Addiction KILLS in Thailand

[@Michelle-rf1nf]

It's not only men who get addicted to drugs and alcohol in Thailand. I spent over a decade partying on cheap booze here. I managed to stop a few years ago. Now I use my sober time rescuing animals and running my shelter.

[@ThairishTimes]

Hey Michelle, sounds great I wish you the best of luck

[@Michelle-rf1nf]

@@ThairishTimes Thank you. If you like cats and dogs come visit sometime. We're in Ban Phe Rayong.

[@creamydistortion]

That is awesome! You are an inspiration! My wife and I sometimes find abandoned animals and re-home them. We recently found 3 kittens and hooked them up with new families...

[@keithpetch8196]

Yes have seen that well done !!!

[@ariefraiser140]

For a lot of Westerners, moving to Thailand automatically upgrades their financial lifestyle. Things they couldn't do or experience in their country due to money and having to work long hours for relatively little pay when you factor in the cost of living can now be had for a salary of as little as $2000 per month and less work per week. Thailand is like hitting the lottery. But like getting a lot of money in the lottery, Thailand doesn't change who you are; it reveals who you are.

[@mountaintruth1deeds533]

Well said and valid for several situations in life.

[@creamydistortion]

That's the fault of the Western people for deliberately making everything so prohibitively expensive and forcing extreme poverty on their own people. Personally, I was homeless in America, moved to Southeast Asia, and now I have a great home, and a family. If that had been possible in America, there would have been no reason to escape. I could have spent all my money on dope in either country... I should note that I've never even visited Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket, etc. That type of place doesn't interest me, so I haven't met many "bad farrang", mostly responsible adults who moved here for a better quality of life...

[@ThePeacePlant]

Definitely. I plan to go to Thailand and I won't lie, I was going to scoop me up some Pain Pills when I want to catch a buzz, because I am not a big alcohol drinker at all. I'd choose other things besides alcohol any day of the week. I find alcohol to be more of a pain than just popping a few pills, because alcohol taste bad, especially hard alcohol/liquor in my opinion and it fills your stomach like food too. I'd rather just take some tasteless pills and catch a nice little buzz in like 30-45 minutes, but I am not facing depression or anything so I usually don't end up physically dependent on it

[@spicysalsaking791]

Getting pain pills isn't easy to do in Thailand. Perhaps you're thinking of Cambodia?

[@ariefraiser140]

@@spicysalsaking791 I'm not sure what you're referring to. I didn't address anything concerning pain pills in my initial post.

[@ThailandThomas]

Pete my feeling is most of the people that have problems with addiction in Thailand were fxxk up before they got to Thailand. Thailand can bring out the worst in a person if not careful.

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

Totally agree some really messed-up foreigners here. Not good for Thailand and they make all foreigners look bad.

[@ThairishTimes]

100% Thomas

[@kingmaafa120]

Facts

[@happycook6737]

Yes! Often this is what happens. Addiction is progressive so maybe when they were younger they just drank/drugged on the weekends but as people progress in addiction they are chasing their original high and it takes more and more because the dopamine centres in their brains have been hijacked. Terribly sad!

[@craigchislett71]

agree with you Thomas! it's mostly young backpackers looking for an extreme out. this I've seen with my own eyes.

[@roybaht]

Thailand is a libertarian paradise. It’s a place where westerners can experience more freedom than they can in their home countries. The flip side of the coin here is that people who do not have self-control often find their way to ruin. Good video Pete! 👍👍👍

[@ThairishTimes]

well said Roy, I didn't see you on Paddy's Day

[@roybaht]

@@ThairishTimes Yeah, things got complicated. 🤣 But I'll be at Scruffy Murphy's this Thursday night, March 24. If you're free, stop by. I'll be buying pints left and right. 😉

[@gusyates1839]

No good for people with untreated ADHD.

[@doomd1816]

Libertarian? Ugh… no

[@greatone7314]

@@roybaht Are you British?

[@davlon74]

Been here 17 years. First 8 years spent being an alcoholic, smoking 40 a day. However my Dad had always kept drumming this message into me over the years: "Son, whatever you are like at 40 years old, you will likely be for the rest of your life". The subliminal programming worked as at age 39 I got it together and haven't looked back. These days my addictions are staying fit and healthy; the benefit that comes with that kind of addiction is you can pull normal Thai girls and integrate with decent people.

[@ThairishTimes]

well done to you for turning your life around. Upwards and onwards

[@graguitar6493]

The 40 reference is pretty spot on. I lost my big love 3 months after I turned 40. After a year of depression I got into prostitution back home in Australia. It went from 1 hooker a month to 2 a week pretty quickly. I then went to Pattaya for the first time in 2015. Over the next 5 years I ended up spending around 3 months a year here. As soon as I turned 50 last year I moved here. I'm so addicted to Thai hookers that i am forcing myself out of Pattaya but only to bang saray so I can curb my addiction to just 2 days a week instead of everyday. I can't see myself stopping altogether though.

[@1990-t1j]

Well said, David.

[@le.mister.j]

absolutely, my friend. congrats on your turnaround. there are consequences for moving like that at any age. as one starts getting up there in age, it's really time to pivot. for all intents and purposes, soon as you touch down, hit the ground running in the right direction. like you said, when you are truly tapped in and in your lane, good folk want to rock with you.

[@michaelmccreery8192]

If only it was that easy

[@ericzellershow]

Life lessons included! This episode should be mandatory viewing on the plane ride over for any foreigner flying to Thailand for the first time.

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers mate

[@mrdacusthenavigator4989]

It's a discussion that needs serious attention. When you're in a foreign country where your money goes far, and you have a lot of free time, having an addiction spells disaster. This happens a lot for those w/ alcohol issues. Unfortunately, many end up homeless. Again, definitely a topic that needs highlighting for potential expats

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you, I felt I should shed light on a topic that isn’t often discussed

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

Zero hobbies besides drinking and bar girls for the men not sure what the women do with their free time.

[@BrassLock]

@@destinationsroadslesstraveled Interesting question. I met several at "University of the 3rd Age" type classes such as Urban Watercolour Art, History of Chiang Mai, Poetry & Creative Writing etc, and see that they form friendships quickly, share ideas/discussions and arrange followup meetings/lunch dates readily, without the need for alcohol. Guys tend to be task-based, and after class will jump in the car and do the next task. Socialising without alcohol and enjoying leisure time/hobbies requires a less pressured attitude that's hard to acquire after a lifetime of job deadlines, but is possible.

[@creamydistortion]

I have the opposite experience. I was a heavy drinker in America, as a direct result of the stress and unhappiness there. I quit smoking and cut down on drinking in Thailand. It's really up to the individual - anyway if you wanna be a drunk, it's cheaper in Eastern Europe...

[@grahammurray7426]

@@creamydistortion exactly beer not that cheap in bkk phuket etc if all you want to do is get hammered go vietnam cambodia and many other places

[@raekeepsitreal]

Deep gratitude for this video. My dad died from an overdose in Thailand in 1994. The second story you told sounded eerily similar to my dad’s.. 💔

[@ThePeacePlant]

Wow, tragic! What did he overdose on if you don't mind me asking??

[@easemailboxes]

Hi, more should be shown about this. I had a good friend of mine shot by police near Phuket around that time. He was a drug addict. Thanks to Thaksins war on drugs. Very sad times.

[@adamstainer4637]

Great video. I was a pretty big drinker before I went to Thailand. Going there turned me into an alcoholic. When you're on a 3 month holiday it's pretty easy to end up drinking every day. There's always something going on and you kinda feel like your missing out if you're not out every night. Just the little things like ordering a beer with lunch. If you're eating at restaurants every day, it's so easy to just say "Go on then, I'll have a Leo" especially if other people at the table order alcohol too. If you're hung over drinking can actually perk you up. As crazy and dangerous as that sounds. It's a vicious circle. I went cold turkey and quit in January 2020, but 5 days later I had a seizure from withdrawal. That scared the hell out of me and I'll never go back to drinking every day. It's so reckless and far to many people are unaware of the damage it can cause and how hard it can be to quit in the future. Thank you for making this video. It's super important to spread awareness on addiction. Hopefully people in their 20's will see this and realize what can happen down the line. You may just save a few lives while you're at it too. Keep up the good work :)

[@adamstainer4637]

p.s it's vital to seek help when trying to quit. You need to take vitamin B supplements, as alcoholics are deprived of vitamin B. It's also very important o gradually reduce your intake and not just go cold turkey. It's a very dangerous thing to do, and you will end up having a seizure like me or getting delirious tremors. Always seek professional help. It's totally worth doing.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for sharing this mate. All the best to you . It takes courage to do what you did. Keep fighting

[@TWCH]

@@adamstainer4637 Years ago (80s) I took a withdrawing drunk to the emergency room of Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn NY. It was (is?) an inner city hospital. There were people with stab wounds and other nasty injuries in the crowded waiting room. I thought we'd be there for hours. They took him in right away and admitted him. The doctor told me severe alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. I never forgot that.

[@hualaanbaaching-ching1527]

Can absolutely relate. And is there any better time to drink beer than when we're hungover? As one famous philosopher once said, it can turn hell to heaven in 15 minutes. :)

[@creamydistortion]

I actually drink very significantly LESS than I did in AmeriKKKa... And I quit smoking in Thailand too... Lower stress levels (or more properly stated: different, more manageable types of stress), a good wife, and stable employment made all the difference...

[@mangoking787]

Hello Pete, addiction is a serious business all over the world. Well it happened to one of my cousins. The mother told her son, when I go you do not have to work. You will be a millionaire. What happened when his mother passed away, he was a millionaire. But it took him just over 2 years to finish everything his mother left him. When he passed away. He died on the road and the people he knew had to rack up some money for his funeral. He was only 50 years old. We all should understand that we have a hidden talent, and we got to find it to better our lives. I thought I married a great woman, but it turned out she was a devil in disguise. That is now history, because my heart is now in Thailand. Take care, stay safe. Thank you.

[@ThairishTimes]

Jeez what a tragic story!!

[@robertmaddelena530]

Thanks for shedding light on a tough subject . It easy to drink it's hard to avoid the scene. I try limit it to two beers a month.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Robert ☺️✊🏻

[@ThePeacePlant]

I disagree, but then again I am not really a fan of alcohol. I'd rather smoke some cannabis and pop some pills every now and then, then drink any day of the week

[@Simon-vt1zp]

Good one Pete. So nice to see your parents instilled such kind and accepting attitude in you man. None of us know what around the Corner. I myself did a couple of weeks in rehab years ago ( Alcohol ). I was so scared who I would meet in there. I was surprised ! A Barrister , an older lady who worked in a bank. A nice old guy that had lost his wife…..Etc We are all human. Thanks for showing a full spectrum of life on here Pete 🙏👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Simon and well done to you for getting help. Alcohol gets people from all walks of life. I feel sorry for the old guy who lost his wife 😔

[@ThePeacePlant]

Lol you must have really lived an innocent life if you think addiction is just for the bottom feeders in life. Anybody can be an addict lol, addiction doesn't discriminate at all

[@JonnyElk]

Another great video Pete! Keeping it real and telling it like it is! (Not jumping around saying how great everything is …. not that any KZbinrs do that!). Love your content. Stay cool out there!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Jonny☺️☺️☺️

[@dannowestiedanflarty6990]

Good video as always, as a person who's suffered with addiction problems previously I can see how thailand just like anywhere else with cheap drink drugs sex etc can be bad news ,for me to have seen alot of non thais homeless with addiction problems in pattaya /bkk is a crazy scene ,to think you go to paradise and end up like that sad...(i was the one that thanked you and your lady for your content at terminal 21 yesterday,gonna leave a link for AA THAILAND if you don't mind 🙏🏻

[@ThairishTimes]

Hi Danno, nice seeing you yesterday. Sure leave a link and i’ll pin it to the top of the comment section

[@noneyabizness7288]

Thank you Pete. Just so people are aware there is really good recovery meetings in Bangkok and Chiang Mai as well as other cities as well. You don't have to do it alone and you can surround yourself with others who have stopped and are living happy, fulfilled lives.

[@ThairishTimes]

Very well said 🙏🙏🙏

[@lilmixdboy]

My stomach is wrecked for life because of drinking every day. The sad part is I never get drunk. I just sip so slowly. I'm always in 100% control and coherent Now my body is paying for it

[@ian-wu2bb]

Good one Pete. I have my own demons had I have been in Thialand in my 20,s I would have either been dead or sitting in a prision until today. However none of that happened and I have a wonderful wife and a wonderful life today.

[@ThairishTimes]

Nice one Ian, you turned it around. Fair play

[@ericdelevinquiere9902]

You have managed to tackle a difficult subject without being judgmental, keep it up, you definitely have talent and that is regardless of where you are in the world!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Eric, I appreciate that

[@Slingingtea]

What a beautiful video. Wonderful cinematography! Great shots! Story’s like that remind me why it’s probably a good thing I didn’t stay in Thailand. I love your vidéos! Thanks for sharing! Much love from Canada!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@Hoxton66]

I have a mate in Pattaya jail 10 years, because hes addiction, and a different mate who's the owner of a rehabilitation program in Thailand called hope rehab, And a few people I know became alcoholics, I'm grateful there are na a AA meeting in Thailand too.

[@ThePeacePlant]

How did he end up in Jail for 10 years? Did he get caught with drugs or what??

[@BrassLock]

I'm glad you retrieved your camera. . . we need it for your next video 🤩. Thanks for your stories and fascinating scenes & backdrops. I used to love travelling on the fast ferries all the way to Nontaburi years ago, but never used the smaller Klong boats; they look like a similarly enjoyable adventure in beautiful weather.

[@ThairishTimes]

check out the smaller klong boats next time Dav they're great and really zip around

[@michael-lt2lf]

Wonderful advice. Addiction: It's almost always ever not anything else than being on your own and not liking it. No one to love, care for and thereby feel one's one life is worth something

[@creamydistortion]

Yes, exactly. People caused this situation... Then the people blame a substance - the substance does not do anything, the people did it to their own.

[@Mozzermarr10]

Your right near Jack's bar I think. great vid on addiction. I think Thailand is an easy place for people to go mental, as I've seen it loads of times.

[@ThairishTimes]

Not too far, about a 10minute walk

[@ThePeacePlant]

People were already mental before they arrived in Thailand. You can't expect to go to Thailand where the biggest thing to do there is party, (well at least that's why most people go there) and not have your shit straight before you went, because you have a high chance of going back home with a problem

[@pogump]

Very interesting video again Pete,and I can relate to one of the addictions that you mentioned,if I tell you that I newer done drugs,never smoked,and very very careful with alcohol,I guess you can figure out what my addiction was,I had two older sister of witch the oldest one (six years older then me)while she was alive had tried any kind of drugs that you could find here in Sweden,and that made her pass away 6-7 year’s ago,so I never point finger on people with any kind of addictions,all the best to you Pete :) :) :)

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for sharing that and best of luck to you. At least you’re well aware of what your addiction is, many aren’t

[@unelectedbureaucrat2003]

Lady boys?

[@ThePeacePlant]

If someone points the finger at someone because they have an addiction then I would just ignore them, because it's not very intelligent, very misinformed with no experience being around anyone with an addiction and very very immature. If someone is like that you should be shaking your head at them, not letting them irritate you

[@tobetb]

i got into a lil trouble on Valium in Vietnam, only took a week or two for the addiction to form...not even noticeable until i didn't have val one night... kicking it was a week or two of crippling severe anxiety and darkest darkest depression....scary stuff.... got to be super careful with SE Asian freedoms...

[@JBWanders73]

Really good video Pete... my best mate here, an Irishman, had a long battle with addiction. He went to the 'vomit temple' and promised a monk he wouldn't drink for 2 years. He kept to his word and lasted exactly two years; but the very next day he had a grand old drink up. The problem was also that, during said two years, he got addicted to pain killers, Xanax and other tablets... it did not end well, unfortunately. I lost my best mate just over five years ago and he left behind three young boys. During the entire period, he worked seven days a week, but that's another story. Good luck to you - the interviews are very good!

[@ThairishTimes]

Poor fella, what a terribly sad story. Thanks for sharing that JB

[@PaulWalliswriter]

@@ThairishTimes he was a dear friend of mine.

[@JBWanders73]

@@PaulWalliswriter He was one in a million Paul... take care bud

[@EasternDreamer615]

Hey Pete, this video is super important. Some guys simply can't handle the freedom of living in a place like Bangkok. You really have to be strong on setting your own limits. I got the drinking out of my system before turning legal age in the US and I'm glad I did because the bar scene is not appealing to me. I find hangovers to be even worse than normal in the Bangkok heat.

[@ThairishTimes]

Ohh you’re right BKK hangovers take you to the brink. It’s a combination of intense light, heat, noise and smells as you tentatively negotiate the city streets. It sounds like you do it the right way though

[@creamydistortion]

It's way worse in the freezing cold.

[@connielinz879]

Great vlog!! Great advice!! We never know what the future holds for us. Hope you enjoyed your cup of tea when you got home 🍵🫖

[@ThairishTimes]

Oh I enjoyed my cup of tea that day Connie thanks for watching

[@anguslaing6611]

Great Video mate! Hope you get your 10K Subs soon!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Angus, so close now

[@leroyjackman9275]

Just come across your channel. Love your contents and the you deliver your information. You got a good sense of humour and I sense you are a man of humility which goes a long way in my book. Keep up the good work.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Leroy

[@keef6586]

Great vlog Pete on a subject very close to my heart and I think you covered it very well. It’s a very deep subject where many people will have many different opinions but the advice you gave re location and who you mix with are sound. Sadly in my case it meant losing contact with some close family and making choices which were heartbreaking. I have spent a lot of time reading and learning about addiction and could talk for hours about it. As for the availability of drugs like Xanax and Valium. I always found them very easily attainable in pharmacies in Pattaya. Not so in the rural areas. No one should ever look down on anyone who is in a less fortunate situation than yourself. As someone once said to me, anyone could be one piece of bad news away from being in their shoes. Best wishes.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Keef, you’re last sentence is so true and is very humbling. Nobody’s perfect so we shouldn’t judge

[@stephenlynch1791]

Another top video Pete , never been an addict myself but have lost a few friends to Booze and Drugs and its heartbreaking , glad to see the city getting busier .

[@ThairishTimes]

Getting busier by the week Stephen, I predict January 2023 tourism numbers will be up near pre-covid times

[@joemann2178]

Good wisdom Pete. Many can't resist the lures of the bar scene in tourist areas. But you only have to see the beaches early in the morning with people drinking beer to see a sad sight. Not a place to be, you can be miserable and lost in paradise too.

[@ThairishTimes]

Absolutely Joe, that’s well said

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Great video. A good balance of content and visuals. Bangkok looks stunning. And I liked the reference to Ryan and little Otis.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Niall, I enjoyed filming this one

[@4KChillVibes.]

i totally agree with moving away from the party scene to not let yourself fall in to the routine of just meeting other expats down the pub. i plan to try and retire or spend some of my retirement in thailand and have decided to look at other cities or places than my usual haunts maybe Hua Hin, Samui, or somewhere similar, not to have the party on your doorstep but do have the availability for a few on a saturday night or something.

[@ThairishTimes]

try Koh Chang out. It's got a very chilled vibe and there are some really cool expats there

[@jonhobson3592]

Keep disciplined I’d say , and not live right near everything … great views on the travels ..

[@happycook6737]

Expats either get into trouble there with alcohol/drugs OR they hook up with a Thai wife that ruins them financially and breaks their heart!!? Especially happens to middle aged men who get a young Thai wife. These young women are in it for the money because otherwise they wouldn't look twice at a middle aged man.

[@creamydistortion]

Avoid tourist traps and big cities. There are plenty of very nice, quiet places to live in Thailand...

[@eleanorclarke2055]

Great video, enjoyed it very much, interesting topic and added bonus of a look around Bangkok, 10,000 coming very soon!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Eleanor, I can nearly touch 10k now

[@mickvallantine2523]

nice one Pete, interesting that your parents broached the subject about never thinking you were any better than an addict because you never know whats around the next corner. Fortunately for me I too am able to keep myself in check. Great show loved the way you intergrated the tour also, Cheers

[@ThairishTimes]

Yes I suppose it was a lesson in humility they were teaching me. Glad you liked the tour more to come Mick

[@gertdrok]

Nice and Interesting vlog. I agree and have the same experience as you with Addiction Farang in Bangkok. Pete, for this Vlog from 19 minutes, it takes you a 5 hour day travel by boat and walking to make this Video ? Now I understand it is a lot of work to make a Vlog. 🙏

[@ThairishTimes]

Yes Gert I left home at 10:30 am and arrived back at 5pm but I wanted to show different locations that I hadn’t been to in awhile and I took my time. So for me it was a cool day especially the boat trip but yes it would have been easier to put the camera on the table and talk for 15mins but that’s a bit boring. I like editing and creating a nice video

[@martinhodgins1677]

Another great vlog Pete. I cannot relate to this quite as much (i.e as badly) as I normally can to your vlogs. Thank God I never had the drug bug. Drink was bad enough! Thank God I gave it up. But it is a very serious concern for many westerners. Kudos on your work.

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Martin, yes it’s a sad story over here for some foreigners. Hope you’re keeping well

[@martinhodgins1677]

"Divil a bother" Pete, as they say.

[@elvarwinston]

"You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" This one is very true!

[@enoehtgambino8986]

Awesome video bro appreciate the advice keep up the good work 👍

[@smilergrogan1452]

A good friend of my father and mine, ended up at the 'bottom of the stairs' in Pattaya. He had more sense than you could imagine, but cheap booze and temptation still dragged him down. RIP my mate, see you in Valhalla.

[@ThairishTimes]

RIP to the poor fella

[@louisbecke2348]

I've been retired in the Philippines nearly 20 years. The local VFW use to be called God's waiting room. So many retire here and think they can party just like their younger years. Big difference between visiting Thailand and living there same as here. The body cannot sustain such an attack of alcohol, bad food and women. Usually about 2 years from arriving here and their dead. Another name on the chalk board.

[@ThairishTimes]

Yes, the older we get the more we need to take care of out health and the vices you mentioned can lead to an early grave fast if people go overboard

[@happycook6737]

I'm thinking of retirement. Why did you pick Philippines over Thailand? Is there a compelling reason?

[@ubon11]

I’m retired USAF, thinking about retiring in Angeles. But I had a supervisor who retired there and drank himself to death after about 10 years living AC. So I know if I retire there, I’m going to need to find things to do, but what is there except chasing women and drinking San Miguel? That is why I have been hesitant to move there, lack of things to do to keep me occupied, plus I enjoy working as I’m a defense contractor now. But eventually, I will retire and split my time between Thailand and Angeles.

[@creamydistortion]

There is plenty of healthy food, fresh fruit drinks, and monogamy here too. It's up to the individual.

[@creamydistortion]

@@ubon11 Get a hobby! Learn to play an instrument, study the language, buy a motorcycle and go for adventures away from the city... Avoid tourist traps and big cities. It's up to you. With all due respect, I have noticed that military vets tend to have a difficult time with personal responsibility - they're so used to the routine and being a small part of a huge machine. I lived in Alaska for five years and saw plenty of well-paid army boys end up broke or dead... Just be a man and have some self respect.

[@blenderconch]

Great video! Loha Prasat looks amazing 🤩 I'll try to pay it a visit when I have some free time. I love the Thai temples. Have you been to Wat Pariwat? I recommend it, if you want to see a very out of the ordinary temple.

[@ThairishTimes]

I love it. One of my first youtube videos was filmed at Wat Pariwat

[@kevindockery5182]

Loved it , I was wondering if someone would cover this topic .I thank you for your transparency. I hope to visit Ireland I heard it is beautiful.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Kevin, Ireland is a stunningly beautiful country. I suggest you go there during summer though. Try a Guinness too 🇮🇪😉

[@srgba244]

Great topic, Pete! 10K. Almost done!

[@ThairishTimes]

So close mate

[@davidheaslip4413]

Loved the street art in this one Pete . I am trying to become an illustrator myself . I believe that addictions , some how ease the pain . It becomes a lethal concoction when you mix the lifestyle out here ,, sadly . I gave up alcohol 3 and a half year ago . Don"t miss the stuff.

[@ThairishTimes]

Best of luck with becoming an illustrator David. Sounds very interesting. That’s a long time off alcohol, you’re better off well done

[@ThePeacePlant]

Addiction is ultimately self medicating at the end of the day. I have tried almost every drug in America, even heroin and meth but I never got addicted because I wasn't dealing with any personal issues and I would also not do those drugs for more than 2-3 days at a time because they are very addicting, especially Heroin, you will have tiny withdrawals nothing major at all but you will sweat a little bit and feel a bit bummed out if you do Heroin for more than 2 days at a time and that's a recipe for disaster if you are depressed and feeling negative; if I felt a bit bummed just from 3 days use of doing it all day, I can only imagine that feeling being amplified if you are already depressed, you may well become dependent on the drug(s)

[@joakimgasslander3622]

Great energy in your vlog and you certainly contribute to a better world. Keep your fantastic energy and work up and the world will be a happier place. Well done 👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏

[@chriszimmer6227]

Thank you for your stream.... i need your help ... Chris from Germany ( the one who contacted you by mail)

[@masterofthecranium]

Some great shots you got in that vid. I love that canal and river loop. Sad topic, people with even slight addictive personalities need to be wary in Thailand. Many pitfalls and probably not the support network someone might have at home. It's a jungle out there!

[@ThairishTimes]

That’s it. It IS a jungle out there. I remember someone telling me that whatever your vice is Thailand will push you to your limit

[@masterofthecranium]

@@ThairishTimes "Beware! Beware! The forest of sin, none come out but many go in!" 😄 I'm not religious or anything but that Roald Dahl quote always makes me think of the darker side of Thailand.

[@Molloy1951]

This one was my fav video of yours so far. Well done!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you very much ☺️☺️

[@leetimcke7963]

I've only just discovered your channel,it's pretty good , keep up the good work fella 👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Lee🙏🙏

[@williamhartz8707]

I lived in “party town” Pattaya for 15 years but I was working full time 20 minutes away. In the evenings I’d hit the gym and when you’re a “fitness addict” you definitely stay away from excessive drinking and go to sleep at a reasonable hour. Hanging out at bars never matched my kind of socializing.

[@ThairishTimes]

Sounds like your did it right Bill. Exercise is a great way to keep people on the straight and narrow and if you can do it in Pattaya you can do it anywhere

[@AlvoLong]

Whilst it’s good to “retire young” in Thailand, we really need an active routine to keep away from idleness and the monster it can turn into if not contained. Thanks for the great topic & for keeping it real.

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

Maybe learn to speak Thai?

[@ThairishTimes]

For sure and YT has been a fantastic way to keep me busy and meeting new people. Sport is another alternative or anything that gets you up and about and away from drugs. Learning Thai is also a great one

[@drdavinsky]

I retired at 29 here. It’s awesome

[@graerindley6312]

Thanks for this video. 32 years of frequent traveling to Bangkok and I didn't know that I could have simply caught a canal boat from the sukhumvit area to the all the older areas near the chao phrya river. 😀

[@ThairishTimes]

Yep the canal is so efficient beats all the traffic and is super fast

[@robertjanak1026]

Great video Pete. I really love the city tour & story theme! I think you're on to something there. Do another one, when it lends itself....

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Robert, I enjoyed filming this i’ll do some more in the future for sure

[@Stevo8013]

Congratulations on the 10K well deserved 👍🇹🇭🇮🇪 best channel on KZbin by a long way, next stop 15K.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks very much Steven. You've been here from the start mate much appreciated

[@Co12cast]

Hello,I’m new to your channel and your broadcast was fantastic! The information,the scenery,such a great video.Keep up the good work,stay safe and enjoy yourself.✌🏿

[@seamus9750]

Almost on the 10k Pete...loving your range of subjects...

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Seamus, within touching distance now

[@tanchye1720]

In my earlier days to Thailand, I once saw a old westerner collecting beer bottles into his cart late one evening from my hotel window, to be sold, probably. Sad to witness this. Looks like a homeless guy. Have been to Thailand countless time now, not addiction 😂, but I know what you meant by ‘addictions’. I am sponsoring a Thai farmer boy in his education at Rangsit University now. Another way to find meaning in Thailand, maybe. I speak Thai quite fluently now, read & write some too. 🙏

[@ThairishTimes]

Well done for sponsoring someone and giving them a leg up in life

[@creamydistortion]

My mom and I recycled cans in New York for 5¢ in the 1980's... The cans still only pay 5¢ today, although the money is worth much less (and the modern machines reject a LOT of the cans due to crappy barcode scanners)... Talk about preying on those who need the money most. It's a good thing to recycle in Thailand too! Even if you don't need money, it's good for the environment and gives you a bit of exercise.

[@ThePeacePlant]

Wow that's crazy, someone really has to be bad off to find theirself homeless in a third world country and not your country you called home your whole life

[@lgv4065]

I love travel and story days!!! You should do them more often.

[@rollingrock5916]

New subscriber from the States. Great video answered alot of questions. Temples look amazing. An Irish🇮🇪American 🇺🇸

[@leejones3219]

I like to look in the bars early in the morning and see who’s there. It’s a misery parade. I just think, Thank God it’s not me today as I have had a few unpleasant withdraws. The one time that made me finally get control was a 21 hour flight at 38,000 feet with the alcohol shakes after a four day binder in Bangkok.

[@leejones3219]

@Parfootery Ha, I was a passenger, not the Pilot.

[@ThairishTimes]

I hope so 😂😂😂😂

[@frankoseven]

Nice video, interesting topic. I was in the restaurant at the end of the street you mentioned with Dan and Lyn. It's nice there, good view and nice food.

[@ThairishTimes]

Nice one Frank, I must check it out

[@thomasmckenney3518]

I lived in Bangkok for a little over a year and had been visiting every few months for years. Got married and moved to Isaan. But honestly probably drink just as much up there unfortunately. But I kicked my own ass and quit drinking and smoking so much.

[@ThairishTimes]

Fair play mate you’ll be all the better for it

[@angusdesire]

Legendary Sparks lead guitarist Adrian Fisher died an alcoholic in Thailand back in 2001. He played on Kimono My House and Propaganda, Sparks' two greatest albums. That searing blues lead in 'Thank God it's not Christmas' always makes me sad and melancholic.

[@pigedehekkan]

Addiction is always a tragedy no matter where it is and what it is. I know people with gambling and drug addictions, and some of them have ruined their lives. Had a fantastic buddy in Bangkok that wasn't really an addict, but loved to party and used too much at one occasion and unfortunately he didn't make it.

[@ThairishTimes]

terribly sad. RIP

[@Photojouralist123]

Great video Pete, I always watch your video's to the end. Your content really connects as I have known many farangs that fall into that trap. Thanks

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks John I appreciate the support. It’s a topic not often discussed

[@jamesabroad8589]

Great vlog Pete, know many who've had issues including myself. Still in love with your sony.😁😁

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks James, it sure is common over here. Sony is still going strong

[@nunebkk4929]

Loving the talk and walk , my lovely hubby 🤌🏽🍀💚 😉😉

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Wifey

[@GlobalDrifter1000]

I have taken 100 mg per day for chronic pain. Never been high, never wanted more.

[@humanconnectionflores]

I visited Thailand in February ,it was really nice.but when I encounter some foreigners one think I notice,was sadness .you could see on their faces.hope they can get the help they need.

[@ThairishTimes]

Yep there are a plenty of sad stories here but lots of happy ones too

[@trevoraindow2440]

Great video with good info. Been saying pretty much the same myself about adiction and the effects people go through either end of such... also the way we all differ and what the future beholds.

[@ThairishTimes]

thanks Trevor

[@ian-wu2bb]

Your being realistic telling the truth. The main problem is us whities going there and feeling like millionairs. The men feel power they are quickly brought to their knees . A good friend of mine who had 2 london taxi licences and a good home lost it all in Thailand.

[@replicas11]

The only way to make a small fortune in Thailand is to arrive there with a big one.

[@ian-wu2bb]

@@replicas11 LMAO AT THAT! I agree I just carnt see how you can make a fortune unless your working for a foreign company but what do I know. Easy for me to say in the comfort of my lounge chair.

[@robertfrancis3141]

Well you hit your 10k. Next stop 15k. Good vid. Addiction sucks. Going thru my own struggle with booze right now. You said it right. A social drinker and then something bad happens in your life and it’s easy to turn to alcohol for that temporary relief. Always just makes it worse afterward. I need to get it in order before I move over there.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate, i’m delighted we hit 10k. I wish you the best of luck quitting the booze🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@tenpole41]

Addiction is like depression it sneaks up on you. Grief is the same. You dont realise until you are up to your neck. People dont talk anymore they see it as a sign of weakness. Facebook etc doesnt help watching people living such perfect lives.

[@ThairishTimes]

Yep social media doesn’t help but a lot of it is just fake

[@ThePeacePlant]

Nobody has their shit straight at all dude. Nobody on this Earth has a perfect life, we are constantly learning and growing as humans and to grow means you lived lower than before you grew and changed. Always remember that buddy.

[@sidborirak3326]

Fantastic Thailand content. Thank you so much.

[@ThairishTimes]

You’re very welcome Sid

[@TWCH]

I could hear Celine Dion singing "My Heart Will Go On" when you were on the bow of the boat. Nice video:)

[@ThairishTimes]

hehe it had to be done

[@TWCH]

@@ThairishTimes Hey, came back to read the comments on this one and saw you hit 10K. Well done!

[@faithzzzzzzz]

I do enjoy your channel. Happy, real and informative. keep it up!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Ben

[@matt-eq6ms]

I have had a on off valium addiction starting in Asia ten years back mixing it with alcohol . Wish I never tried prescription drugs . First started taking them on over night trains and buses with other backpackers loved the feeling of being wavy for weeks on end ,maybe to much !!! I can tell you now the withdrawals are brutal mini seizures , bounce back anxiety ,heart palpitations, sleepless nights , depression, complete blackouts trembles, the list goes on . You very quickly start not seeing the beauty of the wonderful place of Asia. Believe me I have seen hundreds of lost souls!!!! On a brighter note back to thailand in December for a month with my partner and our new born but this time to hit the fitness gyms . Fantastic blogs I will be subscribing x

[@mobpsy1526]

As you mentioned in another video, it is key to have a project/goal/mission when you are in Thailand. Maybe no other place on earth, that can fill emptiness with pure hedonism like thailand.

[@ThairishTimes]

This is so true. I agree 100% and this is why I do YT

[@keithpetch8196]

Good talk bro people need to hear that . I have been coming to Thailand since 1980 I live in Nong Song Hong north Thailand . I have seen so many get lost In what you have talked about and ruin their lives and others close to them . I watch you every now and then but this talk made me subscribe great work.

[@tg213]

remember the old line the Irish would have conquered the world but for Irish whiskey. lived in Thailand during the end of the Vietnam war. drugs were widely available and inexpensive. the us military had started random drug tests. it was called operation golden flow. they painted feet on the floor where you’d stand and had you urinate. in front of a bored sergeant. kept us out of trouble. how can i communicate to you in a more discreet way than public comments? great job on your channel. tim

[@ThairishTimes]

here’s my email Tim [e-mail] sounds like you’ve got some stories

[@matthewgreen9062]

Good video , you speak a lot of sense 👍

[@yanoftheworld]

Nice one Pete, some wise words there. Some great shots as well, colours were popping!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate☺️☺️

[@rickoleary9975]

Very wise commentary about addiction and its manifestations in Bangkok. This is a good presentation.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Rick

[@agentm83]

I recently had surgery here in Canada. They sent me home from the hospital with a Tramadol prescription. I stopped taking it pretty early on because I didn't like how spaced out it made me, very potent stuff.

[@theasianjaywalker4455]

I liked it when I was sent home with a prescription because it did NOT space me out, not at all and I felt less 'spaced out' than on Advils or that horrifying Oxycontin thing that definitely made me trip balls to space. Tramadol, by comparison was as if I just felt less pain but was totally sober-minded, physically felt good, energy, good dexterity, balance etc. I don't know that it's very potent and it actually is, deliberately made 'less potent' which (so the doc told me) it has certain molecular modifications so its literally, physically less potent on the human brain. hence a 'pseudo-opiate', NOT a 'full opiate' if you will.

[@illwitness]

Broke my leg 18 months ago and was on it for a while. I absolutely loved how it made me feel but was aware just how addictive it is. Could slowly feel it latching on me and I knew I had to cut it off. Dangerous stuff!

[@theasianjaywalker4455]

@@illwitness If you really believe that then you have already informed your health system that YOU are very dangerous to yourself if given pain relievers as you latch onto the feelings it gives you. So that YOU don't get pain medication and can suffer through the pain while 99% of the others who don't have your addiction weakness can use them and not suffer in pain nor anything else after the broken bones heal and they go back to normal lives. I mean, you got to have that benefit but be sure to notify your doctor you can't handle pain meds and in any future chronic pain you don't want relief and will suffer through it without meds. Right? You did report yourself and your danger to yourself yes?

[@illwitness]

@@theasianjaywalker4455 Jay,..take it easy yeah? Relax! I’m not addicted I’m not prostituting my self or robbing anyone. I just simply said I liked how it made me feel and I stopped. Easy!

[@theasianjaywalker4455]

@@illwitness calm down, I'm not accusing you of anything. I just said some thing about some things you described about yourself. You stopped after you healed up. Soo... used as prescribed it helped you and then you simply stopped taking them. Hmm so you... simply didn't take them anymore. That's all.

[@bengullett6055]

Very good video mate nice one 👍👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Ben

[@niallwatts789]

Yep. The availability of valium and Xanax can fast lead to addiction. Many people have no idea not only how addictive they can be, but the unimaginable nightmare that is benzo withdrawal upon trying to stop but physically dependant.

[@squattilupuke2435]

Are they actually legal ?

[@niallwatts789]

@@squattilupuke2435 No they are prescription only but there are still places that will sell them.

[@creamydistortion]

@@squattilupuke2435 They are legal in Laos and Cambodia... In Thailand you can get a legitimate prescription, and the doctors tend to be much more respectful - it's not like the West, where patients are treated like criminals.

[@ThePeacePlant]

@@creamydistortion Fantastic! Because I plan to party a bit when I go there, but I have never really liked alcohol that much and always prefered other methods to get high, usually Marijuana since i don't want to get addicted and physically dependent to hard drugs and prescriptions, but I am not going to go looking for that in Thailand because I don't want to end up in jail

[@ThePeacePlant]

@@creamydistortion If I wanted to get a prescription for something specific, say Xanax or Pain Pills, do I just ask the doctor for it when I go to see one?? How do I go about getting a prescription for it??

[@SeanClarke]

Great tour of Bangkok. I've lived here for 14 years and love it.

[@ThairishTimes]

It’s a fantastic city. That’s for sure

[@GalwayBluebird]

Another great topic Pete, of the many years I have been here I have seen many Farang completely lose the run of themselves. It's very tragic because here, there is no kind of control of a lot of things the sense of freedom can be very overwhelming for some. Funny you should say you lived in Rachada that is exactly where I have moved to myself! Hope to catch ya for a beer soon, keep up the good work.

[@ThairishTimes]

Nice one mate it’s a great area

[@Kuvaer]

i am 58 never drink alcohol only smoke

[@barrydwyer2039]

Good vlog Pete, How ever I would like to make a simple point not every foreigner that congregates on Beach road in Pattaya or Jomtien are alcoholics. Some expats use the steps and monuments as meeting places to meet and chat to other expats or long stayers and also chat to some of the working girls without any hassle or having to buy their wares. I have have often bought a couple of beers from the 7/11 and sat down watching the world go by or looking at the sunset or chatting to like minded people or even having a laugh with the girls and even buying them the occaisional drink. I have done this to just relax and chillout. In the bars you are sometimes pressured to drink more because you're not drinking either quick enough or enough and the music is so loud you can't even think straight. You also have the hassle of girls looking for ladydrinks. The bars just want you to spend money and I fully understand that, but if you take your time or don't buy ladydrinks then you're either classed as a cheap charlie or a monger. You can usually tell the alkies by their attitude or mode of dress beachside. So with that being said, I do agree with most of your points on addiction. Cheers Barry.

[@ThairishTimes]

Fair point Barry, certainly not all the people there are homeless

[@icedteagames]

I think anything you do more than you should is an addiction. Eating, gambling, drinking etc…. You can most things (except heroine) as long as you can control it.

[@ThePeacePlant]

Very correct, I tried heroin a good amount of times, but I would never do it for more than 2-3 days at a time, because you get tiny little withdrawals just from that time, it's mainly just sweating a bit, it's nothing major really but yes it's very addictive!

[@christianhilburger5026]

Thanks for the Video. Like to add that Thailand has a big 12-Step fellowship. For anyone struggling with addition they are easy to find online (NA; AA; etc.).

[@ThaiGuyKerry]

What happened to a map of your connections? I thought you would show us where to get the good stuff.

[@seamusdoherty]

Great video and I just subscribed I'm eager to return to Thailand for a holiday but I'm not setting foot in another country until every covid restriction is gone.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Seamus, best of luck hopefully covid is gone sooner rather than later

[@mfmf100]

Nice vid. It looks hot watching you! My understanding is that one of the greatest dangers of opioids is tolerances which can build quickly and high, even compared to other substances.

[@ThairishTimes]

Super hot that day 😩

[@ivanjarlov1798]

Well done brother. Great to watch and learn. I really appreciate what you do.

[@darrenabrahams3949]

Thai people are simply so accepting non judge mental and nonchalant, that people with addictive patterns and behaviour can simply slip right into life there without the backlash and normal harsh judgement given if seen in public in the western world. This is both a good and a bad thing. Too easy to go unnoticed there. This can be a real trap. Great work pete. I recently discovered your channel, and am most impressed with it.

[@ThairishTimes]

This is so true Darren. 100% agree with this. Glad you like the channel

[@ThePeacePlant]

Wow, I can't wait to go now. Never been to Thailand but I plan to go in in a few months to a year or so, but I had no clue Thai people were so non judgemental. I wish i can go now!

[@ThePeacePlant]

I am still young so I have plenty of time to see how my life turns out, but if I end up single, I know where I am retiring

[@carllosangeles9586]

I got clean in Thailand nearly 10 years ago back in the chiang mai rehab days. Many didn't though and died.