I have lived and worked for +11 years in Bangkok, traveling all over the ASEAN area in my work selling heavy factoryequipment and industrial robots, and I must say that I am healthier fitter happier and wealthier than most of my friends in the west.. no debts or bank loans and now semi - retired at age 53 by choice.
That's really good to hear! I love the idea of foreigners doing well in Asia. It's not always the easiest place, so well done. I'm wealthier I feel, although not if measured by my bank balance, if that makes sense!
@@balloonchaser Renting condos is good for the wallet and bank account and driving scooter too/or commute and if u get bored of one district in bangkok, just move to another district and u have almost a whole new city. Keeping away from bars and "badladys" help alot to and the key thing, really learning Thai. Right wealth isn't only money its quality of life and health and mindset to.
@nattm6553 Yes, mate. Totally agree. I actually lived in rental places most of the time. After the initial "mansion" the condos ranged from 10k-25k baht, kinda mirroring my income fluctuations! After my initial holiday mode I've never been a bar or bar person really. That certainly promotes health and saving the cash!
At 9:40 video, I drove past the Erawan Hotel junction 5 minute before the bomb exploded. It was a nerve-wracking experience after learning what had happened afterwards. Thanks for sharing you experience in Thailand.
That was a terrible night. I actually felt kind of guilty for thinking it was a thunder clap. The sights I witnessed that night I won't forget. Thank god you passed 5 minutes earlier. So many innocent people gone.
Thanks for Part 2 BC . Such an interesting story and so glad things worked out at the right times for you . The property buying was a touch . I really like your outlook on living in Thailand it is what you make it . There are opportunities if you look . As for the food I’m the same such a fussy eater but the international cuisine is amazing . Great vlog
My pleasure, Jimmy. I really meant what I said in the video. I think I've been really lucky over the years. But I do think you can make your own luck, to an extent. I was fortunate with two property sales. Nearly lost a shed load on the third but got my money back eventually! Food, I'm ok with simple Thai food. But I still eat western food a couple of times a week. And as you say, the food in Bangkok is great!
Many thanks for your comment. It's easy to find the negatives when you live here. But the positives outweigh them many fold! I really think if you this place offers fantastic opportunities!
A very interesting video, BC! For those, like me, who are thinking about living in Bangkok, you're the living proof that it's a great choice. I'd be happy to buy you a Singha, a Leo, a Heineken or whatever beer you'd fancy while I'm in Bangkok.
Many thanks! I honestly think Bangkok is the best place to live, despite the traffic jams and general crowding. Obviously, it's also a great hub to hit anywhere else in the country. Many thanks for the beer offer. I still support my former employers! The staff are great people. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to test their product!
Very interesting to hear your backstory in Bangkok. I actually arrived in Thailand the day after that bombing and spent 3 weeks. It was quiet in many places, which is rare. I cannot stand Bangkok due to the pollution and traffic. Added to that, there are the floods. On teaching, I'm not sure why you did not focus on IELTS or TOEFL. That is where it is possible to make multiples of the salaries you were discussing.
Thanks, David. The bombing was awful. I was going to include some photos of the aftermath but when I looked at them they were just horrible. It's certainly not my intention to use such an event to shock, so I left them out. I'll never forget that night. There's loads of TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS teachers available at less than 1,000 Baht per hour. So, in my experience, none of them would be making much more than the 80k I mentioned. Not when I was working anyway!
@@balloonchaser Maybe there was oversupply in Thailand. In China, it was another world for that. There were IELTS teachers I knew making 150K USD a year easily with some of the top ones making upwards of $500K. These were teachers mind, not business owners.
@@thecryptostrategist2433 interesting stuff, David. The real issue was that I was in the wrong country! But teachers in Thailand across the board are poorly paid, unfortunately.
Really cool listening to your story of your journey and experiences BC . It seems like you have made your own luck and have the ability to roll with the punches and adapt well to lifestyles and income levels. Who says there is no such thing as a "free lunch" 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
Thanks, SG. I'm a big believer that a positive mental attitude can go a long way in this world. I'm certain I could have done things better and differently, but I know I tried my best, and that's all that matters! The lunch in the hotel was good for free. But obviously, the breweries topped that experience!
thanks for sharing your history, very interesting. can you transition in and out of a retirement visa, if you find jobs with their own work permit? is it easy/accepted?
My pleasure. Basically, what happens is you'll be on some kind of visa that will be extended to match the period of your work permit. Sadly, I didn't find it that straightforward, and it's an area I'd love the government to address. I'm not sure if the Destination Thailand Visa that's just been announced will help at all. Most agencies and companies have dedicated staff to sort out visa issues and they are much needed!
i want to learn Thai but the schools seem very expensive plus what happens if the teachers have trouble with a slow Farang? obviously the Farang is left behind, as the school has their money etc etc. I guess there are great teachers but there must be a lot of so-so ones as well. i thought of Teaching English but its a young persons pursuit i think.
Thanks, Steve. Most schools offer a free trial lesson to people wanting to learn Thai. Maybe try a few different ones and see what you think? Alternatively, there's some great free apps available these days to learn at your own pace. And finally, here on RUclips, there's some excellent material. I do think teaching is predominantly a young guys game. But there's also no substitute for experience, and older people are generally more committed & reliable!
Hi BC, really enjoyed both parts of this story and some nice LOL moments (I'm an ex-teacher in the UK), I can understand why some might turn up drunk! I'm thinking of coming to Thailand do you have an email I could contact you on or WhatsApp?
I have lived and worked for +11 years in Bangkok, traveling all over the ASEAN area in my work selling heavy factoryequipment and industrial robots, and I must say that I am healthier fitter happier and wealthier than most of my friends in the west.. no debts or bank loans and now semi - retired at age 53 by choice.
That's really good to hear! I love the idea of foreigners doing well in Asia. It's not always the easiest place, so well done. I'm wealthier I feel, although not if measured by my bank balance, if that makes sense!
@@balloonchaser Renting condos is good for the wallet and bank account and driving scooter too/or commute and if u get bored of one district in bangkok, just move to another district and u have almost a whole new city. Keeping away from bars and "badladys" help alot to and the key thing, really learning Thai.
Right wealth isn't only money its quality of life and health and mindset to.
@nattm6553 Yes, mate. Totally agree. I actually lived in rental places most of the time. After the initial "mansion" the condos ranged from 10k-25k baht, kinda mirroring my income fluctuations!
After my initial holiday mode I've never been a bar or bar person really. That certainly promotes health and saving the cash!
I found that very interesting, and open about your life when you feel like it do more please.
Thanks, Phil. My aim is just to inspire one person to move here who is maybe unsure. If I can do it, anyone can! Glad you found my story interesting.
At 9:40 video, I drove past the Erawan Hotel junction 5 minute before the bomb exploded. It was a nerve-wracking experience after learning what had happened afterwards.
Thanks for sharing you experience in Thailand.
That was a terrible night. I actually felt kind of guilty for thinking it was a thunder clap. The sights I witnessed that night I won't forget. Thank god you passed 5 minutes earlier. So many innocent people gone.
another great vid...............setting the bar...............
That's really nice of you to say. Appreciate it!
Thanks for Part 2 BC . Such an interesting story and so glad things worked out at the right times for you . The property buying was a touch . I really like your outlook on living in Thailand it is what you make it . There are opportunities if you look . As for the food I’m the same such a fussy eater but the international cuisine is amazing . Great vlog
My pleasure, Jimmy. I really meant what I said in the video. I think I've been really lucky over the years. But I do think you can make your own luck, to an extent. I was fortunate with two property sales. Nearly lost a shed load on the third but got my money back eventually!
Food, I'm ok with simple Thai food. But I still eat western food a couple of times a week. And as you say, the food in Bangkok is great!
Good story.., and also part one👍. I remember Erawan shine, I was in Bangkok when it happend.
Many thanks, Anders. I think a lot of us remember where we were on the night of the erawan shrine bomb. Terrible scenes.
Great story and thanks again for sharing. Youre absolutely right about creating your own reality. No regrets is a great way to reflect on your life.
Many thanks for your comment. It's easy to find the negatives when you live here. But the positives outweigh them many fold! I really think if you this place offers fantastic opportunities!
Great storytelling, now that we know your Bangkok journey you’ll have to re live your Pattaya journey and how you ended up there.
Thanks 🙏
Many thanks, Mark. Appreciate your comment. I must admit my story since covid has been fairly boring, but let's see!
what a great insight to your journey great vlog maybe your best yet
Thanks so much, Graham. I truly appreciate your comment!
Great video!
Aren't you Charlie, the famous expert computer teacher mentioned in the video?
Very interesting 👍
Thanks for your comment . Glad you liked it!
A very interesting video, BC!
For those, like me, who are thinking about living in Bangkok, you're the living proof that it's a great choice.
I'd be happy to buy you a Singha, a Leo, a Heineken or whatever beer you'd fancy while I'm in Bangkok.
Many thanks! I honestly think Bangkok is the best place to live, despite the traffic jams and general crowding. Obviously, it's also a great hub to hit anywhere else in the country. Many thanks for the beer offer. I still support my former employers! The staff are great people. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to test their product!
@@balloonchaserWell, BC, if you have some time during the next 4 days, my offer for a beer still stands!
@WanderlustReports Thanks, mate. You are in Bangkok for the next few days? I'll probably be there in the next couple of days. Monday or Tuesday.
@@WanderlustReports How about sometime tomorrow?
@@balloonchaser What about around 3 or 4PM?
Very interesting to hear your backstory in Bangkok. I actually arrived in Thailand the day after that bombing and spent 3 weeks. It was quiet in many places, which is rare. I cannot stand Bangkok due to the pollution and traffic. Added to that, there are the floods. On teaching, I'm not sure why you did not focus on IELTS or TOEFL. That is where it is possible to make multiples of the salaries you were discussing.
Thanks, David. The bombing was awful. I was going to include some photos of the aftermath but when I looked at them they were just horrible. It's certainly not my intention to use such an event to shock, so I left them out. I'll never forget that night.
There's loads of TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS teachers available at less than 1,000 Baht per hour. So, in my experience, none of them would be making much more than the 80k I mentioned. Not when I was working anyway!
@@balloonchaser Maybe there was oversupply in Thailand. In China, it was another world for that. There were IELTS teachers I knew making 150K USD a year easily with some of the top ones making upwards of $500K. These were teachers mind, not business owners.
@@thecryptostrategist2433 interesting stuff, David. The real issue was that I was in the wrong country! But teachers in Thailand across the board are poorly paid, unfortunately.
Really cool listening to your story of your journey and experiences BC . It seems like you have made your own luck and have the ability to roll with the punches and adapt well to lifestyles and income levels. Who says there is no such thing as a "free lunch" 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
Thanks, SG. I'm a big believer that a positive mental attitude can go a long way in this world. I'm certain I could have done things better and differently, but I know I tried my best, and that's all that matters! The lunch in the hotel was good for free. But obviously, the breweries topped that experience!
excellent stuff BC super vlog. I just turned 74 and my brain still writes cheques my body can't cash
Cheers, BB! Plenty of life in the old dog yet! I used to think 47 was old. Now I realise youngsters are 47!
Fantastic video, thanks for putting it together. I won't take it personally that you don't like me!!! 555
Hahaha! I'm sure I'll make an exception for you, Durian! Like the comment!
Great video mate! I’m back in Pattaya for a week from Friday, would be great to meet for a beer if your around.
Thanks, mate! Yes, absolutely! Just let me know the details when you are here and I'll join you!
Cracking video BC. Keep them coming.
Will do, Toby. Thanks for watching!
3:24 Its Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok!
Hey, that's right, Durian! He must have known I was coming!?!? 😀
I really enjoy your videos, well presented. i was thinking you were 47 and you arrived 12 years before that...
Many thanks for the positive feedback. I really wish the second part of your comment was true, but sadly not!
Excellent Agent 47. UTV
@Russ12189 Sadly I'm called agent 60+ these days, mate! But at least I was at Highbury in '81! VTID
thanks for sharing your history, very interesting. can you transition in and out of a retirement visa, if you find jobs with their own work permit? is it easy/accepted?
My pleasure. Basically, what happens is you'll be on some kind of visa that will be extended to match the period of your work permit. Sadly, I didn't find it that straightforward, and it's an area I'd love the government to address. I'm not sure if the Destination Thailand Visa that's just been announced will help at all. Most agencies and companies have dedicated staff to sort out visa issues and they are much needed!
i want to learn Thai but the schools seem very expensive plus what happens if the teachers have trouble with a slow Farang? obviously the Farang is left behind, as the school has their money etc etc. I guess there are great teachers but there must be a lot of so-so ones as well. i thought of Teaching English but its a young persons pursuit i think.
Thanks, Steve. Most schools offer a free trial lesson to people wanting to learn Thai. Maybe try a few different ones and see what you think? Alternatively, there's some great free apps available these days to learn at your own pace. And finally, here on RUclips, there's some excellent material.
I do think teaching is predominantly a young guys game. But there's also no substitute for experience, and older people are generally more committed & reliable!
Great video, BC. What happened to you and the hairstylist?
Thanks, mate. Unfortunately, our relationship was cut short....!
Hi BC, really enjoyed both parts of this story and some nice LOL moments (I'm an ex-teacher in the UK), I can understand why some might turn up drunk!
I'm thinking of coming to Thailand do you have an email I could contact you on or WhatsApp?
Many thanks for your kind words!
You are welcome to contact me anytime. My email is
balloonchaserthe@gmail.com
Catch you later!