Coming Back Home After 3 Years In Thailand, here are my thoughts

I went back home to America after living in Thailand for 3 years, it was quite interesting but here are my thoughts.
Business Inquiries - Contact me at [e-mail]
Book a Consultation with Me - www.forrestlee...
#ForrestLee #Thailand #Expat
Find me on Social Media:
IG - / mr.forrestlee
Twitter - / mrforrestlee

[@DIGITALMIND63]

I’m currently in Thailand. I’ve been here 3 weeks. I am dreading going back to California to just “ exist” I am retired living on a generous pension. I am 90% sure I am returning to this beautiful country to live. This video is spot on!

[@jackdobson1992]

Go home pack your shit up and get bk to paradise. I did and never regretted a moment.

[@BarnabyBarry]

I moved here in Jomtien last month from Mid Wilshire LA-living good with my CALPERS!

[@DIGITALMIND63]

@@BarnabyBarry I also have a CALPERS retirement. I’m 60 years old. What do you do for medical in Thailand? I have Kaiser in the U.S. I just left Pattaya/Jomtien yesterday and back in Bangkok. I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area.

[@martypoll]

@@DIGITALMIND63 I moved to Thailand in 2017 from El Cerrito. I bought a Thai insurance policy. 10 million baht policy with a 40,000 baht deductible. I bought at 62 years old and the cost was a bit less than say US policy (which I couldn't use here). I pay for routine care out of pocket and the insurance is for something catastrophic. Routine care is cheap. Often cheaper than the deductible in the US. If you do buy into a Thai policy in your 60's the you want to do it sooner rather than later for the obvious reason of price vs age.

[@DIGITALMIND63]

@@martypoll Thanks for the info! Makes a lot of sense. My plan is to keep my Kaiser plan and use a relatives address in the states. Your plan using Thai insurance incase of something catastrophic is smart. I can see myself doing that and if my issue is on going I’d return to the U.S. for further care.

[@creamydistortion]

I was homeless for the last 3 years, before I left AmeriKKKa and moved to Thailand. I went from freezing, sleeping outdoors in Colorado winters, to owning a home and starting a family in Songkhla / Chiang Rai... I WORKED THE ENTIRE TIME WHILE I WAS HOMELESS. I saved my money and never looked back. AmeriKKKa is OBSOLETE.

[@Ned88Man]

meanwhile, for many Thai people, the reality isn't so rosy. They are saddled in debt, many hardly make enough to survive. It's easy for us westerners to say its all rosy and gravy, but the truth is really much different. I don't understand why so many expats wear rose colored glasses about the country. It's a great place, but its no better or different than any place in the world. There is good and bad. In many many ways, the state of Thailand isn't really all that stable either, but expats tend to not really see that, because they are often in their own bubble. Not to mention the political situation, which is nothing more than highway robbery of the people's choices and one can say, Thailand has A LOT of work to do.

[@144k_Kingdom_Living]

I left the "Land of the Free" also.

[@sword7872]

Good for you! Glad you managed to turn your life around.

[@JimJones-gd2jy]

You don’t “own” your property 😂 your future ex Thai wife will

[@144k_Kingdom_Living]

@@JimJones-gd2jy You live in the United States?

[@arentol99]

I haven't been back to that asylum for over 17 years now. The day I left the States was the happiest day of my life.

[@bijanbayne3259]

#Respect

[@hectorsoy]

The asylum. That's a good one!! I'm gonna start using that too! Cheers!

[@hurricane1951]

Same here. Read the news sometimes, it all seems about mass-killings and other depressing things. When I see a price rise here in Thailand, I ask my friends back in America what it costs for the same thing, and I'm absolutely shocked. Can't imagine ever moving back.

[@charlesyang988]

I heard you can walk out with an iPhone less than USD 950 from the Apple Store and nobody is going to stop you. Such freedom.

[@barrywardmcduffie8104]

I did the same -- saw everything sinking in 2004. The only thing I miss is having that beautiful convertible at 25% of the price in Thailand. However, I have a gorgeous house overlooking the sea at 25% of the cost in the US so guess it's a tradeoff. It's also great to see my net worth grow substantially due to the low COL. I traveled and worked in thirty countries and would put Thailand at the top of the list. By the way, my relatives have disowned me for never visiting them in twenty years, but the funny thing is, I rarely saw them even when I lived in the US. You need to only take care of yourself and your local family -- everything else will sort itself out.

[@howardstern666]

Forrest, you are 100% spot on. One thing: you mentioned that in California we are just “existing”, but the more accurate word for me is “enduring”. I’m being worked to death for a couple more years until I’m comfortable with my savings, then it’s all thailand for me.

[@Bubs-Travels]

Just turned 40 this year. I can relate to the 'just existing' comments. I am moving to Thailand next spring to get a fresh start. I have a healthy retirement and savings so I can take some time to adjust in a new locale and figure life out. Went on Holiday in July to Phuket and it really made me sad how I was living life in the States. WTF am I working for anymore? Thanks for the great content and insightful words. You probably have no idea how many of us can relate and I thank you for speaking out loud about it.

[@Goofydownrange]

Do not move to Phuket if drink heavily or like partying it will be the worst move of your life…

[@jackdobson1992]

Come to Pattaya. Best value in Thaiand for value. Cheap rent, food, day to day living. By the coast, beaches are ok not amazing but decent.

[@SinghCapital]

If you want beach vibe that is cheaper than Phuket come out to Pattaya. There are a lot of us Americans out here great community of expats. Good luck brother.

[@Bubs-Travels]

@@SinghCapital Could we connect and see if you can answer some specific questions I may have?

[@norris007]

You will love Thailand!

[@williamperkins1542]

Very well presented and accurate video. I retired and moved to Thailand 2 years ago and definitely made the right choice. I just existed in the USA where here I thrive and do what I want. I am so happy I left. Politics and lies and loss of basic freedoms has destroyed America.

[@HauTran-sunfromsouth]

You’re right at US, CAN & Alots Western ppl nowadays is dumber down & get brainwashed by their gorvement & media. western ppl is brainwashed more than Asian ppl but they can’t accept this facts. It’s sad & ridiculous as alots WELL EDUCATION & HIGH EDUCATION IS BRAINWASHED AS WELL & their brainwashed levels is damm high. Because they get feed by fake, bias ‘ liars news everyday in tv & media, they get feed by hateful violent stuffs & bias news!! US & Western was beautiful & developed country, high education but it was like 20-30-40y ago!! THEIR NEXT - NEXT generation nowadays is fails & fails & dumber down.

[@HauTran-sunfromsouth]

They’re not HOMELESS, they’re DRUGGIES ZOMBIES & DRUGGIES HOMELESS!! 80% these homeless is DRUGGIES/ALCOHOL ADDICT. They care fk about follow rules & laws, care fk about responsibility & ppl around. ALL THEY CARE IS DRUGS TO FULFILL THEIR SHIT HABITS & HIGH. They think ppl follow rules & laws & working t pay taxes is STUPID & NO FREEDOM. Why no fk anyone DARE TO TALK ABOUT ALOTS OF THEM CANT FK STAY IN SHELTER BECAUSE THEY CANT FOLLOW SIMPLE BASIC RULES: NO DRUNKEN, NO DRUGS. WHY NO FK ANYONE OR REPORTERS TALK ABOUT THERE ARE HOMELESS DRUGGIES HAVE FREE HOUSING & when they’re high on drugs & lost control burn the motherfker the whole housing units!! DENY, DENY & ALWAYS FK DENY!! Anyone who still have some brains & not stupid can see this facts!! There are some homeless is decent person become homeless because lost job, healthy problems after accident or disabled can’t working, or because of bankrupt of bad bussiness, wrong investment. BUT THESE HOMELESS TYPE YOU CAN FK RECOGNIZE IT BY EYES - they still have manners & dress well, look clean. MOSTLY LIVIN IN BROKEN OLD CARS OR IN TENTS, SOME DO WORKING AS PART TIMES JOB. While 80% of HOMELESS IS NOT HOMELESS!! FIX THE TITTLE & USE RIGHT NAME. They’re DRUGGIES ZOMBIES, DRUGGIES HOMELESS & DRUGGIES THUGS!! Mostly of them is born in healthy body, NOT DOWN SYNDROME & NOT MENTAL ILLNESS!! But because of bad choice in life at teenage & Youngful adult days, bad habits & end up become druggies, throwing their life away. AND NOT JUST THROWING THEIR LIFE AWAY BUT THEYRE DESTROY THE MOTHERFKER WHOLE CITY, WHOLE COMMUNITY. Anywhere they’re stay - they’re throwing shitty, arrogant violent & attack ppl. THESE PPL BORN IN HEALTHY BODY, NO DOWN SYNDROME & NO MENTAL ILLNESS. But anytime they’re commit CRIMES - it switched to MENTAL ILLNESS!! Because they’re use drugs & alcohol for fuck many years & lost control, lost mindset & damage their brains - AND THATS WHEN THEY CAN GOING AROUND DO WHATEVER THE FK THEY WANT, INCLUDES ROBBERY, STEALING & VIOLENT ATTACKS PEOPLE. In the end, they can go away freely, no caught no punish no jails. EVEN IF THEY GET CAUGHT, THEYRE FACING THE SOFTEST PUNISH BY LEGAL LAWS THROW IN JAILS FOR 1-10 day then release. These ppl can’t fk even clean themself, their free housing is flooding by trash & trash, when they get high they even put clothes & stuffs inside toilet & it become nasty dirty broken shit. DRUGGIES ZOMBIES HIGH ON DRUGS ALL DAY IN PUBLIC STREET & PARKS, screaming top out of their lungs like ANIMAL ZOMBIES EVEN IN 10FLOORS CAN FK HEAR IT. Still call them victims, homeless, poor ppl. POOR MY ASS!! I hope stupid ppl should have FORECE TO TAKE DRUGGIES HOMELESS & DRUGGIES THUGS TO LIVE INSIDE THEIR HOUSE. They have duty to service for druggies zombies & druggies thugs for free, so they can eating & get high & SHITTING AROUND LIKE KING&QUEEN. Only this harshly way to OPEN THEIR EYES WISELY TO UNDERSTAND SITUATIONS & HELP THEM OUT OF THEIR STUPID!! AMERICAN IS DUMBER-DOWN & BRAINWASHED FOR FK TOO LONG TOO DEEP THATS WHY THEYRE LOST SIMPLE BASIC SENSE, ALREADY!! They think talk softly & asking druggies stop use drugs must the way DRUGGIES SHOULD ACCEOT HELP LOLZ 😅😅😅 THEY THINK TALK GENTLY TO THUGS & CRIMINALS STOP ATTACK, STOP ROBBERY, STOP KILLING PPL BY ASKING lolz 😅😅 YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TALK TO DRUGGIES OR ASK THUGS/CRIMINALS. You are must CREATE SOMETHING CALL FORCE LAWS TO THROW THEM INTO REHAB CENTER TO GET CLEAN BY FORCE, FORCE & FKING FORCE!! For 6-9month or 1-3Y depend on case if they’re newly in drugs or long-times on drugs need longer time to rehabilitation.

[@freyafoxmusic]

Which visa did you get

[@williamperkins1542]

@@freyafoxmusic a retirement visa type O I think.

[@Brian_Homer]

I left California in 2021. I drove through Hollywood on my way out. What a shit hole and I'm told it's even worst now. I knew on that day, I would be moving to Thailand as soon as it opened up. I spent 5 months here last year and decided that Pattaya would be my first destination. Moved here in January and couldn't be happier.

[@lavista4u]

i have lived all over south east asia and Pattaya is the best by far, i don't know how it manages to keep apartment rent so low, even after 20+ years of visiting and living there, you get 100 dollars to 1000 dollars apartment with great quality,, as the population grows, Pattaya multiplies its apartment footprint by 10. i have lived in Manila to Bali to bangkok and slowly inflation in many cities eat you away, but not Pattaya, not much has changed in over 20 years in Pattaya, the city is expanding but the price has remained magically low, food is amazing from all over the world, Pattaya truly has stood THE TEST OF TIME.

[@cinemaabroad]

Congrats man! I'm planning my exodus to thailand now..going back in Dec for 3 months to see if i really want to live there..im also in california ..orange county..the people suck..the work culture sucks..work all day and week just to pay bills its ridiculous.these jobs are soul sucking

[@ejwrigley]

Great if your a sex tourist

[@norris007]

Smart choice!

[@silly_hammy1]

Exactly. U acted...as I have. We are happier for it. USA is done

[@lRedBaronl]

I am 35, I went to Thailand for 3 months last year and I’m coming back to live there this year. I decided that I am wasting good years of life living in monotony in America. I do digital art and work doing art commissions. I am still working in my career and I am not where I want to be financially but I feel that living in Thailand will even save me money and give me more time to work on art while living better life experiences.

[@freyafoxmusic]

Which visa will you get

[@lRedBaronl]

@@freyafoxmusic tourist visa and then travel to bear countries to do visa runs

[@socialmediaego]

Like you do freelance digital art or for a remote company I’m assuming ?

[@kennetharntson5912]

Welcome back, you may find later if you leave Thailand for other lands that you will either think of coming back but more than likely you will come back. As I have written here before, I first came to Thailand when I was 21, I have left Thailand for work or just thought setteling in America might be better, but I kept coming back over the years and finally realized life was better in Thailand, I will be 77 next month and have no desire to leave Thailand again.

[@dealerslicenseops]

Good for you. Notice after age 40 in America you are put out to pasture unless you are filthy rich or incredibly handsome and often times both are needed. In SEA age is not as big a deal and a man can have a second chance at a good life and being cared about.

[@aarong6053]

Wow I moved to Thailand when I was 21 also , lived there 10 years full time . Now 44 back in the States way to long.

[@ExpatKeith]

I left Cali in 2018. I am next door in Cambodia. I went back a year ago and was so stunned by the costs, social upheaval, and what the American dream has become, I couldn't wait to get back on a plane. The amount of homelessness, drug zombies, and poorly hidden anxiety in just about everyone I encountered tells me that my home country is suffering from a severe existential crisis.

[@nastypiglosi1788]

USA is becoming an expensive third world country

[@dealerslicenseops]

When I came back I immediately regretted it once I got on an American airplane. My god the obese flight attendants, rude people, pushy, nasty just terrible. I was pretty depressed for a while. No wonder half the USA population is on anti-depressants!

[@HauTran-sunfromsouth]

They’re not HOMELESS, they’re DRUGGIES ZOMBIES & DRUGGIES HOMELESS!! 80% these homeless is DRUGGIES/ALCOHOL ADDICT. They care fk about follow rules & laws, care fk about responsibility & ppl around. ALL THEY CARE IS DRUGS TO FULFILL THEIR SHIT HABITS & HIGH. They think ppl follow rules & laws & working t pay taxes is STUPID & NO FREEDOM. Why no fk anyone DARE TO TALK ABOUT ALOTS OF THEM CANT FK STAY IN SHELTER BECAUSE THEY CANT FOLLOW SIMPLE BASIC RULES: NO DRUNKEN, NO DRUGS. WHY NO FK ANYONE OR REPORTERS TALK ABOUT THERE ARE HOMELESS DRUGGIES HAVE FREE HOUSING & when they’re high on drugs & lost control burn the motherfker the whole housing units!! DENY, DENY & ALWAYS FK DENY!! Anyone who still have some brains & not stupid can see this facts!! There are some homeless is decent person become homeless because lost job, healthy problems after accident or disabled can’t working, or because of bankrupt of bad bussiness, wrong investment. BUT THESE HOMELESS TYPE YOU CAN FK RECOGNIZE IT BY EYES - they still have manners & dress well, look clean. MOSTLY LIVIN IN BROKEN OLD CARS OR IN TENTS, SOME DO WORKING AS PART TIMES JOB. While 80% of HOMELESS IS NOT HOMELESS!! FIX THE TITTLE & USE RIGHT NAME. They’re DRUGGIES ZOMBIES, DRUGGIES HOMELESS & DRUGGIES THUGS!! Mostly of them is born in healthy body, NOT DOWN SYNDROME & NOT MENTAL ILLNESS!! But because of bad choice in life at teenage & Youngful adult days, bad habits & end up become druggies, throwing their life away. AND NOT JUST THROWING THEIR LIFE AWAY BUT THEYRE DESTROY THE MOTHERFKER WHOLE CITY, WHOLE COMMUNITY. Anywhere they’re stay - they’re throwing shitty, arrogant violent & attack ppl. THESE PPL BORN IN HEALTHY BODY, NO DOWN SYNDROME & NO MENTAL ILLNESS. But anytime they’re commit CRIMES - it switched to MENTAL ILLNESS!! Because they’re use drugs & alcohol for fuck many years & lost control, lost mindset & damage their brains - AND THATS WHEN THEY CAN GOING AROUND DO WHATEVER THE FK THEY WANT, INCLUDES ROBBERY, STEALING & VIOLENT ATTACKS PEOPLE. In the end, they can go away freely, no caught no punish no jails. EVEN IF THEY GET CAUGHT, THEYRE FACING THE SOFTEST PUNISH BY LEGAL LAWS THROW IN JAILS FOR 1-10 day then release. These ppl can’t fk even clean themself, their free housing is flooding by trash & trash, when they get high they even put clothes & stuffs inside toilet & it become nasty dirty broken shit. DRUGGIES ZOMBIES HIGH ON DRUGS ALL DAY IN PUBLIC STREET & PARKS, screaming top out of their lungs like ANIMAL ZOMBIES EVEN IN 10FLOORS CAN FK HEAR IT. Still call them victims, homeless, poor ppl. POOR MY ASS!! I hope stupid ppl should have FORECE TO TAKE DRUGGIES HOMELESS & DRUGGIES THUGS TO LIVE INSIDE THEIR HOUSE. They have duty to service for druggies zombies & druggies thugs for free, so they can eating & get high & SHITTING AROUND LIKE KING&QUEEN. Only this harshly way to OPEN THEIR EYES WISELY TO UNDERSTAND SITUATIONS & HELP THEM OUT OF THEIR STUPID!! AMERICAN IS DUMBER-DOWN & BRAINWASHED FOR FK TOO LONG TOO DEEP THATS WHY THEYRE LOST SIMPLE BASIC SENSE, ALREADY!! They think talk softly & asking druggies stop use drugs must the way DRUGGIES SHOULD ACCEOT HELP LOLZ 😅😅😅 THEY THINK TALK GENTLY TO THUGS & CRIMINALS STOP ATTACK, STOP ROBBERY, STOP KILLING PPL BY ASKING lolz 😅😅 YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TALK TO DRUGGIES OR ASK THUGS/CRIMINALS. You are must CREATE SOMETHING CALL FORCE LAWS TO THROW THEM INTO REHAB CENTER TO GET CLEAN BY FORCE, FORCE & FKING FORCE!! For 6-9month or 1-3Y depend on case if they’re newly in drugs or long-times on drugs need longer time to rehabilitation.

[@redfoe77]

There's a lot of corruption that made things bad in the USA. Drugs, crime, inflation, bad politics, toxic foods I could go on.

[@tettok8431]

@@dealerslicenseops I just came back from PH via United. Yes why US flight crews are overweight compare to Asian counterpart…which was nicer to look at during flight😊!!.made me afraid that the plane will nose dive any moment..sorry..morbid joke of me!!

[@thasneebkk9271]

Welcome back to Thailand 🎉 We are not perfect, but we are trying to make everyone happy to be here.

[@corporatemcmahon2815]

I was there 5 times in a row. I always felt welcomed, respected and had the best time of my life

[@dealerslicenseops]

I agree, Thai people for the most part are awesome. But you guys really need to put your guys back into electrician school to figure out your wiring systems, LOL! Love you guys

[@brunoheggli2888]

Sure,tell that to all the thais who live in extrem poverty!

[@thasneebkk9271]

@@dealerslicenseops it is our signature ha ha

[@thasneebkk9271]

@@corporatemcmahon2815 glad to hear that.

[@175ahc]

Nothing new under the sun. I am a grumpy old Vietnam vet living in Thailand. I felt that way back in 1980, 😂. Tried Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia but my heart always was in Thailand. You youngins just have it more obvious these days, in your face. Best of luck to all of us, uohah.

[@wdeemarwdeemar8739]

Semper Fi!

[@Goodman849]

I'm in the Philippines now. Never been to Thailand. How does it compare why was it better for you?

[@brictator]

thanks.

[@linehand21]

Man I just came back from Thailand after a 3 week vacation there and I can relate to your video so much. Im making it a goal to be able to financially fit and move over there to Thailand

[@judymckee5992]

Do the used car business in Dallas Texas

[@linehand21]

@@judymckee5992 ??? What do you mean

[@Bows-Trading-System]

I hope you make it over here 🙂

[@BruceReign]

Great vid. I did 2 weeks in Thailand, and as soon as I got back to the states, I put my house up to sell. I'm coming back home too.

[@UlilangMatapang]

After raising 2 of my 3 children into adulthood in a tension filled relationship for 20+ yrs I'm finally doing me. I struggle at times to think back if it was worth it, but not abandoning my children was the mission. I'm doing me now and I'm glad to see your doing you. Keep yr head up buddy.

[@columbus7275]

👍

[@jdsalinger147]

This is so correct and sad. Everywhere you go throughout your day-to-day in the US seems like a ghost town now. Even with people around, just vacant, suspicious stares, anxiety and paranoia.

[@HauTran-sunfromsouth]

They’re not HOMELESS, they’re DRUGGIES ZOMBIES & DRUGGIES HOMELESS!! 80% these homeless is DRUGGIES/ALCOHOL ADDICT. They care fk about follow rules & laws, care fk about responsibility & ppl around. ALL THEY CARE IS DRUGS TO FULFILL THEIR SHIT HABITS & HIGH. They think ppl follow rules & laws & working t pay taxes is STUPID & NO FREEDOM. Why no fk anyone DARE TO TALK ABOUT ALOTS OF THEM CANT FK STAY IN SHELTER BECAUSE THEY CANT FOLLOW SIMPLE BASIC RULES: NO DRUNKEN, NO DRUGS. WHY NO FK ANYONE OR REPORTERS TALK ABOUT THERE ARE HOMELESS DRUGGIES HAVE FREE HOUSING & when they’re high on drugs & lost control burn the motherfker the whole housing units!! DENY, DENY & ALWAYS FK DENY!! Anyone who still have some brains & not stupid can see this facts!! There are some homeless is decent person become homeless because lost job, healthy problems after accident or disabled can’t working, or because of bankrupt of bad bussiness, wrong investment. BUT THESE HOMELESS TYPE YOU CAN FK RECOGNIZE IT BY EYES - they still have manners & dress well, look clean. MOSTLY LIVIN IN BROKEN OLD CARS OR IN TENTS, SOME DO WORKING AS PART TIMES JOB. While 80% of HOMELESS IS NOT HOMELESS!! FIX THE TITTLE & USE RIGHT NAME. They’re DRUGGIES ZOMBIES, DRUGGIES HOMELESS & DRUGGIES THUGS!! Mostly of them is born in healthy body, NOT DOWN SYNDROME & NOT MENTAL ILLNESS!! But because of bad choice in life at teenage & Youngful adult days, bad habits & end up become druggies, throwing their life away. AND NOT JUST THROWING THEIR LIFE AWAY BUT THEYRE DESTROY THE MOTHERFKER WHOLE CITY, WHOLE COMMUNITY. Anywhere they’re stay - they’re throwing shitty, arrogant violent & attack ppl. THESE PPL BORN IN HEALTHY BODY, NO DOWN SYNDROME & NO MENTAL ILLNESS. But anytime they’re commit CRIMES - it switched to MENTAL ILLNESS!! Because they’re use drugs & alcohol for fuck many years & lost control, lost mindset & damage their brains - AND THATS WHEN THEY CAN GOING AROUND DO WHATEVER THE FK THEY WANT, INCLUDES ROBBERY, STEALING & VIOLENT ATTACKS PEOPLE. In the end, they can go away freely, no caught no punish no jails. EVEN IF THEY GET CAUGHT, THEYRE FACING THE SOFTEST PUNISH BY LEGAL LAWS THROW IN JAILS FOR 1-10 day then release. These ppl can’t fk even clean themself, their free housing is flooding by trash & trash, when they get high they even put clothes & stuffs inside toilet & it become nasty dirty broken shit. DRUGGIES ZOMBIES HIGH ON DRUGS ALL DAY IN PUBLIC STREET & PARKS, screaming top out of their lungs like ANIMAL ZOMBIES EVEN IN 10FLOORS CAN FK HEAR IT. Still call them victims, homeless, poor ppl. POOR MY ASS!! I hope stupid ppl should have FORECE TO TAKE DRUGGIES HOMELESS & DRUGGIES THUGS TO LIVE INSIDE THEIR HOUSE. They have duty to service for druggies zombies & druggies thugs for free, so they can eating & get high & SHITTING AROUND LIKE KING&QUEEN. Only this harshly way to OPEN THEIR EYES WISELY TO UNDERSTAND SITUATIONS & HELP THEM OUT OF THEIR STUPID!! AMERICAN IS DUMBER-DOWN & BRAINWASHED FOR FK TOO LONG TOO DEEP THATS WHY THEYRE LOST SIMPLE BASIC SENSE, ALREADY!! They think talk softly & asking druggies stop use drugs must the way DRUGGIES SHOULD ACCEOT HELP LOLZ 😅😅😅 THEY THINK TALK GENTLY TO THUGS & CRIMINALS STOP ATTACK, STOP ROBBERY, STOP KILLING PPL BY ASKING lolz 😅😅 YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TALK TO DRUGGIES OR ASK THUGS/CRIMINALS. You are must CREATE SOMETHING CALL FORCE LAWS TO THROW THEM INTO REHAB CENTER TO GET CLEAN BY FORCE, FORCE & FKING FORCE!! For 6-9month or 1-3Y depend on case if they’re newly in drugs or long-times on drugs need longer time to rehabilitation.

[@HygieneDiva]

Said perfectly

[@kyotosal]

I moved to Thailand in 2018 from California and it was ok back then. I miss going to see the Giants in SF, but I watch the CBS Evening News every night and I am appalled at all the shootings, price increases, hateful talk, etc that is going on in America. I don't see myself ever going back now. Thailand does have it problems but the friendly people and lower prices make it worthwhile. I rent a 2 bedroom, 2 bath house that came completely furnished with 3 wall airconditioners and also a washing machine for around $350 per month. Electricity bill is about $90 per month. Wifi and a few TV channels for about $20.00 per month. You can actually eat dinner out for about $2.00 in many places. Bangkok is more expensive but it has everything you could possibly want.......Sal : )

[@tomruth9487]

@kyotosal, Yes there has been a big overall inflation in Californian in the last 2 or 3 years. Sure, my house is worth more, but I don't like what's happening in general. Last winter I took a long walk with a friend to the area by Oracle Park where the Giants play. We had a nice night of people watching and talking to some of them, there is still some magic in parts of the city.

[@brandonskinner9102]

Sawadee Khrup Khun Forrest, I agree 100% with your views on home country. I feel the same way with my country of birth, New Zealand. Rampant inflation, high crime rate, housing affordability are also big issues here. I worked and lived in the Far East for 30 years and still carry fond memories of 10 years living in Thailand. It's really good to share similar thoughts with you and fellow-subscriber's. I am planning on returning to Thailand within the next 1-2 years on a retirement visa. Take care and chokdi..

[@bc7173]

I have lived in Thailand since 2015 and came back to the US 2 months prior to the shutdown, been trapped here 3 long years, but, Tuesday I'm finally headed back to BKK Man your video is 1000 % true. People are just existing here without really knowing* ...love your content Bro.

[@snozzlehead92]

Godspeed, good fellow!

[@austinmathews2623]

What do you do for work any tips on jobs there?

[@chrisdavisunofficial]

I spent 10 months traveling SE Asia and came back to the US two months ago. The whole "just exist" thing is what gets me the most. I'm in rural Appalachia, so there's no real crime, but lots of junkies, but people just exist. I see people I went to high school with that work the same job in the same factory that they were at in 1997.

[@TrumpetBiz]

Great perspectives Forrest. Left California in 2010 and when I went back to visit, it was like you said, depressing. Everyone was just struggling to survive. You clearly are thriving in Thailand. That's awesome to see. Looking forward to more of your content. I would love to see more on your experiences as an Asian American living in Thailand.

[@tinahalim6589]

Greetings from Canada, Forrest...Canada's the same, starting to get depressing when everything's so expensive, tent city, rising costs of everything, so we're thinking of retiring in Asia too, actually we were born in Asia, and now it doesn't make sense living in N. America anymore, we have the worst leaders here, just corrupted leaders, making their own citizens suffer and constantly printing more money and welcoming more refugees using our tax dollars

[@rickmoore52]

I left California in 1972 for all the reasons you discussed and it was 20 years before I returned for a visit. Talk about change. But it was a great place to grow up in the 50's and 60's.

[@gregh7457]

i didn't like the hippies in the sf bay area but i think i would have loved the 50's in san fran with the beatnicks. At least they didn't smell like they needed a bath a month ago

[@troylollysaf9311]

Omg😮 you livin in Thailand for 30plus yrs😮

[@captainjosue]

I went to Thailand in Dec and January of 2023. I couldn't believe it. I had the most amazing time of life. It made me want to move out there. I also went to Baja California Mexico. Tijuana, Ensenada and also couldn't believe how amazing it is. I love California but the grass is greener elsewhere. The moment I find a creative way to earn income while living abroad I would like to make the jump and move to Thailand and Mexico. All I know, I'm going back to Thailand.

[@Bows-Trading-System]

You could learn to trade like I do and live in Thailand 🙂

[@garoonbennett5424]

Forrest my brother you are always on point! I was born and raised in the Bay Area and yea times right now sucks here. My pension kicks in 3 yrs from now so I will see you in beautiful Thailand. 🎉

[@MelanieGuintu]

Wow! I'm so glad I bumped into your video! I lived in Bali for 2 years and was planning to go back home to California but now I'm thinking to visit Cali for just 2 weeks as well! Everything you said is so true, from the conversations you have with people back at home just existing, to people not having the creative freedom to pursue passion projects because everyone is just on survival mode. Subbed!

[@secretamericayoutubechanne2961]

What do you find to be the cheapest way to fly? Im coming from Denver, I can buy a rountrip, I want to stay 90 days during winter next year

[@Maggietogo]

I noticed Thailand, Malaysia, China and some other Asian countries are building so many houses. It's like they predicted a lot of people will (or have already) manoeuve to South East Asia in the past and coming years due to the Western world going down very quickly now. My daughter and her boyfriend, both 22, just came back from a 3 weeks trip in Thailand and they had an amazing time there. They had no worries about food and house prices, transportation, tax etc, like we do have it here in the Netherlands. And the energy they got from Thailand was so positive. The minute they came back and landed in the Netherlands, they got an negative vibe already in the first minutes. So they decided to move to maybe Malaysia, Thailand or China, where the future is much brighter for them, their grandmother and their future children. Dear Forrest, I saw your video about the 'protests' in Hongkong. Now you're much more open minded and wiser, do you still have the same thoughts about what went on there in HK, now 3 years later? I think a lot of cities in mainland China are now very well to live in. What is your opinion, Forrest?

[@Goodman849]

I returned to the Netherlands from the Philippines in 3 days time. After a year in the Netherlands I became depressed and angry originally from England. I'm try to figure out if I should move to Amsterdam so I can see my kids in venlo or return to broken Britain. My Philippines girlfriend is nice and only the mosquitos and air pollution is an issue for me personally. I wish a crystal ball would give me the answer it's hard to make a decision. My Dutch house is already sold in 1 month

[@Maggietogo]

@@Goodman849 I think Asia is the future where you can live in harmony and peace with your family. It’s also great for children. Many places in the Philippines are so beautiful and modern now. No pollution and mosquitoes! You can see it in so many videos online. Just look for them, show it to your children, they might want to move to the Philippines or anywhere in Asia too😃. Europe, UK and US will be in tougher times the coming period. I will not recommend anybody to stay here. But when it’s not possible to move out of here, just go with the flow and set your mind on what your dream is. Let the universe find a way for you. Have patience and in the meantime ‘leef’! 💖

[@SvirepiyBambr-xw8rw]

If they can work remotely from Thailand then they have a chance. If they would have to find a local job than they are for a nasty surprise. Salaries in Thailand are as low as their prices.

[@davejohnson6913]

Forrest Lee your going to get me to try to stay in Thailand for months or even years like you , I'm only 55 and retired and sort of COMPLETELY tired of the NORM here in Cali.. I will have to subscribe , thank you .

[@az9043]

I recently found your channel from KZbin suggestion or algorithm. I like your videos since you have the same mindset like me. Currently, I'm living in Florida. I came back to California this Summer to join my parents, sister and brother for Costa Rica, Japan and South Korea trips (we visited 3 countries in one month). Just like you, I have the same feeling about California. Based from your videos, I think my next trip would be Thailand. I grew up in the South Bay in the 80's, a decade before you. It was fun for me in the 80's and 90's. I quitted my tech job from Silicon Valley last year. As an investor or trader or self-employed (no longer working for anybody), I have a lot of freedom to travel, workout and activities. Life is good, living stress free. "Go where you're treated best", quoted from Nomad Capitalist.

[@theflightsimulationexperie6894]

Born and raised in Pasadena California (suburb of LA) and moved to Glendale when I was 9. Then moved to Playa Del Rey and Hawthorne during early adult life. California is gone. It once was a wonderful state but politics has absolutely destroyed the state and it’s impossible to get ahead there. When I lived there I talked to 100’s of people who said if they didn’t buy their home before 2012, there is no way they could offered their homes today. My wife and I left 2 years ago to South Carolina. Although I do miss home, I’m so happy we don’t have to deal with the madness politics and outrageous EVERYTHING. Also, it feels good knowing that we can buy a house here if we so choose. That would have never happened in Cali. The pathetic moronic governor and his cronies don’t care about the hard working class. It’s now, rich or poor there. Sean Hannady did an interview with Newsom and it was alarming how the governor was defending all the crime, homeless, drugs, etc with “we have the 4th largest economy in the word.”

[@jimhendericks]

Everyone blames the politics, but who votes for the politicians in power?

[@Booracay]

It is the Politics, but it is also true that they were elected. We can only blame ourselves@@jimhendericks

[@theflightsimulationexperie6894]

@@jimhendericks not me.

[@troylollysaf9311]

Democrats voting and also its by Design. Just look at Europe its been invaded by those brown ppl. Soon whites will be minority becus having less children😢

[@glorgau]

@@jimhendericks somebody does that for me

[@RaptorPilot700]

Thanks for this video. I lived in So Cal most of my life and moved to FL 8 years ago. I miss the amazing So Cal weather but I couldn't imagine moving back to the broken place CA has become. I met my wife in FL and she is the most amazing Thai woman. We are going back to Thailand for my second time and plan to stay there 2 months. With the way COVID has turned my job into a work-from-home job, we plan to do extended stays in Thailand each year. During our trips to Thailand, we plan to travel and determine where in Thailand we'd like to live long-term so we can start building our retirement home base in Thailand.

[@devasta75]

Hey forest everything you said resonates with my perspective toward the US. The entire country has basically turned into an overpriced waste land.

[@2kkto2]

People here still smile and laugh and it is a much better life here. At least that is how it is outside the tourist areas. I am here FT for over 23 years, mostly in a small farming village - love the language and culture.. good luck to you - great video

[@mercy2me1]

There is something I liked about you when I started watching your KZbin videos. The honesty & humor for one but having lived in Oakland CA for 20 plus years & now living in Stockton I know now what I liked about you. Hoped to be coming in Thailand in September to escape Comifornia. Love the food, love the people, but hate the public serpents that are destroying California.

[@thomasmessick8503]

I agree with you that Thailand forms you as a person in the most pleasant way.I lived there a few years and miss it very much.Planing to go there soon again,but not for vacation.

[@wildfoodietours]

Just randomly stumbled upon your video, and I'm glad I did. Hearing of your experience living in California vs living aboard was eye opening. I live in San Diego and the cost of everything has skyrocketed, but nothing's being done about it. I look forward to the day I can freely travel abroad to Asia, Europe, and South America to truly live it up instead of just surviving.

[@myleshagar9722]

I live in Canada, after working many years in China, and, yes, Asian is a vibrant place. Canada was dead long before covid, by the way.

[@simchan6242]

I was in San Francisco thirty years ago, and back to Hong Kong, then, I moving and living in Thailand, has been 12 years, I like to live in here, cost of living is not high, people are nice，safe and the living standard is getting better and better. But I have something to say about Thailand, finding people you can really trust, working partners, or relationships are hard.

[@yaiburanakul8505]

May God send them your way soon.

[@neilstorey4772]

Just caught your clip. Its exactly the same in England the way you describe America, from prices to how people are living and feeling. Planning to leave England in October for Thailand and can't wait

[@mikethetraveler]

You said it man. I came back to California after several years away, and it feel like the twilight zone. Even working 60 hours a week I still sleep in my car. People are at each other throats and super passive aggressive. Plotting my escape again now! See you in Thailand soon homie 🤙🏼

[@abatude5879]

I'm 65 and still working hard, thinking about Thailand will sit down with my friend and have that talk

[@blockchaineducatedintervie2714]

Respect Forest, cost of living in the US and the UK where am from is atrocious, youngsters here in the UK cant even buy a house anymore, and i see it getting worse, its good you follow your ways. side hustle is the way and building your vision, keep up the hustle in you, I always believe there is a life somewhere else, that makes you happy, good for you, keep going and follow your journey..

[@kippsguitar6539]

Inflation is nothing to do with local government it's a global problem killing a lot of people in poor countries too brought on by the ridiculous events of the past 3 years when people were getting paid for watching TV for 18 months, the Thai and Vietnamese economies are in dire straits too, free is nada

[@blockchaineducatedintervie2714]

@@kippsguitar6539 Dude inflation is happening because absurd amount of money printing happening from the government that has put prices up, because of Covid. Look at the M2 money supply, for US its sky high!

[@zerores2005]

I am a California native and i left for Portugal about 10 months ago. Low crime, friendly people, 10 euro dinners with drinks. I love the peace, i bought a nice farm and i finally get to enjoy life.

[@azntoogood]

Cost of living in my city Vancouver BC Canada has gone up significantly. The financial pain is REAL. It's very difficult to live here if you don't make a good income

[@sallylee6934]

Same in Ontario.

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

Hong-Couver?

[@sallylee6934]

Ontario Canada@@commonsenseisntcommon1776

[@Createyourownlife777]

Great message ❤yeah Thai people are great ❤I’ve been in the tsunami in Thailand and will be always grateful for Thai people who gave me to eat as I had nothing ❤thank you Thailand ❤🙏🙏🙏

[@viktor.egelund]

I've been flying from Thailand or Europe to the US at least monthly, sometimes twice. The US energy does not fit me. All I can say is that I'm greatly relieved when back in Bangkok or Oslo. Perhaps Montana is livable, but that's about it.

[@viktor.egelund]

I’m always amazed when U.S. Customs and Border Protection tries to act tough with me entering on a Norwegian passport. My thoughts go: Do you really think I would want to stay here? Reality check.

[@PeeWeeBarnes]

New subscriber here! I love your channel, Sir. I'm here in Philippines. Can't wait to visit your country.

[@wonderwhy2335]

First time watching your vdo. Sending it to my 20 something yo kids who are Thai nationals growing up in Cali. One is for sure getting stuck not being able to become financially independent. I’ve suggested her many times to move to Thailand where I’m sure her ability and quality will be utilized for her growth. I hope she will watch this.

[@gloofisearch]

While California, to me, is still pretty much the most beautiful state with lots of nature to offer, the overall problem is GREED on every level in America. I am sure that your friends, who complain about the high prices, if they have a house, maybe bought 30 years ago for $150K, would not sell it for $400K now, but the market price, which is more like $1.5 - $2 Million. They are happy to take that! Everybody is happy to take more, if they can. The problem is that America is lifeless and the people do not stand up for it. They just live somehow, making it through the month. It is actually sad that America is fighting over little things that have no effect for most people but they are all caught up in that. Left or right, Immigrants or not, abortion or not, guns or not.... most countries are long past those things, but America is taking itself apart because of these things. The problem is that most people are very badly educated and that their horizon is not going over the border of the USA to see other countries, to see that life is way better outside the USA. In school they are taught that America is the best, the one and only, so why look over the border, it cannot possibly be better!

[@OneJame]

I just arrived in Thailand 3 weeks ago, and literally the only reason I have any plans to go back to California is to go to my best friends wedding in June 🤣 It’s already better here. I’m over the USA.

[@MEDITATION990]

UK has gone the same way, it is finished! I am never leaving going back - Thailand now for me.

[@TiminBaguio]

I was born at Eden hospital in Castro Valley! Enjoyed my visits to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Bali earlier this year. Living in Philippines with all its beauty and amazing beach life as well. English is widely spoken. Food is better than many suggest in my opinion though not as many choices as there are in those places I visited. Infrastructure in many places are subpar as well but the people are amazing and easy to interact with. There are always trade offs but I am living my best life. Enjoy!! Thanks for your content….

[@themediterraneanguy]

thanks for shring your experience, it's so valuable to you, unforgettable moments of your life in THAILAND

[@ptroy72blue]

Dude count your blessings 🙌 you're lucky to live in BKK

[@drstit]

Pretty impressive with​ you​ saying that​ your​ heart​ and​ your​ life​ belong to​ this​ lovely​ smile​y land​ of​ mine.​ Thanks​ for​ the​ kind​ words to​ our​ country and​ wish​ you​ a​ very​ successful life​ being​ here.​ Peace​ and​ love​ to​ you​❤❤❤❤ BTW i​ saw​ you​ on​ Tiktok​ w​here​ a​ local​TTker featured you​ in​ an​ episode​ stating that​ the​ United States has​ been​ overwhlemed with​ domestic​ problems.​ I​ hope​ the​ situation​ is​ getting​ better​ by​ the​ time.

[@MultiWolfxxx]

Such a straight talking video. After my last trip to the US i realized i'll probably be fine avoiding it for the rest of my life. Quite liked it at one point. I don't understand what they're doing in places like california. But i guess to each their own.

[@Moohanjagoodaroos]

You're spot on about CA. It's like you're speaking from the bottom of my heart. Good move living in Thailand.

[@RetiredInThailand]

Holy crap ... Just paused the video at 5:46 to look at the bill for a spicy noodle soup, Laab Moo, and a Thai iced tea .... For $33+!!!!!! I'm living in Chiang Mai and if I went to the fanciest restaurant in the city that would cost me maybe $8 ... But I'm sure I could easily get that for $6 without even trying ... And $3 if I wanted to put in 5 minutes effort. I live my little neighborhood here on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. It's 800 meters to the local temple where there's always something happening where the community meets up, and on the way there they are at least 8 small restaurants and a half dozen little businesses ask with friendly people willing to shiit-the-shit, even with this white guy who barely speaks anything but the most basic Thai (they like to practice their English so it works out great.) I'm with you, there's nothing much for me back home (Toronto, Canada ) ... Work, sure at home, and look forward to the 2 hours or so if spend at the bar with define friends Friday after work. Thank gawd I found Thailand ... So much more life here; and freedom ... And I mean real freedom ... The freedom to live your life as you see fit, not the pretend freedom where you get 'a vote' that basically gives nothing but lets you pick the next corporate sector that picks your pocket.

[@lavista4u]

Its the same all over Thailand, some Thai cities like Pattaya has stood the test of time, I'm visiting and living in Pattaya for over 20+ years and when inflation is eating away every city, magically Pattaya has remained the same more or less like it was 20 years ago. it has managed to put every economic stats upside down like inflation, increase in tourist, it is the 15th most visited city in the world and yet only city which is affordable. even now like price of bhat

[@pappadappacarhauler757]

You are absolutely correct! It’s not just California. I live in the Dallas FTW area where prices are sky high. It’s like they are creating homelessness. I’ve recently retired and it’s difficult to maintain my standard of living. I visited Bangkok and The Philippines this past Jun and I really like Thailand. I may plan in the future to get out of the sinking ship called America. Because the dream has become a nightmare! The politicians are running it into the ground.

[@erinlovesmystichealing1928]

I feel the same about everything you said💯 barely just existing.. surviving from Florida 🤕..Ive been thinking about Thailand...wish I was there...take care❤

[@kleerogers]

good video, crime is out of control in CA and Oregon, Washington, no consequences whatsoever, they literally walk into stores grab what they want and leave, I live in Canada, we used to go to the US all the time, no more, Thailand wins hands down, we are moving to Hua Hin later this year. You mailed it in this video!!!

[@Lvbigman78]

We are planning to move to Philippines 🇵🇭 soon. So glad I ran into your video.

[@frede3921]

Yep and that’s why when I retire in 5 years I’m moving to Thailand and getting out of California it’s super crazy here

[@thebrucewagner]

🙏🏼 Lots of ❤ to you. Happy that life is great there. We lived in Thailand for 7 years. Came back to the US only for the kids to go to school here in the Midwest. But soon, we will retire again to Thailand. Hugs.

[@windit5877]

I left germany 9 years ago. Living on boracay island in the philippines now. I travel back every year for 4 weeks max cause i cant take it to stay longer. It gets worse and people life their lives sleeping not knowing how everything around them crumbles.

[@glennmcgee1729]

The existing verses living issue for me in the states has me convinced that my retirement in Thailand is doable if I can continue to adhere to a rigid budget. Years of research and planning tells me to act before it's too late.

[@beverlyweber4122]

#nailedit Ditto. I lived in Thailand for nearly a year in 2019 and was spoiled rotten by the cost of living, gorgeous scenery and lovely people. I have about five years until retirement and am blessed with landing an awesome job (WFH), so counting down and adhering to budget is the ticket back to Thailand. Good luck!

[@tanthaman]

Do it!!!

[@farleyendeman5002]

So I’m looking forward to seeing more of your videos.. l completely resonated with everything you’ve been saying wow !!!!

[@bluebutterflytravels191]

Goodness. I grew up in San Diego and left in 1991 to live in some other parts of the U.S. I saw where it was going in Cali. and wanted to explore living in some other states (I was a single parent so a bit stuck in some ways) and pursued a post grad degree... When I was "done" with Oregon my adult son and I decided to get out of the U.S. (Nov. 2022) and we sold everything and made a beeline for central Mexico. Applying for residency here in May and then considering spending 6 months in SE Asia/Thailand to see what it's all about. We run an online business from the road so all good there... Thanks for all your videos!

[@kimichart]

Thai people welcome you and wish you happy and full of energy in Thailand.

[@HabitatPaintingLimited]

Bloody good on ya mate, good to see you know being happy is more important than doing the mundane grind that most people do, all the best mate👍

[@stokeandspoke1177]

I was just in Thailand for a month and I knew by the time I landed in LAX that the people were just so divided, angry, and out for themselves. The price of everything is out of control, I loved being in Thailand and the ignorance is bliss was so real when I was traveling

[@amradiobusan1123]

Mr.Lee don't forget you are an expat from a wealthier nation and you have chinese-'AMERICAN' status. I am from rural Laos and my life in Thailand is very harsh. I'd rather peel shrimps 14 hours a day in California.

[@FusionSempai]

Found a gem of a channel, loving ur videos!

[@youtubetebie7799]

America is rotten inside out and is slowly falling everyday, "Leaving America" is a hot keyword on KZbin.

[@Thairieskaterat]

Ive been twice. 4 weeks oct 2019 pre covid 4 weeks last april 2023 post covid. I'm making my move there soon. Year...year half plan. Then i retire to Thailand. All the vids i see of folks who moved there, they are much happier n healthy. I cant see myself coming back here, but i will have 2 Harelys that will need to be riden once a year. Until i let them go, ill prolly come back here (Sandpoint, Idaho), to ride them in the summer months. Ever time i spend a dollar, i think, " This gets me so much in Thailand " great vid. Thanks for sharing. 🙏😘🌬🌬➡️

[@aworlds1]

Amerikkkas roots are showing. Some are waking up, and some are dedicated to sleeping with the dream. Except some dreams are living nightmares.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Very intelligent insight. This gentleman sums things up accurately - as sad as it is. Personally, I know of two people who left the USA to retire in another country.

[@snanth70]

Agreed with you 1000%... Not just in California...other states are getting bad too.. keep up a good work. Love your video

[@dennisgordon7767]

need more vids like this but like actually go around shooting and show us how life is nowadays.. downtown, interactions, etc. many of us on the fence to go back or not after years in SE asia

[@bryanbrown8079]

Yeah I agree with everything. I went back to Cali in June for 3 weeks. And I couldn’t wait to get back on that 20 hour flight back to Thailand 🇹🇭

[@David-wm8he]

Great video Forrest. You're delivery is so smooth and effortless. You've come a long way my friend.

[@Kenya1984]

Don’t even talk to your friends and family about politics, your travel experiences, foods, tipping culture, religion, etc, basically everything under the moon then you’re fine😂 I made the mistake of doing that after living abroad for 8-9 years. I studied abroad in Thailand when I was 21 and travelled around Asia, then moved to Finland for all of my 20’s (worked as a teacher, grad school for free, married a Finnish). Anything I said how great Thailand is Finland, France, Sweden, Spain, etc, was if it’s so great why did you move back. Shocked me I moved back for family and friends and my siblings were the one telling me to go back to Finland or Thailand since it’s so great. Well, sure enough I moved back to Finland and couldn’t be happier. Finally following my heart ❤️ never ever will I move somewhere to be closer to family. I was filled with guilt in my 20’s because I was living such a good life while my family in California was living in such horrible circumstances, of course they don’t see it that in their McMansion! Free healthcare, better quality food, air, water and best of all safe! Can walk or take public transportation everywhere for the win.

[@h011yw00d]

I've been wanting to live in South Asia, mostly Vietnam (my own culture) and some Thailand --- never traveled or left California. Seeing all the travel and food blogs from both of these south asian countries make me want to go more and more. Now that I work remotely, it is very appealing. Getting a bowl of pho in LA is at least 15 bucks and in Vietnam it's around 2-3 bucks. Banh Mi is around 6 bucks at least in LA and you can get it for 1-2 bucks in Vietnam. Yeah the fuel and food prices have skyrocketed in the past few years. Tons of homelessness (lots of drug use) in downtown LA, way more crime. Home prices have doubled so no one can afford to buy one. Paid 300k 30 year mortgage in 2010 for current family home, now Zillow says it's worth 600k. No one with brains would get a mortgage right now until there is a housing bubble burst. There has been massive tech layoffs in the past year (well paying jobs that people could afford to start a family with). I would like to stay as a digital nomad for 6-8 months a year in Asia before considering the Thailand Elite Visa or a long term visa in Vietnam.

[@mjohnsen8606]

I was playing some ambient music while listening to you and it makes it feel like a somber motivational video.

[@nathanandsopa]

Forrest, I think it's difficult for you to see that after the age of 35, the business of raising a family are often the best years of people's lives. I was a relatively successful bachelor at 30 - well paying career, my own London flat, vintage sports car, and had great hobbies as a music bandleader and fencing in tournaments, but marrying and growing my own family has undoubtedly been my greatest achievement. When I talk to friends and colleagues who are childless and wandering around the world on their own at 45+, I feel pity for them. They are most often anchorless. I'm over 50 now, with a stepson in his 20s and a daughter in her late teens, and there's nothing I enjoy more than trying to help them get on in life!

[@stevend8785]

I'm glad that worked out for you. All that needs to happen to upend the Father's world is for her to say "I'm not happy" and then you spend a year or two in family court and if the kids are young there's all that drama and repeat trips back to family court. Marriage is the most important legal decision you will ever make. May the odds be ever in your favor.

[@nathanandsopa]

@@stevend8785 Yep, sorry to hear that, if it happened to you. btw I am now separated from my wife of 18 years but we managed it amicably without the courts. Still fb friends!

[@dannychances1345]

Blah, blah, blah this is the matrix speaking!

[@yaiburanakul8505]

Yes, we all need purpose in this life. So, may each of you have purpose in the coming days.

[@Goodman849]

I agree with all the above comments. I'm.still amicable and have 2 daughters with a demon of a woman. Still find the time to globe trot where possible.

[@eswillie]

Nice. I need to share this with friends, family and others. I get the whole vibe since we live here in the Northeast US and nothing is what it was not that many decades ago. If and when I can get back to Thailand (and convince my partner to come with me) I have a feeling that we may spend either extended time there, or at least plan on looking at the possibility of moving there. Thanks for this video, I intend to watch more of what you post.

[@I_am_cooked_For_Life]

Welcome to Thailand! Great to hear that you're enjoying it. When I was a kid back in the late 80s - early 90s, I always envisioned how great it would be to live in the US, especially California. Today, it looks like a s*it hole country. Its sad how bad it's become and what I've noticed from KZbin vids are that all violent crimes seem to be committed by the same group of people. It's almost like they're wired differently than the rest of us. Not all races are mixed well with one another, i guess.

[@DavidToback]

I’m from FL but lived in LA for the last 3.5 years. I just left to Texas while I plan my move to Colombia early next year for all these reasons

[@mercenarymike1397]

I just came back from Thailand, was in Bangkok and visited Krabi, east of Phuket. Beautiful country, nice people

[@mattmoss6121]

Great video! I live in East LA, moved here to play music years ago! I'm so done with Los Angeles, I'm of Hungarian/Czech descent and an thinking of looking into relocating to Europe... Thank you for the video!

[@rayneparker7421]

Everything you said I completely agree with, I’m planning to move there in May with my 2 kids. Fear is definitely creeping up as I sell all of my stuff but I know I need to go

[@RichardcWallis]

we have many of these problems in NZ , housing and food have gone up so much ,perhaps not quite as bad as the US .Guess im somewhat insulated from all this having my own place in the country and can be more less self sufficient. Im currently in Thailand ,usually spend 1-2 months ayear here ,maybe longer when i retire. Such a great place and i find i really pick up on the energy of the people. thx for your video👍

[@petergranados4005]

I'm with you what's going on in California, I live in Santa Cruz, this place was,I repeat was , a nice place to live, now it pathetically expensive , people are exhausting. Cold as end frigid as there mega mansions, my wife is from Thailand , she is here now , were waiting for paper from immigration, maybe a year or so, it killing me to stay here any more. Been to thailand many times, and going back to the states is truly culture shock, can't wait to get back to the land of smiles.

[@gabriellamar2683]

Your life is what you make it regardless of where you live. Thailand is a beautiful country and culture. Thailand is also full of government corruption, mass poverty, and limited opportunities for upward mobility for rural citizens . As Americans, we enjoy the fruits of the richest and most powerful country on the planet. Any place looks good when the USD has a strong conversion rate. Democracy ain't easy, and it requires an active, informed citizenry. Japan is my go-to international destination, and I've considered buying a home there, but for me, my country, the United States of America, with all her flaws, will always be #1 in my heart!

[@victoryang3220]

Welcome back and thank you for sharing with us your oversea experiences, especially in Thailand. It's good to know for some of us who are near retirement to figur out what we would do after retirement. Best wishes

[@jonasdahl2394]

Hi Lee. Im on my 5th year of working and living in Thailand, Hua hin. And I still dont wanna go back to Denmark. Ur not alone!! :D

[@gregorygannon1365]

Nice vid. I live in Bend Oregon the other day I met a gentleman who's in his late 30s married with three kids him and his wife are both working inflation is gotten so bad he shared with me that he didn't even know if they were going to be able to pay their phone bill between the high cost of rent and food it's starting to become impossible for the middle class to exist I have been fortunate enough to go to Thailand Vietnam and the Philippines for six months out of the year and I know exactly what you're talking about it's sad that such a great country could just turn into a shit hole

[@Lesjennings2295]

Good afternoon. I’ve been looking at Thailand content now for about two months and I just discovered your channel today. I am feeling about the US the way you feel. I will be in Thailand for two months in December and already I’m thinking about not coming back. I haven’t even touched the soil there yet. thanks for the Contant and I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels this way.

[@loryndabenson2118]

I lived in California for ten years(originally from Texas) it's so unnecessarily expensive that it's become boring. If you're not spending exorbitant amounts on groceries you're spending money just to go out to a park or to eat because you have to pay for parking(if you can afford a car) My cousin stays in a nice neighborhood in East Vale, and when we were there a few months ago there had been reports of shooting/murder. In EAST VALE?! oh and the land looks lifeless because it literally is. I try to forage wild herbs and it's really hard to find good spots because EVERYTHING is considered just weeds and it's sprayed with something. We don't have cool little villages here in the US where you can live off your own crops/herd the animals unbothered like other countries. Not without government interferences with expensive regulations. They even want us to register our gardens now and we can be fined for collecting rain water. I left California thank goodness. On my way to leave the US. It's so boring here. Just surviving isn't living.

[@dbcoop5273]

I really appreciate your honesty in your videos. I too am from the bay area in Ca. and you are correct we are surviving. Luckily there is still a couple of wonderful places left to go and hide in, for I'm in one. However, I'm retiring soon and I will be gone as soon as my wife and I can logistically make that happen. I think SE Asia is going to explode with young and old Americans who just want to raise there kids in a safe positive environment and are seeking the simple life like it all used to be here.

[@DanielTroutman-s9p]

You are not wrong. I live in Oregon and the whole state is overrun with homeless camps and drug addicts. It's not safe anymore and we are paying out the nose for the privilege of living here in this dump. I've been looking at Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia as possible places to call home. Anywhere I stand a chance of having a life and am not just existing. Thanks 🙏 for this video.

[@dannyho6786]

have you given any thought to Maryland ?

[@DanielTroutman-s9p]

@dannyho6786 it's not really on my radar. Should it be?