I usually don't comment, but I need to say this. I think we moved to Thailand around the same time with similar ideas about Chiang Mai and the Thailand vibe. I have been going back and forth between Thailand and Poland over the years. But in the end, I'm still back in Thailand. So, as you said, my expectations about amazing things happening every day have changed. However, if I try to compare my country and Thailand, I still feel that Thailand is the better choice.
I'm going to expand this and say the fun, excitement, adventure, etc. could be found almost anywhere in Asia (I haven't been to Korea yet). But, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, and yes China too (I lived in China and could say that the media ALWAYS lie about China - I absolutely LOVE China)!! I lived in each of the above countries or spent a lot of time in them and/or taught in them and in EACH case I had THE BEST fun, adventure, memories; it was BEAUTIFUL, I met some of nicest people in the world, made tons of friends and I didn't want to come back to the USA at all!!
i agree, i think he went their with the wrong mentality, chasing the money to live a good life when the good life was right infront of him and he couldnt see it , he wasnt content with what his got thats why everything was doom and gloom, i think he said he works as programmer , the average salary for that is anything upto 30-60k a year, so his earning well above thai slaries and his still complaining
@@robertburnett6348 well said, i was homeless many years ago and moving around places, and i asked my case worker everywhere i go is always the same, she said, if you dont change then wherever you go will always be the same
Live somewhere long enough that it becomes normal. I guess that explains why when i see cars all ridden with bullet holes on my way to work through the south side of Chicago, no longer fazes me. I will take safe overseas living no matter how normal and boring it becomes.
Yes, we do get used to Thailand's excitement, but when I visit other countries, especially the UK, after Thailand those places are horrendously dull, with zero excitement and terrible weather. I have adapted to the weather heat. Oh, and being retired here is perfect for me. And bars with semi naked waitresses never get old.
You might not be happy cause that takes a lot to be honestly happy, not just shallow happy. But you can for certain improve your life by going somewhere else; for example if your country is cold and without sun exposure and you get sick from it, then moving to a warm sunny place will help a lot because it will improve your health. It is not about thinking positive, it is about having positive circumstances, otherwise that's just being dishonest and delusional to be deeply happy in unhappy circumstances.
The most honest expectations vs reality video I’ve seen on Thailand (though applies well to a lot of moving experiences in general), vs the idealized dreams that many others tend to push. I’ve really enjoyed slow nomading a few months at a time in places - including Thailand, but even then things do start to become a bit normal/routine.
Ive lived in 5 different countries. It takes about a year and you forget youre in a different country.If youve learned the language its about a year before you say something and a minute later dont know if you said it in English or their language. You also take away the wierd things they do as norm,German standing at Pelicans at 6am waiting for the light to change so you can cross even when no cars in sight, or as a man sitting to pee.I loved it all,I liked the difference,rarely looked for other ex-pats.
Most air cons in Thailand have a "dry" setting which is effectively a room dehumidifier. In some countries it's called Dehumidification Mode. Totally agree, helps a lot.
Everything gets normal. Like the 2hour/5mile interstate commute to a crappy job, the $5000/month rent for the over-a-garage studio room, the crappy women we try to hit on at the clubs after paying the $30+ entrance fee.. I think just a change of beach would work for you, Brett, just saying. haha
I love the rainy season in Chiangmai. Everything is green, the air is clean, the weather is hot but the sun isn't always blazing. Nothing I can't do during that season, and fortunately my condo is in an area that doesn't flood.
Brett I’d say that feeling of newness wore off a bit but returned once I started noticing the nuances of Thai culture True the shock of it all wears off but there is a deep cultural richness here in Thailand you won’t find elsewhere too Definitely seeing visitors is a great way to experience the nostalgia Great video man thanks for making it
re-experiencing all the "novelness" and "new-ness" of thailand, when showing friends how it is.when they come for the 1st time...100% you said it flawlessly man 10/10....this is almost the only way how I can go out and have "fun" anymore here
If you want to outdo Thailand for crazy and weird......go to China for a few months. Great point though,about showing other people. I tend to move around SE Asia using up my visa then moving on. I never get bored and count my blessings every day that im not in England.
Everything you said is true. I think driving in the UK is underrated, having a nice car and going from A to B, that does count for something, im glad you mentioned that.
Pros and cons to everything and Thailand is not immune to this… I prefer Thailand, but the driving culture is still very below par. Definitely do not start walking across a controlled crosswalk without making sure drivers/riders are going to stop. Because all too often, they WILL NOT. And don’t try to “joke it off”, and say, “well that happens here too.” No!… It is on a whole other level over there. Thailand consistently lands in the top 10 most dangerous roadways, for vehicular deaths… Beyond the driving, Thailand wins hands down. And true about the weather. My girlfriend’s shop in Chiang Mai, almost flooded recently. The burning season is no joke. It was awful in 2023. Definitely want N95 masks if you’re outside. The heat personally doesn’t bother me. But I’m a slimmer build. I think some people just tolerate it easier.
Good video Brett👍I worked in Thailand for a number of years, and still vividly remember seeking refuge in my quiet air conditioned apartment, well away from the blistering heat, mosquitoes and constant sound of building work and loud exhausts.
I was listening to another RUclipsr right before this video. He was discussing the trials and tribulations of his life n Cambodia, but he was discussing his personal issues. After 5 meandering minutes it simply sounded like he was the issue. You, on the other hand; 1) Have a point, 2) Have constructive advice based on self reflection and insight. 3) Teach others and add value to prospective expats plans from your experience. Keep it up.
Hi Brett, the story you told where you dated a Thai woman and came home to a room full of people she invited to hang out at your place freaked me out! I would've lost it as I'm a very private guy that likes my solitude.
One thing to remember from a wise youtuber that has been living there for years, is that their point of reference when they left their country to move there is completely different than ours now. If you disliked your home enough to leave 5-10 years ago, try to imagine how horrible your life would have been had you stayed. The inflation, the angry people, the lockdowns, and the political bullshit is ten times worse than it would have been 5-10 years ago. If a perfect life is 100, and living in hell is a 1, Thailand will probably fluctuate between 65-90 for most people. People struggling in Thailand would not survive in the rest of the world if it's based on happiness. The rest of the world outside of Southeast Asia is miserable. Within 5-10 years there will be ten times the expats in Thailand because of these youtube channels showing everyone the way out. Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia will catch up and become the Thailand of the early 2000's and Thailand could easily turn into an expensive Disneyland.
Catch up in what way? What makes Thailand popular is the lifestyle and culture, those other countries are not similar to Thailand in that regard, they're just close to Thailand and cheaper
@@Mikamichae What they don't have is the coastline and infrastructure. Vietnam is proving you can fix those problems with a lot of money, but most will choose Thailand as would I at least for the time being. I would be fine living in Chiang Rai, Nan, Udon, or even northern Phuket where it's still laid back. Where Thailand wins is infrastructure. I felt like I was coming back home to the US from a first world to a 3rd world.
@@VividAbominations Vietnam has better coastline. With big cities on the water which thailand doesn't have. Could see vietnam beating thailand at some point because of that, the cost, location, range of climates. Their biggest issues is visas. If they matched thailand visas they would probably become even in tourism/DN. Visas plus upgraded infrastructure and it beats thailand. Will they go that route? Time will tell. It's already a much more crowded country than thailand.
@CommoditySC I feel vietnam doesn't cater to foreigners half as much as thailand though, as a foreigner in thailand you still feel normal, in vietnsm you're basically an alien
I here you 10000%. Interested about online marketing too. After living in UK. USA and off and on in the DR, I resonate with a lot that you say. Paradise is not ever utopia. USA is tough but you can earn $$$$$, and the UK can be limited in my opinion. You just have to be honest and live your best life with the plusses and minuses. Great video Brett.
Nice to see you again. Spot on on all subjects. We have lived in Costa Rica and Mexico for 10 years combined. We just moved to Thailand 2 weeks ago. Great vlog, as always.
A philosophical outlook on life is definitely an asset, as is work flexibility to grasp new opportunities. So whatever the Buddha said about life being a constant struggle, make the most of what you can with what you have got.
Thanks Brett for the honesty in this video. I believe we do change as people as we get older and therefore our desires (to do those things or that) change as well. 😊
You can also travel to different parts of Thailand to avoid the worst of the rainy season as it affects different areas at different times .Personally I wont go anywhere near Chang Mai in the burning season as it screws up my lungs .Stick to coastal areas at that time
side note Brett, China could the next best thing, climate, opportunity....... tech guys Englishman with your life experiwnces you will be well received!!
I wouldnt get any advice from this guy or you also get depressed asf lol, it depends what work you want to do, theres progamming, coding etc, affilate jobs, call center, accounting or growing a youtube channel, anything based online and just look for what skills you need for that job, remote working is a very broad subject, I would say the fundamentals, good typing skills, good customer service skills, knowledge of ms word ,excel ,social media in general, and able to multi task is all you need to start.
I’d be curious how you handle the police checkpoints? What is it they ask for? It still blows my mind how many foreigners still ride around without helmets, when that is the first thing they will nail you for, lol… They don’t just target foreigners now, though. They stop everyone on a motorbike. My gf said that seemed to start around covid, because they needed more money, since there weren’t as many foreigners 🤣… Anyway, would be curious how you deal with the motorbike checkpoints, and what all paperwork do you need, to avoid a “lunch money” fine?
That could be anywhere! I live in Los Angeles!! I’m only 12 miles away from Santa Monica pier and I seldom go out there. However, if someone comes to visit, I take take them on amazing tours of the city!
Great video but I disagree with the "best" months. Hot season is too hot imo. Might be great to chill on a beach but definitively not for working. Smoky season is mainly a chiang mai thing and a big reason not to be there during these months. And lastly, a question. Why do so many "digital nomads" and remote workers actually live in chiang mai? I honestly don't get it. No sea and smoky season.... There are many places in thailand that do not have these cons... Why are people still going to chiang mai still? Hua hin, phuket, ko samui, heck, even jomtien and many more.. all better at least from the perspective from a guy that has never lived in chiang mai... Would be nice to hear an expert talk on this. Cheers!
from what i heard its faster wifi which is number one thing for remote working lots of coworking spaces ,lots of remote workers so more of a same level minded people if you need help or work together, its like the silicone valley of thailand
digital nomads are just basically people who work online and take their job with them so ages vary just like any other jobs from teens to adults to elderly
I don't see public executions like in the US... I'm not be punished for being a Man here.... prostitutes are everywhere but good stress free marijuana?...life is life no matter your location.
Jump in and share your thoughts over at Nomad School: www.nomadskool.com/
I usually don't comment, but I need to say this. I think we moved to Thailand around the same time with similar ideas about Chiang Mai and the Thailand vibe. I have been going back and forth between Thailand and Poland over the years. But in the end, I'm still back in Thailand. So, as you said, my expectations about amazing things happening every day have changed. However, if I try to compare my country and Thailand, I still feel that Thailand is the better choice.
I'm going to expand this and say the fun, excitement, adventure, etc. could be found almost anywhere in Asia (I haven't been to Korea yet). But, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, and yes China too (I lived in China and could say that the media ALWAYS lie about China - I absolutely LOVE China)!! I lived in each of the above countries or spent a lot of time in them and/or taught in them and in EACH case I had THE BEST fun, adventure, memories; it was BEAUTIFUL, I met some of nicest people in the world, made tons of friends and I didn't want to come back to the USA at all!!
i agree, i think he went their with the wrong mentality, chasing the money to live a good life when the good life was right infront of him and he couldnt see it , he wasnt content with what his got thats why everything was doom and gloom, i think he said he works as programmer , the average salary for that is anything upto 30-60k a year, so his earning well above thai slaries and his still complaining
5:06 @@tfmg2313
I got depressed after 7 months. But remembered..."wherever you go, there you are".
@@robertburnett6348 well said, i was homeless many years ago and moving around places, and i asked my case worker everywhere i go is always the same, she said, if you dont change then wherever you go will always be the same
I got depressed after 7 months. But then remembered..."wherever you go, there you are".
Live somewhere long enough that it becomes normal. I guess that explains why when i see cars all ridden with bullet holes on my way to work through the south side of Chicago, no longer fazes me. I will take safe overseas living no matter how normal and boring it becomes.
@@mrbHanoi good question. How can you get bored. I guess you need to be more creative if you do become bored.
Yes, we do get used to Thailand's excitement, but when I visit other countries, especially the UK, after Thailand those places are horrendously dull, with zero excitement and terrible weather. I have adapted to the weather heat. Oh, and being retired here is perfect for me. And bars with semi naked waitresses never get old.
😂😂 I imagine it wouldn't 👍🏿
Creep
Same in Vegas. The lights dull and the strip becomes a place to avoid.
พวกคุณอยู่ประเทศโลกที่1ยังไม่มีความสุข แล้วพวกคุณจะมาคาดหวังความสุขจากประเทศโลกที่3 กันได้อย่างไร
...เพราะฉะนั้น ปัญหามันอยู่ที่สภาพจิตใจของพวกคุณเอง มันไม่ได้เกี่ยวกับสถานที่ใดๆเลย ถ้าจิตใจพวกคุณสงบแล้วคิดในทางบวก พวกคุณอยู่ที่ไหนก็จะมีความสุข โดยเฉพาะประเทศบ้านเกิดพวกคุณถือเป็นกลุ่มประเทศที่พัฒนาแล้ว ฐานรายได้สูง ถ้าคุณอยู่ในประเทศโลกที่1แล้วไม่มีความสุข พวกคุณไปอยู่ที่ไหนก็ไม่มีความสุขหรอก
There's a lot of misery in many "first world" places.
Very well said, from Canada, it is your state of mind, not where you are living.
Correct
Incorrect!!!
You might not be happy cause that takes a lot to be honestly happy, not just shallow happy. But you can for certain improve your life by going somewhere else; for example if your country is cold and without sun exposure and you get sick from it, then moving to a warm sunny place will help a lot because it will improve your health. It is not about thinking positive, it is about having positive circumstances, otherwise that's just being dishonest and delusional to be deeply happy in unhappy circumstances.
The most honest expectations vs reality video I’ve seen on Thailand (though applies well to a lot of moving experiences in general), vs the idealized dreams that many others tend to push. I’ve really enjoyed slow nomading a few months at a time in places - including Thailand, but even then things do start to become a bit normal/routine.
Ive lived in 5 different countries. It takes about a year and you forget youre in a different country.If youve learned the language its about a year before you say something and a minute later dont know if you said it in English or their language. You also take away the wierd things they do as norm,German standing at Pelicans at 6am waiting for the light to change so you can cross even when no cars in sight, or as a man sitting to pee.I loved it all,I liked the difference,rarely looked for other ex-pats.
Most air cons in Thailand have a "dry" setting which is effectively a room dehumidifier. In some countries it's called Dehumidification Mode. Totally agree, helps a lot.
Everything gets normal. Like the 2hour/5mile interstate commute to a crappy job, the $5000/month rent for the over-a-garage studio room, the crappy women we try to hit on at the clubs after paying the $30+ entrance fee.. I think just a change of beach would work for you, Brett, just saying. haha
I love the rainy season in Chiangmai. Everything is green, the air is clean, the weather is hot but the sun isn't always blazing. Nothing I can't do during that season, and fortunately my condo is in an area that doesn't flood.
Brett I’d say that feeling of newness wore off a bit but returned once I started noticing the nuances of Thai culture
True the shock of it all wears off but there is a deep cultural richness here in Thailand you won’t find elsewhere too
Definitely seeing visitors is a great way to experience the nostalgia
Great video man thanks for making it
when you learn to speak Thai, your knowledge of the very unique and fascinating people will increase your enjoyment exponentially..
You only adapt to climate differences if you stop living in aircon and expecting cool all the time
Agreed, Koh Phi Phi 2004/05 No aircon, you do adapt
re-experiencing all the "novelness" and "new-ness" of thailand, when showing friends how it is.when they come for the 1st time...100% you said it flawlessly man 10/10....this is almost the only way how I can go out and have "fun" anymore here
If you want to outdo Thailand for crazy and weird......go to China for a few months.
Great point though,about showing other people. I tend to move around SE Asia using up my visa then moving on. I never get bored and count my blessings every day that im not in England.
Everything you said is true. I think driving in the UK is underrated, having a nice car and going from A to B, that does count for something, im glad you mentioned that.
@@mrbHanoi I got a volvo c30, aint much but has AC and heating for the winter, nice stereo.
Pros and cons to everything and Thailand is not immune to this… I prefer Thailand, but the driving culture is still very below par. Definitely do not start walking across a controlled crosswalk without making sure drivers/riders are going to stop. Because all too often, they WILL NOT. And don’t try to “joke it off”, and say, “well that happens here too.” No!… It is on a whole other level over there. Thailand consistently lands in the top 10 most dangerous roadways, for vehicular deaths… Beyond the driving, Thailand wins hands down. And true about the weather. My girlfriend’s shop in Chiang Mai, almost flooded recently. The burning season is no joke. It was awful in 2023. Definitely want N95 masks if you’re outside. The heat personally doesn’t bother me. But I’m a slimmer build. I think some people just tolerate it easier.
Good video Brett👍I worked in Thailand for a number of years, and still vividly remember seeking refuge in my quiet air conditioned apartment, well away from the blistering heat, mosquitoes and constant sound of building work and loud exhausts.
I was listening to another RUclipsr right before this video. He was discussing the trials and tribulations of his life n Cambodia, but he was discussing his personal issues. After 5 meandering minutes it simply sounded like he was the issue. You, on the other hand; 1) Have a point, 2) Have constructive advice based on self reflection and insight. 3) Teach others and add value to prospective expats plans from your experience. Keep it up.
Hi Brett, the story you told where you dated a Thai woman and came home to a room full of people she invited to hang out at your place freaked me out! I would've lost it as I'm a very private guy that likes my solitude.
Hey Brett, good to see you back online! 😃
Cheers!
It's called hedonic adaptation. Your mind normalizes everything, even relationships. A cautionary tale.
Ten years - worth celebrating for sure, Brett.
One thing to remember from a wise youtuber that has been living there for years, is that their point of reference when they left their country to move there is completely different than ours now. If you disliked your home enough to leave 5-10 years ago, try to imagine how horrible your life would have been had you stayed. The inflation, the angry people, the lockdowns, and the political bullshit is ten times worse than it would have been 5-10 years ago. If a perfect life is 100, and living in hell is a 1, Thailand will probably fluctuate between 65-90 for most people. People struggling in Thailand would not survive in the rest of the world if it's based on happiness. The rest of the world outside of Southeast Asia is miserable. Within 5-10 years there will be ten times the expats in Thailand because of these youtube channels showing everyone the way out. Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia will catch up and become the Thailand of the early 2000's and Thailand could easily turn into an expensive Disneyland.
Catch up in what way? What makes Thailand popular is the lifestyle and culture, those other countries are not similar to Thailand in that regard, they're just close to Thailand and cheaper
@@Mikamichae What they don't have is the coastline and infrastructure. Vietnam is proving you can fix those problems with a lot of money, but most will choose Thailand as would I at least for the time being. I would be fine living in Chiang Rai, Nan, Udon, or even northern Phuket where it's still laid back. Where Thailand wins is infrastructure. I felt like I was coming back home to the US from a first world to a 3rd world.
@@VividAbominations Vietnam has better coastline. With big cities on the water which thailand doesn't have. Could see vietnam beating thailand at some point because of that, the cost, location, range of climates. Their biggest issues is visas. If they matched thailand visas they would probably become even in tourism/DN. Visas plus upgraded infrastructure and it beats thailand. Will they go that route? Time will tell. It's already a much more crowded country than thailand.
@CommoditySC I feel vietnam doesn't cater to foreigners half as much as thailand though, as a foreigner in thailand you still feel normal, in vietnsm you're basically an alien
Love this mate
All too true Brett.
Live in the now. - pivot when needed.
Thumbs up 👍 Brett
Lived here a while Brett agree with a lot of your points. Man you don’t age. Good for you
Shiny healthy eyes.
He practices semen retention
I here you 10000%. Interested about online marketing too.
After living in UK. USA and off and on in the DR, I resonate with a lot that you say. Paradise is not ever utopia. USA is tough but you can earn $$$$$, and the UK can be limited in my opinion. You just have to be honest and live your best life with the plusses and minuses. Great video Brett.
Nice to see you again. Spot on on all subjects. We have lived in Costa Rica and Mexico for 10 years combined. We just moved to Thailand 2 weeks ago. Great vlog, as always.
A philosophical outlook on life is definitely an asset, as is work flexibility to grasp new opportunities. So whatever the Buddha said about life being a constant struggle, make the most of what you can with what you have got.
The air conditioner acts as a dehumidifier.
Thanks Brett for the honesty in this video. I believe we do change as people as we get older and therefore our desires (to do those things or that) change as well. 😊
Your audio sounds great mate. That bird isnt there anymore lol
I love my life in England and I love my life in Thailand, guess I’m just one the lucky few.
You can also travel to different parts of Thailand to avoid the worst of the rainy season as it affects different areas at different times .Personally I wont go anywhere near Chang Mai in the burning season as it screws up my lungs .Stick to coastal areas at that time
side note Brett, China could the next best thing, climate, opportunity....... tech guys Englishman with your life experiwnces you will be well received!!
Hmm, now where have i seen that thumbnail before around 3 years ago Mr Devster? 🤔🤔🤔😳😳🥳🥳🥳
How do you make your sound quality so good? It's not like you are in a sound studio :)
Excellent video
BIG reason I do 3 places 3 months and then 3 for other travel
Reminds me of a conversation I had with a neighbour recently 😉
What courses do you recommend to get into remote working if you have no experience? I teach in thailand
I wouldnt get any advice from this guy or you also get depressed asf lol, it depends what work you want to do, theres progamming, coding etc, affilate jobs, call center, accounting or growing a youtube channel, anything based online and just look for what skills you need for that job, remote working is a very broad subject, I would say the fundamentals, good typing skills, good customer service skills, knowledge of ms word ,excel ,social media in general, and able to multi task is all you need to start.
@@tfmg2313 thanks for your detailed response mate, I'll look into it
I’d be curious how you handle the police checkpoints? What is it they ask for? It still blows my mind how many foreigners still ride around without helmets, when that is the first thing they will nail you for, lol… They don’t just target foreigners now, though. They stop everyone on a motorbike. My gf said that seemed to start around covid, because they needed more money, since there weren’t as many foreigners 🤣… Anyway, would be curious how you deal with the motorbike checkpoints, and what all paperwork do you need, to avoid a “lunch money” fine?
I know Thais who don't like the heat.
That could be anywhere! I live in Los Angeles!! I’m only 12 miles away from Santa Monica pier and I seldom go out there. However, if someone comes to visit, I take take them on amazing tours of the city!
Hope the flights prices come down So friends come
Nice
Great video but I disagree with the "best" months. Hot season is too hot imo. Might be great to chill on a beach but definitively not for working. Smoky season is mainly a chiang mai thing and a big reason not to be there during these months. And lastly, a question. Why do so many "digital nomads" and remote workers actually live in chiang mai? I honestly don't get it. No sea and smoky season.... There are many places in thailand that do not have these cons... Why are people still going to chiang mai still? Hua hin, phuket, ko samui, heck, even jomtien and many more.. all better at least from the perspective from a guy that has never lived in chiang mai... Would be nice to hear an expert talk on this. Cheers!
from what i heard its faster wifi which is number one thing for remote working lots of coworking spaces ,lots of remote workers so more of a same level minded people if you need help or work together, its like the silicone valley of thailand
Ok Sounds interesting. Shall watch IT later in the day since we have ",to Walk the Dog" now. CU
"If you eat steak every night, you'll soon crave sausage"
Thailand is not a bad place to be
Not even in the uk and still moaning about the weather lol
😆
Brett it sounds like you are becoming like a local, maybe time for you to move on to another country, like Liverpool ?
Whats the usual age for digital nomads ?
digital nomads are just basically people who work online and take their job with them so ages vary just like any other jobs from teens to adults to elderly
@tfmg2313 ok although I don't think a teen can legally work abroad in thailand lol
@@Mikamichae true i was more thinking adult age 18-19 more upper teens , wouldnt send a 13 year old to thailand on a business visa lol
@@tfmg2313 😂😂
Ain't no elderly digital nomads up in here bruh 😅
Great ❤🎉 post brother! Love it! 😍
One thing remained the same, the place is still swamped with cute babes
I don't see public executions like in the US... I'm not be punished for being a Man here.... prostitutes are everywhere but good stress free marijuana?...life is life no matter your location.
because it is normal for that country lol