A Thai woman sharing her experience living in the West

[@svenw.6918]

After 3 years living part time (6 months Belgium/6 months Thailand) in Thailand i know now that my country (Belgium) is looking more "3th" world then Thailand right now. The phrase "The people are so poor here, all they have is money" i finally understand now i'm 40 years old. Yes we all have a house and we all have money to survive and do some extra fun stuff from time to time but 60-70% of the people here are on some kind of medication because they are not feeling good mentally and/or physically... Most Asian people in the West can not wait to go back to Asia after they realize that the West is not the paradise they think it is and how expensive everything is here. Luckily my Thai lady have zero desire to move out of Thailand and i also can not wait to leave the West behind and go to my real home and live a life that suits me much better.

[@francois2266]

You're absolutely right ! Third world is not where you think it is

[@PixiePeachPomme]

100%. I grew up in the West and they are rich in money but poor in literally everything that matters

[@GundamCollection]

Good choice, I lived in Leuven for 2 years. Kinda depressing environment. Left everything behind. Now living in bkk full time. Have a wife and son here now. Good luck!

[@kaleeysmith8801]

plus asians have experience a lot of hate and racism against them, i seen it at work and at the bars and clubs, usually people who are non violent tends to be the victims of violence, and the type of people who are most likely violent and always on the news for being violent, well... those ones are the ones who are respected by everybody else, cause people FEAR those types of people. People always walk over those nice, kind, docile people like a doormat, basically taking advantage of good natured people.

[@Kevface]

Most Canadians think Canada is so hot, in Reality Thailand has better shopping centers, Better trains, Better hotels, Better land, better Culture and there are also TONS of super rich and a rising decent middle class in Thailand You'll see far more luxury in Thailand And Better manners too

[@germanbeer2466]

Raised in Toronto, and in Thailand for +20 yrs now. Excellent here.

[@aimkelly]

Thank you for sharing this video. I am an American who moved to Thailand during my high school years and went to the international school of Bangkok. Most of my close friends were Thai when I graduated high school I wanted to go to ABAC University and stay in Thailand, but my parents made me, go to Hawaii to university. I never felt I was better than Thai people and I love the culture and I love them, but I could see other foreigners felt that they were better than Thai people During university I went back to do a business internship in Bangkok and spent a couple more years in Thailand and I haven’t been back since but I miss it tremendously. You are so blessed to be living there ❤

[@kevinp8108]

@aimkelly - Thai culture is similar to Hawaiian culture. Both have OHANA, a sense of family/community.

[@aimkelly]

I agree. Also Hawaii has a more laid back culture like Thailand as opposed to the culture on the mainland. I would choose living in Thailand over Hawaii though but the time spent there was great and I had some great Thai friends when I lived in Hawaii. 😅

[@DT-gs3wi]

@@aimkelly Some individuals believe they are superior not only to foreigners, but also to their own people. As a Thai/American, I experienced this firsthand when a Thai salesperson in a mall avoided me because they assumed I couldn't afford their items based on my appearance. This behavior is disgraceful. In my opinion, the Japanese provide the best customer service in Asia. This was evident to me when I visited a Tiffany store and was treated much more respectfully by the Japanese than by the Thai salesperson at Jimmy Thompson's shop earlier. Oh! I do complained to the manager.

[@aimkelly]

@@DT-gs3wisorry you had to experience that. It’s never a good feeling to be treated poorly or judged by your appearance. Sounds like we can learn something from the Japanese 😊. I do think service in Thailand is superior to service in the USA. Service has gone downhill after the COVID years.

[@DT-gs3wi]

@@aimkelly i agree but In my hometown in Northern California, the service is still excellent. No complaints here.

[@allyourfinance]

Everything she said is 100% true.

[@paulalitinetsky97]

💯

[@nanlog4303]

Totally agree

[@DT-gs3wi]

No! Not all of them

[@yangnoo5799]

agree with you, I'm meanwhile in the U.S

[@will-kx5ub]

wtye ppl will hate on asians their whole life then wanna move to Asia to retire for benefits

[@berthelvetic1923]

After 32 years married with a isan beauty, we moved to Thailand. I meet my wife in Germany. After 27 years we moved to Canada. But we are both not happy in Canada. So in 2021 we both look for refugees in Thailand, Canada go crazy with restrictions. And Thailand isn't 3 world. As a swiss guy, I am more at home feeling in Thailand than north America. Health care is better in thailand and nobody go hungry in Thailand.

[@ralphraymond2017]

What a lovely and genuine lady👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@bluestarfishsea]

I am from Canada, and agree about many points! The culture here embraces independence + looking out for oneself. There are many who donate or volunteer but it’s not common culture. Things are very organized compared to SE asia but it comes at a price. Obviously everthing costs sooo much more here. And people expect to have control of things and are not laid back, like thai people but rather demanding + have high expectations. Honey mentions she can find all of the foods she loves but doesn’t comment about the price! I have been so frustrated with prices here + even more so since traveling to SE asia. The produce is 3 times the price + has a short shelf life. The cooler weather can be so enjoyable in Canada compared to the constant humidity in Thailand, but where I live on Vancouver Island, the winters are so long cold, grey + rainy. I wish Honey the best in her new life back in Thailand. Now that she sees how tourists live, maybe she can put this new knowledge to use with a profitable business that targets tourists preferences

[@mariettathornton5924]

What a beautiful and adorable young lady! So glad to see her back & happy in Thailand 😊

[@Neednoy]

Honey, you're so sweet just like your name. Funny and true to yourself❤. I came back to Thailand as well as soon as I got my MA.from Canada. My Canadian class mates asked whether I'd like to work in Canada. I replied to them WHY 😅. I'd rather live in my third world home country than living as a third class person in first world country.😊

[@LordKarma101]

So true and wise..."better to live in your own third world home country than living as a third class person in a first world country!"...😊👍

[@terrikibler7695]

A beautiful young woman and so genuine 😊

[@Backtolifesouththai]

I’ve also moved back to Thailand and living my luxury life. ❤🙏🏻 so thankful

[@terrifromm5085]

I'm hysterical. Love her views on Costco. Just went there today and bought frozen food and shrimp. She is adorable!

[@Radiancegrace]

First impression immediately -what a lovely young woman and then the interview simply unfolded so naturally. Both of you are lovely and grateful to run across as over and over Thailand is calling 🙏🏻

[@AzerPaul]

Two intelligent and articulate women. The young Thai woman has much insight and what she says gave me a lot of good information. I loved this intervew. Actually, after living with Hmong people for years in Vietnam and living with Lanna people in northern Thailand, I can say that her insights are expressive of my thoughts too. Never sell your land! 😊

[@marcallen9798]

We, my wife and I, are really enjoying this interview series. You do such a great job asking questions & engaging your interviewees in a genuinely friendly and curious manner. Thank you ! 😃

[@helee28]

"Go experience the B.S and come back" hahaha Love the no filter raw beautiful sister !😂😂😂😂 Delightful human

[@emmasworld9037]

I love her!!!!! What a cool woman. Thanks for such a great interview

[@kevinp8108]

I had no idea that knowledge of English was not mandatory in Montreal! I had the impression that all Canadians spoke English and French.

[@DT-gs3wi]

I been to Montreal couple time and I got no problem speaking English and some part people are friendly.

[@BeeGirlz]

As Canadians we must learn English and French starting in public school and continuing throughout highschool. Her comments about Montreal surprised me. I am not fluent in French but have had no problems speaking English in Montreal.

[@DT-gs3wi]

@@BeeGirlz not sure if I believe everything she said. 🤔just speaking my mind 😀

[@BeeGirlz]

@@DT-gs3wi yeah, I agree with you. Many comments seemed exaggerated to me.

[@hellofromdave]

In Vancouver many don't speak English or French, only Cantonese or Mandarin

[@rebeccaphillips1468]

Im a blonde blue eyed Australian and i say if i could be anything else id be Asian.The times i have been to Thailand and Indonesia im in awe of their culture and Religion ..But i LOVE my country and Australia by the sea is always my home. I love her passion for her Country

[@lisaward8024]

I second that!

[@aleksandraarsenijevic4238]

So beautiful and honest lady. So interesting interview. With every new one you are better and better. I felt I was with you in Koh Lanta and enjoyed a lot.Thank you! Send you much love.❤

[@brucescott9623]

I don’t miss Canada ever, since moving to Thailand 14 years ago And now I want to go back to Koh Lanta for another visit!!

[@francois2266]

What do you do for living in Thailand? I plan to move out of Quebec as well soon

[@Consecrated2Him7]

Thank you Mayaan & Honey for your genuine, eye- opening interview. ❤

[@rie20100]

Mayaan & Honey, this was such an interesting video. Honey, I liked that you were so open and spoke so honestly. You have such a sweet and beautiful spirit! Mayaan, thank-you for another great interview. Much love to you both!❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@IanCrouse]

I love your content. ALways entertaining and informative.

[@uk7831]

So beautiful vlog in term of thoughts…I love her accent “thailish” clear and unique ..🎉

[@pinkymoon5039]

She's gorgeous. The most beautiful Thai woman I've seen and I've travelled to Thailand three times. Thai men are crazy overlooking such a beauty just bevause she's not light skinned enough. Colorism is so sick. She's genuinely so beautiful. It's so crazy that people can't see that and see her brown skin color first(as if brown isn't beautiful). Smh.

[@ms.anaisguillemin7428]

I feel so sorry for her. She's totally right. She should not mind the boarding visa problem tho cause I got the same issue from France to Thailand passing by India 🤣 I had to rebuy a very expensive ticket. It's world-travel casualties. But I totally recognize her experience and French people attitude, she spotted it. She's very very brave and strong. I did the same but in the opposite way by coming to Thailand and as a young person I struggled the same way 🤣 same same but different. She has a promising future ! สู้ๆนะคะ​ Thank you Maayan for this video. (I tried to show it to my students learning French but they mostly didn't understand. I know it's a lot of work but I wish you could add thai subtitles ❤.)

[@balbutie]

tell me about our attitude. I am sure you dont even know. its just because you cannot accept that Canada is bilingual, its just about history. That Thai lady did not spot anything wrong about french people she just wish we dont exist so she can talk english all the time. And you know what, we are canadian too i have only one land one passport . if one day canada is in war on our soil you will see who will fight and who will fly away to thailand. we are your ally and you dont even know it.

[@MatildaAndDam]

What a great video! Nice to hear it for a Thais perspective! I wish to be a Thai person in my next life as well ❤️🇹🇭

[@mickthompson2575]

Hopefully you won't have to suffer being born white person again.

[@david_starsky]

This was a brilliant interview. She is so smart and adorable.

[@moonshadow6292]

Thank you so very much for your honesty!❤

[@shopshop6499]

❤❤

[@taccntb4345]

Its typical of the French to treat a foriegner like dirt. So sad they did this to the girl.

[@lb9007]

I'm from QC and speak French , English and Spanish. We receive and welcome millions of tourists from all over the World. But you can stay out and maybe start educate yourself

[@annesarakronvald]

I really like her❤she is independent like me😊feel relax listening while she told story❤

[@wrldtrvlr4vr]

Great interview. Great to see another perspective from a Thai person

[@sudaphon1]

จริงที่สุดเลยค่ะเรื่องที่เราไม่ได้เต่ยมการอะไรล่วงหน้าเพราะเราไม่ได้เจออากาศที่มัน Extreme น้องพูดได้น่าฟังและน้องสวยมาก พี่แต่งงานกับสามีอิตาเลี่ยนมา22ปี แต่เราอยู่ Southeast Asia มาตลอด ชีวิตเราเลยค่อนข้างง่าย แต่ตอนนี้ส่งลูกสาวไปใช้ชีวิตยากๆแทนที่อิตาลี😂 สุดท้ายเค้าจะเลือกได้ว่าที่ไหนที่เหมาะกับเค้า

[@yipmabaruya1148]

Good day from Papua New Guinea. I enjoyed watching your contents.

[@simonasmirnova6615]

I love her, thank you for saying so much truth xx

[@dennispack4119]

Beautiful conversation. Perspective is a wonderful thing.

[@wanderlust.mermaid626]

Great video! It's interesting to see a young woman with similar ideas and values as myself. I am am American but have traveled to several considered 3 world countries and have also admired the simplicity of their simple and carefree life. There are many western ppl who think like this and they are called free spirits lol. My husband also is from an island and after he arrives to the US I hope he will come to agree that the island life is the best life! Best wishes 🤍

[@beverlycowan6025]

You are so right I live in Niagara Falls Ontario and I now not to go to Montreal because I do not speak French and I would have a hard time there,I love Thialand and your country is privileged to have weather, fruit and farms and the thia people are such beautiful souls ❤

[@yolandarobertson9154]

Love this girl, she says it like it is, so any of us wish to live the some life in the West, but it's very difficult

[@pvasir]

Very true. Same in USA. After 44 years in USA I decided to return and retired in Thailand.

[@roberthermans2876]

Heel mooi interview Mayan ….complimenten 👏

[@erichschreiner7553]

Lovely lady, wish her all the best 🙂

[@ninoellison7793]

What a bright, gorgeous and articulate woman. Her observations are so insightful and accurate, but more importantly, Thai people are poorer but most likely happier than their western counterparts! Love Buddhist countries and their people! 🙏🏻♥️

[@TheMotaExperience]

This was a great interview.

[@TobiasJHPersson]

Thank you for another brilliant interview! I'm married to a Thai woman and it's funny to see how identical Honey's expectations and realizations of the western world are similar to my wife's. My wife has now lived in Sweden for a total of 5,5 years and actually prefer Sweden to Thailand. As for me, I've started to dream about moving to Thailand and that dream seems to slip further and further away. I'm trying to sway my wife with these kind of videos 😊 trying to remind her that quality of life can't be measured in money and that life is short.

[@NextStopThailand]

This interview was beautiful and touching! I really needed this Thank you.

[@pacboe]

Wonderful and refreshing share! One of the best advice yet that I have come across: Get out there in the world and experience some BS (LOL) then come back and live like Princes &Princesses. It rings true for all pacific islanders as well- here you are Kings & Queens! Honey has powerful observation skills!!! ขอบคุณมาก Greetings from New Caledonia, SW Pacific ♥

[@SjaakSchulteis]

I live already 12 years in Thailand and am married to a nice Thai woman. Never I wanted to bring her outside of Thailand other than for a short holiday. She's happy here with Thai people, though often she doesn't realize how lucky she is with all the goodness she has around her. She would miss that if she would live in my country for sure.

[@karenxavier6749]

What a clever and charming young lady.

[@Knbhgcomng]

Lovely interview

[@tomjones4451]

Western country paint a brush about Asian country being a third world country. Been back for a holiday and some part of Asia has really developed fast!

[@avrilvb]

Development is not always good.

[@jcthomas1836]

Lovely chat with a lovely person!

[@martypoll]

This is a fascinating interview. I love hearing this Thai perspective of the west

[@griffinjosh7183]

Well said Honey, I love how you see life (and tell it from within) between Thailand and Canada. Currently, I am in Canada.

[@truckn]

I love my country Canada but My fault I cannot retire here. So happy I found Thailand. Honey don't feel to bad about how the french only speaking Quebec people treated you that's how they treat english speaking Canadians as well, thinking they are better than everyone.

[@balbutie]

your comment is so racist. We dont think we are better, we are who we are, french, dont you know your history. My wife is vietnamese and guess what, i had to learn the language so i can adapt in Vietnam. So when that Thai girl was living in montreal, learn the language , try to embrace the culture of her boyfriend same i do when i go to vietnam.

[@denecoetzee2915]

Ahhh, that was a lovely interview. Love from Cape Town❤

[@jaclineheto8615]

🙏Very interesting and beautiful video. What a lovely Thaï girl ! One of the best videos! 👏

[@kayflip2233]

Canada sucks though. 🤣Obviously Thailand is way better than Canada. You can't compete with the ornate architecture, temples, billion dollar malls, rooftop bars, nightlife, buzzing streets, endless markets, interesting neighborhoods, paradise beaches, islands, peninsulas, jungles, mountains, coffee shops, events, outdoor activities, friendly locals and best street food in the world of Thailand. I am from NYC and Bangkok is even better than NYC. There's no better paradise settings than Krabi, Phuket, and all of the islands in the Western world. Also, just everyday living is more lively and social in Thailand and Southeast Asia than the Western world. In Asia you actually talk to people, joke around with strangers, laugh, smile etc - if you do that in the West people think you're either crazy or trying to hit on them.

[@randolphwilhelm668]

Amazing down to dart real life happenings in this interview I was blown away by your honesty and simplicity where the saying goes The simple things in life are often the best’ I wish you happiness in the land of smiles and would love to follow you and your journey! Sawatdee krap 🙏❤️

[@sanpapornngenpan7401]

Nong Nampueng(Honey) is a typical 💯real beauty thai lady, fair skin (thai ppl call honey skin), big round eyes, oval face shape, just lack one is a curly hair?😊 Speak soft& slowly. Confident, open minded & proud to be herself. I think Thai ppl overseas so different from local thai because of the high COLA allowances, the weather, the western culture, that make them to survived. She's feeling down& disappointed. I suggest her to be a YT promote & provide Thailand's deep and correct information as a local in English language. Good luck and welcome back Nong Nampueng

[@gabrieleuwira9731]

OMG....I love it so much. I also don't know Honey is full Thai, I thought she is mix . My best part...."I want to be Thai people in my next life" 🤣 So true 😍

[@gavreynolds2689]

Well she does her name justice, what a lovely lady. Good interview

[@deeske8780]

You just have to RE MIND yourself of the essentials of life ... That's what I see & feel in Thai people ( Thailand ) The essence of life ...❤❤❤❤ Thank you ❤

[@chandraprakashchourase8959]

West and asia are totally diffrent both culturally lingually and ethnicaly and more so thailand is definitely unique place in asia with thai people simple and friendly nature.

[@justarandompersonontheinte3152]

As a native Thai who grew up in Northeast Thailand, I used to fantasize about living abroad and leaving my home country for western culture, which I saw in western movies and TV series. For this moment, I'm glad that I have a place here in Thailand, despite the fact that I still won't be able to fulfill my dream of studying or living in a western country due to visa issues and other money-related matters. But now, I don't want to spend the rest of my life somewhere else anymore, but I still hope that one day I can move there by job offer or scholarship and experience it for a period of time like she did.

[@justarandompersonontheinte3152]

รอแม่ถูกหวยถึงจะส่งไปตามฝัน55555

[@edamameme1789]

go travel and work internationally, it will help you grow as a person, but always good to return home when you are ready to have a family.

[@kayflip2233]

The entire world is trying to visit or live in Thailand. You're already there. Just stay. 🤣

[@propheteyebert7063]

I'm in Toronto, Canada. The biggest problem is how expensive everything is. Most of the complaint in the video was due to the lack of money. I could live like a king if I moved to Thailand and spend what I do for an average lifestyle here. For example, a small apartment cost $2200 CAD per month here.

[@anaassispacheco7702]

Language is very important. If we want to become part of the society we are living in.

[@mestisangifugao6069]

Such a great interview..It's nice watching and know who's the owner of ozone bar.😊 I had been to ozone bar kho lanta back in feb.29,2024.. 🤩

[@Liat-Blatt]

Such a lovely video. Ma'ayan, your topics are always so nice. Toda🙏🙏

[@wheric]

I don't know why but I laughed out loud at how she said "nuthin" for the roads between Toronto and Montreal.

[@lisaward8024]

I went from Vancouver to Saskatchewan by Greyhound bus back in the day, and thought the same thing!! Miles and miles of bl..dy nothing!

[@phattananlisachannel]

Yes,You said it right. It's the true and correct I feel like you too

[@olivetherapies]

That was so insightful and impressive. ❤

[@ww3k]

Great perspective!

[@shopshop6499]

ฉันภูมิใจ กับคุณมากค่ะ love you 😊❤😊

[@anclesam5017]

She has so beautiful mindset..

[@wendy-0101]

❤🙏🏻What a beautiful sweet girl & thank heavens she realised it wasn’t for her. The weather here is a shock for many. 8months winter -10-40C & summer temps vary between +12-30C N.Sweden.

[@JohnKattt]

This was oh so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@jessicasanchez1627]

Very interesting video. I loved hearing the opinion of a Thai person about the western world. It is no secret that Thai people are always smiling, very family oriented and their philosophy on life is very relaxed and stress free (Sabai Sabai) however they are not the most organized, structured and efficient society in my opinion. Nothing wrong with that but I think is one of the main reasons why Thai people have a hard time adapting to the western world. About Honey’s experience in Montreal , Canada I think is a bit biased. I moved to Montreal in my teens with my parents and even though Montreal is a French city, the majority of the population are bilingual (French and English), and most importantly Montreal is a multicultural city like no other in Canada. If you travel to the small towns yes you will find French speaking people only, mostly white and not very exposed to different ethnicity which is a common theme amongst western cities. In the end, it is not about which country is the best but rather where you fit the most and the place that checks all your boxes and makes you the happiest.

[@SweetLifeLanta]

@@jessicasanchez1627 totally agree with you. Everyone has their "best" country. And it could even be a different place throughout your life.

[@robertbringberger785]

Lovely Interview. When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta?

[@VulumBeauty]

I love how she brought up the homeless drug addict problem in Canada. I’m Canadian living in Thailand, there are no cracked out homeless people on the streets on Thailand. So many of my Asian friends would visit me in Vancouver and be shocked at the state of down town. They all said the same thing…. The reason for this is all the broken families Canada.

[@kevinlucey2146]

I don't know if they are on drugs or not, but drugs would explain their situation. I have seen homeless people sleeping in front of businesses in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Nothing near the problem we have in the USA, but homelessness exists in Thailand.

[@lenatruong8863]

This peaks my interest

[@complexcarbivorous8013]

The weather in Thailand and tropical countries in general is more forgiving, no one would survive winter living in a bamboo house in Canada, when I lived in Montreal I heard news of a homeless person that froze to death overnight because he couldn't find a place to sleep indoors.

[@staffanfogelberg6816]

Very smart girl....

[@501adv]

excellent !

[@mertlandglen9969]

This is such a great video of the reality of life in different "worlds", so many people from other parts of the world are lured to the developed countries with a false idea of what life will be, only to be shocked to the core. On the language in Montreal, not quite accurate, I have visited Montreal on many occasions and never had and language issues and I don't speak French. Overall I love this video ❤

[@stevens8785]

Nice video. Cheers guys. 😍

[@mbpplus9985]

ฉลาดมากกกกก🎉

[@hellofromdave]

I think I know what she means. Here in the city in Canada it's cold and rainy for 5 months of the year, and it's dark at 4.30pm in winter. If I go outside there's no one there in the winter nights. The taxes here are about half of what you earn after income tax and then tax on purchases. Also in Vancouver the area I live in, not many people speak English, only Chinese languages, so I can't speak much to my neighbours, and they don't speak much at all. When I went to Thailand for 3 months and stayed in Chiang Mai I felt much happier.

[@audsy017]

That was just beautiful ❤

[@nomadkiara]

I can feel soooo related to her experiences 😭

[@artitayaandersen9126]

Nice interview. Looking forward to Koh Lanta in January.

[@joyaclub]

I don't know of a Canadian who truly believes they are better than everyone else.

[@Wilko11]

Interested to know if her Canadian bf returned with her to live on Koh Lanta.

[@SweetLifeLanta]

Yep all good with boyfriend. He's joining her on Koh Lanta soon.

[@BarbaraC02]

Wonderful interview, thank you both. Such an interesting story too, but where is the boyfriend? Honey is adorable...it's his loss if he stayed in Canada.

[@SweetLifeLanta]

No worries Barbara, boyfriend following soon to live together in Koh Lanta.

[@ed_ms]

Right after the first time my wife and me went to the local Thai temple in my home town, she told me she had to be careful, because all the Thai women there were not the same as she knew. Gossip and chit chat all over the place. Many things this girl talks about are similar to my wife's experience. Not the losing her job part though 😅

[@halononnie1092]

คิดถึงเทอเวอร์ ผึ้งงง❤

[@kentmemories]

Honey was excellent, good personality, and well spoken. One of the best.

[@jesadventures6401]

I'm Filipina living in Hongkong. I visited Thailand last year.

[@libertos9960]

I am from Montreal and have spent time in Thailand. She is 100% bang on. I see more homeless in Canada than any other country in SE Asia. Says a lot about the difference in our values / culture, even though Canada is a much richer country overall.