What Did I Learn My First Year In Bangkok, Thailand?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2023
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Love your style of videos. Thanks for the info.
Thank you so much for watching
Great video, thank you. Sounds like I'd better hire a rep when I finally make it over. :) Subscribed - looking forward to watching more videos.
To be honest, most people do. The reps are cheaper in Pattaya. That's the party central area with tons of expats. Bangkok is more expensive for everything. You can attempt it on your own, but it's a challenge. You better have an attention to detail. No room for error with these immigration agents. You'll eventually get it done, but it could take many trips and lots of hours holding a ticket that says 101 as the speaker says, "now serving 17"
Very useful, you have a great manner in delivering the information. Thanks
Thanks. More to come
Joe, I have been living in San Diego for 20 years as a Naturalized US citizen and I still get the runaround. I immigrated here at the age of 14. Discrimination comes in various forms these days.
I here ya man. Here is not too bad. They have a ton of paperwork, but that's OK. Once you're a citizen in the US, you shouldn't get a run around. I don't like to hear that's happening
I like the way you explain things, being from an African country (Angola), i am used to paying to get things done more efficiently, I am planning on moving to Bangkok and i was having problems with the condo/accommodation situation but from your other video at Soi 50 sukhumvit i could see myself living there, closed to the tennis club since i do not feel like living in an extremely busy area. I am currently living in Cape Town (South Africa) and i am writing this comment to say that you're not only helping retired people but also young fellows like me. Thanks for your time and effort.
Thanks for the great comment. Yes, I hope anyone of any age that might be thinking about Bangkok. I was hanging out with 30 or 40 people last night. Most of them were under 40. Many under 30. Check out Meetup.com. There's really good digital nomad meetups. Plus just get togethers. Expats and Thai's hanging out. You can make some good contacts. If i can answer any questions, I'll do my best to answer. Catch ya later
Excellent info!
Thanks for watching Gabe
You seem like a good guy. I'm sure your attitude has taken you a long way in life. Hope your channel continues to grow. Subscribed.
Thanks Tyler for watching. Ya, we've all had ups and downs, but I've been pretty lucky. I try to keep it positive. Especially about Thailand. I can't stand people that move over and do nothing buy complain. I pointed out a few differences, but that's sure not a problem to me
Some great perspectives there, really appreciate it! Moving to Bangkok for 3 months from October to see if it'll be for me... good to hear your thoughts on many important things like Thai driving licenses, renting, bank account opening... saving this video!
I'll bet you'll love it here. It's a great city
what did u decide?
@@healingnarcissism_ Hey there :) I decided that the city wasn't for me, no matter how much I wanted it to be. It's impressive and looks great with the skyscrapers and shopping malls... but it's still very dirty, quite seedy in all the central parts between Nana up down to Ekkamai, impossibly to navigate by walking in these same parts as well (narrow roads without pavements), and I realised how much I missed the nature I had in other cities in SE Asia.
I even cut my stay short, cancelled my January in Bangkok and am now going to Chiang Mai instead in January and February before moving on to Vietnam during Thailand's burning season. I loved a city like Tokyo where I was able to tolerate the large metropolis size, and think I might find Chinese cities or Seoul or Taipeh also nice enough. Bangkok is still too chaotic and dirty and stressful for me, and the emphasis on nightlife, sex, drugs that it's built on simply isn't my vibe. Maybe in 15 years it'll have cleaned up its act and will be a wonderful Asian metropolis. However, I'd rather bet on HCMC to take that kinda crown.
Great video. On the regular massage tips, please leave minimum 100 baht of one hour massage. They only get around 200 baht (6 usd) from the Salon for one hour hard work, so please tip them minimum 100 baht. I think a 200 baht tip is more appropriate.
Yes I agree. I just had a guy move 4 heavy suitcases, 4 big boxes, mattress pad, iron boards etc.. From the 26th floor in OnNut to the 28th floor in Phrom Phong door to door. Total bill 340b. I tipped another 300b. I helped, but that was a ton of work and he probably keeps 200b of the 340 the company charges
@@EagerExpat Good man - yes I also try to give little extra as small money sometimes goes a long way for hard working Thais. Just the amazing smile when you tip your street food vendor or delivery guy 20 baht is worth it. I am happy for you that you found a Condo in PP. I have stayed almost 9 months in BKK now, in a condo at Sukhumvit Soi 13. I am also thinking of looking a little further out like around PP when my lease ends.
Massage girls get 80 -100 bt for a 300 bt massage. No shop pays 200 to the girls.
@@kjensen7819 I hear ya. I'll see you around town. Swing by Hangover Bar on Soi 22 one Saturday. I'll be there this Sat, but then I'll be in Australia for 3 weeks. It's a language meetup. But really it's just hanging out
@@terrymedlicott3580 I understand the shop has high rent, etc.. But that's hard work for 100b. A nice tip is well deserved
Another great video and timely. I will be making the move towards the end of July. Thanks again for your tips and observations.
I think you've visited before? If not, it's not that tricky. I'll be around if I can answer any questions. There are thousands of us over here making it work. I'll be in Australia, NZ and Tahiti from June 20 to July 19. When I'm back swing by Hangover Bar on Soi 22 Saturday around 7pm. Good Expat and locals get together.
Will do. I’ve been visiting the Kingdom for over twenty years but I am definitely no expert. That is really good advice about letting agents. Something I was not aware of. I have picked my area and I have narrowed my search down to 4 condos. I have given myself 4 weeks in an Airbnb to complete my condo search. I am looking in the Petchaburi Rd. area near Makkasan.
@@bronco1997 4 weeks shouldn't be a problem. Still, I'd email or Line a few listings before you arrive. They seem to take 3 or 4 days to gather some places to see. Even if the place is empty, they often have to call the owner and get permission to show you. So give them a week before you arrive to start scheduling viewings. Unless an owner gets a dozen people wanting to move in, they usually are ok with you seeing a place on the 1st. If you want it, they will often be ok with taking one month deposit to hold the place. 2 or 3 weeks. Maybe 30 days. Then to get the keys and move in, you'll pay another 30 day deposit and first month rent. Or it can work the other way. I saw my place on a Monday and moved in the next day.
So 3 months rent is common to move in. Make sure you get the government rate for power. It will be in the landlords name. The condo will put the bill in your mailbox. I pay online with a Thai phone. I think you can pay at 7/11. My power bill with one a/c running 15 hours a day was less than 1000 baht. Then it was all over the new power was going up for the next 3 months. It went to 2000 baht. I'm not counting on it going down. We'll see.
First thing I would do if you don't have one, is get that Thai bank account. I think my money had to be in the bank 60? days before my retirement visa could be approved. Plus, I transfer my rent to my landlords bank account. Bangkok Bank to her Thai bank. Water is really cheap. Maybe 100 baht every two months.
I have a question if you don’t mind. I plan to enter in on a 60 day tourist visa. I plan on using a visa agent for simplicity. How I understand it is, I will be given a 90 day non immigrant O visa. Is this the step in the process where I can get my Thai bank account and lease a condo? I hope that makes sense. And after the 90 days I can apply for my one year extension retirement visa? Thanks
@@bronco1997 (Part One) If I remember correct, you need 14 days? left on your tourist visa or in my case 30 day exempt stamp to apply for the 90 day. It makes life easier to have a lease. They wanted copies of the lease and wanted to see the original. You'll go smoother with an agent. But, you need to open the bank account early. The money needs to season in the Thai account for at least 60 days. I'm not sure if you need the lease for the 90 day? I had one, and they asked for the TM-30. The landlord fills it out. Get a copy of the electronic receipt. Blow it up on the copier. They wanted that even though its in the system.
Will you give the Philippines a try? I know you were stationed there during your military days. It would interesting to explore that beautiful country; I'm sure it'll bring back alot of memories for you. Safe travels!
Will I move there? No plans for that. I did visit recently. I made a Playlist of the videos. The PI is fine, but I really like Thailand
@@EagerExpatI fly to old Clark airforce base next week looking for a place to retire. I like Thailand but it sucks being somewhere long term that you cant communicate with people. I'm near san diego I would go to Mexico but again ling term the language barrier diminishes the quality of life. Where in PH were you and why not live there? Just curious so I can figure out my direction
@@BearInThePhillipines I love Thailand. I'd say 95% of the people I talk with speak perfect English. Most of the ladies I know went to college in the US or Europe. I hear more Tagalog in PI than English. I'm trying to learn Thai, but again they usually answer in English. I just prefer Thailand over any part of the Philippines. I've been to Manila, Subic, Angeles, etc..
Love your videos- question is soi 4 a good place stay for four days?
Soi 4 is like the Las Vegas strip. I wouldn't stay there. Soi 2 is mellow and close to the party action. Thanks for watching
38:55 I also notice it's not customary in Asia to hold the door open for someone behind you. They just let the door close in your face.
I noticed that, too. No big deal, but it might catch you off guard. It's like they say, don't try and change Thailand, let Thailand change you
All you needed to do was go to immigration and get an address letter confirming you had a Thai address and you’d have no issue getting a bank account. That’s probably all your lawyer did. My lawyer did mine for me as well here in Hua Hin.
The problem was I didn't have an address. First thing I did was open the account. Get the money seasoned. Still in a hotel. I was told immigration or the US Embassy needed a lease. Maybe it's easier in Hui Hin immigration, but Chang Wattana takes hours for everything. I'll guess I'd sit there half the day to find out the Hotel isn't an address. Again, you gotta pick your battles. Saving the 1k on the visa was a win, paying to open the account was a lose. Still $900 ahead of the game and one less headache. But I hear ya, I'm sure I'll learn as I go
Thank you for video Eager. From Vegas I’ll be in Thailand Oct.27,2023-Apr.08, 2024
That's the perfect time to be here. I just left New Zealand and it was freezing. I rolled into Tahiti an hour ago. It reminds me of Thailand in December. 70 degrees with a little breeze. I'll be back in Bangkok July 17. More videos on the way
@@EagerExpat Thank you. Take care and be safe
@@boonmakfowler1310 October will be here in no time
Thank you for all your videos. I’m looking around to buy a house in Hun Hin. I knew you had said you been in Navy for 4 years. I retired from Army in 20 years. Thank you for your service and happy 4th of July. Take care and be safe
@boonmakfowler1310 Wow, 20 is always impressive. My dad also retired Navy. I was born on a base on Guam. My sister in Spain and the other a base in California. Enjoy every penny of that retirement check. My buddy, I did my 1st hitch with also retired. I did 34 years as a mailman. That's not even half as tough as 20 active duty. Happy 4th. There's a Thai realtor showing nice Hua Hin places. I'm on a ferry in Tahiti as I write. Catch ya back in Thailand soon
Great videos. I have been hooked on them and may you continue with the good work. Am I assuming from this video that you entered Thailand on a 1-month exempt visa and then did you go and apply for the retirement yourself? Also, in the future, I would love to try out living in Bangkok for a while to see if I would like it. I just turned 50, so do you recommend I apply for an ED Visa or go straight for a retirement visa?
Thanks for watching. I came in exempt. Like the video showed, I did it on my own. There's a bunch of rules that change often. Just like all the education visas. Those are not really working anymore. Unless you go to a real school hours a day. Online isn't being counted. To be honest, I wouldn't recommend a buddy to do it on his own. You need a lease, phone, bank, and all things that can be tricky without a visa to get a visa. Agents make that go away. Usually, 1 trip to immigration. I did 4. Under review, etc.. I had Siam Legal help with the bank. Email him for a quote on what may work. If it's under $1500, it will be the best cash you ever spend. I did it all, and I'll probably hire someone to do my 1 year renewal. It's like going to motor vehicles 4 or 5 times. Over 50, with 800,000 baht in a Thai bank, maybe that's going up? Might be best for you. Call Siam Legal or another reputable company. You can do it on your own, but It's a pain. I've just heard rumors that the education visa is getting harder to get, but I have no idea. Thanks for watching. More to come
If you just want to try Thailand out, show up exempt. You get 30 days. Day 4 or 5 go to Leksi immigration. 1900 baht, they will add 30 more to the date. On day 59, fly to Kuala Lumpur, etc.. check it out for a few days. Return to Bangkok. Repeat for another 30 and 30. That will give you 2 months to decide and another 2 months to attempt the visa on your own or go meet with an agent. These border runs are still working on planes, at least twice a year. That may change, too. Another option is to get a 60-day tourist visa, then fly out for a night, get 30 and 30 when you return.
you're so right about the nasty trolls on the groups. I just left one as I have no desire to deal with it. do you have any videos about living near walking parks?
Lots of trolls on Facebook. It's still 99% normal people. Forget the trolls and use the valuable information. Yes, I have a few videos on parks. Just check the search box at the top of my video page. Put in park and you should see Benchasiri, Benchakitti and Lumphini. Those are the big three in Bangkok. Or you drive 100 miles away and be in a jungle. That's cool too.
From you past few comments, you have strong opinions. That's fine with me. I also have no problem sharing an opinion. But, when I'm in another country you need to be cool. A Chinese Tic Toker was just detained by the Thai police. She was in the redlight area live streaming and saying how unsafe it was. She was detained and I believe escorted to the airport. I can start to yell and scream in the US you have freedom of speech. This is the Kingdom of Thailand. You play by their rules or you face the consequences. Maybe I don't agree with how she was treated. I don't really care about lose dogs. I think people today in western countries treat dogs better than humans. I don't agree with 5 year olds walking down a busy street alone. But, it's not my business to change how they do things in Thailand. That's the first lesson(as I mentioned in the video) an expat need to learn. Don't try and change Thailand. Let Thailand change you. The people that can't do that, last a few months and leave. Then they probably last a month or two in the next place they try and change. Then they come up with an excuse to just move back home.
I use multiple realtors in the U.S. To make sure they get 100% commission and get me the best price. It is so conmon sense to me.
I hear ya. Depends where you are. In San Diego, I bought my condo and house within hours of it hitting the MLS. Things sell in hours, not days. Almost impossible to do without two agents. When I sold my house a few years ago, we got 12 offers on day one. Sold it on day 3 after 50 offers. It's crazy. The best price was 70k over asking. So having 500 agents fight it out, can be OK too. My guy drove a Porsche. I drove a Mazda. Ha ha. He was doing fine splitting commission.
It's like all the rental condos in Facebook marketplace are like 7000 bath
It's all about location. Out by the airport 7000b all day long. Near Terminal 21, you better double that, or more. But, there are deals that's for sure
when people aren't trained consistently (no matter under what situatio) it makes things more difficult than they need to be. I blame upper management.
It's not a matter of training. Thailand doesn't operate like San Diego my hometown. They do things a certain way. It's up to me (the visitor) to roll with the flow. If I can't do that (or anyone else) then they need to find another city. The worst type of expat is the person that says, "in my country it's done this way." Then go back to your country.
This video wasn't a criticism of realtors, etc.. It was a warning of what to expect. Bangkok is a great city. It's been ran a certain way long before I first visited in 1984 and it will be ran a certain way 100 years after you and I are long gone. That's why I love the place. You'll have to decide how you feel about the place. Travel points out the differences in culture. Some people like that (like me) and others can't stand the change.
I'm a guest in Thailand. Whether you visit here for 1 week or live here 20 years, you need to do things the Thai way. If that's a problem, then Thailand may not be for you. By the way, I've been to over 100 countries. I haven't found one yet that asked for my approval on how the place should be ran. I would never do that, but many people feel a need to do so.
1k usd for legal help getting long term visa, open bank account, no problem
I hear, but don't quote me on the price. I was offered $1k at Siam Legal. A buddy just paid $2k at another lawyer in Bangkok. I've heard under 1k in Pattaya. But, ya get some help if you don't want to deal with the paperwork
Hey hoss, I’m a former coastguardsman and was looking to move there. I’m half Thai and speak Thai but I haven’t found any videos where expats are working in a professional environment. I’m a mechanical engineer and was hoping you might know somebody that can shed some light how what it’s like to or how to land a job in the professional world, other than teaching English
I'm sorry but Im not sure of the process. Siam Legal may have some answers. I have a few friends that are lawyers, etc.. I think the company has to sponsor you. But again, I'm not sure. Sorry I can't be more help. One thing for sure, workers of every nationality here. Being half Thai should help. Best of luck
Some European Countries exempt with e-visa means they get stamp @ the Airport thought is not as expensive as other Non exempted countries! ! On the other side most interview's regards Imigration Visa can be very confusing. Some foreigners who make less than $ 800 they stay for years with out Imigration woories!! Anyway Good luck to anyone!!!
Yes, every country has a set of rules. Russia just changed to a 90 day exempt stamp. The US is still 30 days
@@EagerExpat You right USA still 30 day Stamp still I don't know why. Now the amount of income depents $ but if the person covers the monthly 800,000 Thai Baht it seems OK!
@@harrylen1688 Yes, the 800K in the bank helps solve many problems.
Just out of curiosity, when you tried to open a bank account yourself, were you on a visa exemption, tourist visa, or a 90 day non O retirement visa?
I was visa exempt. We were talking last night with a guy trying to get an account. Same hassle. They would do it if you bought insurance. I'd rather buy a lawyer letter for $90. The insurance, I'd guess, is an annual charge.
Remember, every jungles has its own rules.
Yes, every place has it's local rules. Learn what they are and you'll be fine
Open a US bank account getting social security . and getting us Id are headache as well.
I'll bet. It's OK. Certain challenges are worth it
Oh immigration ,after 13 years ,renewing my immigration o visa based on married to a Thai man. This year it came to the breaking point we always done all the paper work ++++.even every year the same person granted our visa ..this year .no no no. Agent was called and then let them deal with it ...
I hear ya. The immigration can be a little tricky. Still, it's worth it to live in a great spot. Thanks for watching
Nowadays, you'll be paying "fees" because more tourists(ez $). Back then I came in Bangkok bank & open checking account with a hundo, no problems no questions
They've clapped down on the bank accounts. No problem. A hundred dollar bill fixes most problems.
Joe I am military veteran wanting to relocate/retire. Should I find cheap place in Bangkok then travel? thanks
That's what I did. If you can afford a recon trip, come check it out. Many people also like the Philippines. It's cheaper, but I prefer Thailand. Maybe check them both out. Hopefully, my videos help a little
@@EagerExpatJoe are you a disabled Vet? I read the VA provides us service in Manila.
@@BearInThePhillipines I'm a vet but no VA benefits. I've heard Manila has a VA, but I'm not sure how it works
How much longer do you plan to stay?
No plans to leave, but who knows what the future holds. I love Thailand. I visited many times before I retired and knew I loved the city life. If that ever gets old, I'll probably move to a beach town like Hua Hin. No time soon. Bangkok is great
@@EagerExpatI feel the same. I love it here.
@@thebluebooklife It's a great city
Does the shower have sewage gas smell?
No. My last building did in the floor drain next to the toilet. And that was a fancy 4 year old building. Saran wrap made that go away. Lucked out at the new place. Zero smell. Plus the new place doesn't have a shower. It's a tub with a plug. But I just leave it open
I don't know if you guys (foreigners) realized that 800,000 baht is nothing today for Thais. If you have $10+ millions in your bank that will make a different. This rules or policy is meant to be some kind of insurance for the most part that you guys wouldn't try to work in Thailand just like any other countries in the world. Don't make a big deal of 800,000 baht, you will be laugh at by Thais for sure.
I'm not sure I was making a big deal about 800k. I was commenting about the difficulty in funding the Thai account. Maybe others have complained, but I don't think I did. Thanks for watching
@@EagerExpat I travel to Thailand for work, and have watched several people try to get thai bank accounts, it is just a tricky process with varied rules across branches of the same bank, I have seen one guy get something from the Pullman Asoke to get TM30 and go into the yellow bank and with passport and 1m thai baht in cash and literally they couldn't of been nicer to him opened on the spot, and went with another guy from Chicago with dozens of copies of things and was sent away...
@@Colincarpenter2 Yes, it's hit or miss. I also had over a million in Thai cash. Tried 4 or 5 branches of every bank. One said you need a work permit. One said you can open if you commit to a yearly $80 insurance policy. I countered with I'll buy it for one year. It seemed shaky as to the answer. So I left. The other three banks just said no. Two of them said come back with a visa and it will be no problem. Of course I needed the bank account to get the visa. Got an agent for $90 US. Opened at Bangkok Bank in 15 minutes. Same branch that turned me away 3 days earlier
marry a Thai girl. solution solved.....I scored
That's another way to go. I'm enjoying the single life.