nomad visa (5 year)? Bali is awesome (very touristy tho). That could be a good option, but I haven't had time to research it yet.
Cheers!
Awesome video bro 😎
Nice one forrest 👌💪
Refreshing to see something sensible on TH-cam.
Great advice no matter where you live. I always play basketball, lift at the gym and enjoy gardening in my spare time in Thailand. Anything that is health related is always a good hobby
Hey Forrest, this is Nick and DeAnna in Chiang Rai. We just want to tell you that your a good guy. Nice to see you care about people and things. We are from Hawaii and now make Thailand our home. Aloha! 😀🤙🏼
I loved my year in Chuang Mai. The smog got to me big time! It’s really bad despite what many will try to convince you. Now in the states, if I come back, I’ll have a plan to leave CM from mid Feb through may
Forrest! good to see another video by you. I was wondering what happened to you.
Great summary of what makes all the difference between a miserable life and an enjoyable life, especially in a city like BKK. Nice content Forrest!
I agree with your advice very much👍. I go to Thailand many times, staying for two or three months each time. To sum it up, more erratic nightlife, alcoholism, messy short-term relationships. After a period of time, you can clearly feel your physical health and mental overdraft, and of course your wallet is overdrafted. Check myself every time i go home😅. We all love Thailand, and if you're considering Thailand as your long-term residence or retirement destination, you must have self-control and maintain a good routine, diet, and exercise routine. The occasional nightlife is definitely needed, after all we are not ascetic🤣
The devil makes work for idle hands as the saying goes. Just back from Bkk & can relate. All those rooftop bars will empty your wallet quick smart!
Great video. I've been here in the kingdom now for about a month (BKK - Koh Samui - Pattaya - BKK). I hear what you're saying about the traps, not sure if I'm lucky or not that I've not had a crew to go out with just yet and I'd say Im more of a social drinker then just going to drink. The solo part has been a bit rough though.
In Pattaya, there are/were so many bars, it's crazy. And people are drinking all day long - G-d bless their livers...Trying to find my place and see if I can stick around a bit longer.
I lived in Thailand from my late 20s to about 37 and this is by far the best advice I have ever heard from an expatriate. Have fun and enjoy it but stay away from the party abyss and degenerates. Meet normal expatriates and Thai people. Get a hobby. Take care of your health. I promise anybody that you will have a much better experience if you stay away from the monger gutter. That is a road to nowhere. Experience it for a couple months and get it out of your system. Then try to live a normal life. It will still be adventurous. And learn the Thai language. It will open up another world.
I'm interested in at least checking out the more degenerate side of Thailand, but I'm also very interested in checking out the other sides. I just had the idea that I'd love to work towards getting a career in Thailand, and I want to take living there seriously. Also, I'd love to learn Thai!
@@TheAbsol7448 I don't know your home country but I would recommend looking at finding a job at home that will send you to Thailand and then getting the corporate package that comes with that. You get the best of both worlds.
@@irrationalmale I saw that Thailand has IT opportunities. I'm already kind of interested in IT, so that would give me a lot of motivation to put actual work into it. Motivation has been a _massive_ hurdle for me, but I _REALLY_ want to explore the world. If I love Thailand, then I could get to land an IT job at a Thai company and then get Thai dual citizenship after learning Thai, working there for 3 years, and living there for 5.
I'm from America, by the way. After living in Italy for a couple years(military family), I've been _dying_ to see more of the world.
@@TheAbsol7448 If you can speak Italian, that will help you get a job in hospitality. If you have never lived in Thailand, I would think first about getting a job before citizenship. That is not an easy path. If you wish to go that route, you need to go the business visa and work permit route, which means you should get a job with the appropriate visa before you arrive, which would put you on that track. I think it is 5 years and then you apply for permanent residency. Also, Americans have special status and can own their own companies 100%. No other foreigner has that right. They must have Thai partners. So if you have the capital to start a business, that will put you on that path also.
@@irrationalmale Right now, I'm pretty fixed on the idea of working in Thailand for at least a few years. I wanna get an actual profession and visit Thailand at least once or twice before aiming all of my efforts towards it. Citizenship is only an idea right now, and I'm only considering it because they allow dual.
I'm not _that_ interested in owning a business, but I guess I could look into it. Right now, I just need to focus on getting IT certified and learning more about Thai culture to see if there are any deal breakers.
These tips are universal.
great advice
Nightlife is the problem, but also the reason why a lot of expats live here. Just don’t go to the nightclubs (or don’t go to the expensive ones) too often, you can just drink in the bars or some cheaper local clubs. For me, Nightlife actually motivates me to make more money so I can party more
Good advice bud.
Absolutely agree with all and it’s true to any place on the globe. After all, we live in a dream and better choose happier one. Without health it’s quite complicated to be happy. I’m quit alcohol few years ago and it’s awesome feeling (and I wasn’t a boozy head, just bars and clubs on Friday nights). Healthier you are - healthier people around you, it’s just how it’s working 🤷♂️👍
Just came upon your channel and you do provide some excellent points about Thailand. Subscribed and thumbs-up. Thanks and be safe...
The thing I love about you Forest, is your individuality. You sir, are living my dream.. Though you go about it in a practical way. I wish you well in your move to Chiang Mai or wherever.
Treat yourself responsibly and always aim for success and balance. Surround yourself with resilient people who are doing the same.
Amazing channel Forrest! Can I ask what camera you are using for shooting this? All the best
Lol the NCO in me can’t help but think you sound like a Army Weekend Safety Brief!
LMAO 555
For real though ,it’s great advice. I just noticed the Army training coming out of you.
Hope you get your shot group together.
Good luck to you brother.
Thank you for making this video. Honestly, I wish I would have heard this 4 years ago when I first moved here to Bangkok. The party scene almost killed me (both physically and financially).
Thanks bro
Fair advice, hoope many people will listen You.
It is realy to much self destroying Farang in Thailand....
But it's way of life that they like.
Thanks for this Forrest. Really good insight
Exactly transactional is a good word!
Great advice. Thanks for sharing, Forrest. Looking forward to hearing about your Chiang Mai experience. Best of luck! 👍
Thanks!
Good luck for your life experiment.
Wise words. Thank you for sharing so honestly. Which park is this in Chiang Mai, by the way?
Great video, thanks for that. Hey that Thailand visa you mentioned cheaper one near Chang Mai ?
awesome video! Do you ever collab with other youtuber nomads that are stationed in Bangkok like LivingThatLife?
i am very intrested in moving to thailand. Thank you for posting such an honest, well informed video. Do you do any consultation regarding visas? I am unsure how I can stay in thailand longer than 90 days.
Great advice Forrest what visa are you on in Thailand 🇹🇭?
Many nice cities to explore in Thailand, I like Hua Hin.
Dude your hair is amazing
Look forward to hearing your perspective and experience staying in Chiang Mai now. Thanks Forrest. :)
Thank you for sharing with us your insights and wisdom, Forrest. I think you will do well in Chiang Mai.
Yer, we all go thru it Bra. Cheers.
I also enjoy your channel 😊
มี ซับ ไทย จะดีมากๆๆๆๆๆๆเลยครับ แปล ไม่ทัน เที่ยวให้สนุกนะครับ ยินดีต้อนรับนะครับ
Interesting l hopeuenjoyotherdide of Thailand
Great insight, thanks for the information
It is difficult to find happiness with one self, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.
People visiting Bars, Brothels or Churches and Temples are in fact the same, they are looking for happiness, truth and peace......One can only find it inside though.
Until then, you keep looking
Happy people build their inner world, unhappy people blame their outer world.........
( like Bangkok for example )
great video
Hi Forrest. Love your channel. Found out about you on Pete's Thairish Times interview he did with you. Where are you walking in this video? It's really pretty. I'd like to go to wherever it is. Thanks.
Love your video advice and taking it to heart! Im contemplating an offer to move to Bangkok for work and your story helps me to reflect on how i can enjoy myself there, thanks!
I've been here in Thailand one week and I love it, everyone is so friendly, I agree on your point of calling the night early, The longer you're out the more risk you're putting yourself in. Best of luck to you in Chang Mai!
Some sage advice here.
Hello, what is the name of that beautiful park? Where is the that beautiful park you were walking and filming? How can I reach you for a consultation?
Thailand is great if you have your shit together. I'm lucky to experience it and would never change it.... it offers me a freedom, which is unexplainable... thank you, Thailand.
i agree thanks
good pep talk haha this basically goes for anyone anywhere though
You're def the kind of guy I could be buds with. Wish you lived over the border in Vietnam
where did you record this? Chiang Mai? nice place
Great advise ..
to late for me as I went down that road for a few years
Before I realized it was all fake and a money drain ,
I stopped and invested my money into a condo and learnt to say No..
I spend my time walking and gym now.
Covid was a blessing for me as it gave me the time to stop and think and see everything for what it was .
I'm sure your advise will be very helpful to some if they choose to listen and I hope they do
Thank you i always enjoy your posts .
Love and peace my friend from the Crazy Monkey
Forrest is this Lumpini Park? TBH I find it so so because of the location. You can still hear all the traffic and the location’s a bit awkward. The clock tower combining Western and Chinese architecture, and the rock sculptures with the 12 zodiac signs I found interesting though.
You are spot on Forest. I want to get back on the fitness wagon too. Stay strong, you are doing a good job
Sound solid excellent advice Thank you Forrest your a good man
Hi Forrest! I enjoy your channel a lot, say I got a question, you may or may not have the answer. Are you familiar with an organization called Teach Thailand SOS? Is that a legit company? Thanks man
Head down Grand Canyon View for a meal. Is good in Chiang Mai
When I lived in Sweden, I partyed quite often. But now I live in Phuket and have not partyed once since I moved here two months ago 😎 I enjoy life to much!!
"you need a solid core group of friends". 100%
For me, Chiang Mai would be nice except I would have to escape during the burning, smoky season.
Wow I wish I’d heard exactly these words ten years ago before coming to Brazil. It took me till aged 40 to wake up from this drunken drugged up stupor. Now thinking to head to Thailand to get over this moral hangover. Very wise words. Listen to him folks. Now I got my hobbies and health and loving life and cannot wait to cycle Thailand!
excellent video - some great points there ! 😃
Love your videos Forest.Respect to you as a soldier as well. Respect from the UK
looking forward to your next videos! 👍👍
about bikes,,, I know a guy who is part of dirt riding group in issan, fun.
Hi Forrest, do you know what's the current indoor mask situation in Bangkok? I know mask wearing is now voluntary but it seems all locals are still wearing them. I'm planning a trip to Thailand in November and wanted to get a better sense before booking. I assume there is no law stating that masks are required but it would make me feel uncomfortable if I was the only one not wearing a mask. Thank you!
Forrest: What a great fcuking video. Very honest. I too will be in CM September/October. Contemplating where to live in retirement next year. Looking forward to more videos and perhaps a Forrest 'sighting' whilst I am there.
I am thinking about moving to Bangkok, how far do you live from there?
Wise words indeed. Trying to live like a 2-week millionaire for months on end will take its inevitable toll on your wallet and your health. Better to have a life in Thailand that is a lower-intensity pleasure marathon instead of a pleasure sprint and a hard crash. Not having a small group of true friends that you help and that help you seems to be a common pattern for so many expats. We need friends and family as a safety net in our home countries...the need is even greater on the other side of the earth in a foreign culture with lots of unstructured time on our hands. Hope your move to Chiang Mai goes well!
Partying, drinking and drugs have never been by my thing so I wholeheartedly agree with your take on having a good balance and maintain hobbies, exercise and an overall sense of well-being. It can't be stressed enough. I would much rather be in that incredible park you walked in your video. That's what's it's about in my life.