My gift to you: In a village nestled ‘neath Thailand’s golden sun, Lies a tale of discord, where once harmony had run. For a stainless steel fence, shiny and new, Brought whispers of discontent, feelings askew. In the heart of the village, where traditions hold sway, The gleaming barrier caused quite a dismay. For the villagers cherished their woven bamboo, A symbol of heritage, tried and true. They gathered in whispers, by the old banyan tree, Voicing concerns of what this fence might decree. “It’s not part of our culture,” they quietly mused, As they pondered the change, feeling bemused. Their culture, a tapestry of colors and song, Where unity and tradition forever belong. The stainless steel fence, a foreign sight, A disruption to their peaceful delight. Yet amidst the dissent, there arose a call, To embrace the old and the new, one and all. For in the heart of Thailand, diversity thrives, In the tapestry of cultures, where harmony thrives. So they painted the fence in vibrant Thai hues, Incorporating traditions, old and anew. And as the sun set over the village that day, The stainless steel fence in Thai colors did sway. For in Thailand’s embrace, diversity reigns, And unity amidst differences forever remains. So let the fence stand, a symbol of unity, In the rich tapestry of Thai community.
Hi mate I have just watched a handful of your videos and have a good attitude on life. I like your fence and gate. We are retiring in three years in our village north of Khon kaen 20 minutes. I have a small poultry farm business here in Australia that going to sell and retire. We are looking to build a small 3 bedroom house on our new land we bought 18 months ago. At the moment we stay in our family house we own in the village next to Na family I love it the people are so friendly. Good luck with your fence build mate ☕️👍
17:01 This happens in other countries too. I Lived in Ecuador for 2 years and moved out of the country because of it. I’m headed to Thailand at the end of December for 6 weeks to see how the vibe is there
Property looking good. Glad to hear things aren't getting to you. I'm a similar way. I think sometimes being a bit eccentric or animated in presentation gives the impression things are affecting me more than they actually are at times lol.
Aloha Robb. Randomly found you a couple of months ago. I do love you're insights into Thai culture. Have called the Big Island of Hawaii home since 1983. If I do the math, that's going on 41 years. As it turns out, we are neighbors. My Thai wife (cultural union) and I are almost directly north of you on the rice edge of Chyaiphum city in Chyaiphum Provence. On the Big Island at the moment but will be back in Thailand July 31st.
hello from Norway! have watched many of the videos you have posted, lots of great info! Keep it up! I'm in Thailand on holiday for 4 weeks, and after 5 days now I'm completely sold! love Thailand!
Hi Robb! I think I found your simple life here in Pattaya! I avoid the crazy side! I don't have the $$ to build, but as an old carpenter/homebuilder, I am a bit jealous!! About language, the vocabulary thing is a killer. In Brazil, it was easy because of the common base in Latin . There are over 5000 cognates, so you have an instant vocabulary as soon as you figure out the puzzle. Makes those deeper conversations easier when you are still struggling with verb conjugations. 555 Good for you with your determination to learn Thai! I am "one word at a time" at this point. Kikiat! (can you translate? )
Love the Ramblin Robb 😊 Do what makes you happy, in the viallages more remote than yours very few gates, often none, so the locals may be as Tom Waits would say " whats he building in there?" ... favorite song of mine.
Analysis of Tom Waits song .... He's not building anything; that's the point of the song. Tom Waits is singing from the point of view of a representative of the paranoid townspeople who view this man with suspicion simply because he seems to be up to something. There is of course no proof for anything he might be up to as it's all in the heads of those around him, and the narration reveals the obsessive and invasive mindset of the suspicious townspeople rather than concentrating on the man who is supposedly building something.
Yes. Fawn and I did both get a little bit of that. Nothing enough to bother anyone. Some of the extreme cultural jealousy here is just part of the way of Village life. And that rolls 100% off my back because I understand the origin of it. Honestly, I have sympathy and empathy for most of those people. And fun is starting to understand a little better too. I do some joint teaching or some of these lessons and helping her elevate her own life.
@@resetwithrobbI cannot take credit for the following ... living with thai that I was honored to be accepted by, I learned over time to purge my mind of words of jealousy, gossip, judgment. Ego. Rest is same as you in some ways as it rolls off my back so end result perhaps equal, I just found a new way of thinking demonstrated to me through action by the some Thai that dont think this way and I believe the village takes notice and in their way respects a non gossip, non jealous neighbour, that wishes them happiness. This is not the easy path and takes enormous executive decision to change the mind. Is this of value to you? I don't know. For myself it brought a deep level of peace.
U nned to buy like a sculpture or some kinda someting to put up in the village sqaure, go up to vietnam and get it done real cheap (but exspensive looking) !!
I appreciate your insights into the Thai culture. I learned many years ago that your always a " Stranger in a Strange land" when your away from your own land and culture.
Robb, I'm going to ask a personal question and I certainly will understand if you don't want to answer. I just today learned there is a marriage visa! And, it looks so simple! Are you on a marriage visa?
He was describing the retirement Visa. Which is easier to get. 800,000 baht in an account or 65,000 monthly income. Marriage Visa is half that but harder to get.
My first Thai girl also was named Fon. That particular relationship was definitely strained. When you refer to the women that work multiple guys at once, I automatically think of her. She didn’t scare me off though. I have met some really kind women since that rather rough experience. 🙂👍🏻
I have had a very difficult time finding a really solid Bourbon in Thailand. It seems like Beam is the “go to Bourbon” anywhere that I have been. I’ve had the same experience finding a good Scotch as well. I did find a nice Ardbeg Islay Scotch at the airport. Where do you find your Bourbon?
Check but I think you can bring up to 1 liter in your checked bag. The duty free shops at connecting airports (Thailand closed theirs), and the liquor store at the Mall Korat had Woodford reserve, Maker’s, and a few others.
one of my biggest disappointments with moving to Thailand was the expat community. Navigate those water very carefully and break away from anyone that gives me bad vibes. Amazing the amount of grumpy unhappy expats.
Mm… I disagree with this type of stuff about expats. You see what you want to see. Of course spoiled milk exists but if you approach everyone as their own individual story and know how to approach/understand someone, almost every person can be interesting. It’s your mindset that determines the outcome in most cases. Just because someone came here to drink and pay for play and that’s the initial thing they talk about doesn’t mean that’s the only topic It’s been 3 years here for me, met and spoke with around 30 foreigners, I can’t say that a single one wasn’t worth atleast a convo. If someone is weird and crazy, I’ll listen for a bit lol. I find it rather boring talking to people who tick all the “normal” boxes because they are boring …. (Keep in mind I’m not friends with these expats, I just run into them at the gym, etc)
@@Freedom-33 learned to find people I vibe with now. I was way to open and tolerate with expats on arrival. Now I can tell fast if I vibe or not. If you do not see disgruntled expats in Thailand then your eyes are closed. Key is not to engage and get caught up in that behavior. Now they are just background noise to me and I have the tribe I vibe with in Thailand.
@@TNKeith People just enjoy echo chambers. I don't have to be friends with them, but I can talk to them. Most of the time for me when I come across someone disgruntled, I can poke holes in their outlook and turn things around and offer a different perspective. Rarely if ever is someone that closed minded. I also dont engage with most expats I see (selective with who I will start a convo with) so that is narrowing down the pool One of the nicest guys that I have met here was completely drunk and smelled like booze in the gym. I got to know him a bit and he was a very intelligent, well spoken dude. He just had a brain injury and gave up on his life. Still worth talking to imo.
@@Freedom-33 agreed I have many surface level conversations with just about anyone I meet. I do not engage in politics or try to debate anyone about politics, religion etc.
Do you have a water well or do you get water from the city in the village? I went from rain water tanks to water well to finally city water. Electrical always went down. No fun in hot weather. I had to get air conditioning units I could not live under a fan blowing hot air. The village roads were terrible with pot holes. Not good driving motorcycle.
Not yet. Plant to get a usfruct and a right of occupancy certificate before the actual house construction. Honestly, they’re both near worthless. Cannot sell a house in the village and even if a divorce is 100% and patently obviously the wife’s fault , every person in that village would be against you. I know of two local foreigners who chose not to leave and both were permanently disabled by violent attacks. Not interested.
@@resetwithrobb yes mate I agree 100% with you and hence the question, I plan to build as well and I honestly don’t think I’ll bother for those exact reasons. If it did go to shit at least my wife will always have a place to call her own and that would still make me happy that she is secure.
I was wondering if the 65k or more per month need to come from your pension institution or is it fine with you moving the money from your bank acount in your home country to thai bank account from your savings
I am told that depends on the agent investigating your pension application, and possibly what province you are in. But I’ve been warned to be prepared to be able to document it from a verifiable pension source with written documentation.
Great content brother, you do you I do appreciate your honesty, sharing the habits of locals is one of my favorites The happiness & your relax attitude comes through very well Stay cool
Those people purchasing the 5 million dollar houses typically have more money than sense. When I was in real estate appraisal, you could sometimes see how clueless the builders and buyers were.
I got to tell you Robb. I don’t find any of these stereotypes or generalizations very useful. I had the experience of working with Thais in a professional setting and living in an area with quite well off expats. I’ve also known quite a few Thai American couples in the US over the last 15 years. I know far more guys married to Thai women who are not from the sex industry. In fact I couldn’t name more than 3 or 4 guys I’ve gotten to now here over the years who actually married a bar girl and those guys are up in the countryside. Now it’s certainly more true in the countryside because that’s where those girls are from and will inevitably get you to return to with them. But, Pattaya aside, as you travel the more developed and well off areas of Thailand you will find a lot of very well off westerners married to good educated Thai women. My Rotary Clearly is full of them. It really does the Thai society a disservice in my opinion to perpetuate this stuff. Yes some low value guys come here, date and marry bar girls because they can’t do any better. Guys in the U.S. marry strippers and hookers as well. I know several very well off men in the States married happily to American strippers and hookers including one very famous individual who is a personal friend. But based on my experience it’s nowhere near 90% here - certainly not where I live and the circles I had run in over the years. Quite the opposite. If my wife had married me only for my money she certainly could have taken the money and ran years ago. In fact I find that more of a trait of American women than Thai women in general. I really do think that living in the countryside and your previous unfortunate experiences here really does skew your point of view. If you’re able to get yourself healthy you really do need to travel this country and broaden your horizons. I say this with all do respect as I typically do agree with you on most things. But with this I really do need to take issue.
Bill- I hear you. This is why I really try to frequently repeat my disclaimer (in fact I have two videos coming up on this) that “your mileage will vary” and what I see mostly applies to rural Korat (here I the Isan regional farmland, etc.). You and I live in totally different worlds. And that is 100% okay. God bless.
Bill I believe your right about your social situation, but I also believe Robb about his environment . I live in Pattaya, where what Robb says is understated. Also, the expats are worse here is Pattaya. I still enjoy it though, but I don't need a lot of friendships, close or otherwise, and I see the scammer girls coming a mile away. I tend to look at the beauty of Pattaya, an abundance of hot 20 year olds, endless activities and a nice party atmosphere. I don't want your enviroment, ( Retired Attorney) I had that in the States, it was boring and a major reason why I left, after retirement. I don't like Robb's enviroment either, it sounds incredible boring...LOL. Not all of us are looking for normality, healthy relationships or friendships....LOL.
Interesting. Is the change (even if it ends up being just temporary) in attitude or behavior from some of the villagers, just directed at you, or does Fawn also experience it?
Fawn as well. It’s been fine for us both. Her parents are well respected in the village which creates a significantly social buffer. Nobody wants to get chewed out by her mom and lose face- in my estimation.
My view is 'less is more'. I am completely uninterested in the goings on in the village. The village population seems to be interested in virtually everything we do and have, primarily not for positive ends. The less time I spend around folks in the village, the better.
65,000 baht a month is not enough in Thailand. That is close to 2,000.00 dollars a month or around 60.00 dollars per day or around 2,000 baht per day. You better have at least 20,00000 dollars in a Thai bank for emergencies, medical insurance, yearly immigration visa expenses, motorcycle, car and travel. Anything less than 20,000.00 dollars in a Thai bank is going broke and you will be going back to the USA once money runs low and not replenished. Is an expat from the USA willing to have 20,000.00 dollars in a Thai bank? What happens with the 20,000.00 dollars in a Personal Thai Bank Account if an expat dies in Thailand? Thailand can be expensive so be careful with your money. Other countries are less expensive for retirement such as the Philippines.
I don’t think you would’ve had a chance with Fawn 20yrs ago bro haha!! I like her you done well there man keep up the good work. You’re an inspiration to us all bro……
I saw a big one three times so far. They stay away from people. But it’d be way worse than a dog attack if you tangled with one. There are two here BTW. The more common Asian Water Monitor (2nd biggest and generally even temperament), and the Crocodile Monitor- the only animal (I can remember) that my departed friend Brian Barczyk was afraid of. They have crazy HUGE teeth, are the biggest true lizard in the world, and are notoriously temperamental. They’re rare, praise God.
I don't think I could live in the village and ignore everyone. That would be rude in my opinion. I would want to engage with everybody at least to make eye contact briefly and smile and say saw wat dee krup. In hua hin It was this old guy that when I would go past him and smile and say hello he would scowl at me. Normally I would have been slightly offended but in Thailand I wasn't. I just smiled. 30 minutes later I saw him again. I did the same thing and he did the same thing and I smiled again. It's okay. I was a little bit disturbed to hear your comment in the comments about expats that wouldn't leave the village after they were divorced and got seriously hurt by the locals. Like to hear more about that one day. Or maybe I wouldn't. I like the fence and the wall. It looks good. I think eventually they will come around and as you said if they don't oh well.
Nice plot of land! A lot of potential there. Yeah as an entertainment lawyer for 32 years representing A list musical acts I can tell you some stories about attempts to screw over musicians. It’s a very dirty and nasty business. Good luck with the house. We also just purchased another plot in phase 2 of our development to build a bigger house with the kid coming. Great builder we worked with on our current house. Got to be careful there. Hit and miss with builders here. I’m Irish too and love a good brawl! My mother was born in Limerick and I also have an Irish passport! น่าเบื่อ is boring. I’m sure you know that.
Too bad the stainless steal ruffled some feathers. Sounds like you have good instincts on village politics and maintaining relationships with locals, so I’m sure the cold shoulder treatment will go away.
My gift to you:
In a village nestled ‘neath Thailand’s golden sun,
Lies a tale of discord, where once harmony had run.
For a stainless steel fence, shiny and new,
Brought whispers of discontent, feelings askew.
In the heart of the village, where traditions hold sway,
The gleaming barrier caused quite a dismay.
For the villagers cherished their woven bamboo,
A symbol of heritage, tried and true.
They gathered in whispers, by the old banyan tree,
Voicing concerns of what this fence might decree.
“It’s not part of our culture,” they quietly mused,
As they pondered the change, feeling bemused.
Their culture, a tapestry of colors and song,
Where unity and tradition forever belong.
The stainless steel fence, a foreign sight,
A disruption to their peaceful delight.
Yet amidst the dissent, there arose a call,
To embrace the old and the new, one and all.
For in the heart of Thailand, diversity thrives,
In the tapestry of cultures, where harmony thrives.
So they painted the fence in vibrant Thai hues,
Incorporating traditions, old and anew.
And as the sun set over the village that day,
The stainless steel fence in Thai colors did sway.
For in Thailand’s embrace, diversity reigns,
And unity amidst differences forever remains.
So let the fence stand, a symbol of unity,
In the rich tapestry of Thai community.
That's a beauty! Congrats!
I like.
Robb you seem like a great guy! I can sense that you deal with some anxiety (a lot of us do)! Take care of yourself brother!
Hi mate
I have just watched a handful of your videos and have a good attitude on life. I like your fence and gate. We are retiring in three years in our village north of Khon kaen 20 minutes. I have a small poultry farm business here in Australia that going to sell and retire. We are looking to build a small 3 bedroom house on our new land we bought 18 months ago. At the moment we stay in our family house we own in the village next to Na family I love it the people are so friendly. Good luck with your fence build mate ☕️👍
17:01 This happens in other countries too. I Lived in Ecuador for 2 years and moved out of the country because of it. I’m headed to Thailand at the end of December for 6 weeks to see how the vibe is there
The social vibe is a fair bit like Jamaica, which is very good, obviously.
Property looking good. Glad to hear things aren't getting to you. I'm a similar way. I think sometimes being a bit eccentric or animated in presentation gives the impression things are affecting me more than they actually are at times lol.
Aloha Robb.
Randomly found you a couple of months ago.
I do love you're insights into Thai culture.
Have called the Big Island of Hawaii home since 1983.
If I do the math, that's going on 41 years.
As it turns out, we are neighbors.
My Thai wife (cultural union) and I are almost directly north of you on the rice edge of Chyaiphum city in Chyaiphum Provence.
On the Big Island at the moment but will be back in Thailand July 31st.
hello from Norway! have watched many of the videos you have posted, lots of great info! Keep it up! I'm in Thailand on holiday for 4 weeks, and after 5 days now I'm completely sold! love Thailand!
Hi Robb! I think I found your simple life here in Pattaya! I avoid the crazy side! I don't have the $$ to build, but as an old carpenter/homebuilder, I am a bit jealous!! About language, the vocabulary thing is a killer. In Brazil, it was easy because of the common base in Latin . There are over 5000 cognates, so you have an instant vocabulary as soon as you figure out the puzzle. Makes those deeper conversations easier when you are still struggling with verb conjugations. 555 Good for you with your determination to learn Thai! I am "one word at a time" at this point. Kikiat! (can you translate? )
Yes- 555
"Lazy", which is a very common thing in Thailand, and come to think of it here in the USA as well.
Balcony diection is key, sun is frustrating here if not
Been retired/living in “the Village” of 150 households for about five years now. Best decision ever.
Love the Ramblin Robb 😊
Do what makes you happy, in the viallages more remote than yours very few gates, often none, so the locals may be as Tom Waits would say " whats he building in there?" ... favorite song of mine.
Analysis of Tom Waits song ....
He's not building anything; that's the point of the song. Tom Waits is singing from the point of view of a representative of the paranoid townspeople who view this man with suspicion simply because he seems to be up to something. There is of course no proof for anything he might be up to as it's all in the heads of those around him, and the narration reveals the obsessive and invasive mindset of the suspicious townspeople rather than concentrating on the man who is supposedly building something.
Yes. Fawn and I did both get a little bit of that. Nothing enough to bother anyone. Some of the extreme cultural jealousy here is just part of the way of Village life. And that rolls 100% off my back because I understand the origin of it. Honestly, I have sympathy and empathy for most of those people. And fun is starting to understand a little better too. I do some joint teaching or some of these lessons and helping her elevate her own life.
@@resetwithrobbI cannot take credit for the following ... living with thai that I was honored to be accepted by, I learned over time to purge my mind of words of jealousy, gossip, judgment. Ego. Rest is same as you in some ways as it rolls off my back so end result perhaps equal, I just found a new way of thinking demonstrated to me through action by the some Thai that dont think this way and I believe the village takes notice and in their way respects a non gossip, non jealous neighbour, that wishes them happiness. This is not the easy path and takes enormous executive decision to change the mind.
Is this of value to you? I don't know. For myself it brought a deep level of peace.
Good for you Khun Robb. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. That gate looks fabulous! That's something that looks fantastic! "go big, or go home!"
U nned to buy like a sculpture or some kinda someting to put up in the village sqaure, go up to vietnam and get it done real cheap (but exspensive looking) !!
I appreciate your insights into the Thai culture. I learned many years ago that your always a " Stranger in a Strange land" when your away from your own land and culture.
Yes. I try to keep that in mind/ I don’t really belong here.
Unless everyone is a stranger in a strange land like the USA where everyone is an immigrant…. also applies to Australia.
I have seen a few videos. It seems like you enjoy your life, good for you man.
You are looking good. Good for you.
oh shoot, I havent had a nice cigar since I was in Nicaragua a decade ago ! They sold a rum and coke in a can that was delicious !
Robb, I'm going to ask a personal question and I certainly will understand if you don't want to answer. I just today learned there is a marriage visa! And, it looks so simple! Are you on a marriage visa?
He was describing the retirement Visa. Which is easier to get. 800,000 baht in an account or 65,000 monthly income. Marriage Visa is half that but harder to get.
@@WallaceDunn Why hard to get?
No. That’s later.
Good stuff, Robb. Something I came across recently that would apply to "some" expats ..."The farther one moves from family, the deeper the trauma".
IME- this is true.
where do you get a nice cigar that doesnt cost an arm?
Tobacco is expensive here and I have seen much selection. I bring them back from the USA.
My first Thai girl also was named Fon. That particular relationship was definitely strained. When you refer to the women that work multiple guys at once, I automatically think of her. She didn’t scare me off though. I have met some really kind women since that rather rough experience. 🙂👍🏻
Like the shirt (the one in the intro).
Can I ask you the total price on your fence counting the gate
Did t track it but That’d be around 9KUS.
I have had a very difficult time finding a really solid Bourbon in Thailand. It seems like Beam is the “go to Bourbon” anywhere that I have been. I’ve had the same experience finding a good Scotch as well. I did find a nice Ardbeg Islay Scotch at the airport.
Where do you find your Bourbon?
Check but I think you can bring up to 1 liter in your checked bag. The duty free shops at connecting airports (Thailand closed theirs), and the liquor store at the Mall Korat had Woodford reserve, Maker’s, and a few others.
one of my biggest disappointments with moving to Thailand was the expat community. Navigate those water very carefully and break away from anyone that gives me bad vibes. Amazing the amount of grumpy unhappy expats.
Agree. I have a video planned where I talk about that in more detail. It’s really weird.
Mm… I disagree with this type of stuff about expats.
You see what you want to see.
Of course spoiled milk exists but if you approach everyone as their own individual story and know how to approach/understand someone, almost every person can be interesting.
It’s your mindset that determines the outcome in most cases.
Just because someone came here to drink and pay for play and that’s the initial thing they talk about doesn’t mean that’s the only topic
It’s been 3 years here for me, met and spoke with around 30 foreigners, I can’t say that a single one wasn’t worth atleast a convo.
If someone is weird and crazy, I’ll listen for a bit lol. I find it rather boring talking to people who tick all the “normal” boxes because they are boring …. (Keep in mind I’m not friends with these expats, I just run into them at the gym, etc)
@@Freedom-33 learned to find people I vibe with now. I was way to open and tolerate with expats on arrival. Now I can tell fast if I vibe or not. If you do not see disgruntled expats in Thailand then your eyes are closed. Key is not to engage and get caught up in that behavior. Now they are just background noise to me and I have the tribe I vibe with in Thailand.
@@TNKeith People just enjoy echo chambers. I don't have to be friends with them, but I can talk to them.
Most of the time for me when I come across someone disgruntled, I can poke holes in their outlook and turn things around and offer a different perspective. Rarely if ever is someone that closed minded.
I also dont engage with most expats I see (selective with who I will start a convo with) so that is narrowing down the pool
One of the nicest guys that I have met here was completely drunk and smelled like booze in the gym. I got to know him a bit and he was a very intelligent, well spoken dude. He just had a brain injury and gave up on his life. Still worth talking to imo.
@@Freedom-33 agreed I have many surface level conversations with just about anyone I meet. I do not engage in politics or try to debate anyone about politics, religion etc.
Do you have a water well or do you get water from the city in the village? I went from rain water tanks to water well to finally city water. Electrical always went down. No fun in hot weather. I had to get air conditioning units I could not live under a fan blowing hot air. The village roads were terrible with pot holes. Not good driving motorcycle.
Mate have you done anything legally in terms of building your house like a 30 year lease or something else ?
Not yet. Plant to get a usfruct and a right of occupancy certificate before the actual house construction. Honestly, they’re both near worthless. Cannot sell a house in the village and even if a divorce is 100% and patently obviously the wife’s fault , every person in that village would be against you. I know of two local foreigners who chose not to leave and both were permanently disabled by violent attacks. Not interested.
@@resetwithrobb yes mate I agree 100% with you and hence the question, I plan to build as well and I honestly don’t think I’ll bother for those exact reasons. If it did go to shit at least my wife will always have a place to call her own and that would still make me happy that she is secure.
I love the excitement of the cities but the village is my heaven mate, I’m a very quiet introvert bloke.
That’s quite the name you got there,mate.
I had to do a double check to see if this was Davo or not - 555.
@@resetwithrobb Dave Clark mate 🙏
How much do you pay Fawn a month?
True stainless or chrome?
I was wondering if the 65k or more per month need to come from your pension institution or is it fine with you moving the money from your bank acount in your home country to thai bank account from your savings
I am told that depends on the agent investigating your pension application, and possibly what province you are in. But I’ve been warned to be prepared to be able to document it from a verifiable pension source with written documentation.
@@resetwithrobb 🙏 thank you
Love your information, best thai insight on the Web
Appreciate that. Thank you very much.
Great show Robb. Raining here in Bad Axe. Stay cool 😎 kind and generous bud.
Great content brother, you do you
I do appreciate your honesty, sharing the habits of locals is one of my favorites
The happiness & your relax attitude comes through very well
Stay cool
Thx. Appreciate it!
Those people purchasing the 5 million dollar houses typically have more money than sense. When I was in real estate appraisal, you could sometimes see how clueless the builders and buyers were.
The gate looks amazing
Your new gate looks great. Definitely well constructed. Amusing to hear about the local jealousy!
I got to tell you Robb. I don’t find any of these stereotypes or generalizations very useful. I had the experience of working with Thais in a professional setting and living in an area with quite well off expats. I’ve also known quite a few Thai American couples in the US over the last 15 years. I know far more guys married to Thai women who are not from the sex industry. In fact I couldn’t name more than 3 or 4 guys I’ve gotten to now here over the years who actually married a bar girl and those guys are up in the countryside. Now it’s certainly more true in the countryside because that’s where those girls are from and will inevitably get you to return to with them. But, Pattaya aside, as you travel the more developed and well off areas of Thailand you will find a lot of very well off westerners married to good educated Thai women. My Rotary Clearly is full of them. It really does the Thai society a disservice in my opinion to perpetuate this stuff. Yes some low value guys come here, date and marry bar girls because they can’t do any better. Guys in the U.S. marry strippers and hookers as well. I know several very well off men in the States married happily to American strippers and hookers including one very famous individual who is a personal friend. But based on my experience it’s nowhere near 90% here - certainly not where I live and the circles I had run in over the years. Quite the opposite. If my wife had married me only for my money she certainly could have taken the money and ran years ago. In fact I find that more of a trait of American women than Thai women in general. I really do think that living in the countryside and your previous unfortunate experiences here really does skew your point of view. If you’re able to get yourself healthy you really do need to travel this country and broaden your horizons. I say this with all do respect as I typically do agree with you on most things. But with this I really do need to take issue.
Bill- I hear you. This is why I really try to frequently repeat my disclaimer (in fact I have two videos coming up on this) that “your mileage will vary” and what I see mostly applies to rural Korat (here I the Isan regional farmland, etc.). You and I live in totally different worlds. And that is 100% okay. God bless.
Bill I believe your right about your social situation, but I also believe Robb about his environment . I live in Pattaya, where what Robb says is understated. Also, the expats are worse here is Pattaya. I still enjoy it though, but I don't need a lot of friendships, close or otherwise, and I see the scammer girls coming a mile away. I tend to look at the beauty of Pattaya, an abundance of hot 20 year olds, endless activities and a nice party atmosphere. I don't want your enviroment, ( Retired Attorney) I had that in the States, it was boring and a major reason why I left, after retirement. I don't like Robb's enviroment either, it sounds incredible boring...LOL. Not all of us are looking for normality, healthy relationships or friendships....LOL.
Buy the steaks for the BBQ and buy the beer and the Thai villagers will be your friend forever.
Gate looks great, next cigar and Bourbon nite put on The Doors song People are strange!
Interesting. Is the change (even if it ends up being just temporary) in attitude or behavior from some of the villagers, just directed at you, or does Fawn also experience it?
Fawn as well. It’s been fine for us both. Her parents are well respected in the village which creates a significantly social buffer. Nobody wants to get chewed out by her mom and lose face- in my estimation.
Look in the camera lol. Looks like you're talking to some one our left lol
My view is 'less is more'. I am completely uninterested in the goings on in the village. The village population seems to be interested in virtually everything we do and have, primarily not for positive ends. The less time I spend around folks in the village, the better.
Thumbs up 👍 Robb
65,000 baht a month is not enough in Thailand. That is close to 2,000.00 dollars a month or around 60.00 dollars per day or around 2,000 baht per day. You better have at least 20,00000 dollars in a Thai bank for emergencies, medical insurance, yearly immigration visa expenses, motorcycle, car and travel. Anything less than 20,000.00 dollars in a Thai bank is going broke and you will be going back to the USA once money runs low and not replenished. Is an expat from the USA willing to have 20,000.00 dollars in a Thai bank? What happens with the 20,000.00 dollars in a Personal Thai Bank Account if an expat dies in Thailand? Thailand can be expensive so be careful with your money. Other countries are less expensive for retirement such as the Philippines.
Prepping the land, and building a wall is akin to building an empty room. Once that gate goes up (the throne) it sets the tone
Those that make it clear they don’t want to talk to you are actually doing you a favor…
Yes.
I don’t think you would’ve had a chance with Fawn 20yrs ago bro haha!! I like her you done well there man keep up the good work. You’re an inspiration to us all bro……
Yeah, give us the details on the weirdos !!
hey, U guys any of them giant lizards slithering around up there ? That might freak me out !
I saw a big one three times so far. They stay away from people. But it’d be way worse than a dog attack if you tangled with one. There are two here BTW. The more common Asian Water Monitor (2nd biggest and generally even temperament), and the Crocodile Monitor- the only animal (I can remember) that my departed friend Brian Barczyk was afraid of. They have crazy HUGE teeth, are the biggest true lizard in the world, and are notoriously temperamental. They’re rare, praise God.
Wow 13 different smiles. Never heard that before. Make an interesting video of you havnt already done so
Yo cappuchino boy ! Betta tone down that stainless steel !! Ha ha !!
Same gate as my brothers, its a Thai thing. I assume its electric
In the future it will be. Going slow. A bit at a time.
Thais in the village do not want you showing off your money. They want you to live as they do.
Yes. (Mostly) thank you!
I don't think I could live in the village and ignore everyone. That would be rude in my opinion. I would want to engage with everybody at least to make eye contact briefly and smile and say saw wat dee krup. In hua hin It was this old guy that when I would go past him and smile and say hello he would scowl at me. Normally I would have been slightly offended but in Thailand I wasn't. I just smiled. 30 minutes later I saw him again. I did the same thing and he did the same thing and I smiled again. It's okay. I was a little bit disturbed to hear your comment in the comments about expats that wouldn't leave the village after they were divorced and got seriously hurt by the locals. Like to hear more about that one day. Or maybe I wouldn't.
I like the fence and the wall. It looks good. I think eventually they will come around and as you said if they don't oh well.
Nice plot of land! A lot of potential there. Yeah as an entertainment lawyer for 32 years representing A list musical acts I can tell you some stories about attempts to screw over musicians. It’s a very dirty and nasty business. Good luck with the house. We also just purchased another plot in phase 2 of our development to build a bigger house with the kid coming. Great builder we worked with on our current house. Got to be careful there. Hit and miss with builders here. I’m Irish too and love a good brawl! My mother was born in Limerick and I also have an Irish passport! น่าเบื่อ is boring. I’m sure you know that.
Too bad the stainless steal ruffled some feathers. Sounds like you have good instincts on village politics and maintaining relationships with locals, so I’m sure the cold shoulder treatment will go away.
Reptile man. Love it!