Surviving in Thailand Part 3: LIES THAT FARANGS TELL YOU

[@Rumpole1000]

This is my new favourite channel. This guy is a terrific narrator and a natural in front of the camera. Brilliant editing and camera work. Professional standard production.

[@r.d3227]

Agreed

[@jowo2007]

Hello Bangkok Pat...I enjoy your vlogs very much. I have been living here in Bangkok since 1993, having first visited in 1975! I thoroughly confirm all of of your points regarding Farangs. I have met nothing but courtesy from all of the Thais I have met. This is a country of beautiful people and I have loved all of my time here. John

[@edgar9651]

Nothing but courtesy? Did nobody in Thailand (Thai and foreigners) ever try to scam you in small or large? How often did people ask you to borrow money and how often did you get it back? There are lots of scammers out there - and lots of nice people.

[@wetluv4]

@@edgar9651 I've never been scammed in Thailand. If you have been scammed anywhere, it's probably due to your stupidity and gullibility.

[@sernik_z_rodzynkami]

@@wetluv4 all your perspectives are correct, it's just not possible to live through many lives at once. Even in countries like Switzerland or Hong Kong you still can meet some scammers. I see a lot of shaming of people who fallen victim to scams, even from the author of this channel - "you just met wrong Thai, bro. Maybe it's smth about you that attracts them?" Of course it is - it's called weakness and that is what scammers are looking for. Just learn your lesson and be more careful next time. You are not a bad person if you got scammed - the scammers is. Also don't get too excited about your awesomeness and "street smart" if you never had problems. My argument works both ways - you're not evil if you got scammed, and you're not automatically a saint if you managed to avoid it.

[@tommyofrichmond]

@@edgar9651 i get scam all the time cause I have money. I give it away hopefully never to see it again. That is how I see loaning out money to Thai people y. Just take it, don't expect it to return.Then you will be fine with friendly Thai people. I don't like to be scammed, so watch this video and learn. I have been going to Thailand since the 70's. It was much better back then.. a lot of respect, even to the tourist. We westernized them for the better or worst.

[@edgar9651]

@@wetluv4 my question was if nobody ever tried to scam you. Tried! There are lots of scammers here. Until now they didn't scam me. But it is sad that they exist and scam anybody - sometime even not so stupid people.

[@addisonwilliamsjr4450]

I love Thailand. Period. I am nearing end of life and I need all the smiles I can get. I avoid stress with a passion, and I have a beautiful Thai lady that I love and who loves me. I will live in Jomtien when I am able to return to Thailand (medical issues) and spend my time riding my bike everywhere and exploring every road and path we can find! I worked hard all my life - what a relaxing and wonderful way to spend my reward!

[@BangkokPat]

Good to hear that Addison.

[@CastorRabbit]

We live tragic, brief, fleeting lives. Who doesn't love smiles? Who doesn't want to avoid stress? Of course a good Thai girl could make this things more palatable.

[@skinmeister1]

Thanks for your awesome videos, Pat. You are really putting out some quality content. The hubby and I are enjoying them quite a bit. We are planning to retire to Thailand within a few years …have been visiting SEAsia annually over the last 12+ years, and are learning interesting aspects about this fabulous country from you, thank you!

[@martypoll]

When I went to Thai language school I met a British guy who wasn’t a millionaire but he claimed to build houses for millionaires in Beverly Hills, California. He was asking me for money by the end of the year. And just a couple of weeks ago I was verbally sparing with a guy (over Covid) who says he works for the US State Department and subtly intimated that he worked in Intelligence. The stories still live even today.

[@BangkokPat]

Thailand the hub of real characters eh!

[@lyradm1]

There are many 'legends in their own minds' there. Best to stay away from Farang bar flies. Enjoy the rest of Thailand.

[@dukegates3077]

Some even claim to be in the military, and demanding respect. Yet didn’t even the military discipline

[@franciscusnuyts627]

You made up these stories yourself 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jjsamuelgunn1136]

Reading the numerous similar comments here I realize that one of the reason these farangs move to Thailand is because they were basically nobodies back in their own countries and wanted to be a somebody in Thailand.

[@mattmackane]

When I first arrived in Thailand in 2003, I met a American expat who had been in Thailand since 1978. I asked him if he had any tips for me and he replied: "Yes. This is very important so listen closely: have nothing to do with the Thais." Twenty years later I still laugh when I think about it.

[@christianpatton9364]

In general I’m more wary of other foreigners in Thailand than I am of the Thais. Having said that I think that the reputation of Thailand as a place of scams / danger is massively over hyped , just use common sense. Other stories about foreign cities I regard as myths are the rudeness of Parisians and New Yorkers , I’ve found people in both city’s very friendly and helpful to tourists. One of my favourite sayings is “ wherever you are is wherever you are!.” In other words you take your behaviours and their consequences with you wherever you go.

[@Greysonsgrandma]

I totally agree with you Christian I’ve been to New York I’m Canadian I’ve been to the southern US where they’re normally from what we’ve heard up in Canada very rude to coloured people I am indigenous female so aboriginal Indian whatever you wanna call me and I have never been treated rudely or felt somebody was being mean to me because of my colour ever I think you make your own problems a lot of the time especially if you’re the one walking around with attitude you’re going to get it back and as soon as you start acting like an ass shit happens

[@mickbotcast]

People will flock at the smell of money and that including a total scu_ kind of person. which is kinda hurt... I'm Thai myself and I feel a lot of pain and shame knowing those people target tourist in the popular spot.

[@baconoverflow4384]

The only time someone has tried scamming me in the short amount of time that I've lived here was a guy from England. He had a long story about how he needed 2000 baht to get home and that staff at the check-in counter were being horrible to him over a missed flight. This was at Suvarnabhumi Airport in the drop-off area outside. I didn't believe it and made my way into the airport, and as soon as I did, a Thai airport employee walked up to me and told me that he's trying to trick me, that multiple people have "helped" him already, and that he's a regular there... So yes, I trust Thai's more than farangs.

[@icedteagames]

@@baconoverflow4384 I can’t say that I trust any of these groups more. There are plenty of Thais that will scam you and plenty farangs. If they need money both will try to scam you. Several times a Thai jewelry place tried to scam me.

[@GypsyVictorious]

I left my bag with my laptop visibly sticking out in Times Square 🤦🏾‍♀️. When I ran back 10 minutes later, a guy waved me down and had been holding it, hoping I'd realize it was gone and come back. Kindest thing that has ever happened to me lol

[@gerd77]

Hi Pat I watched the video with great interest - my respect for that! I was in Thailand for the first time in 1996 and from then on I was so in love with this country that I was here several times for a few weeks in the following years. In 2008 I packed my things, quit my job and sold my house in Germany and immigrated to Thailand with my daughter and my Thai wife. My wife has never been involved in the bar scene, has never drunk alcohol and has never smoked in her life. I was lucky!!! I was fully integrated by all members of her family. I never felt like anyone here considered me rich and I was never taken advantage of. With the word "farang" I had some trouble finding the reason for it at first. But ok, if I see an Asian person in Europe, I would also call him that. When I lived here, I quickly noticed that there are many of my compatriots here who meet regularly for beer etc. It's never been my thing - I live here because I want to live among Thai people and I'm very comfortable with that. Many of my acquaintances or family members call me uncle or (now) grandpa. In the beginning it was a matter of course for me to learn the language, not only to realize whether I was being cheated on or taken advantage of, but because it is easier to socialize through the common language. In short, I find my way around here very well and enjoy the certainly healthier diet here. Of course I also see overweight young children being stuffed with donuts and other fast food by their parents - but that's not my problem. I like to cook myself and if I want to eat something from my past life, you can buy all the ingredients and spices to cook it here. But for me there are also things here in Thailand like politics, monarchy or mafia structures that I worry about. Corruption is a cancer of our time! Likewise, the inequality before the law and the dual price system. Thinking about it and having your opinion on it is one thing, but as a guest in a foreign country I have voluntarily chosen, it is not my place to criticize it! Thank you very much Pat for your great work Greetings from Sattahip - Gerd 🌈🍀💖🌴🌈

[@chiangmaichiangmai1856]

Gerd 👍 .. "as a guest in a foreign country I have voluntarily chosen, it is not my place to criticize it!" totally agree!!!

[@tommyofrichmond]

Yep, that is their political stuff, as long as it doesn't effect you, carpe diem

[@garywalling4341]

@@tommyofrichmond Ok my friend, do you look Asian or are you caucasian? Or, just very thick skinned?

[@michaeljcarneyjr.6187]

Thais need to use the classifier for people (KHON), so a Thai would say Khon Farang in polite conversation, farang by itself means guava, the fruit. The classifier Khon would be used with qany natinality Khon American etc.. However in most conversations you rarely hear the classifer used

[@gerd77]

@@michaeljcarneyjr.6187 That's how I see it too - now they call me uncle or grandpa, which gives me a good feeling

[@julianmoore3091]

Pat first came to Thailand 40 years ago and been married to my Thai wife for 39 years.Things changed with the rise of the Thai middle class, back in the early days there were only two classes, rich or poor so Falangs were to most Thai rich. We have a great life living in both the UK and Thailand 6 months of the year in each country. You are right about the word Farang it just meant a person of non Thai birth, but the meaning was change in the last couple of years by minister Anutin in a number of posts to mean a dirty white person from Europe, Scandinavia, the UK, the USA or Australia. Thais are among the most friendly people anywhere, but like all countries, there are some who will try to rip you off, taxis in Phuket being a prime example. One thing that does annoy me is the dual pricing actively encourage by the Thai government, now if it happens I just walk away. To finish once to make a Thai friend you have a friend for life.

[@icedteagames]

Great comment, I think some of the advise was accurate 20 to 30 years ago but things have changed.

[@mickewestin56]

L

[@kavorkaa]

Pat married your wife? I think maybe there is a comma missing there?

[@dmbrod]

Pat in my 20 plus years in Thailand I can agree/relate to a lot of what you say here.However, I do believe some Thai males need to be treated with a degree of caution as westerners can easily misread them when interacting.Face is a big issue in Thailand and all that goes with their implied hierarchies/status etc.This cultural prism of face/hierarchy/status is something 'us' Farang are often blind to but is a major part of the Thai male sensitivities. It is important to act and say the right thing when dealing with such people. Just something I've learnt to be aware of over the years.

[@snuscaboose1942]

Spot on, even for professional females, face/hierarchy/status is a major issue. It's an illogical and easily corrupted system but it is what it is and you ain't changing it.

[@senianns9522]

I managed a production factory here in Thailand. Yes there is a 'strata' of 'who's who in the zoo'. But I did find that respect was the key! Respect to all levels of workforce! The Thai hates being told by foreigners what to do but---if you are paying their salaries and projecting a long tenure at the company?? ho ho, it can work!

[@maratonlegendelenemirei3352]

When you say 'thai males' do you mean the ones who like to dress up in women clothing?

[@scottphillips8117]

I live here, be extremely careful about making new friends quickly just because you are lonely. Not just because they are mostly losers who moved here to escape something at home. If you hang out in bars you'll meet all kinds of losers who are nothing more than prostitution enthusiasts. The lesson, don't hang out in bars, and be careful who you are friends with.

[@slybrethren3252]

ya you're not judgmental at all eh

[@tallndorky]

@@slybrethren3252 What's wrong with being judgmental/selective about people whom you spend your time with?

[@slybrethren3252]

@@tallndorky its a personal opinion that someone is a loser because they hang out in a bar. who is anyone to judge how another lives ? the things they chose to occupy their time with. just because you may think its a loser activity doesnt make it so. its loser to judge others like that just because you see life differently. it's funny how so many others can say....o its mostly losers in thailand....just not you right ? hahaha

[@mikeschultz817]

@@slybrethren3252 Maybe, he is. However, he's also quite right about that. 21 years of experience in TH have basically taught me the same.

[@slybrethren3252]

@@mikeschultz817 so statistically speaking then between you and him..... one of you is a loser then right ? :)

[@internationalfranchisealli5547]

Out of all the KZbinrs your channel is way above the rest. Best of all. No doubt about it

[@nickbrock1599]

Hi Pat, just found you vlog and really enjoyed it, couldn't agree more with all your points. I've been coming to Thailand since 2013, twice a year and can't believe the nagativity of some expats about the country they have the privilege of living in... if you don't like it go back home. During the political problems in Jan 2014, I was stabbed twice for accidentally walking into into a yellow shirt rally in Asoke wearing a Red shirt. I was left in the gutter unconscious and found by a bar girl from Nana on her way home. She got an ambulance to get me to Hospital and I came around two days later and was flown home but first found out what bar she worked in and her name, Pui. I went back out 6 months later and went to the Golden Bar in Nana ( now a hooters) and asked after her. She came in that afternoon. She recognised me straight away and after thanking her and showing her my scars I gave her 50,000 baht. I got to know her better over the week I was in Bangkok, took her and her friends for dinner a few times and adopted her as my little sister (nong sow). Like a lot of Bar girls she worked in Bangkok and sent most of her money up north to her parents who were looking after her 2 kids (now my niece and nephew). Anyway I asked her what her dreams were and she said she wanted to go to university and work in a bank. She saved my life so I changed hers and paid for her to go to University and her expenses while there. Anyway, fast forward 8 years, Pui is now an Area Bank Manager in Chang Rai, owns her own house and her kids live with her and go to a great school. I am really proud of what she has achieved. I am great friends with her two brothers and they're mates, not every Thai man hates Ferrangs and they do get the beers in (although I get more lol) Her Cousin Apinya has been my girlfriend for the last 5 years On a side note, I took my son to the land of smiles in 2017, he met a "Good Thai Girl" whose parents are dentists and was sent to the USA for University so speaks Perfect English. She is Director of Imports for Porche Thailand. She taught him Thai so my little boy can now Speak, read and Write Thai perfectly. He qualified as a Criminal Psychiatrist last year (My sons a fucking Dr....Proud Dad) he emigrated and landed a job with the British Embassy in Bangkok looking after the mental health of Expats on long term sentences and holiday makers who find themselves in the shit. I can't wait to retire and join them all Cheers

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks for the moving story Nick, you were very lucky to be saved by an angel. 2014 was a terrible year, a year that I'm glad to say I wasn't in the country. Many positives are overlooked by the haters of this country because it doesn't fit their narrative! Life can hang by a thread as you know, and you learn to value it and be grateful when you have an experience like that. I have epilepsy from a bike accident in 2003, a small price to pay for my stupidity and it could have been a lot worse. Great that you were able to change her life, she deserves it and niice to hear it led to a chain reaction of events that resulted in you and your son's good fortunes. May your retirement be very happy mate.

[@CKxperience]

😂

[@Mozzermarr10]

Having been in Asia for 20 years I can say that people who complain about Thailand never lived in Korea. Great content mate, as always.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks mate, never been to Korea yet.

[@burachaisonthayanon4113]

Hi. Thanks for elucidating the wrong myths few disgruntled expats might have on Thai people. Three or four decades ago, after the Vietnam wars, a number of them might have encountered some bad circles of local people. Nowadays, with hundreds of thousands Thai have studied abroad, millions got their college degrees, and millions have toured overseas, Thais have been more familiarized with international people. As mostly Buddhists, we are generally more positive to others, including visitors from overseas. For new coming expats, I hope you find new good Thai friends here and would consider Thailand your another home.

[@LearnThaiRapidMethod]

Haha, funny. A small point. It helps to pronounce the words correctly. For instance, “farang” rhymes with “fun-rung” (so “fu-rung”, not “ferang”). * I found that the main reason why most expats have such a jaded view about Thailand and Thai people is because they live in an “expat bubble”, mixing only with other expats or English-speaking Thais (many of whom only communicate on a very rudimentary level). The main reason why I’m so evangelical about learning Thai is precisely because it allows us to see and participate in the “real” Thailand. It also allows you to have deeper connections with Thai people, put yourself in their shoes and understand what Thai life (and who you are) from their perspective. :) * Update: “Farang” originally comes from the Persian word to refer to the "Francs" (the Germanic people ruling most of Western Europe at the time. But I'm guessing that the first Westerners that the Thais met were the French traders or missionaries coming down from “Indochine”… ("farançais", with the nasal N that becomes "ng" in Thai) and the name stuck! :) ** yes, it’s true that Thais can’t make out what we’re saying - in Thai. The way Thai is taught at most schools or text books is wrong. You end up speaking in a singsongy “farang” dialect that is very difficult to make out. Anyone who is reading this, PLEASE learn to read first, then you should know exactly how to pronounce the words correctly. Avoid transliterations like it’s Kryptonite! And don’t think of the tones as musical: they’re not. Thai tones are the same as English tones, asking a question, expressing skepticism, being emphatic. Many tones in Thai are monotone, and these are the hardest for English speakers because we rarely speak in a monotone, so when we try to pronounce a “monotone” word, we instinctively inflect the sound and end up saying something completely different. (E.g. How much is pronounce “tao!” emphatically followed by “rai” said in a sad, monotonous voice. Because we’re asking a question, we would naturally say “taorai?” And that means “which turtle? LOLLLLL)

[@impsire]

My guess is you had to pluck up your courage to do this one for fear of losing a segment of your followers. It isn’t a subject many KZbinrs are willing to take on because of its controversial and potentially divisive nature. Hats off to you for doing so and for making your opinion (and mine) heard in no uncertain terms.

[@markholroyde9412]

Grow up you fkn Muppet, its called reality...you must have been born after 1990....snowflake

[@TheMattozzie]

I've been in Bangkok for 3 months so far and all I can say is I have nothing but respect for Thai people, they have been nothing but warming and welcoming for me since I got off the plane.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

Fun video Pat. The idea that Thais pretent not to understand our Thai is a funny one. Once you realize how important tone is you quickly realize how easy it is to mess up a word. lol

[@mvnorsel6354]

I find the Thais much more accommodating with foreigners speaking Thai than the Chinese, they are hard task masters. Still its always good to try.

[@thomastessier4529]

Nice info and new people that come here need to be aware and stay clear of many of the guys you so accurately describe. I have heard some of the stories you mention and have experienced quite a bit in and around the bars when Washing Square was active, sure do miss that place, it was a lot of fun. And I think having the top floor with new bars with the old names is a great idea. Been here 10-years now, married a Thai lady and love living in Sisaket.

[@CaptainKremmen]

The taxi meter issue depends on where you are. In Bangkok, taxis are great and use meters. In Koh Samui or Phuket, taxi drivers have a fee that they have conspired to charge, which could be 5 times what you'd be charged in Bangkok, or even more.

[@BangkokPat]

That's a shocking reality, having to pay those fares when you're used to Bangkok fares

[@CaptainKremmen]

@@BangkokPat I was once in a small town in Phuket. The cab drivers all sat around under an awning. A board listed fares. I asked if anyone would take me for 100 baht less and (to my surprise honestly) one of them did. 500 baht rather than 600 for a 20 min trip.

[@thebangkokconnection4080]

There is a telephone number in Thailand to report rip off taxi drivers. As I usually tip the good ones and use a hisband of my wifes froends taxi I dont pay the crazy fees to go from BKK to Korat with a huge amount of luggage snd goods. If you find a taxi driver you trust get a business card from him, most will accept you as a private, off the meter, customer.

[@franciscusnuyts627]

Come to Amsterdam

[@siameseworld]

The word Farang is not an offensive word. It has a proper meaning, unlike Ch*nk and the likes in English. Farang is shortened from Farangsade, which in turn derived from Français(e). And yes, it means French and France. If you've learned thai phonetic system you would know how Français ended up as Farangsade in Thai pronunciation. The French were among the first, if not "the first", European to set foot in Thailand (then Siam) during the Ayuthya era. Long story short, the relationship between the 2 nations flourished which resulted in more presence of French in Siam. Therefore, Thais (or rather Siamese) called Caucasians collectively as French. This principle probably also applies to some western societies where they refer to all East Asian collectively as Chinese and South Asian as Indian etc. Therefore, the word Farang is merely a reference point to describe someone of Caucasian heritage. But of course it can be used as a discriminatory term, depending on the contexts. Btw, I'm just a Thai commoner living in the UK for almost 20 years. I can vouch that the Thais back in the 90s and perhaps early 2000s believed that most Farangs were rich. But then the rise of backpackers at Khaosan Rd started to shed some lights that not all Farangs are such wealthy. The fact that the foreigner community in Thailand is somewhat to watch out, the same can be said for the Thai communities overseas, particularly here in the UK and much worse in L.A. Hence, after all these years I've chosen to integrate into the British society but still maintain my Thai heritage on my own without hanging out with those folks.

[@pmorez]

in a similar way, the nickname "Pon" derives from the English word "Appel"

[@antoinepellegrinelli990]

Nice, you are the first one who says that Farang comes from french ! Louis XIV sent an ambassador to king of Siam at the end of XVII century. Français -> farang set -> farang. And barang in Cambodia. farang is not an insult. Farang set is not an insult. Set farang IS an insult.

[@robertkimmins4004]

Okay - lived here 31 years - came here 4 years before that. I agree with most of what you say, however, I think girls outside the bar scene are still much shyer than those in it, but agree they're not all virgins. I enjoyed teaching one on one conversation lessons with some of the most beautiful girls I'd ever seen. And lastly, I was called a farang kee nok by a ten year-old in a Chiang Mai market.

[@icedteagames]

I agree, 20 years ago their culture was not to have sex unless they would marry him. But I’m sure that changed over the years

[@thomasauslander3757]

There are plenty of " Hourly short time hotels " you know where there's a curtain for the vehicles " definitely not catering for forigners..

[@adamhend3211]

Yeah so true Pat, I've met my share of dodgy foreigners when I have been out and about in the places where they hangout. My daughter and I met an American man in a sports bar when we stopped there to have some lunch one day. My daughter was only 14 at the time and she saw straight through his bullshit and called him out on it. I was so proud of her and we laughed about it for days. I've also had dodgy foreigners having the temerity to ask me for money, I have no problem saying no after 3 decades of working in prisons.

[@stuartmccreadie8258]

Nice chat. Point about the millionaire concept insofar as from the Thai perspective most of us residing here are required to have 800,000 Baht deposited or the equivalent of that in pensionable sums. From the average Thai's point of view you are seen as wealthy in fact a millionaire. The average Thai employed including tourism, farming, even the police have an income of about 180,000 PA where 70,000 Baht pension is four times greater. Most of these ex-pats have their own houses and apartments that run into millions consequently they are financially in a different league. Of course it is not helped by the fact that many around the bars in particular brag of their financial status. One guy bragged to me and my very wealthy pal from London stating unprompted he was worth £13-mil but refused to pay a dancer, with the bar fine, 7,000 Baht. My maths is pretty good and sarcastically I told him that was exorbitant as that would only leave him with 571,993,000 Baht! It never sunk in so we excused ourselves and left him.

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Thanks for another very informative lesson. Thx for your great work !!!

[@jimcraiggeezer]

Hello Pat, another interesting vlog... You are definitely doing a good job with your content.. mixing it up etc.. I've been coming to Thailand/SE Asia for over 20 years now and I am married to a lovely Lana lady so I have a fair bit of experience..when I first came to Thailand in the early 90s I was a young naive fella and did and made the usual mistakes..met weird and wonderful people all over the area .. I find that if you hang around in the bar scene then generally that you are going to be rub shoulders with some strange people.. interesting but, not to be fully trusted..tbh I've met the weirdest people in Cambodia which seems to be a haven nowadays for the depraved.. I think you just need to use your common sense in Life when meeting new people no matter where you are.. in general if you are a good person then you will recognise other good people... Take your time and it will happen..if you live in a country then don't look for friends in the red light areas ...imho. Thanks.

[@pbs1982]

I started teaching in Thailand because I enjoy teaching. I had to quit in less than a month because it was terrible. People definitely rolled their eyes when I said I was here to teach because I loved teaching.

[@noeljr.7724]

I have been here going on 7 years now and I have never had the desire to seek out other foreigners. I feel I could do that back home so why travel all this way to meet people from home? The foreigners that I have ended up speaking to, I find they only want to tell their story and how great they are/were along with the heroic stories about how they came face to face with the most poisonous snakes and how they tear up the roads on their motorcycles etc. However, I find they never once ask "and how about you? What do you do?". Maybe they'd be afraid you'd overshadow them or something. I don't know. Alot of them have the general idea that you can pay off any policeman, not true, and you will be fined for just about anything because you are a foreigner. I've heard "It's their word against yours and who do you think is going to win?". Pure BS. As I said, I have been here going on 7 years now and not once have I had any problems with police or any kind of law enforcement or anyone at all really. I have many Thai friends and a very easy life here. I feel at home here and safe. I know many people around my area and they are genuine people without ulterior motives as some foreigners would have you believe. I actually had a friend who was out here for 3 years before I got here and he's now back home but he still thinks he's the go to guy for everything Thailand. He knows where all the good bars and good girls are. He knows how to avoid getting "the bug" which is apparently something you get when Thailand gets inside you and you can't face going home. I could go on but you get the idea.

[@gndcregor]

Worked for ECC Thailand Supan Mai for 3 yrs in 1996. Best days and beautiful memories. Didn't hang out with foreigners only native Thai. I was treated with honor and respect and love. I have a million memories full of funny situations and wonderful experiences. It was a perfect moment in my life which I look back on with intense pleasure.

[@louisbecke2348]

I've living 18 years in the Philippines. When I first got here in 2004 a know it all old timer give me advice it was 25 hours a day 7 days a week someone somewhere is trying to figure out how to get your money. How racist I thought but later I found it was really true. More than that everyone knows when you get paid and shows up with either wanting a hand out or business venture. Of course many expats are worse from trying to sell you a cure for cancer to investing in their ridiculous business venture. My advice I give is your best friend is the word no.

[@Few_politicians_run_your_life]

Hey even me Thai living in the US I got to watch myself whenever I visit Thailand. Thai change I think life is harder than 30 years ago. I think it happen everwhere in the world. When you hang out in the bar it hard to find good people but some time I do find good people they just want to kick back and relax.

[@sydysydy]

Rule #1: Stay away from other expats Rule #2: Live far away from Sukhumvit Rule #3: Don't wear beach attire in the City Rule #4: Date people with actual real jobs Rule #5: Speak quietly in public places

[@kentandrews850]

But you can wear your pajamas in Central Plaza Mall 5555

[@markwick7898]

Rule 4 is a must

[@icedteagames]

Stay away from Expats chasing bar girls, other expect might be ok

[@markwick7898]

@@icedteagames yes it will not end well , let’s be 100 percent honest The best of the best don’t end up in Pattaya in real numbers

[@rosswoolley2854]

Rule #6 Kick a street pole and let it swell up, hobble into a hospital and find a nurse to marry. Nice little country town will do!

[@Val_kyriee]

Farang is a persian word that is used to refer to caucasians in general. There are variations of the word depending on the country. For example, in India, white people were/are called Firang/Firangi. It is usually not derogatory but it always depends on the context and in the way the word is uttered.

[@RyanLeeTVThailand]

I listened to this video as I was busy (so didn't actually watch it haha) but the points here are absolutely spot on. There are too many negative people living here in Thailand. Those of us fortunate enough to call it our homes need to embrace some if its faults and appreciate the much better quality of life we have over many countries. Top video mate.

[@BangkokPat]

Cheers Ryan, disappointed that you didn't watch and you missed the cat fight in Soi 22!

[@RyanLeeTVThailand]

@@BangkokPat haha. I will be sure to check it out bro.

[@mickbotcast]

Agree, we're not best in everything and have lot of room to improvement but a lot of negative people will start compare us with "rich" nation like USA Europe and Japan while turn their blind eye on negative side of what they're admire. The only way to let them understand that is to let them experience it themselves but their bias and pride will not allow them to do so. They will jump at every negative aspect and retold the story by X10 the negative part while cursed how they're born here along with proclaimed that they didn't hated their homeland when someone point them out. No place is perfect yes... many of us know full well how wacky this place is... but a sign of improvement can be seen regularly which lighten our mood and give us hope for future ( aside from those negative social media ) Thank you again for the positive thought.

[@icedteagames]

There are good farangs to hang out with. Pat, Simon, and soon Peter Thailand Bound. Just don’t hang with the ones who are still chasing bar girls

[@franciscusnuyts627]

@@icedteagames so you caught one already 😂😂😂

[@JettMalone]

the quality of the comments to your videos is refreshing.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Jeff.

[@khanitchr]

I don't know how the idea of "Farang" is an offensive word come from. We've been using this word for hundreds of years, It originally came from "Faranji" an Arabic word use to call the Franks (Francia) since the Portuguese came here in 15th century.

[@molonlabe9602]

Perhaps it's how "Farangs" feel about it...ever think of that? Who gets to decide what is offensive and what is not...the speaker or the receiver? There's lots of words that have been used for decades if not centuries that have been deemed offensive by the targets of those words...and how do other people think they can decide what should or should not be offensive to another person. I'm not concerned with being offended, I'm no snowflake, but many people are quite weak about it.

[@FarangNick]

@@molonlabe9602 @Molon Labe Those ignorant farangs who feel offended by it, is because they make a wrong association in their own language, an association wwhich doesn't exist but they imagine theirselves. If I go listen to Hindi language which I don't speak and just start imagining offense where it doesn't exist, then I am wrong, not the Hindi speakers. You can't just "go into some other language", barely understanding a few words and then make linguistic accusations. A few people who can't speak the language shouldn't have the right to hijack a word and turn it into an offensive meaning which wasn't there to start with. It is not how "farangs" feel about it, but a minority who can't speak the language properly, and then those who believed this fake news.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Ridiculous

[@benrawson007]

Really good Pat, you are a natural storyteller. Alot of these stereotypes I hear 15 years ago "Thais think we are millionaires, taxis don't put the metre on, Thai girls are after your money" etc. If you go to a bar in Pattaya guys are still saying the same rubbish that was said 15 years ago.

[@toknnomad1424]

The "farang debate" has to be one of the dumbest non-issues ever! The first Irish pub where I got meet all of the angry old timers was The Dubliner in Washington square back in 96. Fun place but always taken with a grain of salt. Lucky for me I became friends with a lot of Thai engineers at the factory I was working at and they took me out to Thai areas and I got to enjoy hanging with normal well educated Thais and so my view of BKK/Thailand was not this myopic gogo bar filled world that a lot of the expats I worked with did live in. Lucky for me I started traveling to BKK before social media... the toxicity of it all would just make it unbearable.

[@muayboran6111]

Well, the word for black people gets a lot of americans… obviously it’s not meant to harm, thais have a long history with the portugese.

[@tommyofrichmond]

Dubliner was the first bar I went to in Thailand in the 80s

[@chasjacks9378]

The key word was lucky. Educated Thais are like everyone else. Problem is they are hard to find. Farang pubs are not Thailand.

[@BennieTarrMusic]

Bangkok and Chiang Mai are dirty tourist traps.

[@ThePeacePlant]

Thank you so much because I plan to look for the same type of people or at least normal everyday people. I am not their for the working girls. I want to rain Muay Thai and live a normal life

[@davidlist7507]

Your Thai videos are the best on KZbin keep them coming and Thank you!!!

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you like them, thanks very much David

[@bengmelea8646]

Farang's working in Thailand outside the bar scene will more likely come across a very different class of Thai than farang retirees/tourists hanging out at bars at Pattaya or Hua Hin. In fact tourist areas can attract the less likeable aspects of Thai society and this is where a lot of the farang negatively about Thailand can set in. I often hosted cocktail parties for farang and fluent English speaking Thai friends alike and what I noticed was a general pattern that while farang were often more generous with their mind and sharing ideas Thais were way more generous with sharing food and helping wash up afterwards.

[@BangkokPat]

Cheers Pete, good point mate.

I'm a retired American counselor, mental health, relationship, and drug and alcohol - don't get your cross cultural counseling from a barfly, or from a woman who works in bars. I say this not from some moral position, but rather from common sense and professional knowledge.

[@martindryan]

When I was a navy seal I met a bunch of these liars. We often did exercises with the SAS (bunch of pansies.. absolutely useless) and I would always tell them that as both a doctor and a lawyer I was often forced to use my brain instead of violence which is why I created a billion dollar business that I sold before retiring at 31. If u r ever in Pattaya come have a drink with me on my yacht. It's being serviced after it's long run from Paris last week. Unfortunately I may need a temporary cash infusion as my Russian connections have temporarily frozen my accounts. I did sell my multi million dollar watch collection but had to use those funds to provide medicine for the Ukrainian people. Let's meet at Nana when you can. I love your videos.

[@AgathaLOutahere]

In the Persian language farang can be used as an adjective to mean "European".

[@LearnToReadThai]

Persians had a large presence in Thailand during the Ayutthaya period. The famous Bunnag family was of Persian extraction.

[@bradleymaguire7179]

Regarding taxis. My wife and I where staying in Bangkok for a few days, she's Thai and we live in Udon Thani, so we came out of our hotel and needed a taxi to the British Embassy. So we called one down and stated going. Then after a while my wife realised he didn't have the meter on and told him to put it on.

[@liro_mngbt]

Great take on these “Exparts”. Generally when people make sweeping generalisations about something, it’s usually just 1 or 2 bad experiences they can’t get over and just conclude that that’s just how it works. As they say, don’t let other people’s bad experiences ruin your own. Great video mate and looking forward to that upload with Peter in it. 😎

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Liro

[@jimw7916]

or ........ sometimes the foreigner is speaking from hundreds of experiences and they know the truth. The best advice I can give is to take advice from foreigners who can actually speak the local language. They are very much more likely to know the real truth.

[@liro_mngbt]

@@jimw7916 that is also true.

[@alexandredupont1966]

Generality is a shortcut from describing the bell (gaussian) curve of human behavior in a given culture, behavior will spread away from a cultural norm but outsiders might have misconceptions of that norm resulting in out of touch ideas of another culture

[@jackfrancis1475]

Top quality content and production. Feels super professional and the honesty here feels so authentic. Thanks

[@JC-lu4se]

As an ex-expat, I always found the new arrivals to be the most annoying. You know, the 20-somethings on their first big trip who've gotten an EFL job and think they're experts on Thailand/Vietnam or wherever they've landed after 2 weeks. The older ones just get jaded at seeing people come and go and want to remain relevant by giving advice to anyone who'll listen.

[@icedteagames]

You were a new arrival at one time😃. The newbies have to learn on there own as they will never seek advice. Some old timers are jaded. As you know, don’t hang out with guys who are still chasing bar girls

[@JC-lu4se]

@@icedteagames I agree, but my main point was I found it extremely annoying getting schooled on Thailand, or Vietnam, or wherever else I was from a 2 week "expert"; some kid in his/her early 20s on their first trip. In a way, I envy them as one's first time abroad is as exciting as things can be. 🥃 Cheers.

[@JC-lu4se]

@HN Jealous of some gobby brat? Nah.

[@PedroThai]

Gday Pat, great stuff, love bangers, first there in 91 your stories remind me of my bangkok travels throughout those golden years, cheers

[@martinryder6910]

I don't understand when you say Walter Mitty types?. As a ex special forces Nam vet (Dagenham) rescuing POW's on a regular basis when I'm not staring in porn films counting my millions and teaching English in my spare time, I find it very offensive. Bye the way can I borrow B5000. I will give it back tomorrow. Honest

[@RussellGraystone]

Hehe, I get the drift Martin. I am/was just a shitkicking former seagoing Sailor (Navy Destroyers) who first made his way up here in 1970. Given the number of choices I had over many years in Asia, I eventually married in BKK in 1985, coincidently where I lived, just down the road from Washington Square in Soi 22 (Duckboard slums during this time). Most times, when not travelling the country, I was a Patpong 'person'. Winding forward - Spent living the past couple of decades in the outer BKK suburbs far enough from downtown for it to be totally, unapologetically, avoidable! Believe it or not, 'Falangs' are the same back in my own country. I.E. pretty much all full of shit, based on 2 weeks at a 5 star an Patong Beach Phuket! I am the only farang where I live, I have great Thai friends both Male and Female. I won't say that I have heard it all, but a lot in 50 years! As for the LOS? I could stay here for another 20 years and still never stop learning. Are you sure 5 Grand is enough?

[@p3d938]

In fact, the Thai word 'farang' was borrowed from Muslim Persian and Indian traders during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). During that time this term referred to the Portuguese who were the first Europeans to visit Siam.

[@jasongodwin9454]

My wife and I were on a short stay in Bangkok and one afternoon we visited the famous Foodland 24 hour cheap restaurant on Soi 5, there was a German man in his late 40's talking to a young British bloke, the older man was telling him how he worked for the secret police in Bangkok and was working undercover hunting international drug dealers, we were trying desperately not to laugh, as this bloke had a wrinkly faded Hawaiian shirt with equally tatty trousers and shoes, he was unkempt, sweaty and smelled. He then finished spooning his mashed potato and gravy from his plate and said he had to get back to the office? Undercover working in an office? What a comedy! Lol

[@BangkokPat]

It can be amusing listening in to conversations between people who have clearly just met, and that Foodland in Soi 5 is a great place for that. I've definitely heard a lot of nonsense spoken in there!

[@franciscusnuyts627]

You"ve met inspector FROST in bkk AWESOME 😁😁😁😁

[@bsalter.t7572]

I have met this guy . His name was Frank. And he is a shady dude. BTW the way is say "is and was" as he has either faked his death recently or actually passed on.

[@steveaustin1984]

Your editing and pace are exceptional. Great content.

[@georgekirke5364]

In my travels I find the Thai people honest reliable and open for friendship . Good folk .

[@williamhoole2065]

Very good. Fundamentally some who come to live in Thailand are unable to shed their ethnocentric views. I believe that if one goes to live in another country must learn the language as that is the medium a culture expresses itself and leads to understanding from that point of view. Those who say its too difficult or too hard are in my opinion just lazy. I learned Thai and have no special skill in language aquisition save for learning a second language before learning Thai. And I stiil lack the ability to speak like a native but am conversant Anything worthwhile doing takes effort and this endeavor pays huge dividends. Imagine moving to UK or USA and not learning English.

[@Sweetlyfe]

I agree with most of what you are saying, but as someone with Dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder & ADHD, I find languages difficult especially tonal languages, though I can still get by with the basics of Spanish after learning for 3 months in Guatemala in 1991, It’s just like a broken English version, but I mime pretty well. But understanding the language is definitely a key to the culture of a country and it’s people, I also find patience, manners and a smile goes a long way.

[@williamhoole2065]

@@Sweetlyfe well linguists do say 80% of language communication is facial ques and body language Jacques. You are living proof that even as challenges you face are formidable with perseverance and the will to learn it can be done. I used to travel to Guatamala and have fond memories of it.

[@spadebraithwaite1762]

I managed a hotel in Costa Rica for a few years. One night, I was fast asleep and the desk guy woke me up to tell me I had a phone call. I jumped up and put trousers on because only two people would call me there, my wife or the hotel owner. But it was some drunk woman, speaking Spanish, and she hung up after a minute. I asked the desk guy if she'd asked for me by name. He said, "No, she ask for the bald gringo". I couldn't be offended by that. I fitted the description perfectly.

[@graerindley6312]

For what it's worth I believe the term farang is the thai version of the French word Franc. 400 years ago, when the french officials met thai nobility, they introduced themselves as "Francs", (much of western europe was dominated by the "Francs" at that time). Thai people have difficulty pronouncing the word franc", they say "farang" instead. At least this is my understanding.😀 if you dont believe me, ask a thai person to say "franc".

[@singularity-6339]

You're correct. The word farang originated from the word "France" pronounced in French. They were not the first in Thailand but had a bit of a colourful story behind since we were the first in Asia that sent diplomatic envoy to France 400 years ago and they sent back French troops into Thailand with an evil intention. But that's the history.

[@franciscusnuyts627]

Plain and simple Hey Flank you drink like a fish . So do you Falang . Song Leo kap . Or krap ????? CONFUSIUS he knows ???? But who cares ??? Write a book about it Mr Nobel !!!! A falang called Wanda

[@racingflashbacks]

First taxi I ever got in Bangkok he wouldn't turn the meter on, he had a towel covered over it - he said it wasn't working lol He wanted to charge me 800 baht from my hotel to the airport...the price ended up 400 baht. Always used Grab after that.

[@Sarah-ye8ii]

Another great video, presented really well Pat, we look forwards to them so much here! I think you just may have to put 'the cat amongst the pigeons' a bit more and extend this whole genre, I'm sure there are so many more good Farang tales to tell! I've travelled Thailand alone, and I have mobility issues, so there can be little challenges along the way, but I ALWAYS feel very safe in Thailand, and the Thais have been nothing but helpful and respectful in my personal experience, and I've always been so very grateful for that, but then I'm along way from the bar-fly clientele. I have been saddened though by seeing a few Farangs talk to thai like slaves, and not even say please or thank you over the years, it costs nowt to be polite after all. Also, lol to men telling you negative stories about Thai men, did you ever hit them with the knowledge you were half Thai just to hear that moments awkward silence? I'm half Irish, and back in my younger years when people were being racist tk the irish, I used to drop it in, if I was really bored with the conversation direction and wanted a fast escape. You look well by the way, take care, keep up the great work.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Sarah, not everyone would agree to what I say here but if everything I said was perfect and agreeable to keep the harmony, what would be the point? I'm just relaying my experiences from the past. For example some people swear blind that Thai smiles are fake and that they are constantly conspired against, but that again goes to show they aren't meeting many people in the real world I think.

[@TheDane824]

'Liked' and subscribed. I also enjoyed your interview with Peter from Thailand Bound.

[@gusyates1839]

Thailand is a wonderful country and probably the most tolerant and inclusive in Asia. If you treat the locals and their unique culture with respect, don’t diss the King and don’t conform to the boorish, drunken stereotype you’ll have no issues. I would eventually love to move there.

[@RABernard]

Excellent as ever. A few of those gave me a smile. Getting ready to go out to my local Thai bar for ‘unhealthy’ food which has miraculously helped me lose weight while singing karaoke and generally having a ball with my non farang friends. Forza Minburi!

[@BangkokPat]

Good to hear that the unhealthy food has done you good Rob, nothing like it!

[@jamesabroad8589]

Love that first bit of advice from the old timer.😂 The ratio of cool expats to those that are completely bonkers is about 50/50 IMO. Great job !

[@zeik04]

lived there since teenager and its was pretty accurate not gonna lie :D

[@jj9749]

It was accurate

[@dippetmcgeechie6508]

Great stuff Pat, brilliant video/info, made me laugh about the old days….& the new!

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks mate.

[@jimw7916]

I agree with 50% of what you said ................... the other 50% You are ONLY going on YOUR experiences. Its quite clear to see that your experiences will be very different to mine because you clearly look Asian. Its totally impossible for you to have a fully "farang" experience as you appear immediately different to any Thai that you meet!

[@BangkokPat]

You're absolutely correct Jim, those were my own experiences and from what I had seen, but I'm not selling it as the gospel truth. I then gave my views from experience on what had been sent to me via twitter when I asked for contributions. I'm half Thai but I was raised British and lived all my life in London. Thais assume I'm farang and always have done. Trust me I know what it's like.

[@dmbrod]

Great to see this channel getting some proper views now!

[@cpanui]

"Constant education" is a great description for what us fans get from your videos and vlogs. "Know it all" Farang "experts" can be boring and annoying, regrettably some are my friends! I look Thai, even though I'm not, so I get to observe much of what you are describing. Common sense seems to be a common theme from the earlier comments. I agree. Well done Pat, rock on!!👍

[@cheakytoday]

Loved your vid.... I was there a long long time ago but this video will always be helpfull. Love fhe honest opinion.

[@ToddAustinOZ]

Hey Pat, I’ve been catching up on all of your videos after your channel was recommended by my mate Warren. Just need to say, you’re doing an awesome job and I really am enjoying the knowledge I’m receiving from them. I have to say, this video is probably one of your best 👍 (apart from the Cats of Bangkok video 😁). I’ve moved here as I’m now retired and must say I’ve been astounded by all the furrfies and mis truths I’ve come across since arriving. I’m sure like most legends there is a minuscule piece of truth in them, but from my experience, very little 😁 Again, really enjoy watching the videos, and appreciate the effort you put into the research. Hope to catch up one day for a brew or two 😁🙏

[@silentkayak]

Your videos are excellent. I first learned about your channel last night watching a rather sad video about an English gentleman's very unfortunate and tragic experience in Thailand. I have fortunately had a much more positive experience here. I have lived in a small city in central Thailand for six years and enjoy my life here very much. My wife and her family are wonderful and most of the Thai people in my area are very, very kind.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Jay, glad you discovered the channel. Nice to hear it's all been positive too!

[@donmoriarity5940]

Enjoyed the video. What I learned (and pretty much suspected all along) - Thailand is pretty much like anywhere else in the world. Lots of good and bad. It pays to know how to tell them apart.

[@Hawaiianshirtsandcowboyhats]

Great video Pat. Keep up the great work!

[@terencemcmullen7344]

Well said that man. Everything that Pat said is spot on. Just as an aside, I've been here just over 3¼years and I would trust Thais more than Western Expats. There are some serious BS artists out there. Give them a wide berth and the pricks that are completely negative all the time. They will drag you down.

[@ExpatAl84]

Farang is absolutely a derogatory term... it has been used derisively in conversation with me. In Canda, contemptuously generalising everyone, regardless of nationality, as 'foreigners' just because they don't speak your language, or adhere to your customs, would be considered racist, and rightly so.

[@dukegates3077]

It’s derogatory because you want it to be mate.

[@WayneAnthony-w1t]

Pat, I used to ride those “samlars” (a tricycle that could carry 2 passengers , powered by human pedal power). Are those things still in service in Thailand? I don’t see them in Thai travel videos.

[@BangkokPat]

I know they were banned from Bangkok's streets in 1963

[@jasenwright1178]

I came here to 'play' in '82. Came back with a vengeance in '86 Basically lived here ever since! We are not really wanted here, just smile and endure it! Don't lend money!

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

Correct.

[@molonlabe9602]

Yep, as soon as my wife and I got married the requests for "loans" started coming in. I set them all straight (through my wife) real quick.

[@rhizomorph-music]

@@molonlabe9602 Did that have any adverse effects on your relationships with those requesters after that?

[@jasenwright1178]

@@molonlabe9602 Hello Mike!

[@9squares]

Great video, thank you for your thoughts. I will be coming to visit Bangkok with my seven year old son soon. Can you recommend any attractions in the wider Bangkok area that might appeal to a seven year old?

[@onlyfoolsbuffalothailand8457]

Splendid video Pat all of the SAS guy's i met in Thailand had never heard of the Herefordshire villages i mentioned!

[@BangkokPat]

That's a good way of testing mate, I'll make a note!

[@onlyfoolsbuffalothailand8457]

@@BangkokPat Moreton on Lugg was were the SAS did their railway training

[@jigsaw6954]

I swear there is more "ex SAS" guys then actual guys that have been and currently are in the actual SAS

[@globalvagabond5376]

Great channel but point of order - iv been here since 96 and Falangs are routinely charged 2000 baht for dropping cigarettes. (The but itself is used as evidence) In the late 90's a new law was introduced to prevent "fly-tipping" by large trucks. It carried a 2000 baht fine. The rest is history. 6 times I have paid a fine. Negotiate to 500 is easy if polite

[@jayaybe1]

I was often referred to as a "farang teacher". Perfectly acceptable as it was a simple and important distinction from the Thai teachers.

[@BangkokPat]

I often laugh with supermarket staff when I buy fresh guava juice, it usually raises a giggle.

[@jayaybe1]

@@BangkokPat Heh heh, I remember now, "Farang kin farang.", followed by the inevitable hilarity.

[@keithd1219]

Great video Pat...very very funny. As a tourist who has visited Thailand many times, I've pretty much only had funny experiences with other farangs giving advice but I do have a bit of warped sense of humor and as long as the comments aren't mean spirited I usually find them pretty funny. Nice shout out to Peter...he really is genuinely very nice guy.

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

I wish this episode had been longer and more detailed about so many misconceptions about the Thais. If there is one thing I have learned I try to avoid most Thailand websites that give advice and have comment sections about Thailand and the Thais. I just get depressed and angry reading the comments. If I leave a comment I am considered a snowflake and Thai apologist. Maybe I am wrong but it sure seems the ex-pats and tourists that tend to have the most issues with the Thais made little or no effort to learn the basics of the Thai language and never left their comfort zones either the girly bars and or the tourist places. Many foreigners I see just look dodgy and I am very wary of being seen anywhere near them both young and old men and even women. Many seem to have a 24/7 scowl on their faces. I now rarely if ever make any effort to even say hello and or ask where they are from. If they ask for my help or I see a foreigner having a difficult time communicating with a Thai I might offer my help. Otherwise just had too many bad experiences with them. Have not seen a foreigner in over a week and the Thais I have encountered have been nothing but kind and curious. as they have always been.

[@BangkokPat]

The last time I went to help a backpacker couple who were asking directions from a bike taxii guy who couldn't speak english, I walked to them and asked if they needed directions. Bloke looks at me and accuses me and the bike taxi guy of being some kind of ''f**king double act'' to scam them. They'd obviously taken notice of the ''beware of friendly strangers'' advice in the Lonely Planet. I should have hung around and argued and I was very close to telling the bike taxi guy and his colleagues nearby that he'd actually said ''F**k Thailand'' but I'm not that kind of person.

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

@@BangkokPat Yea I have given up trying to help foreigners. If a Thai asks me for help to translate I will but I had to laugh I almost did the same myself more than a few times. Now when I see a foreigner with a guidebook I really pity them. I did warn a nice couple I met once to throw the LP in the trash I consider that book dangerous.

[@kippsguitar6539]

That's true but also many foreigners are very nice and interesting people, be careful not to get too bitter about your own race or you risk becoming as bad as the bad foreigners, the bad ones are easily spotted and avoided, never give up

[@kippsguitar6539]

@@BangkokPat yes pat but let's not discriminate against westerners either, I met some awful westerners and some great people who if I had avoided would have missed out and good friendships, I had similar experiences to the one you described too, life will surely pay them back for their manner

[@franciscusnuyts627]

In general Thais are helpfull friendly and absolute tolerant people !!!!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@spadebraithwaite1762]

A buddy of mine went to Bangkok and got a taxi to the hotel he'd booked. Someone had recommended a restaurant so that evening he got a taxi and it took forty minutes, cost him $20. At the end of the evening he tried to get a taxi back to his hotel and the puzzled taxi driver pointed across the road to his hotel.

[@BangkokPat]

Haha, actually that happened to me in Cornwall, England. I was so busy telling the (woman) driver how new I was to the area that I didn't notice until months later that she'd just driven around for 15mins and gone round a few roundabouts then charged me 30 pounds!

[@fazbell]

The farangs I have met in Thailand are a sad lot. Many of them have political delusions and other mental aberrations that are just plain scary. I even had one fellow American try to extort me by threatening to take me to court for various, TRUE things I had said about Thailand. Truth is no defense in the Thai legal system. I ended up paying the relatively small amount of money he wanted because I knew he was crazy enough to get together with a slimy Thai lawyer and take me to court.

[@BangkokPat]

Plenty of those scumbags around here, sadly. Experts on nothing but a lot to say.

[@willmac5642]

Met a chap in soi 22 recently who tried to get me interested in machines that produce drinking water (from hot air probably). Amazing

[@sparkeyjones6261]

I stopped associating with other farang while in Thailand decades ago. I've already heard all the stories.

[@terencegraham8414]

Yer i'm hearing you. It sucks hard that i feel this way as well but it's generally not a bad idea.

[@sparkeyjones6261]

Re-reading my comment, I realize I probably shouldn't have said that.... perhaps I was channeling a grumpy expat. lol. The truth is, I've met a lot of truly unique and wonderful individuals from all over the world during my travels in Thailand. I do wish I could be there now.

[@PauloGaetathe_original]

But do you understand that you are a farang yourself? Are you really sure that you don't have anything in common with them? It's very easy to projet our own faults onto others...

[@des632]

My home village had 7pubs in 80s now 3, I remember Washington Square a queen's plaza, great days, things always chanes, I wonder pat , is anything replaceing or has or is on par ? Prob not? Or is there but as we get older can't see it!?

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Tom, but no I checked very closely in case I got called out on it. There's nothing replacing these old haunts that's of any significance or use.

[@freeparticle5068]

I have a boyfriend in Thailand since 2018... educated, kind and well-mannered... I've always felt in peace with the Thai people...I feel rather stressed in my own home country France

[@joehalligan2305]

Another good video pat,keep it up🇮🇪🇹🇭👍🙏🏻

[@richardevans3801]

It's the same all over the world. Bullshit information especially in bar's. If you're new you're listening to try to learn. After a while you know better. People who Bullshit talk louder than people who don't.

[@franciscusnuyts627]

Quite please !!!!!

[@jowmister1594]

Learned abour your channel from Stickman. Enjoying your videos so far.

[@BangkokPat]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoy the videos, so far!! Welcome!

[@Swaggerlot]

I avoid ex-pats like the plague, even to the point of disliking YT videos that include mainly farangs.

[@BangkokPat]

I don't blame you at all, some real dodgy channels out there doing so well.

[@lathamallika1482]

hi you and peter are top notch ,very true what you are saying ,i lived in chaing mai for over a year loved every minute ,but alas had to return to uk ,best to you and peter always

[@ThailandFoodWalk]

Farang is actually a corruption of the word farangseyt = French. Apparently, the first westerners Thai pp, saw were French colonials in Laos Vietnam etc. I tried to explain this to many a farang chalkie 20 years ago but it goes in one ear and out the other. A better word would have been chaaw tang chaat = foreigner. But how long does that take to roll off the tongue as compared to farang? Yes, I understand the Thai's preference too! Lol Robin hoods advice.... were these guys perhaps ex CIA, SAS, Black OPS or CEO'S who were now teaching English for 30,000 baht a month? Anyways, I think you missed out on some real Pearls there :-(. Lol

[@cambodennis]

Yes in Cambodia the word is Barang and my Khmer colleagues explained it originally meant someone from France. Some may take exception to being called French but I never took offense to it.

[@ThailandFoodWalk]

@@cambodennis After all it's just a word!

[@carldseekingpeace]

So well done! Thank you.

[@matwaters5174]

Most expats I've met up issan way have been cranky,miserable and generally full of shit! Cute young wife,perfect climate and beautiful country. Hard life im sure! Im still trying to work out why half of them are still there....

[@mickeyfoster603]

Hi wondering if you may help we will be staying at the sukothai hotel in Bangkok in the coming future do you have any knowledge of any bars and restaurants in the area we are on there a couple of nights cheers

[@BangkokPat]

Yes, a short walk you have a street called Suan Plu (Sathorn Soi 3) which has a few decent restaurants/coffee shops/street food and a couple of bars down there as well as a small park and the Immigration detention centre! I covered it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH2sdoZvrMSEkJo bk.asia-city.com/city-living/news/7-reasons-suan-plu-new-fave-bangkok-neighborhood

[@pepelemoko01]

Simon from "lands of smiles "said a classic . One American told him that he had a bad divorce , was broke and wanted to retire to Thailand so he applied to 5 credit card companies got $20,000 on each just headed off to Thailand, with no intention of paying them back, then he slipped into the fantasy world of booze and bar girls. This was just before covid hit so god knows what happened to him.

[@franciscusnuyts627]

WOW ??????????

[@Livingabroadalex]

Awesome video 😎

[@TomMadisonThailand]

I'm a bit confused about the disclaimer. This was a very "woke" video. No one who is woke would be offended by it. But I can easily see how the anti-woke crowd would be offended by it.

[@loveflyingandhotels]

Hey again! Loving the videos! I have been binge watching! So, the responses you received and read out towards the end, the foreigners have to remember that Thai is a tone based language. For example, just saying the word "understand" in Thai can have different meanings and it is all dependent on the tone! One huge tip for foreigners trying to speak Thai is to SLOLW down! They must understand that simply saying the a word in Thai, is NOT the same as saying it in English. Thai can have up to 5 tones and combined with the speed can really change the meaning! I know you probably know this but it wasn't mentioned in the video so I thought I would share, perhaps it is something you can mention in a future video. Keep up the excellent work and hopefully one day I get to meet you! (I am 99% blind but have been going Thailand for a long time and have a lot of experience too - so if you watch me channel and recognise me, PLEASE say hello and maybe we can even work on some videos together - I have a beer waiting for you! - I am normally found at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit as I love live music! - or you can drop me a message. I am also a big fan of Thailand Bound!)