5 Mistakes I Made that You Can't Afford to Make in Thailand

[@brett_dev]

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[@NomadicRuss]

Very true and often overlooked fact: coming in with a bunch of money, taking time off from working, it’s very easy to slip into laziness, which is really hard to shift out of once you get too comfortable. Dont let your guard down

[@ShareTradingAdvice]

That can easily happen at home as well. Happened to me, haven't worked in years and now starting to feel the pinch. Time to start putting in those hours again!

[@kurt755]

How’s the air quality up there mate?

[@marcjtdc]

My car quit in the usa. I was pushing it. There were probably 30 cars around me. The only person that helped me push was a girl in a dress. I was on a government bus going from bangkok to pattaya. The bus quit. Within 2 minutes there was enough Thai people pushing the bus to pop the clutch and keep going.

[@DreamofThailand19000]

It is very common that Thais would help you without you asking them.

[@ipitrader]

@marcjtdc > In the West people only care about themselves, they have no sense of empathy for others. You have to call some service to come and help you, and you have to pay a lot of money for that "service".

[@moonlambo5229]

Here in Canada we usually stop to help people push their cars.

[@asian2go96]

In america they will actually just hit you with their car and keep going

[@NDTViThailand]

Finally Brett makes a vid! Welcome back mate. 🤣

[@moonlambo5229]

This video reminds me of the old SerpentZA videos of him riding around in ShenZhen China back when scooters were allowed.

[@jpaulhendricks]

Brett!! You're a good man, Stopping to help those folks. 👍 👍 And I'm familiar with some of those mess ups. Fortunately, they are all learning experiences.

[@Handleoff1]

Some great points Brett. If you're not getting income whatever money you've got will eventually run out. I'm doing visa runs now and the advice is noted...... I need a long term visa and can then retire here in peace.

[@riverthur]

You are naturally a good human being. Great advice and thanks for what you do.

[@clivekingshott4323]

My biggest regret after 8 years of living and working in China, is not learning the language! I have the most basic understanding and can get by, but wish I learned it! I’ve been lucky to travel extensively in China and southwest Asia! Great video mate, keep them coming!

[@JamaicanToast]

That's really poor tbf. Learning the language is key and even if you were fluent you'd still have to work extremely hard

[@david-reason]

I lived in China for 6 years, and lost all my Chinese when I learnt Thai. Ha ha ha.

[@moonlambo5229]

I would love to live in China but I think I might settle for Thailand what with all the health codes and now the total anti-China sentiment in the west. What city are you in? I was planning on moving to Chengdu or Suzhou (by Shanghai).

[@clivekingshott4323]

@@moonlambo5229 I’m in a city called Guiyang, south west China, in a province called Guizhou. Your choice of Chengdu and Suzhou are good picks, big and have excellent infrastructure for getting about. There’s no need for health codes or mask, masks in hospital still, as China is open now. International flights are increasing daily and the old routes are starting to appear. The west have always had it in for China, mainly due to Taiwan and China’s continued economic growth and influence in countries America wish they could have influence over! In all my time here I’ve always felt safe and welcome, but some KZbin channels push out the anti China spin! You’ll find expat groups all over China, the biggest gripe I find from foreigners is access to certain media platforms, and the need for a VPN !

[@jodyweikal7596]

Brett..great video as usual. I am here in CM now, doing my Retirement Ambition Tour. Retirement visa already done. Just need to make the plunge. Hope to see you ‘live and in person’ one day. Coffee is on me.

[@scottymac101]

Nice Vid very much agree with info... Took one of my best photos of kids playing on a mound of dirt in the village just past that last spot. Stayed furama hotel...I think on the 15 floor, double room monthly price was great value. Food buffet next door amazing. Was pushed to do more traveling by tour guide and so glad I listen. Great trip is Chang Mai to Chiang Dao then onto Tha Ton, there we got a small fast boat to Chang Rai...couple hours on the river was truly unforgetable. Then up to Mae Fa Luang across to Chiang Saen, the golden triangle and back. Great memories.

[@observerstation]

One thing I would add is to get Health insurance. You WILL get sick in Thailand. Its cheap but if you are staying long term its worth getting.

[@DreamofThailand19000]

Definitely!

[@mjay6508]

Nothing like spreading your own FEAR

[@ianmcintosh7141]

If you are retirement age (65 or over ) don't bother Thai ins. Say cannot .. .

[@srgba244]

Oh! I used to run from Chiang Mai Zoo to Doi Suthep ones a week for more than a year. It took me 55-60 min to get to the top.

[@trailrunningexperience496]

Same brass. I’d do the road once a week and do the pilgrims trail 6 times a week. The pilgrims is a bit quicker but a lot more gnarly through the jungle.

[@zandig666]

Hi Brett thanks for discussing your mistakes !!! I always make one or 2 every Flippin trip !!!

[@ChiangMaiThaiVideoVlog]

Some good tips, Brett. Thanks for sharing.

[@thetravellingsocialworker]

I have not stopped at that viewpoint before, I will have to check it out. Yes I am looking at getting my Thai license in next few weeks here in Chiang Mai, right now using my international drivers license which they have accepted so far. Hmong Village is nice to visit.

[@randyh.6928]

Helpful information and colorful commentary! Not too late to start learning some Thai, 555, since I'm guessing you are pretty settled there and not leaving. I learned quite a bit just on KZbin before I ever took a lesson, so free and just do it in free moments. Thanks for the video.

[@ammerudgrenda]

I was finally brave enough to rent a motorcycle over there. It was really great. I didn’t have a MC driver’s license, however, and ended up with several 500 baht tickets. Need an international dL to be legal. To get a Thai DL, you need to be on a long term visa.

[@sid35gb]

Lol I cycled up Doi Suthep when I visited I think next time I’ll get fitter and do it more often.

[@dylanappenfeldt2442]

Please do a video for people 55 and older that have both some money and still single that don’t want just nomads in their 30’s. Thank You for your great videos you are an old soul. Single 50 year old in Florida. PS I love Chaing Mai but I feel old for the crowd. Advice please

[@212Roger]

Great five examples of how to do Chiang Mai with less stress. Between the brutal heat/ humidity and stress are the two biggest reasons I live in CM only half the year, visiting twice per year.

[@kotare86]

What kind of visa do you use to be able to stay for 6 months?

[@DannyStrange236]

The road there is awesome, really

[@GoogleEyes]

You stopped for them guys, now that's a true heart

[@russellfranzi1023]

The biggest mistake I made was riding too fast around the dangerous hairpin bend near the top of Doi Suthep. Took some bark off and cracked a rib.

[@ChacoteOutdoorRecreation]

We do not fear the dark silence of death itself. What we fear is not living enough! -Chacote

[@donjordan8174]

Enjoyed the show a lot good information…. I’ve lived here 8 years now… MC rides are awesome up in your area.

[@noony83]

I have only been to Thailand on Holidays recently but it amazes me how people who call themselves Thailand veterans talk to locals in thick Northern English accents using slang terms and I just think 'what the fuck are you doing?'. I learned some basic phrases, learn the numbers and when you speak in English speak slowly, clearly and using basic language and it gets you far. Then someone will talk in a Geordie or Scouse accent without slowing down and dumbing it down and wonder why they have to repeat themselves 4 times and then don't get what they wanted. Winds me up!

[@gregevans2361]

Thank you Brett moving to Chaing Mai next year, will try and avoid those mistakes and start learning basic Thai

[@lkabong5529]

Sorry if I'm missing it somehow but at 11:13 you mentioned putting a link in the description about a good vlog post for easily getting a driver's license. Thank you for the informative video 👍

[@observerstation]

It's in the description

[@SleepingElephant]

I will pray for you. To learn the thai language. Thanks for sharing all your travels and gems.

[@noelodwyer5641]

Good vlog. Nice to see you. Have subscribed. Cheers.

[@crispyngold9181]

Always love the videos and the info bret!

[@ComedyKraze1]

Just lost my job in London and thinking of doing a travel blog over the summer in Thailand was using chatgpt and believe it or not it brought me to your page as an example of someone who left UK doing this. Then I found this interesting video

[@ThornBismark]

I was searching for your newest video last night and wondering when it was going to drop.

[@davidspez7267]

Thanks Brett, appreciate the very informative video, and the tour! 🍻👍

[@brett_dev]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@benmo7600]

Great video as always brother .

[@michaelhurley9680]

Thank you, Brett... Enjoyed your video 👍

[@BrianMax]

Excellent video. We need more instructional vids for DNs and retirees to enjoy a successful long-term stay in SE Asia. Your comment on learning the language also helps a lot. for cultural understanding, so us westerners don't act like complete knobs. My wife is Viet, and we plan to retire in her hometown, use it as a base for travel. Viet and Thai are difficult languages for English speakers to master, but if I can be polite and buy stuff in the market, I'll be OK.

[@notmirelnam248]

Written Thai is tricky for English-speakers to learn, but spoken Thai is actually simple. The words do not change according to tense or depending on who is doing the speaking. For comparison, to learn Spanish, You have to use the correct Subject paired with the correct verb that is in the correct tense. The words themselves are treated as "masculine" or "feminine" and accompanying words need to be paired accordingly. Also, the verb changes according to subject and tense. Thai, thankfully, is consistent in tense at all times and the words are left unmodified. "I go to supermarket." "I go to supermarket tomorrow." "I go to supermarket yesterday." It saves a lot of effort to not learn how to say "I will go" or "I went" or "I am going."

[@bigbushman7968]

I spent a month in Chiang Mai in November during my 3 month stint in Thailand. Didn't really get it at first as it was just a small quiet town with not very much to do. It was not till maybe the 3rd week that it grew on me and I began to enjoy the easy pace of life up there. Looking forward to coming back towards the end of this year for as long as possible

[@ammerudgrenda]

I wouldn’t call it a small town. It has a population of about 1.2 million. Lots of local stuff to do, my favorite city in Thailand. Just don’t go there in March/April, air pollution is terrible due to the farmers burning the fields

[@bigbushman7968]

Think that is a bit misleading. I would say the greater area would be about that population. My point was more around the walled city and Nimman. Also heard the pollution is crazy when they start the crop fires. @@ammerudgrenda

[@stuartcoutts3898]

Great video Brett… thank you 🙏 ❤

[@RangeBarTrader]

excellent video!

[@stevedice5963]

great video Brett

[@beesomsak6727]

You should tell folk anyone coming to Thailand bring an Inter drivers license?? gives you a year to make your mind up?If youre staying learn Thai?as makes life even better....

[@binary_ironclad]

A new video!!!! See you at Happy Soi 1 mate. :)

[@johanncoetzee8192]

Howzit Brett, regarding your license, did you have a bike license in the UK for them to exchange it for a bike license in Thailand after watching your video? Or was it just like an add on in Thailand?

[@danielbianchi3479]

If no motorcycle license in home country you must take the test in order to drive legally!

[@roberthornbrook8374]

I have a picture of myself here lovely advice Bret I think if you retire as well you should have at least 20 000 saved I was taught as a young man to have at least 6 months salary saved and a year is better

[@sean13]

Agreed. Id ad: take TEFL Kurse in CM. You’ll get Education visa AND a means to earn income. Never stop working for too long. Thai Beer will eventually do you in if you’re a Drinker. Safe Sex. Don’t Drive Drunk.

[@dankwok3]

great video, i've always wondered about getting the driver's/motorcycle licencing done in Thailand, thanks for the info. i'll be doing that when I move there part-time. Hope to see you around, take care! DannyK

[@uponreflection4704]

I went to licensing office with international drivers permit and UK license watched a video eye colour blindness test and that was it

[@joemann2178]

Lucky I hven't made these mistakes, but when you've lived in other countries a lot in your life, the same things apply to make life easier.

[@actionguy6031]

Wow that driving on the wrong side of the road is scary. I cringed every time you went around a curve and met vehicles !

[@simon8439]

"wrong side" haha

[@wandelingenoptexel9649]

They don’t drive on the wrong side, they drive on the right side 😉

[@toke182]

bro what long term visa do you have? I have seen your video and I don't see any visa superior to doing border runs, LTV has crazy requirements, elite is too expensive and assumes you will be here 5 years at least, ED visa is only one year and you need to go to clases which is a hassle..I don't know

[@MrEye4get]

Long-term VISAs aren't available for everyone! They have considerable requirements; including age, marital status, and monthly income (or money in a Thai bank).

[@toke182]

@@MrEye4get so he is talking shit basically

[@lukaszc.1653]

Wow! I didn't realise that I can do a motorbike license in Thailand, and that it's valid in all ASEAN countries! In Indonesia, where I currently live, it's literary impossible to own a local license (it used to be possible through bribes, but they no longer allow it, and it was very expensive, and probably not valid for insurance). In Europe, to get a motorbike license is expensive and a lot of hassle. Turns out I can come to Thailand and make one for almost nothing. Sweet! It's too bad Bali is about to ban motorbikes for tourists, but maybe it'll be time to move to Thailand instead...

[@ammerudgrenda]

Need to be on a long term visa though. Not possible with tourist visa.

[@TomorrowMan-ig5gx]

One thing about Driver Licenses, you must take a written test to get motorbike permit, if you are from America and a few other countries and it is not easy. I failed it 3 times due to how poorly it is written and translated.

[@jnsa9454]

Cool helping out the red 🚛👍🏽 curious how are folks in CM different than Bkk?

[@supgizmo5021]

They are just more laid back and friendlier in CM

[@sylvaniaboi]

If your big mistake was money and finding a digital/remote job, then the later should have been tried- sourced beforehand. And it all depends on what one would / could do remotely (myself I’ve been remotely working supporting payroll systems). You need to have something to start with before venturing to some other country.

[@scattkiwiman]

nice. How's the air quality now in Chiang Mai ? Burning season finished ?

[@brett_dev]

It's awful.

[@SashStem]

How is the smog situation? From your video it looks just fine, but when I look at the numbers and the news it must be very bad...

[@murrayfranklyn84]

Chiang Mai has the worst pollution in the world atm, I have never seen it this bad before, my air filter reading for 2.5 ppm yesterday was 286 inside the house.

[@ammerudgrenda]

March/April bad. Otherwise, ok.

[@vijay10LA]

Awesome

[@simon8439]

hey brett regarding the driving license what happens if you have never had one even in your own country? still an easy process? thanks

[@ammerudgrenda]

You can get your Thai DL there, but you have to be on a long term visa, not tourist visa. I drove without a license and I get a few tickets, each one was 500 baht.

[@DreamofThailand19000]

Your video is always informative and insightful. When it comes to riding motorcycles in Thailand, it can be very dangerous. It depends on how comfortable you are, where you live, ect but I would not ride a motorcycle in Thailand. I admire foreigners who attempt to learn how to speak Thai. In fact, I know a lot of foreigners who can speak Thai. Thai language is very difficult but I would say that you can survive by just knowing some basic Thai words. But I have to say you will feel like home while living in Thailand if you can speak Thai!

[@beng7004]

How can you possibly live on $1000 per month with skimping on just about everything? I would say modestly you will need at least $2000 per month is realistic. I do agree with a lot of the analysis though especially going with a heap of money and falling into the lazy trap. Invest excess money and stay focussed

[@diannepillar3061]

What is the easiest way to find cheap condos, you mention 10000baht per month, which is really reasonable but how do you find them?

[@trentisoncool1594]

Hey there nice to see you again hope you're doing well what's the cheapest place to live in Asia trying to Maybe buy piece of land work my way up from there that's my goal always have protection from the sun especially when you leave the airport can feel it🥵 have a water pack when you're stranded later take care

[@JME3699]

Is the Thai license separate to the international permit you get in the UK then? If so why do you need the permit as well?

[@ammerudgrenda]

International license is sufficient in Thailand. If you don’t have a MC license at all, you can get that in Thailand if you’re on a long term visa.

[@adrianadios5041]

If you already have an online job before you come to Thailand.... is 3-4 months of savings enough? (£3-4k)

[@darwinjina]

in the video, he says that you need to have at least 2 years of savings

[@nerd_abroad]

2 years savings is sensible if you don’t have regular income. If you have regular income, a couple of months savings is fine in case anything goes wrong

[@bigbushman7968]

The tram is working and it is open to everyone.

[@davidcole2331]

A grand a month for a couple of years, plus two grand for visas , might as well say £30,000 then

[@shahzadkheros]

Nice

[@pedrogonzales9202]

On mistake number 5: My viewpoint is based on my experience in Latin America (Spanish) over a period of 10 years. Language is KEY. These countries are like onions. I listen to very little of what foreigners have to say about a place where they cannot speak the language. They are FLAT out EXCLUDED from all save the superficial. Even when you CAN speak the language- well that is when you really learn about the onion. That the culture is layered and must be peeled back experience by experience (speaking in the local language). You're never guaranteed that it will open up for you. I've been listening to a lot of viewpoints on Thailand, but I'm afraid most of it is inaccurate as far as what could be possible there if you dominate the language. So I take anything I hear from a nonspeaker with a grain of salt. One day I will go to Thailand, if I like it and decide to stay-- I will learn the language well. No if, ands, or buts. It is ESSENTIAL. You gotta face the lazy bone, but it's always worth it. PS: There are endless stories of people who get scammed and in most if not all cases, it is because they simply could not read what was actually obviously happening right in front of their faces. (lack of language acuity) The people of Thailand know this: that the "Farang" is like a ripe papaya and VERY EASILY fooled into almost anything.

[@steventurner197]

Ref a driving licence just get an international driving licence it lasts 3 years

[@ProjectBangkok]

I went off the rails and got lazy 😂

[@joeshmooo5327]

Damn is this real...Brett Dev is making a video or is this some hologram of Brett Dev

[@beeps123]

Good friends, it’s like finding gold. And gold is not found on the surface. U have to work for it.

[@PBX-x6g]

pro-tip: do your doi suthep trip at late afternoon.

[@bazmurfer43]

Unless your over 50 yrs of age, staying long term in Thailand can be difficult and you can only do ED visa's for so long.

[@bobhum7064]

Is 8 million thai baht enough

[@ErnieTeamInfo]

How many years have you lived in Thailand ?

[@PeterC245]

Brett I got 2 out of 5 covered , visa will be a marriage visa , money is a Australian pension, language I really regret, my excuse I’m a old prick

[@nofood1]

These videos getting longer and longer 🤔🤔

[@terjejohnsen3651]

No problem in thai is "mai pen rai"

[@pujapete3665]

a million is a nice figure