We just spent 10 days in Pattaya Thailand, very good experience, the oddest part was trying to spend what we brought, we exchanged 1,000 USD to Baht and literally came back with nearly 4,000 baht. We spent and spent, went to night markets, malls, restaurants, temples, used Grab for every day rides. Tipped heavily as well. In America we would of exhausted a grande in no time. People were friendly and service driven. The Royal cliff beach hotel was incredible. Good time. We felt like we were treated so well, we even made friends. Which is very rare for us. Really like Thailand, we will be back for a month stay and we will continue exploring until we commit to a full relocation. Great content Tony really good points that are valuable ❤
I loved my 6 years in Thailand, especially the food. The ground transportation and medical care infrastructure I had a beautifully furnished 5 bedroom 4 bath house for $550.
Having lived in CM for years I would say my top three would be #1 Pollution (smoky season surely a shortcut to lung cancer) ...#2 Daily traffic deaths 60 on average at accident site.... #3 Immigration...Yes I know Visa service makes it easier but after 5-10 years Immigration + 90 day checks etc etc gets old. You are never more than on a one year pass with 90 day check-ins All that aside still love Thailand 😉
I appreciate your delivery...You are explaining the central understanding of self, first! And you are demonstrating basic truths! Yep, we take ourselves with us wherever we go! My daily structure centered around teaching at an International School in Nichada Thani...I'm pretty sure it would have been a very different experience, on my own, after retirement. Another excellent presentation! Bravo!
Lived in Thailand for a year, went Thaiboxing and studied half a year. Thailand is great, loved it, cuisine maybe the best or top 3 of the world. But living there and always being a second class citizen/farang and fair game to be scammed, no thanks. I choose South America, same climate, also a fun and open culture, women are even prettier and you can actually fully own all your property and land, even as a non-citizen. The cuisine is less nice but I can make laab, padt krapaow, tom kha gai or red curry myself ;) Thailand is perfect for (long) holidays though! My humble opinion.
Which part of South America. What is the crime like? That is my biggest question before going there. Would like to check out Brasil and Colombia. Definitely have Costa Rica on the list though.
@@ericrenfro4429 yes, Colombia. The Caribean coast. Crime rates are higher, I cannot disagree. However I have still never had a bad situation, maybe luck, maybe my behaviour or logic. It also depends where you go, where you live, how you behave (drunk, drugs, gold jewelry etc). I know that the safest and least corrupt countries in South America are Costa Rica and Uruguay. They are also more expensive. But if you are an easy learner, you can go a long way, Spanish(or Portuguese) isn't as hard as Thai. At least if you're a westerner. I actually also been to Brazil, but only the southern part (richer) close to the border with Paraguay. Brazil is very big so I can't speak for the rest but I think the same as for Colombia applies. I found the Colombians/Spanish speaking countries a bit more social and interested, talkative than the Brazilians. But they all like to dance here, that can be fun. However, a friend of mine had lived in koh Tao for 3 years, and its also definately not perfect over there(a lot of weird deaths of tourists, I think we can say murders). That same friend was robbed of his golden necklace while riding a songtaew in Pattaya. And my ex GF was robbed by a motorbike guy of her purse, also in Pattaya. I've been to Songkla/Hat Yai and they checked all the motobikes for bombs (never felt unsafe there!) Because of insurgents in the deep south. In Isaan I also felt safe in the countryside, only the big group of street dogs were the scariest, the people were great especially the experience of Songkran in Khon Kaen . My point being, its also about luck, and how well you can adapt and have plain logic. I value being treated equal more and giving up some safety, but other people may dicide not, and that is fine. Most/almost all my memories of Thailand were great and I'll never forget them. Hope to return for a holiday one day with my wife, because she hasn't been on holidays outside of Colombia, only to my native country (Netherlands) and she'd love to see other cultures so who knows. The world is big and diverse, I was obsessed with Thailand but look where I am, life is full of surprises. Not trying to sell anything or convert anyone, just telling a bit of my life and experiences. Have a good day!
As always, great content… We’ve been going to Thailand every year for about 2 - 3 months at a time. We also try to live where there’s more locals. Gotta test it out before the big move.
Love your videos! Video idea: PLANNING A RECCE VISIT before the big move! - visiting schools (I’m planning to come with my eleven year old son! Yey!) estate agents, what can be done in advance and what can’t be done from overseas, where to meet expats for advice and making friends (always nice having a friend before the big move), ways to live that real life and not as a holiday Just something I’d like to see. Honestly I’d watch anything you post about Chiang Mai. Thank you I’ve learnt so much!
The smokey season this past year was really bad. We do try to plan our trips away from Chiang Mai during that time frame, however if we are home we tend to stay inside with the air purifiers running or go places that are indoors with air purifiers. It can be pretty brutal from mid-Feb through April.
I have been here twenty year’s learned the language,live in Jomtien which is great,I think you must budget 70,000 B a month for a good standard of life, you are right about getting partner not easy .Thailand is a beautiful place to retire.
Under the category of "changing yourself from the inside" also applies to drugs, depression and suicide. There are regular reports of foreigners jumping or falling from balconies and killing themselves. You need to develop some resilience inside before moving to a foreign culture.
Great advice Off topic question If you're acquainted with Chang Mai, is a scooter necessary? Bangkok, too, me is the perfect setting for not needing a scooter for an example. Thank you for your channel
You can get around with a car service such as Grab or Bolt, but that cost can add up. Most people choose to have either a car or a scooter (or both) just to make life easier and be able to go where you want to go, when you want to go. It all depends on your lifestyle though.
I'm currently living in CNX. Yes, in my view a scooter is necessary to get around & you'll be using it all the time as the locals do. I've personally found that it's nothing to be scared of as the locals drive fairly slowly & considerately here. I'm 67 years old & I buzz around on a scooter everywhere
@ferney2936 Thank you for the reply I will hanging out in Bangkok for this reason I love scooters, so convenient But, my worry is not my safety or traffic It's merely for my convenient lifestyle in a country I'm not familiar Be safe Pleasant travels
@@ferney2936I live out in Mae Rim in CM and when I get into the city on my bike it can get pretty hectic with people racing to work on time and in the city the courier and Grab motorcycle riders are ruthless to get to ther destination. I am a young 68 years old you have to adopt an aggressive and defensive attitude to get around in the city on a motor scooter or bike. You have to be so aware, especially around the old town moat with all the roadworks and U turns.
Thank you for a great video. I plan next year to go to Chiangmai on an Ed visa and learn Thai. Can you recommend a newbie on how or where to go in Chiangmai if he wishes to buy a desktop computer or laptop?
Go to any of the big malls here in Chiang Mai and you will find that each mall has a floor that has mostly electronics on it. You will see computer stores that primarily deal in Apple and others PC. I recommend studio seven or bananas.
Very good points! thanks man! been following your channel for awhile.. God willing, jobs open in 2026 in Chiang Rai :) was supposed to be there earlier if not due to my severe pneumonia but God willing, 2026! :) i'm going up to Chiang Mai in Dec this year.
I'm visiting in Chiang Mai for the next few weeks. I like it much better than Bangkok. As far as costs, I haven't seen this "Thailand is soooo cheap" deal yet. A lot of things are more expensive here than in the US. A Whopper at BK is $6, nice hotels are expensive, Nike shoes more expensive here, not many places for good clothes for westerners, etc. And you better get used to Thai food. Very few American restaurants in Chiang Mai. Love just getting out walking everyday, lots to see and do around the Old City. And don't expect Thai people to understand what you are saying. Most don't speak other languages and don't seem to even care to help. Good info Tony. P.S. Have you done the Ziplines, and if so, which ones did you like? And have you seen the caves? That looks fun too. Thanks.
@@Openeyesopenheart42 can you please elaborate on the risky part? I have lost huge amounts of money in inflation in USA and in October BRICS is launching their new thing which is collapse the USD even further so I have to spend my nest egg or risk losing it..
Nah, don't buy. Thailand may join BRICS. That may conflict with your Western citizenship. This Ukraine conflict is at the point of full war already. It's just not in mainstream news. It will change the world. I suggest moving to Thailand before Q2 next year. There may be another lockdown.
@@michelleprather2803 Cause i've been in the United States all my life, so when I retire I want to see new things in life, and Thailand, Laos is the closest thing to My people.
How often do Thai civilians assume a foreigner is only there to party and for sex? I want to visit Thailand but I don't want people to assume I'm there for debauchery. There will be so many missed social opportunities. I just want to make friends, chill, and eat.
You can’t stop what other people will think. Just make friends, chill, and eat. Live your own life. If your friends and family don’t trust you then maybe they don’t deserve to be in your life.
@@martypoll Oh, I didn't mean people close to me. I meant Thai people. Even if they give me benefit of the doubt, it will still suck if they are sizing me up. Here in the Philippines, the P4P scene is so tiny. Guys can even fly straight to the main hub of Angeles city. There's an international airport right next door. They don't have to fiddle around and waste time. So unless you're in Angeles, Filipinos don't assume you are looking for booty. It's easy to make short term friends on a vacation in the Philippines. It's the only way to see the really great stuff. All the good stuff isn't advertised. That's actually why a lot of people don't like the Philippines. They didn't get the real experience because they didn't mingle well. So it would really suck if I can't mingle well in Thailand and nobody shows me the really wonderful things because the trip is short. Maybe in Thailand they have to take time to figure out if you're worthy, haha! So you'd really need more than month to network and be liked enough. No shade to Thai people. That's a good thing if that's the case. I'll definitely go to Thailand sometime, but nowhere near the red light hubs.
@@oodo2908 Still can’t stop people from thinking what they will think. They are not going to think anything about you . . . unless you are accompanied by a young woman in which case . . . possibly. Thais are not confrontational. Nobody is going to say anything nor do they care much.
I guess that really depends on where you’re at. If you’re by all the bars there of course going to think that. On a day-to-day basis just out in town and around I don’t think they would think that at all.
@@TheNarrowGate Ok, cool. Cause here in the Philippines (I'm half Filipino) I've heard women talking about foreigners. They ask each other if they're 'maniakis'. Maniacs. It's what the locals call perverts. I've never had a problem with that, but I'm half Filipino. But in Thailand I'm totally foreign. I think I can pass for a half Thai and can dodge any stigma. Don't know though. I'm probably worrying for no reason. But I'd really hate spending money and time in Thailand and only being seen as a customer. I know I'd still have a great time! But for me so much of the fun is not the tourist stuff. Thanks for the reply! I'll see how it goes...
We just spent 10 days in Pattaya Thailand, very good experience, the oddest part was trying to spend what we brought, we exchanged 1,000 USD to Baht and literally came back with nearly 4,000 baht. We spent and spent, went to night markets, malls, restaurants, temples, used Grab for every day rides. Tipped heavily as well. In America we would of exhausted a grande in no time. People were friendly and service driven. The Royal cliff beach hotel was incredible. Good time. We felt like we were treated so well, we even made friends. Which is very rare for us. Really like Thailand, we will be back for a month stay and we will continue exploring until we commit to a full relocation. Great content Tony really good points that are valuable ❤
you mean 40000 bahts. The baht has been gaining strength against the US dollar lately, so you won't get that kind of deal now.
I recommend visiting the northern part and islands in the south of Thailand. You made me miss Thailand 😢
Thank you for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Thailand!😊🙏🏻🇹🇭
I loved my 6 years in Thailand, especially the food. The ground transportation and medical care infrastructure I had a beautifully furnished 5 bedroom 4 bath house for $550.
Having lived in CM for years I would say my top three would be #1 Pollution (smoky season surely a shortcut to lung cancer) ...#2 Daily traffic deaths 60 on average at accident site.... #3 Immigration...Yes I know Visa service makes it easier but after 5-10 years Immigration + 90 day checks etc etc gets old. You are never more than on a one year pass with 90 day check-ins All that aside still love Thailand 😉
If you want Thailand to be just like your home country, stay home.
👍👍👍
Great advice for everyone including Thais who have not lived in Thailand for a long time. 🙏
Thank you very much!😊🙏🏻🇹🇭
I appreciate your delivery...You are explaining the central understanding of self, first! And you are demonstrating basic truths! Yep, we take ourselves with us wherever we go! My daily structure centered around teaching at an International School in Nichada Thani...I'm pretty sure it would have been a very different experience, on my own, after retirement. Another excellent presentation! Bravo!
I appreciate that! Thank you very much.😊🙏🏻🇹🇭
Lived in Thailand for a year, went Thaiboxing and studied half a year. Thailand is great, loved it, cuisine maybe the best or top 3 of the world. But living there and always being a second class citizen/farang and fair game to be scammed, no thanks. I choose South America, same climate, also a fun and open culture, women are even prettier and you can actually fully own all your property and land, even as a non-citizen. The cuisine is less nice but I can make laab, padt krapaow, tom kha gai or red curry myself ;)
Thailand is perfect for (long) holidays though!
My humble opinion.
Which part of South America. What is the crime like? That is my biggest question before going there. Would like to check out Brasil and Colombia. Definitely have Costa Rica on the list though.
@@ericrenfro4429 yes, Colombia. The Caribean coast. Crime rates are higher, I cannot disagree. However I have still never had a bad situation, maybe luck, maybe my behaviour or logic. It also depends where you go, where you live, how you behave (drunk, drugs, gold jewelry etc).
I know that the safest and least corrupt countries in South America are Costa Rica and Uruguay. They are also more expensive. But if you are an easy learner, you can go a long way, Spanish(or Portuguese) isn't as hard as Thai. At least if you're a westerner.
I actually also been to Brazil, but only the southern part (richer) close to the border with Paraguay. Brazil is very big so I can't speak for the rest but I think the same as for Colombia applies. I found the Colombians/Spanish speaking countries a bit more social and interested, talkative than the Brazilians. But they all like to dance here, that can be fun.
However, a friend of mine had lived in koh Tao for 3 years, and its also definately not perfect over there(a lot of weird deaths of tourists, I think we can say murders).
That same friend was robbed of his golden necklace while riding a songtaew in Pattaya. And my ex GF was robbed by a motorbike guy of her purse, also in Pattaya. I've been to Songkla/Hat Yai and they checked all the motobikes for bombs (never felt unsafe there!) Because of insurgents in the deep south.
In Isaan I also felt safe in the countryside, only the big group of street dogs were the scariest, the people were great especially the experience of Songkran in Khon Kaen . My point being, its also about luck, and how well you can adapt and have plain logic. I value being treated equal more and giving up some safety, but other people may dicide not, and that is fine. Most/almost all my memories of Thailand were great and I'll never forget them. Hope to return for a holiday one day with my wife, because she hasn't been on holidays outside of Colombia, only to my native country (Netherlands) and she'd love to see other cultures so who knows.
The world is big and diverse, I was obsessed with Thailand but look where I am, life is full of surprises.
Not trying to sell anything or convert anyone, just telling a bit of my life and experiences.
Have a good day!
in south america you will also be a gringo forever 🙄
As always, great content… We’ve been going to Thailand every year for about 2 - 3 months at a time. We also try to live where there’s more locals. Gotta test it out before the big move.
This is Gonna b Extremely Informative…. Thanks🎯🔥🔥🔥👍n Happy Thursday😀!!!….
Great, glad that it is helpful for you!!! 😊🙏🏻🇹🇭
1:05 perfect.
Love your videos! Video idea: PLANNING A RECCE VISIT before the big move! - visiting schools (I’m planning to come with my eleven year old son! Yey!) estate agents, what can be done in advance and what can’t be done from overseas, where to meet expats for advice and making friends (always nice having a friend before the big move), ways to live that real life and not as a holiday
Just something I’d like to see. Honestly I’d watch anything you post about Chiang Mai. Thank you I’ve learnt so much!
Thank you for the suggestion and for watching our videos!!! 😊🇹🇭🙏🏻
@@TheNarrowGate I did find a video of yours with all this info immediately after writing this! Please ignore me!
Great advice for everyone coming from abroad
So how bad is the smokey season in Chang Mai? Do you stay there during this period or do you leave for a few months?
Most people say it's very bad. Best to leave during Feb - April
One of the reasons renting is better, flexibility.
The smokey season this past year was really bad. We do try to plan our trips away from Chiang Mai during that time frame, however if we are home we tend to stay inside with the air purifiers running or go places that are indoors with air purifiers. It can be pretty brutal from mid-Feb through April.
I have been here twenty year’s learned the language,live in Jomtien which is great,I think you must budget 70,000 B a month for a good standard of life, you are right about getting partner not easy .Thailand is a beautiful place to retire.
Under the category of "changing yourself from the inside" also applies to drugs, depression and suicide. There are regular reports of foreigners jumping or falling from balconies and killing themselves. You need to develop some resilience inside before moving to a foreign culture.
True
Awesome info 👍
Once again Tony, you have provided great advice 🙏🏻.
Thanks Rob! See you soon.
Great advice
Off topic question
If you're acquainted with Chang Mai, is a scooter necessary?
Bangkok, too, me is the perfect setting for not needing a scooter for an example.
Thank you for your channel
You can get around with a car service such as Grab or Bolt, but that cost can add up. Most people choose to have either a car or a scooter (or both) just to make life easier and be able to go where you want to go, when you want to go. It all depends on your lifestyle though.
I'm currently living in CNX. Yes, in my view a scooter is necessary to get around & you'll be using it all the time as the locals do. I've personally found that it's nothing to be scared of as the locals drive fairly slowly & considerately here. I'm 67 years old & I buzz around on a scooter everywhere
@ferney2936
Thank you for the reply
I will hanging out in Bangkok for this reason
I love scooters, so convenient
But, my worry is not my safety or traffic
It's merely for my convenient lifestyle in a country I'm not familiar
Be safe
Pleasant travels
@@ferney2936I live out in Mae Rim in CM and when I get into the city on my bike it can get pretty hectic with people racing to work on time and in the city the courier and Grab motorcycle riders are ruthless to get to ther destination.
I am a young 68 years old you have to adopt an aggressive and defensive attitude to get around in the city on a motor scooter or bike.
You have to be so aware, especially around the old town moat with all the roadworks and U turns.
@@TheNarrowGate due to traffic jams in CM, a scooter is a must 😊
Thank you for a great video. I plan next year to go to Chiangmai on an Ed visa and learn Thai. Can you recommend a newbie on how or where to go in Chiangmai if he wishes to buy a desktop computer or laptop?
Go to any of the big malls here in Chiang Mai and you will find that each mall has a floor that has mostly electronics on it. You will see computer stores that primarily deal in Apple and others PC. I recommend studio seven or bananas.
Great advice, thanks mate.
Thanks for watching!!! 😊🙏🏻🇹🇭
Very good points! thanks man! been following your channel for awhile.. God willing, jobs open in 2026 in Chiang Rai :) was supposed to be there earlier if not due to my severe pneumonia but God willing, 2026! :) i'm going up to Chiang Mai in Dec this year.
🙏🙏🙏
I'm visiting in Chiang Mai for the next few weeks. I like it much better than Bangkok. As far as costs, I haven't seen this "Thailand is soooo cheap" deal yet. A lot of things are more expensive here than in the US. A Whopper at BK is $6, nice hotels are expensive, Nike shoes more expensive here, not many places for good clothes for westerners, etc. And you better get used to Thai food. Very few American restaurants in Chiang Mai. Love just getting out walking everyday, lots to see and do around the Old City. And don't expect Thai people to understand what you are saying. Most don't speak other languages and don't seem to even care to help. Good info Tony.
P.S. Have you done the Ziplines, and if so, which ones did you like? And have you seen the caves? That looks fun too. Thanks.
Have not done Ziplining, but I have explored some of the caves and they are really cool. Enjoy your time in Chiang Mai and thanks for watching!😊🙏🏻🇹🇭
Always awesome....
Thank you so much 😀
good advice, friend.
Glad it was helpful!
Does Thailand have an extradition treaty with the US? Asking for a friend.
😂 What is your 'friend' doing to need it?
Some great advice here.
Thanks!🙏🏻😊
Wise words Tony ...
Thank you! 😊🙏🏻🇹🇭
i am looking for a travel health insurance for me and my wife while traveling abroad. What would you recommend?
We use the ones we list in the description when we travel.
the thing im most nervous about is buying a house and doing the 30yr+2x 30yr renewal lease on it or setting up a company to own the house...
Don’t do it unless you can afford to lose every penny. Rent is CHEAP and allows for flexibility, buying is too risky .
@@Openeyesopenheart42 can you please elaborate on the risky part? I have lost huge amounts of money in inflation in USA and in October BRICS is launching their new thing which is collapse the USD even further so I have to spend my nest egg or risk losing it..
@@HeyWattsUpCyclingnewsflash, Thailand also has inflation.
@@Appie-rd2bg not 100% in 4yrs...
Nah, don't buy. Thailand may join BRICS. That may conflict with your Western citizenship. This Ukraine conflict is at the point of full war already. It's just not in mainstream news. It will change the world. I suggest moving to Thailand before Q2 next year. There may be another lockdown.
Where is the link to the guide it’s not I. Your descriptions
Hey there. It's in the Buy Me A Coffee link. Here it is, it's under the 'Extras' section. buymeacoffee.com/narrowgate/extras. Thank you.😊🇹🇭🙏🏻
I'm Hmong, born and raised in the U.S. (77) when i retire 3 more years I want to move to Thailand
Why are you waiting to move?
@@michelleprather2803 Cause i've been in the United States all my life, so when I retire I want to see new things in life, and Thailand, Laos is the closest thing to My people.
If you have addiction issues (sex, drugs, alcohol, gambling) do not go. Your addiction issues will get worse. Deal with them and then go.
Very true!
How often do Thai civilians assume a foreigner is only there to party and for sex? I want to visit Thailand but I don't want people to assume I'm there for debauchery. There will be so many missed social opportunities. I just want to make friends, chill, and eat.
You can’t stop what other people will think. Just make friends, chill, and eat. Live your own life. If your friends and family don’t trust you then maybe they don’t deserve to be in your life.
@@martypoll Oh, I didn't mean people close to me. I meant Thai people. Even if they give me benefit of the doubt, it will still suck if they are sizing me up.
Here in the Philippines, the P4P scene is so tiny. Guys can even fly straight to the main hub of Angeles city. There's an international airport right next door. They don't have to fiddle around and waste time. So unless you're in Angeles, Filipinos don't assume you are looking for booty.
It's easy to make short term friends on a vacation in the Philippines. It's the only way to see the really great stuff. All the good stuff isn't advertised. That's actually why a lot of people don't like the Philippines. They didn't get the real experience because they didn't mingle well.
So it would really suck if I can't mingle well in Thailand and nobody shows me the really wonderful things because the trip is short.
Maybe in Thailand they have to take time to figure out if you're worthy, haha! So you'd really need more than month to network and be liked enough.
No shade to Thai people. That's a good thing if that's the case. I'll definitely go to Thailand sometime, but nowhere near the red light hubs.
@@oodo2908 Still can’t stop people from thinking what they will think. They are not going to think anything about you . . . unless you are accompanied by a young woman in which case . . . possibly. Thais are not confrontational. Nobody is going to say anything nor do they care much.
I guess that really depends on where you’re at. If you’re by all the bars there of course going to think that. On a day-to-day basis just out in town and around I don’t think they would think that at all.
@@TheNarrowGate Ok, cool. Cause here in the Philippines (I'm half Filipino) I've heard women talking about foreigners. They ask each other if they're 'maniakis'. Maniacs. It's what the locals call perverts.
I've never had a problem with that, but I'm half Filipino. But in Thailand I'm totally foreign. I think I can pass for a half Thai and can dodge any stigma. Don't know though.
I'm probably worrying for no reason. But I'd really hate spending money and time in Thailand and only being seen as a customer. I know I'd still have a great time! But for me so much of the fun is not the tourist stuff.
Thanks for the reply! I'll see how it goes...
Don't read the news bro.