8 things that will drive you crazy in THAILAND

After over 8 years of living in Bangkok, these are the things that drive me crazy in the city!
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[@SoloJetMan]

you have a knack for covering the content better than every other Thailand vlogger has tried to do - bravo!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the very kind words! Much appreciated!

[@ITSME-wc3wi]

Hi Cal. It is an honest story and I think that everyone who knows Bangkok and Thailand, will fully recognize themselves in your video. Thanks!

[@thebangkokguide]

I think that is very accurate! Thank you for the kind words!

[@marijusofficial]

Cals videos are truthful and real.Unlike most KZbinrs.The man knows a lot of things of Bangkok and Thailand.Please subscribe to him and i have been watching his videos for ages.Yes i think more positive things about Thailand than negative,but i encountered all of them so i think all things that have been said on this video is absolute truth.Well done,Cal

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words! It’s much appreciated and I agree that there are more positive things than negatives! Cheers

[@danpeters6874]

Last time I was in Bangkok my son was about 17 months old, we had a stroller. It was very difficult to walk down sidewalks with the stroller for the exact reason you’re pointing out. Lucky for us taxis are pretty cheap, or at least back then they were. I’m going back there in a couple weeks. Looking forward to it

[@thebangkokguide]

The stroller was tough for me too! The sidewalks really got to me haha. Enjoy your travels!

[@SuperheroArmorychannel]

The sidewalks in Pattaya are even worse than Bangkok and even non-existent in some places, although they aren’t much better in America either. The sidewalk issue is one of the most annoying things in my opinion and dangerous too.

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree. Pattaya it’s just shared road. With the density of buildings it’s tough to see how any of it will get fixed!

[@eagwrevbrew43]

Clearly you haven't visited hcm

[@jaitenmaini]

Awesome vlog as always ! Very informative and useful..Thanks for always sharing quality content. Stay blessed always

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words! Same to you!

[@WanderlustReports]

If everything was perfect in Thailand, it would be paradize and would atrract way too many people. You could also have talked about sewer smells that you have in many parts of the city, or the fact that you never find a trash can when you look for one, but all in all, with all these issues, I still love Bangkok and Thailand!

[@thebangkokguide]

This is true! And those are both good additions to the list! Thanks for your input!

[@iamjustanartist6071]

As a Thai person born and raised in Bangkok, all these problems have also created frustration for me. I live with it and am used to it, but I don't want to overlook it. I am glad that foreigners dare to come out and present many things that should be improved. And I want more foreigners like you to come out and talk about this matter. It's even better if the same story is presented in a leading news television. Because Thai people's voices are weightless and nonpowerful, which are not the as the voices that come from foreigners. Our sectors are working hard on correcting and improving things, and many things have been improved a lot. May you and everyone always be happy and safe while living in our country.

[@thebangkokguide]

Sometimes it's frustrating because the government makes a lot of big announcements and never focuses on the small issues that would actually improve the country. But I think this is also true for many countries and Thailand is still a great place to live. Thank you for the input!

[@TSUNAMICali]

Cal has never been to NYC 🗽. Walk there and get attacked or killed by drug addicts or street gangs. Bangkok is a much better city. And I'm a New Yorker. 😂😊😊

[@thebangkokguide]

@TSUNAMICali I've been to NYC multiple times... actually I never had any issues there. I've heard it's gotten worse in the past 5 years though.

[@PaulJagger]

A respectful sharing of your own personal frustrations, many of which will be shared by Thais and expats alike it seems :). Curious to know where you have selected for your new condo location and I look forward to your next share of the positive aspects of life in Bangkok. :)

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm currently looking around either Benjakiti or Lumpini park. I find having access to a green space to be very enjoyable as an escape.. and the sidewalks are better in both of those areas. We will definitely have some more positive videos coming as well!

[@ReallyStrongGuy]

Thanks for the valuable information! Our next trip isThailand. This helps us be adequately prepared!

[@thebangkokguide]

I'm glad its helpful! Cheers

[@didiemanuelson3207]

Great video..thank you!

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!

[@aniwee17]

Thank you. It is very pleasant to watch this video when you are not enunciating each word like an ESL teacher does. I think that it will benefit your English learner audience if you just talk normally since you have English subtitle already.

[@thebangkokguide]

True. I think sometimes that I just speak slowly naturally! Thanks for the input!

[@traceylankford8579]

Showing both sides of the coin is key. Thanks again for the great work!

[@thebangkokguide]

Definitely! Thank you for the kind words.

[@kleerogers]

excellent video, accurate and important discussion!!!!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words, cheers!

[@larrygaurano3400]

This video is sooooo accurate lol I agree with everything Cal mentioned. A number 9 for me is how Thai people are so nice and polite in everything except when it comes to public transit. You’ll get killed for a seat on the BTS lol. And a final, number 10 would be Mai Pen Rai, or the Thai philosophy of “it is how it is”. This is the reason the 8 things on the list won’t change, because Thai people just accept things the way they are.

[@thebangkokguide]

Those are definitely good additions! Cheers!

[@kevincorr2985]

I live in a village surrounded by farms. It is lovely and I am content. The problems are: 1- Mean dogs roaming free attacking my pup as we walk with a leash. I have to carry a walking stick, cane which is actually an Irish Shillelagh that has saved my dogs life numerous times. I don't enjoy being in the middle of a dog fight. 2- The smoke. I can understand the farmers burning a field before planting, but the constant burning of all trash, garbage, brush, debris is horrible. Your neighbor will have a bon fire in the yard while they stand around breathing the smoke. 3- The noise. Since the dogs are free day and night they bark a lot. The villages have big loudspeakers on towers that they blast news in the early morning. They play music for a while to get you awake for the message. Then the neighbor straps on his gas powered weed whacker back pack and works from 6-7 am for a few hours. I don't even notice the chickens anymore. During festival times they set up huge loudspeakers outside and have drunken karaoke parties that last 12 to 15 hours. And it is not good singing. Seems like the same song all day. You can hear these parties from 2-3 kilometers away.

[@kevincorr2985]

And don't forget the road maniacs. In a big hurry, passing on blind corners, tailgating, driving on the shoulder, in the middle of the road, speeding. Not that there are good drivers anywhere else, but this is special.

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree with your list. You really hit the nail on the head with the noise there... It can get pretty absurd. But then Thai people will just fall asleep in the middle of almost any noise, so I guess it works for them! The roads are a whole other world as well. Thanks for your input!

[@kevinp8108]

Hi Cal. Today, you taught me a new word, TOUTS. I was raised and educated in the United States and I've never heard of this word. I'm used to the word SOLICITATION or SOLICITORS. In regards to sidewalks, I think Vietnam has nice sidewalks. I will be in Bangkok in OCTOBER for one month. I'm very excited to go despite all of the negatives in this video!

[@thebangkokguide]

Interesting. I learned something new as well. I suspect tout derives from UK English, as Canadian English tends to be a mix of influences from both the UK and US. Bangkok is a great city! I've lived here for over 8 years now, and the sidewalks in some areas are excellent as well!

[@hugotapisu]

Oh this is true we told our friends want to move to Thailand but first week June still a NO from immigration for 60 days.😢

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes, this is a common problem with the government announcements. It gets very frustrating.

[@jerryfrank702-5]

One thing you forgot to mention is the INSANELY UNHEATLTHY SEED COOKING OILS most people use in Thailand. Healthy oils like Olive oil has a crazy 200% tax.

[@thebangkokguide]

This is true…can also be reused quite heavily.

[@steve3416]

Hey, Great Video! I've been following you for a short while now as I planned my first trip to Bangkok. We had a great time. We just got back from Bangkok on June 30th. A lot of your advice really helped. Thanks. I also appreciate you telling the negatives. I followed a lot of advice of Philippine expate you-tubers and they rarely gave the negatives of living there. I've been in the Philippines 1 year and it has been pretty stressful. (I'm a 57 year old from the U.S. (South Carolina)). I had always thought Thailand would be a really great place to live. But for now, we are moving to another smaller city in the Philippines and committed for 1 more year. During this whole coming year, I am going to work on a move to Thailand. So I look forward to your videos. But I think I will be looking for a different Thailand city. I prefer less crowded places, but I need good internet to do my online work. Keep the videos coming with the good and bad on Thailand. Thanks.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words. I will visit the Philippines soon as well. I have heard it's a great place as well! You can find much quieter areas in Bangkok as well. I used to live out in Thonburi. Very quiet there. Loved it. Enjoy the Philippines!

[@simong7539]

My pet hate are the paving slabs that accumulate water under them and when you step on them they spray dirty water up your leg. This usually happens when you are wearing light coloured shorts then you look like you have soiled yourself.

[@thebangkokguide]

Oh that's definitely one that I forgot about! It belongs on this list! Happens to me way too often! Thanks for the input!

[@advwxyz]

Thank you- I was looking at the Rama nine area for a possible base in Bangkok. It was helpful to know that that area is not that walkable. That is what I'm looking for. Maybe a video on some of the more walkable communities. I know from your previous videos that between Nana and Asoke are the narrow sidewalks and full of tourists so that is not my jam either. Maybe Th Lor area? Ideas? Thx

[@thebangkokguide]

Actually I kindof like the Asoke area due to the proximity to the parks and the sidewalks are generally better… Sathorn and Silom areas are generally good as well. Further out you get much quiet areas in all directions. I lived in Thonglor before and found it was pretty busy as well, but plenty of good restaurants and bars. The best thing to do is to come and explore a bit before choosing!

[@advwxyz]

@@thebangkokguide thx- yea that is happening soon- waiting on LTR visa, home sale. Cheers!

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍 Cal

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@132453511]

Sup Cal, always love your content. Always bring a unique twist to Thailand content and not regurgitated content like every other vlogger. I have a question, what would you recommend to do in Bangkok at night aside from partying/drinking? Let me know. 😂

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! There is plenty to do at night... lots of live music venues, movie theaters, restaurants, bowling... pretty much anything that exists in the west. Personally I love going for walks at night as well as it's quieter and cooler. Great time to explore!

[@CattaAttoAI]

I've lived in the UK for the last 30 years and I hear stupid comments all the time from stupid people "go home if you don't like it" even if we are talking about the gloomy weather. They are allowed to complain but not me... God forbid 😅. Everyone should be entitled to an opinion and I respect yours and thank you for the videos and amazing content. If you here "then go home" let them bark and walk further. Cheers

[@thebangkokguide]

I think there are similar personality types around the world on this one. And then on the other end of the spectrum, there are the universal complainers. Tricky balance 😅 Thank you for the kind words!

[@carstensanonym7527]

I am surprised that you as someone living long time in Thailand, choose the Rama9 area to live in. I (as a short visitor of Bangkok three times), went early this year to see Jodd Fair market (which was disappoining, as you said:"tourist trap") and thought when i saw the many condos and dense streets around:"i don't want to live in this area!"

[@thebangkokguide]

I actually work in the area, so that is the main reason. But it was a lot nicer a couple of years ago when I moved here. Jodd Fair was very different then, and more of a popular local market. In the past year the environment changed quite a lot and I think your read is accurate. Cheers!

[@paramedicinparadise9795]

Great video 👍

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@dqrossvideography5134]

There's a plethora of videos about how "perfect" life is in Thailand and It's always good to provide a more balanced view, thank you. In my experience, the same things that seem quaint, exotic or even amusing when spending a limited time somewhere can become frustrating when living there day in day out. We've been living in Australia for 12 years and the list of things that annoy me increases every year. When I'm in Bangkok, I find crossing the roads even at a set of traffic lights a somewhat risky endeavour and that can be unsettling. I also find it difficult that although there are specific laws in place, breaking them seems to be "tolerated", ie short term condo rentals are illegal in Thailand with warning signs about severe penalties in most condo buildings, yet short term condo rentals are widely available on a large number of platforms which can be very confusing. Fortunately, I only spend a few months a year in Thailand; enough to enjoy it, learn the language and get away from the Australian winter but not enough to get too frustrated by the things you mentioned. Incidentally, I noticed you've changed the title of the video, this one is much better in my opinion. Thanks again for taking the time to produce all the content, it is useful and enjoyable as always 😊

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for your input. I agree. I think each place has a set of irritants. From my experience living here in Thailand, most expats complain about all the same issues.... so it's useful for any newcomer to be aware of potential issues. I realized the title was a little bit too harsh. Sometimes when you post a video, you kindof rush to get it up with a simple title and then have a rethink later! Cheers!

[@mariovandenhovel1341]

Cool vlog 🙏🙏

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@txg161]

Ok Carl. It’s fair to make a video highlighting some of the negative things from your perspective… now, I challenge you to come up with (at least) 16 things you love about Thailand (in 2024). A 2:1 ratio. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you since you love living here. 😊

[@thebangkokguide]

Challenge accepted! Actually it's quite easy to make a long list of positives for life here. I'll make that an upcoming video! Thanks for the input!

[@txg161]

@@thebangkokguidehopefully, we’ll get to see more than just the usual. e.g., cost of living, food, safety, etc. thanks Carl!

[@poohdam]

Man from Siri Lanka sale Watch in BKK ,Create a nuisance for Tourists a lot.

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes. Definitely.

[@taccntb4345]

I live across the street from Jod Faire. Get rid of the wires and ill be happy.

[@thebangkokguide]

It's the sidewalks that really get me in this neighborhood. It's gotten a lot busier in the last year or so with more tourism in the area!

[@Consumer11]

@@thebangkokguide it really depends on the neighborhood and the wealth of the residents, in Ari someone told me they can complain about such things and it gets fixed very quickly.

[@taccntb4345]

@@Consumer11 Quite possible. There are also no telephhone wires hanging in the Ari district...

[@tg916.th.21]

You should email this video to the Thai Government, or Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. As a Thai, I totally agree with you, and I'd love to see these things fixed.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words. I hope they fix the sidewalks some day. It would do more than almost anything else to change the image of the city! Cheers!

[@thehammer3340]

Bangkok nice for a 4 day visit, after that my patience runs out.😅

[@thebangkokguide]

Patience is a necessity lol

[@theonewhorules]

My only complaint about thailand is you cant stay long without spending a ton of money on expensive visas 😭😭

[@thebangkokguide]

This is true. Although I've met people who have stayed here for a really long time just doing border runs. No clue how they manage to keep getting back in though!

[@shawnfierro8545]

Do you think that being a working person makes these issues more aggravating?

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes…but I don’t actually commute during the rush hour in a busy direction, so it probably isn’t the main factor.

[@SteveSmith-zz4ih]

Valid points, as someone said in the comments if more Farang pointed out said issues then perhaps TL Gov might do something to fix the issues, every walking vlog i watch i grimace at the sidewalks they are a mine field, imagine negotiating them half drunk? let alone sober. Come on TL please fix the sidewalks and roads, also please make sure corners aren't cut ie poor quality concrete and drainage.. Waste of time putting cable underground if the drainage isn't fixed, personal opinion.

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree. Sidewalks and pollution. Sort out those two issues, and it's an entirely different place! The have been improving sidewalks in the more central areas, so hopefully they do have a large plan for that! Thanks for the input!

[@grahamreid2132]

Correct, as a pedestrian cars dont respect you. They REALLY dont respect you.if you are a Farang.

[@thebangkokguide]

I find that they actually start driving forward if I try to walk past sometimes 😂

[@marcanthonyskidmore4131]

Number 9 : Not having access to normal jobs if your just a normal standard worker with no degree. Not everybody is qualified to be a teacher or data engineer.

[@thebangkokguide]

This is true. It can be hard to find jobs. I would recommend aiming for middle management in corporate jobs as there are a lot of positions there as well.

[@kcl2862]

You shoulda used the mrt

[@thebangkokguide]

I normally use it... definitely faster! Usually bikes aren't too bad, but catching each light was just unlucky.

[@Consumer11]

Yes you need to move away from well known areas 😂, except the phone stare is everywhere, I hate when people look at their phone walking down the BTS stairs and holding up everyone but at the end of the day, nobody is confronting or angry, beautiful people making the most of what they have been born into

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree. I always wonder how people can walk in such busy areas while staring at a phone. It's something of a skill! I enjoy the general lack of anger and confrontations as well. I had so many smiles and waves while I was making the video that it shifted into a positive one by the end of the day lol

[@user-mb9mn3ov9v]

นี่คือปัญหาของประเทศไทยและเป็นปัญหาเรื้อรังที่ยากจะแก้ไข เป็นสิ่งที่คนไทยมักง่าย คนไทยยังต้องทนต่อสิ่งที่เกิดขึ้น ขอให้พวกคุณได้โปรดอดทนต่อประเทศของฉัน และหวังว่าวันหนึ่งการพัฒนาจะเกิดขึ้นในประเทศไทยของฉัน

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree with your comment. I still love Thailand! Thank you for your input!

[@wesgraham2262]

The same thing is true for other areas of Thailand as well as Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Nicaragua… all countries I’ve lived in and Mexico too. I dislike all of those same things. They wear you down over time. I guess we might as well go back to the US. Oh wait… many of those problems exist there too. 🤨

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree. Actually in Bangkok, a lot of the issues will depend on the area and location... I suspect this is similar for most cities. Location, location, location.

[@arentol99]

Move to Philippines for awhile for perspective.

[@thebangkokguide]

I would like to visit soon. Have a lot of friends who say its great!

[@Roof_Pizza]

Don't ya just hate it when people spit when they talk?

[@thebangkokguide]

I do... I do indeed!

[@cdnlong1]

why don't you leave?

[@thebangkokguide]

I like living here... but there are always some negatives to life in any city or country. I still think the positives significantly outweigh the negatives.

[@SuperHfhgfh]

Go home....

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks number 8!

[@BlackManMeetsWorld]

Then move, and make room for the next looser

[@kevinp8108]

*loser. Next time if you insult someone, use the correct word. LOOSER = not tight

[@thebangkokguide]

I think you mean "loser". Thanks number 8! I'll take it into consideration!

[@Nader_61]

You should just colonize and build it better...those godless people don't even have running water, do they? I'm sure you could build that place better! Or...you could also leave.

[@thebangkokguide]

Or you could have a conversation about difficulties that newcomers will encounter and how to minimize or avoid them…

[@Nader_61]

@@thebangkokguide too much work...I say colonize.

[@Hector5257]

Everything you said is true. But I am very uncomfortable with the fact that you chose a negative clickbait title to introduce your vlog. Everyone who lives in any big city in the world can easily make the same type of vid. Bangkok is no different. If you had introduced your subject as “things to know/expect” in Bangkok it would have shown more honesty on your part, but as a typical vlogger you just had to put in a negative clickbait twist to it and that does not honor you. Or maybe you just had a bad day and needed to unload your frustrations on us…

[@thebangkokguide]

To be honest, I couldn't make the same video about most other western cities that I've visited though as I don't encounter these particular issues in western cities. This list is unique to Thailand, and especially Bangkok... whether it's the sidewalks, the crosswalks, or pretty much anything else I discuss here. That being said, I would have an entirely different set of annoyances in those cities! In terms of titles.. this is generally a challenge with KZbin as the algorithm tends to crush any nuance. It does make for a rather over simplistic framing of any given video. Thanks for the input!

[@Hector5257]

@@thebangkokguide 🤣You need to travel more. I have lived in Mexico City and I am surprised to see how Bangkok and Mexico City are so similar, except for the language of course, in their bad and good aspects. Crazy driving, dangerous road crossings, bad sidewalks, improvised administration, etc etc. but a wonderful people, striking architecture, a rich culture, and marvelous cuisine perfectly defines Mexico City (and some other Latin American cities) as well as Bangkok. And I did not mean that you would literally find the exact same issues in other big cities, but that you can easily make a similar personal complaint vlog for most major cities if you want to just focus on what irritates you. It’s not the content which I found disturbing (as it’s all true), it’s the packaging.✌️

[@thebangkokguide]

I have traveled a lot as well. Each location has different irritants or challenges. This channel is aimed at providing information for people who want to visit or live in Thailand, so I discuss the specifics of life here rather than other places or generalizations… and I cover both the positives and negatives. Most of the videos are actually positive but the issues that I discuss here will hopefully be helpful for people when considering where to stay. Cheers!

[@hugotapisu]

This is true what he was talking about. We were in Bangkok and a lot of things unpleasant to do, feel, approaches, if you look at nana area all vendors there are foreigner or arab, middle east. M

[@kyogofurahashi]

to be fair to him, I don't consider it a clickbait, heaps of other youtubers are 10 times more worse than this, but I know what u meant though!

[@chrisn6585]

Place is filthy food water sanitation good luck walking everywhere in extreme heat they like your money not you

[@phettnaraks5805]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@thebangkokguide]

I wonder if the phone staring has taken over all countries as well lol. To be honest I don’t know how people aren’t colliding constantly here! My plan is to move back near a nice park. Need that green space! Cheers