Welcome to my latest video for my channel, @KhonKaenDen. In this video, I talk about my experiences over the past 20 years living in Thailand and whether or not Thailand (and Khon Kaen in particular) is safe. Don't forget, if you like my videos hit the thumbs up, subscribe and comment! Hope you enjoy. Den.
Brilliant…your advice is spot on and hits the right balance…people really need to use the Bhuddist concept of mindfulness when using the roads…be aware of everything in your bubble that may become a threat…that sugercane lorry bearing down from behind you: the guy may be into a 24hr shift on yabba and you dont exist…scan the foreground for potholes…look out for ghostriders going against the nighttime traffic on the hard shoulder…don’t get killed by your ego: if your happy on a Supercub or a single cylinder thumper: why exceed your ability on a Hayabusa? Lots of common sense there Den. Btw; how are there no people about…are you up early?
Cheers, fella. Yeah, I think that other than meeting the wrong girl and ending up in a scary family, the roads are the only issue in Thailand. Sadly, I have known a number of people who have succumbed to the roads and the terrible drivers. As you say, trucks, yabaa and small bikes do NOT mix. In KK, you get truck riders all times of the day driving in the wrong direction... some without lights.It can be scary and does make my blood boil from time to time. Driving defensively has helped me out many times... and you see crashes right before your eyes. As for that park... yeah, early. 9am... dropped the missus off at uni and went. Too late for the joggers and too early for the students/families who turn up in the evening. Love this place though. Cheers, Den.
Thanks, Was happy to get up in America this morn and see this new content. Den, there is no safe place in America anymore. Malls, churches, bowling alleys, schools... We are almost numb to the constant mass shootings. I am disheartened knowing in my heart and soul nothing is going to change and things are only going to get worse. I have moments where I feel very sad to be leaving my country, family, and friends, but I also have hope that I can live a more simple, safer, budget friendly and content life in Thailand. I am no longer a naive young man and I know the move to Thailand will have many challenges, but she keeps calling my name. Hello Thailand, June 2024.
America is fine people. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with retiring in paradise wherever you find that. Some people feel they have to justify the change by running down their own country.
Apologies for the delayed reply. Had internet issues all day. As for the new content when you woke up, I think that is going to be the new time slot for me (I hope)... so should always be there when you wake up! It was the same when I went back to England recently, just didn't feel the same and I didn't feel safe all the time like I do in Thailand. Thailand will have many challenges for you but as you say, you are not a kid any more so I think you will be fine with your wife haha (loved your joke by the way). Yep... only 7 or so months to go! Take care, Den.
Hi, I understand what you are saying, but I don't think he was having a go at the American people. I think he's just talking about not feeling as safe nowadays due to the problems with guns etc. To be honest, I felt the same when I returned to the UK. I love the people still, especially my friends and family, but there now seems to be an underlying current of not feeling that safe when in the big cities at night. I never get that feeling in Thailand. Thanks, Den.
Appreciate you, Den. Tonight I had the choice to watch more of your vids or study basic Thai phrases. After teaching all day, I could not transition into student mode. Maybe I will study Thai this weekend?@@KhonKaenDen
@@writeronthestormkyushu565 Coolio. I understand... teaching all day kills the brain cells haha and you end up just watching take-your-brain-out movies or stuff on RUclips. Next vlog on speaking Thai should be up Sunday morning (your time). Cheers, Den.
My first night in Thailand I found myself wandering around Khaosan Road / Soi Rambuttrie and its back alleys (for good reason, honest!). Even then I felt safer than I've often felt in my own neighborhood. I think in Thailand, trouble is easier to spot, anticipate, and avoid. A simple wai and/or kaw tod krub can sometimes diffuse what might be an unavoidable confrontation in the west. Just important to remember that if you lose your cool and let things escalate, it will probably not be one on one, and the odds will not be in your favor. There are areas that my wife doesn't consider safe (ie when we stayed in the Lat Krabang area near BKK airport, she didn't want to wander at night and asked me not to as well) but that is pretty uncommon. Driving/roadways are certainly an adjustment, and I don't plan to ride a motorbike outside of the rural backroads any time soon.
Hey, John. Yeah, I always feel safe wherever I am in Thailand. No problems with Bangkok at all. Of course, there have been a few times where you just get the feeling that something could escalate and it is always about defusing it or simply avoiding it (as you say). You will never beat one Thai guy anyway... there will be 20 before you know it. The only real problems in Thailand have always been other foreigners who are drunk or whatever. As for the roads, that really is another story. You are doing the right thing not riding a motorbike outside of the rural areas. It can be very dangerous indeed. Thanks for sharing, Den.
Great advice Den ✅ Just one issue. After your near death experience, did you start to see UFO’? For some reason, I am now getting loads of suggested videos about UFO’s in my YT feed 🤦♂️
Hi, Ally... hahaha... you must now wear a tin foil hat or you will be abducted by aliens. Very strange you are getting UFO suggestions. Oddly, I do find the subject quite interesting. Cheers, Den.
@@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand Very cool indeed, Ally. There must be life form out there somewhere, somehow... probably some aliens in another galaxy saying the exact same thing! Cheers, Den.
Haha... yep. ALWAYS seems to be the drunken foreigner who starts a fight. If you have your wits about you and see something developing, just walk away... NEVER confront Thais otherwise there will be another 20 of them as I am sure you know! Many thanks for sharing. Den.
It certainly takes time to get used to driving in Thailand. Den you are correct when you say you need to drive defensively. It is strange to have to give way at times to turning traffic when you are not turning. Yep, don't always assume you have the right of way, ever.
Yeah, the roads can be very scary at first. Driving defensively genuinely can save your life! I hope anyone new to Thailand listens and does the same... it could save them!
Hi Den great video totally totally agree with everything you said and I found out about the bat 😅. For me living in a Thai area our door (apart from mosi screen) front & back open from 06:30-22:00 never had and issue,not with anti social see 20 Thais kids can just walk between may get the odd luck but nothing feel very safe apart from 1 area and you saved until last . Roads... I Run/swim every 2 day 20ks and walk to the seven/market and I have to A watch for the payments fell twice because of bad payments, B walk on the side of the road (no pavements) white line so I can see the on coming traffic and C look around 360 all the time. My belief that you should be Buddhist like, never get pissed off by a motor bike or car directly in you way, be very calm when you are inconvenienced and expect it ... Most of all Motorbike = HELMET least you need ...you are a complete selfish PRICK if you don't wear one .. live next to Sukhumvit jomtien seen so many westerner thinking they are cool having no helmet on ...crazy .. after I just watched Thai morning news segment when they show yesterday's accidents .. Put yourself into harm's way then you will get harmed. Simples .. lol forward to the next .. take care
Hi, Peter... apologies, missed this for some reason. Yeah, bats can be scary... beautiful things but like 90% of them carry rabies. Get bitten GO TO THE HOSPITAL STRAIGHT AWAY! The roads are OK if you are aware of the drivers, I think! I agree about not wearing a helmet is a stupid thing to do and if you die it is bad for other family members! Roads aside, generally speaking, I think if you are a nice person, likable and non-confrontational, you will NEVER have a problem in Thailand. And I think you have the right attitude! It's the only way to live here I think. Seen many idiots confront Thais and they last about 5 minutes. Cheers, fella... getting ready for Bournemouth at home tomorrow. We MUST win that one. Cheers, Den.
I always say Thailand is reasonably safe, if you use common sense, hang on to your belongings, and look after yourself. We got to remember that most Thais are pretty poor, so some of them might be tempted to take advantage of an opportunity, if they see one. But common sense will get you a long way, farangs really have nothing to fear. But you bring up several spot on topics here, there is much to consider, and be safe from. This was very informative and helpful. The road safety topic, could almost have its own video. Your personal story was a scary one, I am glad it went well after all. But unfortunately these kind of accidents are not very unusual. I can`t say often enough, we got to think two steps ahead in the traffic, always be aware of our surroundings. Driving defensively is not just a clichè, but very true, if you want to avoid problems. It might not matter whether you are a good driver, if you meet a bad one. Traffic isn`t better than it`s weakest links, and bad drivers (maybe even drunk, on drugs, or with no lisense) pop up everywhere. Maybe speeding on top of it all. Thanks, Den, well done and helpful video! 🙏😊
Hey, Sarlina. Hope you are well. Yeah, I would say that Thailand is, on the whole, very safe (compared the UK and US etc.). I have had very few (if any) issues over the years. had more problems with foreigners here than with Thais haha... most often, if a Thai said something to me (in the days of going to bars) but then I spoke back in Thai, they would often tend to calm down... and you can even end up having a great chat. With drunken foreigners, they just get angry and want to fight. Also, if you act like an idiot, flashing your wealth or become very confrontational towards Thais, you could have problems (as you say, there is a lot of poverty in Thailand). You know that if you confront a young Thai guy, there will very quickly be another 20 Thai guys siding with him, even if he is wrong. Conversely, Thailand is very dangerous on the roads compared to the UK and the US. I was actually thinking of a "road safety" vid in Thailand as you say it may deserve on in its own right.... maybe do a follow up soon with more statistics. Honestly, I think driving defensively has saved my life on more than one occasion. In fact, on numerous occasions. There are millions of brilliant Thai drivers, but just too many bad ones... it even brings the worst out of western drivers. I often forget to wear a seatbelt or (used to not now) go through the lights on amber... following others. Done it myself in the past... had a few drinks and then drove home (well Thais do it so why not me so to speak). Stupid and would NEVER do it now. Anyway, thanks for your kind words as always and have a wonderful day. Den.
Wouldn't exactly say I am making money... I spent about $100 last month on additional costs to make the vids (petrol/gas mainly). I have currently made about $12 made this month and that is on hold until I can prove I am me! Haha. But yeah, those ads are a pain. Cheers, Den.
Noooo.... I understand your concerns but the location is actually a health park (with virtually unused roads - hence me walking on them) AND their owner was out of shot (didn't want to be on film). For the record, I actually have two cats that were both stray and both the missus and I feed around 5-6 cats and 3 dogs every day (I love animals and would never allow any to come to harm). Thanks for sharing, Den.
Welcome to my latest video for my channel, @KhonKaenDen. In this video, I talk about my experiences over the past 20 years living in Thailand and whether or not Thailand (and Khon Kaen in particular) is safe. Don't forget, if you like my videos hit the thumbs up, subscribe and comment! Hope you enjoy. Den.
Brilliant…your advice is spot on and hits the right balance…people really need to use the Bhuddist concept of mindfulness when using the roads…be aware of everything in your bubble that may become a threat…that sugercane lorry bearing down from behind you: the guy may be into a 24hr shift on yabba and you dont exist…scan the foreground for potholes…look out for ghostriders going against the nighttime traffic on the hard shoulder…don’t get killed by your ego: if your happy on a Supercub or a single cylinder thumper: why exceed your ability on a Hayabusa?
Lots of common sense there Den. Btw; how are there no people about…are you up early?
Cheers, fella. Yeah, I think that other than meeting the wrong girl and ending up in a scary family, the roads are the only issue in Thailand. Sadly, I have known a number of people who have succumbed to the roads and the terrible drivers. As you say, trucks, yabaa and small bikes do NOT mix. In KK, you get truck riders all times of the day driving in the wrong direction... some without lights.It can be scary and does make my blood boil from time to time. Driving defensively has helped me out many times... and you see crashes right before your eyes.
As for that park... yeah, early. 9am... dropped the missus off at uni and went. Too late for the joggers and too early for the students/families who turn up in the evening. Love this place though. Cheers, Den.
Thanks, Was happy to get up in America this morn and see this new content. Den, there is no safe place in America anymore. Malls, churches, bowling alleys, schools... We are almost numb to the constant mass shootings. I am disheartened knowing in my heart and soul nothing is going to change and things are only going to get worse. I have moments where I feel very sad to be leaving my country, family, and friends, but I also have hope that I can live a more simple, safer, budget friendly and content life in Thailand. I am no longer a naive young man and I know the move to Thailand will have many challenges, but she keeps calling my name. Hello Thailand, June 2024.
America is fine people. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with retiring in paradise wherever you find that. Some people feel they have to justify the change by running down their own country.
Apologies for the delayed reply. Had internet issues all day. As for the new content when you woke up, I think that is going to be the new time slot for me (I hope)... so should always be there when you wake up!
It was the same when I went back to England recently, just didn't feel the same and I didn't feel safe all the time like I do in Thailand. Thailand will have many challenges for you but as you say, you are not a kid any more so I think you will be fine with your wife haha (loved your joke by the way). Yep... only 7 or so months to go! Take care, Den.
Hi, I understand what you are saying, but I don't think he was having a go at the American people. I think he's just talking about not feeling as safe nowadays due to the problems with guns etc. To be honest, I felt the same when I returned to the UK. I love the people still, especially my friends and family, but there now seems to be an underlying current of not feeling that safe when in the big cities at night. I never get that feeling in Thailand. Thanks, Den.
Appreciate you, Den. Tonight I had the choice to watch more of your vids or study basic Thai phrases. After teaching all day, I could not transition into student mode. Maybe I will study Thai this weekend?@@KhonKaenDen
@@writeronthestormkyushu565 Coolio. I understand... teaching all day kills the brain cells haha and you end up just watching take-your-brain-out movies or stuff on RUclips. Next vlog on speaking Thai should be up Sunday morning (your time). Cheers, Den.
My first night in Thailand I found myself wandering around Khaosan Road / Soi Rambuttrie and its back alleys (for good reason, honest!). Even then I felt safer than I've often felt in my own neighborhood. I think in Thailand, trouble is easier to spot, anticipate, and avoid. A simple wai and/or kaw tod krub can sometimes diffuse what might be an unavoidable confrontation in the west. Just important to remember that if you lose your cool and let things escalate, it will probably not be one on one, and the odds will not be in your favor. There are areas that my wife doesn't consider safe (ie when we stayed in the Lat Krabang area near BKK airport, she didn't want to wander at night and asked me not to as well) but that is pretty uncommon.
Driving/roadways are certainly an adjustment, and I don't plan to ride a motorbike outside of the rural backroads any time soon.
Hey, John. Yeah, I always feel safe wherever I am in Thailand. No problems with Bangkok at all. Of course, there have been a few times where you just get the feeling that something could escalate and it is always about defusing it or simply avoiding it (as you say). You will never beat one Thai guy anyway... there will be 20 before you know it. The only real problems in Thailand have always been other foreigners who are drunk or whatever.
As for the roads, that really is another story. You are doing the right thing not riding a motorbike outside of the rural areas. It can be very dangerous indeed. Thanks for sharing, Den.
Great advice Den ✅ Just one issue. After your near death experience, did you start to see UFO’? For some reason, I am now getting loads of suggested videos about UFO’s in my YT feed 🤦♂️
Hi, Ally... hahaha... you must now wear a tin foil hat or you will be abducted by aliens. Very strange you are getting UFO suggestions. Oddly, I do find the subject quite interesting. Cheers, Den.
@@KhonKaenDennothing odd about that! Now we realise we have even more in common 🤦♂️
@@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand Very cool indeed, Ally. There must be life form out there somewhere, somehow... probably some aliens in another galaxy saying the exact same thing! Cheers, Den.
Spot on . Ive been to Thailand many times. Seen one fight . Drunken falang .
Haha... yep. ALWAYS seems to be the drunken foreigner who starts a fight. If you have your wits about you and see something developing, just walk away... NEVER confront Thais otherwise there will be another 20 of them as I am sure you know! Many thanks for sharing. Den.
It certainly takes time to get used to driving in Thailand. Den you are correct when you say you need to drive defensively. It is strange to have to give way at times to turning traffic when you are not turning. Yep, don't always assume you have the right of way, ever.
Yeah, the roads can be very scary at first. Driving defensively genuinely can save your life! I hope anyone new to Thailand listens and does the same... it could save them!
@@KhonKaenDenOne positive is they don’t honk horns here like some Countries.
Hi Den great video totally totally agree with everything you said and I found out about the bat 😅. For me living in a Thai area our door (apart from mosi screen) front & back open from 06:30-22:00 never had and issue,not with anti social see 20 Thais kids can just walk between may get the odd luck but nothing feel very safe apart from 1 area and you saved until last . Roads... I Run/swim every 2 day 20ks and walk to the seven/market and I have to A watch for the payments fell twice because of bad payments, B walk on the side of the road (no pavements) white line so I can see the on coming traffic and C look around 360 all the time.
My belief that you should be Buddhist like, never get pissed off by a motor bike or car directly in you way, be very calm when you are inconvenienced and expect it ... Most of all Motorbike = HELMET least you need ...you are a complete selfish PRICK if you don't wear one .. live next to Sukhumvit jomtien seen so many westerner thinking they are cool having no helmet on ...crazy .. after I just watched Thai morning news segment when they show yesterday's accidents .. Put yourself into harm's way then you will get harmed. Simples .. lol forward to the next .. take care
Hi, Peter... apologies, missed this for some reason. Yeah, bats can be scary... beautiful things but like 90% of them carry rabies. Get bitten GO TO THE HOSPITAL STRAIGHT AWAY! The roads are OK if you are aware of the drivers, I think! I agree about not wearing a helmet is a stupid thing to do and if you die it is bad for other family members!
Roads aside, generally speaking, I think if you are a nice person, likable and non-confrontational, you will NEVER have a problem in Thailand.
And I think you have the right attitude! It's the only way to live here I think. Seen many idiots confront Thais and they last about 5 minutes.
Cheers, fella... getting ready for Bournemouth at home tomorrow. We MUST win that one. Cheers, Den.
I always say Thailand is reasonably safe, if you use common sense, hang on to your belongings, and look after yourself. We got to remember that most Thais are pretty poor, so some of them might be tempted to take advantage of an opportunity, if they see one. But common sense will get you a long way, farangs really have nothing to fear. But you bring up several spot on topics here, there is much to consider, and be safe from. This was very informative and helpful. The road safety topic, could almost have its own video. Your personal story was a scary one, I am glad it went well after all. But unfortunately these kind of accidents are not very unusual. I can`t say often enough, we got to think two steps ahead in the traffic, always be aware of our surroundings. Driving defensively is not just a clichè, but very true, if you want to avoid problems. It might not matter whether you are a good driver, if you meet a bad one. Traffic isn`t better than it`s weakest links, and bad drivers (maybe even drunk, on drugs, or with no lisense) pop up everywhere. Maybe speeding on top of it all. Thanks, Den, well done and helpful video! 🙏😊
Hey, Sarlina. Hope you are well. Yeah, I would say that Thailand is, on the whole, very safe (compared the UK and US etc.). I have had very few (if any) issues over the years. had more problems with foreigners here than with Thais haha... most often, if a Thai said something to me (in the days of going to bars) but then I spoke back in Thai, they would often tend to calm down... and you can even end up having a great chat. With drunken foreigners, they just get angry and want to fight. Also, if you act like an idiot, flashing your wealth or become very confrontational towards Thais, you could have problems (as you say, there is a lot of poverty in Thailand). You know that if you confront a young Thai guy, there will very quickly be another 20 Thai guys siding with him, even if he is wrong. Conversely, Thailand is very dangerous on the roads compared to the UK and the US. I was actually thinking of a "road safety" vid in Thailand as you say it may deserve on in its own right.... maybe do a follow up soon with more statistics. Honestly, I think driving defensively has saved my life on more than one occasion. In fact, on numerous occasions. There are millions of brilliant Thai drivers, but just too many bad ones... it even brings the worst out of western drivers. I often forget to wear a seatbelt or (used to not now) go through the lights on amber... following others. Done it myself in the past... had a few drinks and then drove home (well Thais do it so why not me so to speak). Stupid and would NEVER do it now. Anyway, thanks for your kind words as always and have a wonderful day. Den.
Especially if you're on a motorbike or bicycyle or a pedestrian , always assume everyone else on the road wants to kill you...
Yep, even the pavements/sidewalks are not particularly safe. Cheers, Den.
Apparently New Zealand ranks high on the chart,I feel just as safe in Thailand though.
Now you are making money from this old YT gig we now have to suffer ads when watching your content.
Wouldn't exactly say I am making money... I spent about $100 last month on additional costs to make the vids (petrol/gas mainly). I have currently made about $12 made this month and that is on hold until I can prove I am me! Haha. But yeah, those ads are a pain. Cheers, Den.
@@KhonKaenDen you know what I mean now your chanel has been monetized we now have to suffer the interruption to the content that's all I was saying
Common Sense isn't that common
Agreed. Everyone SHOULD have common sense, but that would be too easy. Thanks for sharing, Den.
You left the homeless puppies on the street... literally to get run over??
Noooo.... I understand your concerns but the location is actually a health park (with virtually unused roads - hence me walking on them) AND their owner was out of shot (didn't want to be on film). For the record, I actually have two cats that were both stray and both the missus and I feed around 5-6 cats and 3 dogs every day (I love animals and would never allow any to come to harm). Thanks for sharing, Den.