Locations Map: www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1iP6aM6ZKpnk9X5ztHK5tzczXgEEbo4sH&usp=sharing Rental Prices are taken from the Hipflat website but if you shop around or just visit the condominium/apartment's office you might find a better deal direct from the property owner.
I have a request for content consideration please. What area would you recommend in Bangkok where the sidewalks are passable and not crammed with carts selling wares. It is bad enough walking when it is daytime and there isn't space to walk safely plus dodging oncoming people, etc. How much more when it is busiest time of the day. Walking on the street isn't any safer having to doge cars and motorbikes. One area I find decent is Asoke area. Would you recommend this or any other area? Thanks in advance.
I moved away from Bangkok 5 1/2 years and moved to the middle of nowhere near the Cambodian border..I'm the only farang in my neighbourhood and although I didn't intentionally try to get away from Farang, it is what it is and couldn't be happier.Growing food,fruit trees and 100 or so Chickens...Thank Buddha for the internet and can watch videos like this lol..Good one Pat.
Great comment. About the internet.. could you comment on the quality/speed etc? Is fiber available? And how close are you the closest population center? Size and disposition? Is cannabis generally safely available Thanks so much.
I'm in a borey in Phnom Pehn. I'm the only western foreigner here and the locals consider me a bit different just for that reason. Just like yourself though, I didn't do it to avoid foreigners, I purchased here due to the size of the house and the price. I wade into the foreigners every weekend on riverside about a half hour away, where I have many western friends.
I'm black and I was in the Philippines a few years ago, and Whenever another black guy walk pass me, You could see the delight in his face as if he was happy to see someone else who looks like him, Even nodding with a friendly smile, I felt like a celebrity.
@@louisfrost4975 A standard phase of Culture Shock (aka cultural adaptation). - Some people simply can not (or will not) progress through the stages and become partially/wholly stuck in one or more of the stages. - Anger is a common symptom of several stages. Other foreigners are easy to pick on. Most agree it is a rather immature response to racially profile all foreigners (or locals) based on a single/couple of bad instances.
@@dorseylandria6119 Can you blame them? With all those nice Hawaiian girls with the waist movement...less competition if they have less black guys, I heard those girls love a chocolate man.
It’s hilarious the types you meet here, especially at work-. I remember 35 years ago and in the new job office I met a co-worker from Canada and his Canadian wife… introduced ourselves in the usual way… then he asked how long have I lived here, I said “just a month”. His reply was, “Well, I’ve been here 2 years, so I won’t bother talking to you until you’ve been here at least a year”. Never bothered talking to him ever again, and actually I went on to a better job within a year anyway. Guy like that, about two years after our brief talk- heard from a former colleague that he separated from his Canadian wife and took up with a local woman. It takes all kinds. Another great video, Pat - 🤙🏾
Pat. I love your videos and binge on them regularly. I'm from the UK and stay in Chiang Mai on a regular basis . And I have to agree re some expats in Thailand. I have never come across a more angry looking, miserable bunch of guys of a certain age, wondering around the city and loitering in coffee shops etc. I totally don't understand their mentality. As you pass them on the pavement . You nod and acknowledge them, only to recieve an angry stare !!
Another great video! I lived at the end of Sukhumvit Soi 4 in 2001. The place is called Siam Court. About 4 or so buildings from the entrance to the tobacco factory. It was a nice place and inexpensive at the time. I was single and not much of a monger but I did have my fun. It did get annoying living there after a while and I moved after eight months. It was a good introduction to living in BKK until I got to know the city layout better. The people watching in the Nana Plaza/Nana Hotel area at night back then was lots of fun. I'd buy some chicken satay sticks, a drink, and sit for hours watching the most unique mix of people to be found anywhere on planet earth. Now I couldn't imagine living in that area, it would drive me mad.
The Thai people are mostly kind and polite but become hardened and jaded when too many tourists or "ex pats" are around. A general tip is that as soon as you cross the river to the Thonburi side the number of farangs drops dramatically, and there is a nice provincial feel.
Many Thais make a difference between tourists and foreigners who live in that area. I.e. near my building are (at least in normal times) a few taxi-no-meter guys who try to rip off any tourist who comes near to them. They are friendly with me, one of the farangs who lives there.
@@edgar9651 yes that's true for those who speak some Thai and fit in with Thai culture. But when I first arrived it was a painful learning process to get somewhere along the way to that goal, and I certainly rubbed some Thais up the wrong way. Too difficult for tourists to get very far! The "ex-pats" often expect the Thais to speak fluent english, which is absurd!.
This is correct. And this is the most important reason not to live in an area with Farang. One farang is OK. Two or more is not OK. Otherwise, the demeanor of Thai people react quickly and change for the worse
I spent 20 years working at a major multinational in Bangkok and almost all of the employees were the type who would not piss on someone if they were on fire. That was a good observation.
Phra Khanong here, many foreigners, but, of course, more Thai residents. Its very simple: If you want to come in contact with foreigners, just go to one of the several bars only farang use. And if you want to meet Thai people, just go to markets, street food places, etc. Just do one thing: Learn Thai. Its not hard and locals love when you want to integrate.
Interesting to see the price gaps of the condos between the areas. I'm not sure which area I would choose. I don't care if other westerners living around me and "scan" me as long as they not bother me :). My grandfather always sayed "Choose your friends wisley"... It doesn't matter if westener or local. For me is only "the view" an important point for my decission - not the people. Seeing a river, a nice skyline, a park or some green - that are my reasons to choose a place. I'm a "balcony guy" - I stay every morning on my balcony, watching in the far and enjoying my morning coffee. This clears my mind and motivates me every single day.
Buying a condo is a bad deal, you will end up selling it for very little. Many Farangs lose them cheated by owners changing hands. You have to currently put 1 million baht, 32,000 usd in the bank there and have documented 500usd a month coming in for a 1 year retirement visa with no guarantee of renewal or the bank deposit increasing as they are talking about now to 64,000usd. After 3 decades in Thailand, renting is the best, you can move if your neighborhood turns bad and every 6 months situations change in Thailand. Buy insurance, Farangs are targets of break ins in Thailand.
You can also get 12k apartments in the middle of Sukhumvit. Just not in the very newest buildings. Walk a few hundred meters into the Soi and the prices are sometimes pretty good.
Of those three I would say Tao Poon is desirable, due to the river location. You have the choice of an alternative mode of travel into Bangkok's centre to avoid the busy times of the MRT at Tao Poon. And you could always take the MRT at Bang Po station, a lot less people and you could take it the other way to Chinatown
I was always annoyed with those old folks that always were telling stories, lived here for 10-20 years and couldn't even communicate with a local.. So i moved down to Samut Prakan, Bang Phli area, more friendly "farangs" that actually accepts that they're living in Thailand and not their home country, and it's a lovely area not too far to Bangkok either. Love your videos keep it up!
Charlie I think that if we can't respect or understand that we are in Thailand and not our home country, then we have nothing to do in Thailand Rak Thais RAk Thailand samer
Another great video Pat. Your knowledge never ceases to amaze me. You're like the David Attenborough of Bangkok. I am seriously surprised you haven't been picked up by one of the networks as a presenter. Only a matter of time me thinks. Their loss is our gain until then. Love the editing, music and night shots by various stations and railway lines. I'm thinking you must be an insomniac but what better place to be an insomniac in :-D
0:58 Pat starts getting Freudian within a minute! haha..gotta say, after hearing that you were a DJ, I really appreciate the musical choices you make--not that I didn't before. I especially enjoy the intros..nostalgic, Boards of Canada..but Thai YT lol
@@BangkokPat The dry humor, quick edit post-punchline on this video is superb. The fine details of your conscious script, delivery and editing is some of the best, most unique stylishly I've seen on YT. History, culture, architecture, back alleys with back stories..truly well-done
Thanks for the video. I'm an Americam who lived in Thailand from 2016 to 2018 and toured the country in my car. In general, and painting with a wide brush, I found the areas that I enjoyed the most had fewer foreigners , less prostitution and heavy drinking . The Thais seemed more friendly, but there was more of a language barrier. I think Krabi was my favorite. I know the video was about areas in Bangkok, but I only spent 3 months there.
Great stuff. I lived around Taopoon for three+ years. The Tree Interchange is the best condo unless you really need the MRT station directly outside your door. Taopoon is booming, and as you know, there is plenty to explore. I love Taopoon market and beside Lotus there is a thriving evening "street food" market and even a decent bar with football. I worked down Samsen road, so it suited me, especially after the area got MRT connected. I speak Thai, so less "farang" areas are great for me. Good prices and a more immersive Thai experience. Taopoon is only a 30 or so minute ride away, from down town and 15 mins from Chatujak, and the Ladprao bustle. Superb spot if you want a Thai deep dive.
Thanks for the video, Pat. It reassured me that living near Chiang Mai was the right choice. I can't think of anything worse than living in a city made of concrete and cars. I've had that in Europe long enough. But the title of the video is "Surviving in Thailand", not "Living in Thailand". 😁 Here we have a house and a huge garden, it's only 20 minutes to Chiang Mai. When I look out the window, I see trees, fields and mountains in every direction. Most of the "noise" is made by the many birds outside. I can easily walk or cycle many kilometers without having to worry about my health.
@@travelingman9763 It depends. There are years where the air is extremely unhealthy in the hot season, like in Bangkok. Then it is better to wear FFP2 masks outside and keep the air cleaners running inside 24 hours a day. This year is still good but I'm sure the smog will come. The people around are waiting to burn down the forests like every year.
Sublime effort Pat, i did seek solace at times it was more to escape high season tourist madness than other expats. I headed north with my Thailand road atlas and my lonely planet guide book best thing i ever did in Thailand, Lampang was my no1Thai city not many tourists 😀 great seats at 10.20..
Up in the bush of Isaan, it's relatively easy to avoid farangs. Most either die off or scuttle back to wherever they came from because they've run out of money.
After 26 years of living, working and visiting Thailand I can understand why a lot of farangs avoid other farangs. The experiences I've had even in the UK as I come from the most transient town in Britain have sharpened my perceptions. In my town we used to get RRI's runaway reinventions as I termed them. Ppl from all parts of the UK who holidayed in my town and loved it so much they'd come and live there. Furthermore, lots of ppl with questionable backgrounds who simply ran away and tried to reinvent themselves would wash up so to speak. I have seen a massive parallel here in Thailand - the same thing, but on a bigger more international scale. Luckily, I grew up with this and can spot a RRI a mile off! Personally, working here amongst farangs it's a mixed bag that tends to lean towards ppl who are RRI's. In fact a friend of mine who owned a bar in Nana for a while met no other than Andy Mcnab drinking in his bar! Unfortunately, for the wanna be Andy my friend was an ex British army captain who quizzed the gulf war veteran, and then pointed at the Regimental coat of arms hanging up in his bar. Lol, Andy was well and truly banged to rights. Would have loved to have seen his face 😂
Makes it difficult to forge friendships and you gotta be careful. Plenty of ''well connected'' types who sit alone in bars with nobody to dink with. What about all those connections?
@@BangkokPat One thing that pretenders NEVER understand is that real veterans don't talk ever talk about their experiences except for to other veterans and mostly to those from their actual unit. When you see somebody brag, chances are 99% that they are a pretender (the sole exception is some Navy Seal who got a juicy book deal or TV deal).
Thanks for the video Pat, I recently moved to Bangkok and just picked the nana and asok area since my initial test and go hotels were there. I see that snobbiness and the entitlement. Glad you made this video, it really opened my eyes up, I have started taking Thai classes and I am really falling in love with the language, food and the culture. I will be checking out those cities you mentioned through BTS lines.
in 1999 I moved into a small village in Nontaburi, not many Thais, let alone foreigners. Did it because I wanted to try the traditional Thai lifestyle, live in a wooden house, chat to locals, learn about Thai history and culture. Worked out well, learnt so much, especially how to read, as there was no English not even on the menus or busses.
alot of those condos featured looked very nice and very affordable too , being away from other farangs help keep the rent down ,i too would choose to live well away from others , the thais wont speak to me much because of the language barrier, and im far too much of a reclusive independent loner the isolation and solitude would suit me just fine great video take it easy oh one other thing any chance of going back to the area around the royal orchid sheraton hotel again right next to the choa paya river cheers
when I first arrived at the end of 2008 I lived in a Thai mansion in Nontaburi and although there was the occasional foreigner around - usually a teacher - I was greeted like a minor celeb quite often when I went out. The local eateries were superb & some of the best I've eaten at period in all my 15 years here. I moved to Withayu which was about as central as you could get but again, no expats in the part where I lived in soi Nailert. Now I stay outside the centre again at Bearings and around the area where I live..............very few expats. Inadvertently I've managed to avoid the expat bubble life and I am glad I did - the ones on fat-cat contracts tend not to make any real attempt to aclimatise and they live as much as they possibly can just as they did before they came. They don't realise that of course and think that eating soi food and and having a full-time nanny (or maid) is acclimatising. The rest are where you'll find some decent guys who don't have their heads up their rear-ends but even then you have to be careful if, like myself, you've actually made a good living here.
I'm in a rural village in Ubon Ratchathani by virtue of my wife is from here, it has taken quite some adjustment but I do enjoy it. Life on the farm is simple and cheap, sometimes I crave a chat but that's easy enough online, as far as I know I'm one of two farang in the district 'not that I care either way'. Keep up the good work Pat
Over the years I've lived in Ratchayothin, Soi Rangnam, Sukhumvit 8, 36, and 77, Suanphlu, Silom 3, Charoen Krung, Ratchada 17, and Ladprao. Typically I select the location based on: 1) The overall feel of the area and soi - I like it to be convenient with shops and restaurants very nearby - ideally a mix of local and foreign foods 2) Commute (having a motorbike opens up more options) 3) Friends living in the area - improved social life How many foreigners live in the area was never a consideration.
It seems in places like you're miles from civilisation when actually you aren't. Like many side roads down the canal, like the jungle but you're never more than 100m from the bright lights and traffic.
When you said "won't win prettiest street award" to me it kind of does 😳 Your videos give me so many screenshot of lovely Bangkok sights and kitties, thank you 🥰
Hi Pat, In addition to my comments on your previous videos in this series, I can say for myself that I don't care whether there are "Farangs" in my area or not. What is important to me are the people I like and with whom you can talk on a reasonable level. I'm not one who regularly meets up with a group of people in pubs or at events, I much prefer to enjoy my community in the neighborhood and of course private family life. Thank you Pat as always for your excellent suggestions. Greetings from Sattahip - Gerd 🌈🍀💖🌴🌈
Thanks Gerd, sounds like you're more easy going and less fussed than many others. I tend to take people as I find them now, whereas I could be a bit presumptious in the past but I've matured a lot more as I got older!
The other GREAT thing about Tao Poon is "WOOD STREET" (Pracha Naruemit/ Soi Krungthep-Nonthaburi 5). Really unique!! Whereas most of Thailand is a timber-desert, in Wood St almost every building (for more than half a mile) is a timber-related business ! ........ hardwoods, softwoods, plywood (many grades), MDF, chipboard, mouldings, doors & frames, wooden flooring, pre-cut screens, and small furniture makers! Absolutely brilliant - and relatively cheap in most cases! Not a single sign or price-list in English though - so take the wife or girl-friend to ask the tricky questions .... and to bring the prices down.
Congrats @bangkokpat, your videos are getting better and better, super well researched and not sugar-coated. I specially like the contemplative shots of Bangkok at its most honest, both ugly and beautiful at the same time
Just caught your channel tonight. Good topic, I have several friends that are of the mind that the only good Expat is one that has moved back to their country of origin. Like your polished approach.
Great video Pat. I've been living in the Ratchayothon area for 22 years and aside from the traffic it's always been a pleasant area to live in. Tao Poon is a good shout too. The family and I often head down to Gateway - one of the quieter malls and good for kids.. I like your documentation of areas and life in Bangkok. It will be fascinating for people to look at in years to come. Imagine the RUclips videos people could have made just 20 years ago. So much has changed and yet so much is quintessentially as it was. Wishing you continued and deserved luck with the growth of your channel.
Cheers Scott, Ratchayothin is also a place I've usually headed back to when I have tried to settle elsewhere. Over the years I've lasted 4 months in On Nut and 3 months near Mo Chit. I first lived in Baan Suan Thon, Ratchayothin in 2004, great place.
I love the irony of so many foreigners doing/not doing all the same things that they complain about foreigners doing/not doing in their own home country. Not learning the language, not trying to fit in, only mixing with their own. I like the advice that if they're not someone you would drink or hangout with or be friends with at home, then why would you do it here.
Not to argue but in the 8 years I've been in Chiang Mai, I've met people I would have never met in the West, and learning from them and experiencing their cultures is a great part of living here.
Foreigners who immigrate (legally) usually blend in within 5 years...especially if they are college educated. This is true for every country. The reason to associate with people from your home country with whom you would not otherwise, is because of the value of kinship mixed with the scarcity of opportunity.
@Mark Seymour Oh, that hasn't been my experience. I've met many who speak Thai, have a diverse social group, and live off of the beaten path... but they came here with the intent of immigrating while still relatively young.
Best place I ever lived in Bangkok was top end of Udomsuk near Srinakarin Road. Loved it. Easy access to Nong Bong Reservoir, Rama 9 Park and Bang Krachao. The delights of central Bangkok only a songthaw and BTS ride away.
Last time I stayed in BKK I rented a nice condo just about 100 meters from the Wutthakat BTS station and thought it was great. Had its own outdoor market next to the BTS station and was a fairly peaceful area -- and the next station east (Talat Phlu) had a mall with the typical upscale offerings such as movie theaters, restaurants and such. For some reason I never see the various "where to live" videos by various RUclips vloggers mention that area west of the river... which is probably why I see very few foreigners there. The BTS ride into "downtown" might be a big longer than some want but it is probably only 1 or 2 more stops away from downtown than OnNut. Cheers :)
I recommend Srinakarin. Talad rod fai is awesome. (Train market/ night market) 2 huge malls nearby too. Paradise park and Seacon square. Loads of street food around and a very local feel.
Another informative video Pat. I suppose Minburi is too far out to get a mention but there are definitely FEWER foreigners out this way. Keep up the good work.
I stayed at The Signature right next to BTS Saphan Khwai during my semester abroad in Bangkok a few years ago. The entire building only had one other farang living in it. If I was to move back to Bangkok, I would probably stay closer to central sukhumvit, somewhere between Ari (already stretching it) and On Nut. Rama 9 and Silom would also be options. Apart from the nearby Chatuchak Market and a giant BIG C, Saphan Khwai didn't really have much to offer.
This is a great vlog. Maybe this has already been mentioned, but if I move here I don't want to live near "cheap charlies". I just left after 60 days (mostly in CNX), and the most annoying person I met was a visitor constantly talking about how he was spending so much money to help the locals yet doing everything possible to avoid paying for his round.
25 years ago I was happily living near saphan khwai, but it has so much changed, I think coming back to thailand would change my understanding of the classic thai culture
I remember when I first met my closest foreign friend in Bangkok. My area doesn't have many foreigners, so you always notice when you see a fellow foreigner. Now, I didn't choose the area I live in because of this. It was purely about work and location. Anyway, first time I met my best friend here was in the supermarket. I remember he looked at me and gave me a big smile. He said, "hey, what's up?". First thing I thought was that he's very friendly. We got speaking and he mentioned how there weren't many foreigners in the area so it was nice to see one. He mentioned that he likes football so I invited to the place where I play footsol. After that we became best friends. He is definitely an anomaly. I find many foreigners can be quite territorial. I guess many like the idea that they're the most popular 'farang' and feel threatened when someone younger or more handsome is around. For me, I couldn't care less. If someone is nice to me, I'll always be nice back. But to be perfectly honest, all my closest friends are Western. With my male Thai friends I feel I often have to filter myself. With my Western friends, we make fun of each other. Mock each other's countries and politics but in a teasing way.
First time I've watched one of your videos. I've lived in Bangkok for 14 years. I came here from Hong Kong and I miss having a lot of expat friends. I'd love it if there were a lot more Western expats here so I could expand my social circle.
@@earinsound mostly old farts and Bangkok is so big there isn't a tight knit expat scene like in Hong Kong or Singapore. I actually know a lot of expats but instead of seeing them all every week some of them I've not seen in years.
That 333 Riverside is a nice looking building ,fab views from some units Judging by a lot of the pompous comments I've read already i am not at all surprised why some Farang wish to avoid living near others 😂
I love these videos. I lived in Bang Khae in the 90's and can't believe how things have changed. A train now? Omg, I would never have left. And Starbucks. Damn.
I just re-watched this, now that I have the lay of the land (well, sort of) I get much more out of it. It takes me double the running time because I'm going back and forth between the video and google maps :). I think I'll take the boat to Bang Pho and then work my way east to check these areas out. Thanks for another days itinerary.
Glad to hear that Steve! There's a more complete video on Lat Phrao I did a bit after this one. Tao Poon is low key but great for the river and Bang Sue station, Saphan Kwai is not a bad area either. All are within easy reach of Chatuchak Park/Market/railway park. Did I not add a map to this video?.....
@@BangkokPat yes you did add a map, but it was a pinned comment and I didn't see it until I finished the video. I only looked in the notes at the top. I'll look a little further down next time.
Another great video, Pat. Your camera work and editing is ultra-professional - and whilst I don't necessarily agree with all your opinions, the production quality of your work is head & shoulders above any others I have found covering our corner of IndoChina. Many thanks - and keep 'em coming!
Eight years living and working in northern Thailand and do my best to avoid areas with lots of farang. The main reasons are cost, food, atmosphere. Local Thai restaurants have better food at better prices. Thai focused bars don't have bar girls and other scammers trying to get your money plus the overall cost of everything is lower. Areas with lots of farang tend to serve western food at high price and Thai food at inflated rates. I've lived in towns where you rarely if ever see other farang and have rented houses under 3k per month. Getting out of places like BKK is the best way to learn about Thailand and learn the language.
Hi Pat I am happy you made this video as of all the countries i have lived in the world Thailand has to be the worst for expats I have met so far. I have lived in Thailand for 6 months with my thai lady who I have known for 3 years and when I arrived in Chonburi (were my lady is from (( no not a bar girl )) ) , I seeked out expats for help and advice to which i have done in previous countries I have lived, only for a sense of " what are you doing in my House". They are so grumpy and rude and negative about Thailand , Thai's and other expats as well as cannot (will not) learn the language. I find your Channel informative intresting and a Sunday morning breakfast treat from a man with the right attuide towards were we live. I live with Thais in a "hongchow" basic but what do you really need and learning Thai . I have met some good postive expats but IF I am going to make it in Thailand & Asia I need to forget westen ideals bow my head and learn from my thai surrounding not give advice like i was born with a silver spoon and of course listen to you . great advice.
You said there was no mall at Ratchayothin, but the big mall Central Lardprao is just 1 km from the Elephant Building/Ratchayothin intersection where you were standing. Also just 2 BTS stations away.
Nice video and channel 👍. I lived in Bangkok for 5 years in the Sala daeng, Ekkamai, On Nut and punnawithi BTS areas, obviously there are plenty of farangs in these areas but they are still great places to live. I never had much farang contact and never went into bars, pubs so it was an authentic overall experience. Living in Bangkok is all about your state of mind. As the saying goes in the beach..people go half way across the world to do something different but they end up doing the same… Also a word of advice…..never draw maps..,.😆
I have lived in Bang Sue (same area as Tao Poon but about 1km north of the Lotus that you showed) for over 10 years. I chose it because it had access to river and rail transport and I had know idea if there were westerners there or not. I have 42 sq m apartment with kitchen and bathroom for 7,500 per month, but there are also numerous new condos in the area due to the multiplying train lines. The beautiful walking path alongside Klong Prapa extends foe quite a few kilometres. There are few farangs in the area, a few business owners and teachers and TOEFL students. I find the local people very friendly and super honest. Most will chase you down the street to return 5 baht of extra change. I love that I speak Thai most of the time though there are still plenty of locals that like to practice their English. Most things are also much cheaper than in Sukhumvit or Sathorn. The vast majority of residential properties, and the nicest areas, are north of where you showed along Prachachuen Rd and Krungthep-Nonthaburi Rd.
wow, great channel, Pat, i learn a lot with your sugestions and advices about Thailand, at less Bangkok is quite big as any other european capital, i think everything i would want i can find there, congrats, i suscribe now, cheers :D
I love The cho _ cho training If I wish to go to Bangkok That's i would do take the Cho_ cho traian taking a Ride back and forth to see The new Bangkok . An excellent filming I appreciate you for it's .
go to khlong thong...settle in one of the slum areas...combines many advantages : its cheap...farangs fear the area...its 100 percent local thai style...if u can enjoy it there u can make it everywhere
Glad you mentioned Tao Poon. I live in Nonthaburi but have visited the area very regularly for the past 6 years. It’s changing super quick, but it still has a neighborhood feel, where you can just walk from the MRT to the mall and there’s lots of interesting shops. My dentist is on Sukhumvit 55 and even though they have the nice shops, it just doesn’t have the neighborhood feel of Tao Poon. Great video by the way.
There are surprisingly few foreigners in the upmarket area in east Bkk on Srinagarinda road close to the big Paradise and Seacon malls. There is also the lovely Suan Luang park with jogging and other evening acivities. But only thais here basically! Lack of MRT and BTS?
That's quite far away for many expats although I'm sure there are a few. The MRT yellow line will open along there very soon so it will become accessible, but that doesn't necessarily mean foreigners will move there, those lines are great for commuters.
Pattaya is a place where I look around and say, “ Yeah, there are too many foreigners”. Otherwise I don’t actively avoid foreigners. I find I need/enjoy speaking fluent English to someone about once a week. I live in Phra Khanong but there is a small Isaan farming village in my future. I’m fine with either living situation.
Pattaya is full of retired expats because it is the cheapest of the big 3 tourist areas. But now it is filling with poorer Russians trying to escape. It was the most devastated area from Covid and estimatef 80% of tourist restraunts and tourists bars are gone. It also is an unsafe City in my opinion and the only City I see many guns in the hands of criminals.
Locations Map: www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1iP6aM6ZKpnk9X5ztHK5tzczXgEEbo4sH&usp=sharing
Rental Prices are taken from the Hipflat website but if you shop around or just visit the condominium/apartment's office you might find a better deal direct from the property owner.
I want Thai subtitles for Thai people.
Please
@@shena.gun59 Don't youtube have them auto?
I have a request for content consideration please. What area would you recommend in Bangkok where the sidewalks are passable and not crammed with carts selling wares. It is bad enough walking when it is daytime and there isn't space to walk safely plus dodging oncoming people, etc. How much more when it is busiest time of the day. Walking on the street isn't any safer having to doge cars and motorbikes. One area I find decent is Asoke area. Would you recommend this or any other area? Thanks in advance.
@@BangkokPat no, just English version
I moved away from Bangkok 5 1/2 years and moved to the middle of nowhere near the Cambodian border..I'm the only farang in my neighbourhood and although I didn't intentionally try to get away from Farang, it is what it is and couldn't be happier.Growing food,fruit trees and 100 or so Chickens...Thank Buddha for the internet and can watch videos like this lol..Good one Pat.
Are you in sisaket?
Wonderful news, that's life. Enjoy every moment
Great to hear that John. Thanks mate.
Great comment. About the internet.. could you comment on the quality/speed etc? Is fiber available? And how close are you the closest population center? Size and disposition? Is cannabis generally safely available Thanks so much.
I'm in a borey in Phnom Pehn. I'm the only western foreigner here and the locals consider me a bit different just for that reason. Just like yourself though, I didn't do it to avoid foreigners, I purchased here due to the size of the house and the price. I wade into the foreigners every weekend on riverside about a half hour away, where I have many western friends.
I'm black and I was in the Philippines a few years ago, and Whenever another black guy walk pass me, You could see the delight in his face as if he was happy to see someone else who looks like him, Even nodding with a friendly smile, I felt like a celebrity.
Yes, a nice feeling.
White ex pat's, Australians in my case would behave so bad when I was living in Vietnam. I'd leave the bar the second I heard the accent.
@@louisfrost4975
A standard phase of Culture Shock (aka cultural adaptation).
- Some people simply can not (or will not) progress through the stages and become partially/wholly stuck in one or more of the stages.
- Anger is a common symptom of several stages. Other foreigners are easy to pick on.
Most agree it is a rather immature response to racially profile all foreigners (or locals) based on a single/couple of bad instances.
The total opposite in Hawaii. The negroes here act like they don't want any other blacks here.
@@dorseylandria6119 Can you blame them? With all those nice Hawaiian girls with the waist movement...less competition if they have less black guys, I heard those girls love a chocolate man.
It’s hilarious the types you meet here, especially at work-. I remember 35 years ago and in the new job office I met a co-worker from Canada and his Canadian wife… introduced ourselves in the usual way… then he asked how long have I lived here, I said “just a month”. His reply was, “Well, I’ve been here 2 years, so I won’t bother talking to you until you’ve been here at least a year”.
Never bothered talking to him ever again, and actually I went on to a better job within a year anyway.
Guy like that, about two years after our brief talk- heard from a former colleague that he separated from his Canadian wife and took up with a local woman. It takes all kinds.
Another great video, Pat - 🤙🏾
Pat. I love your videos and binge on them regularly. I'm from the UK and stay in Chiang Mai on a regular basis . And I have to agree re some expats in Thailand. I have never come across a more angry looking, miserable bunch of guys of a certain age, wondering around the city and loitering in coffee shops etc. I totally don't understand their mentality. As you pass them on the pavement . You nod and acknowledge them, only to recieve an angry stare !!
Another great video!
I lived at the end of Sukhumvit Soi 4 in 2001. The place is called Siam Court. About 4 or so buildings from the entrance to the tobacco factory. It was a nice place and inexpensive at the time. I was single and not much of a monger but I did have my fun. It did get annoying living there after a while and I moved after eight months. It was a good introduction to living in BKK until I got to know the city layout better. The people watching in the Nana Plaza/Nana Hotel area at night back then was lots of fun. I'd buy some chicken satay sticks, a drink, and sit for hours watching the most unique mix of people to be found anywhere on planet earth.
Now I couldn't imagine living in that area, it would drive me mad.
A few of my subscribers recommended your channel and I can see why, very informative Pat 👍
The Thai people are mostly kind and polite but become hardened and jaded when too many tourists or "ex pats" are around. A general tip is that as soon as you cross the river to the Thonburi side the number of farangs drops dramatically, and there is a nice provincial feel.
Couldn't agree more.
Thonburi is great !
It is largely Pattaya, Phuket, Khaosan and Nana that’s the area to avoid.
Many Thais make a difference between tourists and foreigners who live in that area. I.e. near my building are (at least in normal times) a few taxi-no-meter guys who try to rip off any tourist who comes near to them. They are friendly with me, one of the farangs who lives there.
@@edgar9651 yes that's true for those who speak some Thai and fit in with Thai culture. But when I first arrived it was a painful learning process to get somewhere along the way to that goal, and I certainly rubbed some Thais up the wrong way. Too difficult for tourists to get very far! The "ex-pats" often expect the Thais to speak fluent english, which is absurd!.
This is correct. And this is the most important reason not to live in an area with Farang. One farang is OK. Two or more is not OK. Otherwise, the demeanor of Thai people react quickly and change for the worse
I owned a condo at thonglor near to bts, quiet cozy place with many friendly thais or foreigners and always love to live in BKK kap.🙏
I spent 20 years working at a major multinational in Bangkok and almost all of the employees were the type who would not piss on someone if they were on fire. That was a good observation.
Phra Khanong here,
many foreigners, but, of course, more Thai residents. Its very simple: If you want to come in contact with foreigners, just go to one of the several bars only farang use.
And if you want to meet Thai people, just go to markets, street food places, etc.
Just do one thing: Learn Thai. Its not hard and locals love when you want to integrate.
Interesting to see the price gaps of the condos between the areas. I'm not sure which area I would choose. I don't care if other westerners living around me and "scan" me as long as they not bother me :). My grandfather always sayed "Choose your friends wisley"... It doesn't matter if westener or local. For me is only "the view" an important point for my decission - not the people. Seeing a river, a nice skyline, a park or some green - that are my reasons to choose a place. I'm a "balcony guy" - I stay every morning on my balcony, watching in the far and enjoying my morning coffee. This clears my mind and motivates me every single day.
Buying a condo is a bad deal, you will end up selling it for very little. Many Farangs lose them cheated by owners changing hands. You have to currently put 1 million baht, 32,000 usd in the bank there and have documented 500usd a month coming in for a 1 year retirement visa with no guarantee of renewal or the bank deposit increasing as they are talking about now to 64,000usd. After 3 decades in Thailand, renting is the best, you can move if your neighborhood turns bad and every 6 months situations change in Thailand. Buy insurance, Farangs are targets of break ins in Thailand.
You can also get 12k apartments in the middle of Sukhumvit. Just not in the very newest buildings. Walk a few hundred meters into the Soi and the prices are sometimes pretty good.
Of those three I would say Tao Poon is desirable, due to the river location. You have the choice of an alternative mode of travel into Bangkok's centre to avoid the busy times of the MRT at Tao Poon. And you could always take the MRT at Bang Po station, a lot less people and you could take it the other way to Chinatown
Good attitude.
I was always annoyed with those old folks that always were telling stories, lived here for 10-20 years and couldn't even communicate with a local.. So i moved down to Samut Prakan, Bang Phli area, more friendly "farangs" that actually accepts that they're living in Thailand and not their home country, and it's a lovely area not too far to Bangkok either. Love your videos keep it up!
Exactly. Nail on the head.
Thanks Charlie, I know a few people who live in that area and would never move anywhere else.
I live in Bangplee too and am the only farang in my "village" but I get on well with the locals and after 13 years feel quite at home!
Charlie
I think that if we can't respect or understand that we are in Thailand and not our home country, then we have nothing to do in Thailand
Rak Thais RAk Thailand samer
Another great video Pat. Your knowledge never ceases to amaze me. You're like the David Attenborough of Bangkok. I am seriously surprised you haven't been picked up by one of the networks as a presenter. Only a matter of time me thinks. Their loss is our gain until then. Love the editing, music and night shots by various stations and railway lines. I'm thinking you must be an insomniac but what better place to be an insomniac in :-D
Again an excellent presentation from Pat! Thanks!
Thanks Shaboom!
0:58 Pat starts getting Freudian within a minute! haha..gotta say, after hearing that you were a DJ, I really appreciate the musical choices you make--not that I didn't before. I especially enjoy the intros..nostalgic, Boards of Canada..but Thai YT lol
Cheers mate! Appreciate the kind words.
@@BangkokPat The dry humor, quick edit post-punchline on this video is superb. The fine details of your conscious script, delivery and editing is some of the best, most unique stylishly I've seen on YT. History, culture, architecture, back alleys with back stories..truly well-done
Thanks for the video. I'm an Americam who lived in Thailand from 2016 to 2018 and toured the country in my car. In general, and painting with a wide brush, I found the areas that I enjoyed the most had fewer foreigners , less prostitution and heavy drinking . The Thais seemed more friendly, but there was more of a language barrier. I think Krabi was my favorite. I know the video was about areas in Bangkok, but I only spent 3 months there.
You have such a great manner and on screen confidence/presence! Not seedy, or cringe inducing, but just factual videos! Well done!
I split my time between Sukhumvit and Bangsaray, both full of hardworking and decent farangs. And I couldn't be happier.
Great stuff. I lived around Taopoon for three+ years. The Tree Interchange is the best condo unless you really need the MRT station directly outside your door. Taopoon is booming, and as you know, there is plenty to explore. I love Taopoon market and beside Lotus there is a thriving evening "street food" market and even a decent bar with football. I worked down Samsen road, so it suited me, especially after the area got MRT connected. I speak Thai, so less "farang" areas are great for me. Good prices and a more immersive Thai experience. Taopoon is only a 30 or so minute ride away, from down town and 15 mins from Chatujak, and the Ladprao bustle. Superb spot if you want a Thai deep dive.
Thanks for the video, Pat. It reassured me that living near Chiang Mai was the right choice. I can't think of anything worse than living in a city made of concrete and cars. I've had that in Europe long enough. But the title of the video is "Surviving in Thailand", not "Living in Thailand". 😁
Here we have a house and a huge garden, it's only 20 minutes to Chiang Mai. When I look out the window, I see trees, fields and mountains in every direction. Most of the "noise" is made by the many birds outside. I can easily walk or cycle many kilometers without having to worry about my health.
How hard is the air pollution to deal with ?
@@travelingman9763 It depends. There are years where the air is extremely unhealthy in the hot season, like in Bangkok. Then it is better to wear FFP2 masks outside and keep the air cleaners running inside 24 hours a day.
This year is still good but I'm sure the smog will come. The people around are waiting to burn down the forests like every year.
What area around Chiang Mai are you located?
@@YuChiGongG Doi Saket
@@riccizepmeusel6899 Thanks.
Sublime effort Pat, i did seek solace at times it was more to escape high season tourist madness than other expats. I headed north with my Thailand road atlas and my lonely planet guide book best thing i ever did in Thailand, Lampang was my no1Thai city not many tourists 😀 great seats at 10.20..
Up in the bush of Isaan, it's relatively easy to avoid farangs. Most either die off or scuttle back to wherever they came from because they've run out of money.
Run outta money in Isaan? WTF?
Uh. I took my bar girl there. I think her dad is dying again.
@@robertburnett6348 How is the health of the family water buffalo ?
its a good spot. It's easy to blend in and just live life.
Excellent video and priceless info. 👍😁
Pat is one of the best you can learn a great deal from him.
¡Gracias!
After 26 years of living, working and visiting Thailand I can understand why a lot of farangs avoid other farangs. The experiences I've had even in the UK as I come from the most transient town in Britain have sharpened my perceptions.
In my town we used to get RRI's runaway reinventions as I termed them. Ppl from all parts of the UK who holidayed in my town and loved it so much they'd come and live there. Furthermore, lots of ppl with questionable backgrounds who simply ran away and tried to reinvent themselves would wash up so to speak. I have seen a massive parallel here in Thailand - the same thing, but on a bigger more international scale. Luckily, I grew up with this and can spot a RRI a mile off!
Personally, working here amongst farangs it's a mixed bag that tends to lean towards ppl who are RRI's. In fact a friend of mine who owned a bar in Nana for a while met no other than Andy Mcnab drinking in his bar! Unfortunately, for the wanna be Andy my friend was an ex British army captain who quizzed the gulf war veteran, and then pointed at the Regimental coat of arms hanging up in his bar. Lol, Andy was well and truly banged to rights. Would have loved to have seen his face 😂
Makes it difficult to forge friendships and you gotta be careful. Plenty of ''well connected'' types who sit alone in bars with nobody to dink with. What about all those connections?
@@BangkokPat One thing that pretenders NEVER understand is that real veterans don't talk ever talk about their experiences except for to other veterans and mostly to those from their actual unit. When you see somebody brag, chances are 99% that they are a pretender (the sole exception is some Navy Seal who got a juicy book deal or TV deal).
That is a classic farang pecking order story
Brighton? 😊
I lived for many years in the Victory Monument area, not so many foreigners but still centrally located
Where i lived. Loved it.
Thanks for the video Pat, I recently moved to Bangkok and just picked the nana and asok area since my initial test and go hotels were there. I see that snobbiness and the entitlement. Glad you made this video, it really opened my eyes up, I have started taking Thai classes and I am really falling in love with the language, food and the culture. I will be checking out those cities you mentioned through BTS lines.
in 1999 I moved into a small village in Nontaburi, not many Thais, let alone foreigners. Did it because I wanted to try the traditional Thai lifestyle, live in a wooden house, chat to locals, learn about Thai history and culture. Worked out well, learnt so much, especially how to read, as there was no English not even on the menus or busses.
not many thais in nontaburi??? how could that be?
alot of those condos featured looked very nice and very affordable too , being away from other farangs help keep the rent down ,i too would choose to live well away from others , the thais wont speak to me much because of the language barrier, and im far too much of a reclusive independent loner the isolation and solitude would suit me just fine great video take it easy oh one other thing any chance of going back to the area around the royal orchid sheraton hotel again right next to the choa paya river cheers
when I first arrived at the end of 2008 I lived in a Thai mansion in Nontaburi and although there was the occasional foreigner around - usually a teacher - I was greeted like a minor celeb quite often when I went out. The local eateries were superb & some of the best I've eaten at period in all my 15 years here. I moved to Withayu which was about as central as you could get but again, no expats in the part where I lived in soi Nailert. Now I stay outside the centre again at Bearings and around the area where I live..............very few expats. Inadvertently I've managed to avoid the expat bubble life and I am glad I did - the ones on fat-cat contracts tend not to make any real attempt to aclimatise and they live as much as they possibly can just as they did before they came. They don't realise that of course and think that eating soi food and and having a full-time nanny (or maid) is acclimatising. The rest are where you'll find some decent guys who don't have their heads up their rear-ends but even then you have to be careful if, like myself, you've actually made a good living here.
Thanks Pat, another great video. I love your take on life.
Two video ideas:
1. Quietest areas to live in. (with the most nature perhaps?)
2. Choosing a quiet condo
Somewhere in the green lung, maybe?
I'm in a rural village in Ubon Ratchathani by virtue of my wife is from here, it has taken quite some adjustment but I do enjoy it. Life on the farm is simple and cheap, sometimes I crave a chat but that's easy enough online, as far as I know I'm one of two farang in the district 'not that I care either way'. Keep up the good work Pat
Thanks again mate! Great following editing! I’m seeing your number going up🤩 I hope you’re well champ! Cheers🥳
Over the years I've lived in Ratchayothin, Soi Rangnam, Sukhumvit 8, 36, and 77, Suanphlu, Silom 3, Charoen Krung, Ratchada 17, and Ladprao. Typically I select the location based on:
1) The overall feel of the area and soi - I like it to be convenient with shops and restaurants very nearby - ideally a mix of local and foreign foods
2) Commute (having a motorbike opens up more options)
3) Friends living in the area - improved social life
How many foreigners live in the area was never a consideration.
I've walked around a lot of Tao Poon, it's a pretty solid pick. The main reason is (like you mentioned) the access to mass transit.
@@chestermosburger3113 maybe some people need to go to work in some other part of Bgkk.
It seems in places like you're miles from civilisation when actually you aren't. Like many side roads down the canal, like the jungle but you're never more than 100m from the bright lights and traffic.
Great research, cool montage-esque editing, biting but humorous commentary with heavenly synth music…
I’ve subscribed!
Great video!
You add a new definition to the term "happy ending" in Thailand
😊
When you said "won't win prettiest street award" to me it kind of does 😳
Your videos give me so many screenshot of lovely Bangkok sights and kitties, thank you 🥰
Hi Pat,
In addition to my comments on your previous videos in this series, I can say for myself that I don't care whether there are "Farangs" in my area or not. What is important to me are the people I like and with whom you can talk on a reasonable level. I'm not one who regularly meets up with a group of people in pubs or at events, I much prefer to enjoy my community in the neighborhood and of course private family life.
Thank you Pat as always for your excellent suggestions.
Greetings from Sattahip - Gerd 🌈🍀💖🌴🌈
Thanks Gerd, sounds like you're more easy going and less fussed than many others. I tend to take people as I find them now, whereas I could be a bit presumptious in the past but I've matured a lot more as I got older!
The other GREAT thing about Tao Poon is "WOOD STREET" (Pracha Naruemit/ Soi Krungthep-Nonthaburi 5). Really unique!!
Whereas most of Thailand is a timber-desert, in Wood St almost every building (for more than half a mile) is a timber-related business ! ........ hardwoods, softwoods, plywood (many grades), MDF, chipboard, mouldings, doors & frames, wooden flooring, pre-cut screens, and small furniture makers! Absolutely brilliant - and relatively cheap in most cases!
Not a single sign or price-list in English though - so take the wife or girl-friend to ask the tricky questions .... and to bring the prices down.
Congrats @bangkokpat, your videos are getting better and better, super well researched and not sugar-coated. I specially like the contemplative shots of Bangkok at its most honest, both ugly and beautiful at the same time
Just caught your channel tonight. Good topic, I have several friends that are of the mind that the only good Expat is one that has moved back to their country of origin. Like your polished approach.
Great video Pat. I've been living in the Ratchayothon area for 22 years and aside from the traffic it's always been a pleasant area to live in.
Tao Poon is a good shout too. The family and I often head down to Gateway - one of the quieter malls and good for kids..
I like your documentation of areas and life in Bangkok. It will be fascinating for people to look at in years to come.
Imagine the RUclips videos people could have made just 20 years ago. So much has changed and yet so much is quintessentially as it was.
Wishing you continued and deserved luck with the growth of your channel.
Cheers Scott, Ratchayothin is also a place I've usually headed back to when I have tried to settle elsewhere. Over the years I've lasted 4 months in On Nut and 3 months near Mo Chit. I first lived in Baan Suan Thon, Ratchayothin in 2004, great place.
Thanks for showing my area Pat. Been here for nearly 4 years since moving to Thailand and I cannot think of a better place to be. 👍
It's a great area and I've always liked it. It's a fabulous balance of everything with less foreigners, as you well know!
I love the irony of so many foreigners doing/not doing all the same things that they complain about foreigners doing/not doing in their own home country. Not learning the language, not trying to fit in, only mixing with their own. I like the advice that if they're not someone you would drink or hangout with or be friends with at home, then why would you do it here.
Not to argue but in the 8 years I've been in Chiang Mai, I've met people I would have never met in the West, and learning from them and experiencing their cultures is a great part of living here.
@@topixfromthetropix1674 Sorry, I think you may have misunderstood my meaning. I am with you on that.
Foreigners who immigrate (legally) usually blend in within 5 years...especially if they are college educated. This is true for every country. The reason to associate with people from your home country with whom you would not otherwise, is because of the value of kinship mixed with the scarcity of opportunity.
@Mark Seymour Oh, that hasn't been my experience. I've met many who speak Thai, have a diverse social group, and live off of the beaten path... but they came here with the intent of immigrating while still relatively young.
@@lifesabeach5405 All hierarchy is based on GDP per capita. Japanese rank higher than Russians, for example.
Best place I ever lived in Bangkok was top end of Udomsuk near Srinakarin Road. Loved it. Easy access to Nong Bong Reservoir, Rama 9 Park and Bang Krachao. The delights of central Bangkok only a songthaw and BTS ride away.
A great channel Pat. Really enjoy your presentation and history. Wish you many more subscribers.
Last time I stayed in BKK I rented a nice condo just about 100 meters from the Wutthakat BTS station and thought it was great. Had its own outdoor market next to the BTS station and was a fairly peaceful area -- and the next station east (Talat Phlu) had a mall with the typical upscale offerings such as movie theaters, restaurants and such. For some reason I never see the various "where to live" videos by various RUclips vloggers mention that area west of the river... which is probably why I see very few foreigners there. The BTS ride into "downtown" might be a big longer than some want but it is probably only 1 or 2 more stops away from downtown than OnNut. Cheers :)
I recommend Srinakarin. Talad rod fai is awesome. (Train market/ night market) 2 huge malls nearby too. Paradise park and Seacon square. Loads of street food around and a very local feel.
Love your content/videos Bangkok Pat!
Glad you like them Jane, thank you very much 😻😻😻
Thanks for this video - very insightful
Cheers mate 😎
Found this channel from Thairish Times: great shots and editing! Dig the evening vibe!
By far the best informations ! Thank's , good job.
I lived in Soi Lang Nam for years, (excuse spelling) Really Appreciate the style & editing of your videos, keep up the good work.
Thanks a lot, you mean Soi Rang nam near Victory Monument?
@@BangkokPat Yes, thats it, great parks, top street food & shopping mall with cinema, that was my little area which made me really like Bangkok.
Another informative video Pat. I suppose Minburi is too far out to get a mention but there are definitely FEWER foreigners out this way. Keep up the good work.
Really good video pat, Tao poon looks a good bet pat well done
Thanks Tom.
like Pat's 'down to earth' outlook that's reflected in this interesting vid .
new sub. drum roll.
Wow, D-Thai apartment, I used to live there too! 4500 for a studio. Great days and I’d love to go back to 2007-2010 when life seemed so much simpler
I added it as I found when I got home that I'd taken a photo of it. It may be a bit of rough amongst the diamonds but some are on budgets!
Your channel is great! 👍
I stayed at The Signature right next to BTS Saphan Khwai during my semester abroad in Bangkok a few years ago. The entire building only had one other farang living in it. If I was to move back to Bangkok, I would probably stay closer to central sukhumvit, somewhere between Ari (already stretching it) and On Nut. Rama 9 and Silom would also be options. Apart from the nearby Chatuchak Market and a giant BIG C, Saphan Khwai didn't really have much to offer.
Big fan of the channel Pat! Quality productions. Keep up the great work.
This is a great vlog. Maybe this has already been mentioned, but if I move here I don't want to live near "cheap charlies". I just left after 60 days (mostly in CNX), and the most annoying person I met was a visitor constantly talking about how he was spending so much money to help the locals yet doing everything possible to avoid paying for his round.
25 years ago I was happily living near saphan khwai, but it has so much changed, I think coming back to thailand would change my understanding of the classic thai culture
I lived in Saphan Kwai and liked the vibe a lot, especially Orto Kor. Unfortunately, Nostalgia is something untreatable.
Wow...what a awesome channel ! Subscribed ! Greetings from Portugal
Thanks Antonio, glad you've found the channel!
Hello, Charan Sanitwong is a great place to live, very local, with the MRT and great views on the Chao Phraya.
I remember when I first met my closest foreign friend in Bangkok. My area doesn't have many foreigners, so you always notice when you see a fellow foreigner. Now, I didn't choose the area I live in because of this. It was purely about work and location. Anyway, first time I met my best friend here was in the supermarket. I remember he looked at me and gave me a big smile. He said, "hey, what's up?". First thing I thought was that he's very friendly. We got speaking and he mentioned how there weren't many foreigners in the area so it was nice to see one. He mentioned that he likes football so I invited to the place where I play footsol. After that we became best friends. He is definitely an anomaly. I find many foreigners can be quite territorial. I guess many like the idea that they're the most popular 'farang' and feel threatened when someone younger or more handsome is around. For me, I couldn't care less. If someone is nice to me, I'll always be nice back. But to be perfectly honest, all my closest friends are Western. With my male Thai friends I feel I often have to filter myself. With my Western friends, we make fun of each other. Mock each other's countries and politics but in a teasing way.
Thais don't do sarcasm well at all
Nice and no nonsense,subscribed
The prices got me going straight for the currency calculator,i live in Hong Kong and i pay over ten times that
First time I've watched one of your videos. I've lived in Bangkok for 14 years. I came here from Hong Kong and I miss having a lot of expat friends. I'd love it if there were a lot more Western expats here so I could expand my social circle.
dude there are hundreds of expats in Bangkok!
@@earinsound mostly old farts and Bangkok is so big there isn't a tight knit expat scene like in Hong Kong or Singapore. I actually know a lot of expats but instead of seeing them all every week some of them I've not seen in years.
That 333 Riverside is a nice looking building ,fab views from some units
Judging by a lot of the pompous comments I've read already i am not at all surprised why some Farang wish to avoid living near others 😂
Very interesting video Pat. On Nut is another area with plenty of foreigners.
I love these videos. I lived in Bang Khae in the 90's and can't believe how things have changed. A train now? Omg, I would never have left. And Starbucks. Damn.
Great work once again!
I had an Airbnb in Tao Poon for a month. A great condo at the Tree Interchange that offered great views of the city and river.
I just re-watched this, now that I have the lay of the land (well, sort of) I get much more out of it. It takes me double the running time because I'm going back and forth between the video and google maps :). I think I'll take the boat to Bang Pho and then work my way east to check these areas out. Thanks for another days itinerary.
Glad to hear that Steve! There's a more complete video on Lat Phrao I did a bit after this one. Tao Poon is low key but great for the river and Bang Sue station, Saphan Kwai is not a bad area either. All are within easy reach of Chatuchak Park/Market/railway park. Did I not add a map to this video?.....
@@BangkokPat yes you did add a map, but it was a pinned comment and I didn't see it until I finished the video. I only looked in the notes at the top. I'll look a little further down next time.
Thank you Pat👍🙏
Your videos have great
content and are very well put together!
I appreciate that! Thanks Fred.
Another great informative video! Thank you! …. the cogs are ticking thinking how I can possibly live / work in Thailand 😀
Greatly enjoy the coherence of your posts Pat. You have a talent in the editing suite and in front of the camera.
100% correct , great video
saphan kwai - lived here a couple of months, enjoyed it quite a lot. Great area - without really having much to compare with though
It's a nondescript place with all amenities nearby and skytrain, and not overpriced for renting
Another great video, Pat. Your camera work and editing is ultra-professional - and whilst I don't necessarily agree with all your opinions, the production quality of your work is head & shoulders above any others I have found covering our corner of IndoChina.
Many thanks - and keep 'em coming!
Eight years living and working in northern Thailand and do my best to avoid areas with lots of farang. The main reasons are cost, food, atmosphere. Local Thai restaurants have better food at better prices. Thai focused bars don't have bar girls and other scammers trying to get your money plus the overall cost of everything is lower. Areas with lots of farang tend to serve western food at high price and Thai food at inflated rates.
I've lived in towns where you rarely if ever see other farang and have rented houses under 3k per month. Getting out of places like BKK is the best way to learn about Thailand and learn the language.
thanks for the direction.
Any time David, thanks mate.
Hi Pat I am happy you made this video as of all the countries i have lived in the world Thailand has to be the worst for expats I have met so far. I have lived in Thailand for 6 months with my thai lady who I have known for 3 years and when I arrived in Chonburi (were my lady is from (( no not a bar girl )) ) , I seeked out expats for help and advice to which i have done in previous countries I have lived, only for a sense of " what are you doing in my House". They are so grumpy and rude and negative about Thailand , Thai's and other expats as well as cannot (will not) learn the language.
I find your Channel informative intresting and a Sunday morning breakfast treat from a man with the right attuide towards were we live.
I live with Thais in a "hongchow" basic but what do you really need and learning Thai .
I have met some good postive expats but IF I am going to make it in Thailand & Asia I need to forget westen ideals bow my head and learn from my thai surrounding not give advice like i was born with a silver spoon and of course listen to you . great advice.
Pat, you are a good person and someone I would drink a beer with. Thanks for the well done very informative videos!✌️
You said there was no mall at Ratchayothin, but the big mall Central Lardprao is just 1 km from the Elephant Building/Ratchayothin intersection where you were standing. Also just 2 BTS stations away.
Very informative, Pat. I enjoyed this.
Thanks Ed, I'm due in Pattaya in a couple of weeks would love a chat mate.
Nice video and channel 👍.
I lived in Bangkok for 5 years in the Sala daeng, Ekkamai, On Nut and punnawithi BTS areas, obviously there are plenty of farangs in these areas but they are still great places to live. I never had much farang contact and never went into bars, pubs so it was an authentic overall experience.
Living in Bangkok is all about your state of mind.
As the saying goes in the beach..people go half way across the world to do something different but they end up doing the same…
Also a word of advice…..never draw maps..,.😆
@@franciscusnuyts627 I get my kicks above the waist line sunshine 😂
@@3ndlessthought76 🙄
🙃
Great documentary 👏 really informative!!
What an excellent upload. Thanks.
Thanks.
I have lived in Bang Sue (same area as Tao Poon but about 1km north of the Lotus that you showed) for over 10 years. I chose it because it had access to river and rail transport and I had know idea if there were westerners there or not. I have 42 sq m apartment with kitchen and bathroom for 7,500 per month, but there are also numerous new condos in the area due to the multiplying train lines. The beautiful walking path alongside Klong Prapa extends foe quite a few kilometres. There are few farangs in the area, a few business owners and teachers and TOEFL students. I find the local people very friendly and super honest. Most will chase you down the street to return 5 baht of extra change. I love that I speak Thai most of the time though there are still plenty of locals that like to practice their English. Most things are also much cheaper than in Sukhumvit or Sathorn.
The vast majority of residential properties, and the nicest areas, are north of where you showed along Prachachuen Rd and Krungthep-Nonthaburi Rd.
wow, great channel, Pat, i learn a lot with your sugestions and advices about Thailand, at less Bangkok is quite big as any other european capital, i think everything i would want i can find there, congrats, i suscribe now, cheers :D
I love The cho _ cho training
If I wish to go to Bangkok
That's i would do take the
Cho_ cho traian taking a
Ride back and forth to see
The new Bangkok .
An excellent filming
I appreciate you for it's .
go to khlong thong...settle in one of the slum areas...combines many advantages : its cheap...farangs fear the area...its 100 percent local thai style...if u can enjoy it there u can make it everywhere
Glad you mentioned Tao Poon. I live in Nonthaburi but have visited the area very regularly for the past 6 years. It’s changing super quick, but it still has a neighborhood feel, where you can just walk from the MRT to the mall and there’s lots of interesting shops. My dentist is on Sukhumvit 55 and even though they have the nice shops, it just doesn’t have the neighborhood feel of Tao Poon. Great video by the way.
There are surprisingly few foreigners in the upmarket area in east Bkk on Srinagarinda road close to the big Paradise and Seacon malls. There is also the lovely Suan Luang park with jogging and other evening acivities. But only thais here basically! Lack of MRT and BTS?
That's quite far away for many expats although I'm sure there are a few. The MRT yellow line will open along there very soon so it will become accessible, but that doesn't necessarily mean foreigners will move there, those lines are great for commuters.
Pattaya is a place where I look around and say, “ Yeah, there are too many foreigners”. Otherwise I don’t actively avoid foreigners. I find I need/enjoy speaking fluent English to someone about once a week. I live in Phra Khanong but there is a small Isaan farming village in my future. I’m fine with either living situation.
Pattaya is full of retired expats because it is the cheapest of the big 3 tourist areas. But now it is filling with poorer Russians trying to escape. It was the most devastated area from Covid and estimatef 80% of tourist restraunts and tourists bars are gone. It also is an unsafe City in my opinion and the only City I see many guns in the hands of criminals.
Pattaya or as Thais that I know call it farang city
When I was in BKK in december, I went to the Elephant Tower looking for that piece by Muebon. Unfortunately it been "damaged" with tags ... 😔