Living in Thailand Is not What You Think It's Like...

This year will mark the 7th year that I have been living life as an Expat in Chiang Mai Thailand…

When I first arrived in Thailand with the intention to stay long-term it could only be described as a whirlwind of an experience.

The culture shock of moving to Thailand or any country in South East Asia for that matter is intense.

The sights, the sounds and the organised chaos are light years from what most foreigner are used to, and so, a question I get asked a lot is...

Once you become used to living in Thailand does the novelty go away?

Does the culture shock for people living in Thailand eventually wear off?

#thailand #expat #digitalnomad

[forrestredd]

Moving from the US to Thailand was the greatest decision I ever made for my physical, mental, and emotional health. I have never felt more able, fulfilled, and free than I do here.

[RichoGoMa]

The novelty wears off... You can apply this to literally any country in the world. The problem is not Thailand or the country you live in, it's you.

[themergen]

My experience with Thailand is different. I came to Thailand at Utapao air base during Vietnam war. I had to leave after 6 months in March 1973. I knew at 18 years old that I wanted to live in Thailand. Thailand amazes me everyday after 7 years in Chiang Mai. I'm amazed with the colors in Thailand, the people, the food. I am very happy to live in Thailand, the most beautiful country in the world, Thailand.

[HE]

One thing that I learned when living in China and Thailand is to try to be around the right kinds of people. Being around the wrong kinds of people WILL ruin your experience!! And what you experience from being around the wrong people, could build your impression of the entire country.

One more thing is if you're in Thailand and you start to feel resentful of the place, then go back home ASAP. Take a break. After a while, you'll be reminded of the reasons you went to Thailand in the first place and it'll refresh your experience. In the meantime, simply stay home until you're ready to experience Thailand again.

[stangoodvibes]

I'm reminded of the saying "wherever you go, there you are". Life is what you make it, wherever you are. Everyone goes on (on YouTube particularly) about Thailand being Paradise, when it clearly isn't. It's just another country with pros and cons. Eventually when the novelty wears off you are still you, just in different surroundings.

[ThairishTimes]

I live in a condo in central Bangkok Brett and what I do which makes me appreciate Bangkok (which is probably similar to you laying in your hammock) is swim late at night in the rooftop pool. There's a fantastic view of the city skyline which still amazes me to this day. Living in a condo can be a bit challenging but if you have a nice gym and pool you're sorted. Like you said the key to not taking Thailand for granted is staying mindful. Nowhere is perfect but life is too short to be constantly complaining

[sbw]

I moved to the Philippines a few years ago. Best decision I've made in a long time. You just have to set things up good where you live (comfortable bed, TV, air conditioning, kitchen items, etc). Once you have a solid base, everything else is just icing on the cake...

[RetiredandLivingthedream]

Hi Bret, lived in Thailand for 10 years now, I love every day living here. I live in a great part of the World. Retired at 50 and never want to retire from being retired. Lived in a Condo for 2 years different but I’m a house person not a condo. Just buying a house at 61 I stay away from negative people, when I go back to the U.K. I’m homesick for Thailand. I sit outside on my veranda with a Coffee every morning and watch the world go by.
Good video Bret, telling it as it is.
I have that same loud bird.

[Juan_Hernandez_Jr.]

I've been living in Thailand for the past 6 months. You're right, the novelty does wear out. But this is still a good place to live. Do I get bored? Yes!!! But like Brett said, you have to get out of your apartment, house, condo, whatever. I go to the gym, go for walks, ride my motorbike, sometimes I just chill in my condo. No matter how bored I get, I do not plan on ever returning to the U.S. Not even for a visit.

[Soniboy]

I'd add to this. I think what drives happiness is also "change". How regularly is up to the person, but change gets you out of the rut and forces you to experience the different. I think that's important 😊

[STEADY]

Great speech, Brett. Well worth listening to.

[damocarew]

Nice balanced view. I’ve lived in Thailand over 20 years, worked in their petrochemical industry. I would never knock the place, for what it has given me.

I’ve just spent the last few months on a coastal contract around the U.K. and it was a fantastic experience. The U.K. is really a beautiful place, especially up in Scotland. It has been great to get back to Thailand, however, and do…….nothing! Actually, just did a quick road trip up in the hills of Khao Kho - beautiful up there, and nice and cool overnight/mornings

I totally agree about social media groups, in fact I would totally disconnect from it whilst in Thailand. It makes you realise just what a bubble people live in, over in the West. Switch it off, disconnect and all that nonsense melts away, it becomes irrelevant

[franknilsen]

Hey Brett, great video bro.. I’ve been in and out of Thailand for the past 45 years and I’m about to make it my home.. you either love Thailand for Thailand or you don’t. The ones that don’t usually go negative and the ones that do will love it forever. I think finding and settling in your favourite part of Thailand and learning to speak Thai is the key to appreciating Thailand.. Cheers
Frank 😊

[reedScheminske]

I will arrive in Phuket (to retire) on valentine.Day. One way ticket. I have reduced my belongings down to: two checked bags, one carry on bag and a small backpack. Just sold my Toyota Tacoma two days ago. And I must say, it’s the Most liberating, exhilarating feeling I’ve had in a long time! 😊👍

[willg]

Young man you are wise beyond your years. Thank you for the very upbeat video on an extremely serious problem that faces many expats in almost every country they have decided move to.

[bobwarren]

Hi Brett. We met whenI was in Chiang Mai during 2018. A lot of we talked about your experience living and advice provided the same as your giving now. All really good stuff. I appreciate that you are still there and still smiling. Good work

[tinglestingles]

What I particularly like about this channel - it's very relatable for all nomads/expats/longterm travellers and retirees like me. No matter what country you're living in/travelling through.

[sonyaballard]

You are so right. I am born and raised in Chicago. I am looking to move to Thailand. It’s all about your attitude. You can’t take things for granted. You have to remember why you left your home country in the first place.

[jcinthailand]

I personally love living here for the peacefulness. Most people are polite. I live a normal life, I work online, have a GF, drink a little beer sometimes, enjoy the ability to travel around, go to the beaches and the mountains and so on. I'm not here live that party life like people on holiday are looking for. And yeah, I do love the chaos of BKK, great temples hidden in the heart of the city, all of the LOCAL markets, the great architecture and a huge city that heaves and ebbs daily. Visa issues are just a part of living here and are just a thing that has to be done, it's not a problem. I hope to live out the rest of my days here. And yeah, I've not forgotten all the reasons I left SFO for this life. Thanks, peace.

[zodsquad]

I’m in the US and my plan is to try retirement over there .
I’ve visited Thailand 3 times years ago and had the buzz and I’m not really looking for that anymore.
It’s strictly for a retirement and financial aspect .
I’m also looking at Vietnam and Cambodia