What I Learn From Living in Bangkok For 2 Years

[@J-WOT]

I like to say that money doesn't buy happiness, but it does support it.

[@WalkingStreets]

Those who say money doesn’t buy happiness never had million dollars of money.

[@polster2]

Money buys comfort, not happiness. If ones needs are fulfilled on the salary they make including housing, food, entertainment, etc.. than they are fulfilled and happy with there life. On the other hand someone struggling to make it in this world where they can barely pay their bills than money becomes burden and they project that if they had more money they would be happy but its more about comfort than happiness. Someone with excess cash in million+ dollar range doesn't need the excess cash to be comfortable or happy.. At some point it just keeping up with the jones to buy expensive things like cars, houses, vacations, etc... but none of those things really make someone happy!

[@jorge666]

Plenty of people who are millionaires and miserable and plenty of people who have little and are happy. It’s not the money it’s you. That’s not to say for most people we could use a more comfortable or pleasurable life.

[@martyb4404]

“Old Asia Hands” is a term for those crusty old guys that have been in Asia for years and years and let me tell you. When those dudes speak I listen. They have seen it all and are a wealth of great info, wisdom and advice and have stories to put the majority of us to shame. I listen to and take their wisdom to heart, always looking to learn from an experienced person.

[@MyBelch]

For every crusty geezer with sage advice, there is another bloviating know-it-all who doesn't know his ass from his elbow.

[@thebangkokconnection4080]

The biggest problem I encountered is there is watch time and their is Thai time. Go for a 9am appointment, sit, come back after lunch, sit, come back tomorrow at 9am.

[@iambyas]

Because of your videos I am now actually living in Bangkok since 3 months, I’m actually living in a building you showed on a video. So thanks dude, it’s been amazing 😜

[@sherwinh1661]

hello . im planning to semi-retire in thailand too. what do you do to make a living there?

[@iambyas]

@@sherwinh1661 mostly spotify playlists, life is cheap here

[@bannertraveller5879]

@@iambyas how do you make money from a play list?

[@ardentdfender4116]

@@iambyas Just glad to hear you escaped the Matrix. Trying to myself.

[@tc-cf3hv]

What condo?

[@theonemikeblue]

as a 4 year expat here in Thailand, Forrest you nailed it! got a new sub!

[@londonlouis000]

I love your vulnerability. Thanks for sharing

[@varocalifa]

When you mentioned there's alot of people who aren't really who they say they are, that reminded me of when I lived in LA. Lots of people down there really do fake it till they make it.

[@martyb4404]

I have lived in LA my entire life…..spot on.

[@SavanaT]

The Expat community in Bangkok might be small, but the city is HUGE... 10Million people++.. larger than NYC, LA & San Francisco... Keep a perspective Mr. Lee

[@uwegrauert7680]

We love Thailand. And I will live in Bangkok, if I finish work. I think it a very good place for life. Because you have everything and if you want to go on other beautiful Asian place you can fly everywhere. Have a good time in Thailand 👍

[@billdadrill]

Good advice brother! I don't tell things about myself to folks that I don't want everyone to know. You are correct people will talk shit! I try to avoid that gossip crowd, my mom is Thai and they are good at gossip they need it like oxygen.

[@LittlePooky]

555! So true.

[@jeffreycordova9082]

@9:15 Money is just a tool. Plenty of rich people are chronically depressed drug-addicts. Plenty of poor people who win the lottery or sign multi-million dollar professional sport contracts go bankrupt soon after. Money will only help those who have discipline and direction and actually understand the value and utility of it.

[@davidttower]

Great advice!

[@London_01]

Very inspirational 👍🇬🇧

[@xiachang1792]

Your English is good. How good is your Thai?

[@jnsa9454]

Solid advice

[@filipefreitas2151]

Good advice, good adventure

[@michaelkaufman9625]

Where Forrest in Bangkok are you moving from and where are you moving to? Thong Klor, Asoke, Sukhumvit?

[@driftingintoretirement]

Be the grey man.

[@georgequek7996]

Forrest looks like a thai fortune teller make me richer and luckier guy in BKK kap.🙏

[@dreamygirl1994]

can you talk about the visas we can get? especially for young people new to the work force

[@TheIronman1508]

Hi Forest are you in a student visa at Bangkok?

[@ewstuber]

"Stay away from crazy people!"

[@RUSTY-A-L]

What would you say is your greatest skill set is?

[@johnnywangchan499]

I wanna meet you in Bangkok for beer

[@MathGPT]

I think becoming a social media influencer is making you really fragile dude. Your opinions aren't insightful they just kind of expose how men back home are afraid to express themselves because of the culture of judgement you seem to sorely miss

[@sheldonbinder9945]

Advice from a truly paranoid type of person. 2 years living in Bangkok and he offers consultations on it 😆, while spending half the time whining about it.

[@difencrosby]

Any farang living in Thailand should never have empathy when living in Thailand. They will be taken advantage of very quickly if they show the slightest empathy

[@dapro2524]

Dork loves to yap

[@bmelvin1234]

Become a Buddhist

[@method341]

Your comment about making genuine friends applies to everywhere, not just Bangkok. It's one of those things where all the stars need to line up.

[@ChrisGarby]

Ive lived different paces and you don’t have these issues or worries if you mind your own business. The more you associate with people the more drama you have in life. I spent 3 months in eastern Europe last winter. Never had an issue, lived my live, did what I wanted 0 drama. My best advice, just stay away from people and your fine. I happiest by my self anyway.

[@clownfish7776]

I think it's quite fine to have a friend or 2 but you are right, the best and real advice.

[@lorik5991]

Been in Chiang Mai for two years expat community is small but growing this year, agree with you about people n circle of friends along with connections. Alot of retirees here to. Am private stay mysteriously vague less drama happier life😊

[@Phucket24]

Forrest The less you care, the happier you will be.

[@horsetrader6154]

Old European farang still on his mind.....lol.hahaha.

[@jiraratboonwej2816]

Let go , live your life day by day , imagine today is your last day , by the way do , think and speak wisely(the middle path is the best)..

[@ForrestLee]

Sure, so I shouldn’t care about my family, friends, business, the things I’m passionate about?… sure it’s easy to not care or care less, but you’ll have less of a fulfilling life

[@maxhardcore8034]

@@ForrestLee That's the 'eternal' struggle of life, to fine tune the perfect balance of life you want to have. Can't be grindset mindset all day, but yolo your life away is also not the best idea.

[@careystravels]

Just found you earlier today through KZbin's Recommendation, and I have watched a lot of your videos beginning to end. This is by far your best video! I don't trust anyone, period, so I completely understand your last few minutes of the video! Humans have always been really fuuuckin' stupid! TAKE CARE of Yourself, and YAH' BLESS YOU!

[@viktor.egelund]

Just drop being social. All your worries are related to other people.

[@Maverck007]

i love your straight from heart genuine talks.also i like your down to earth personality.

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

Very interesting summary Forrest. I’ve seen a lot of characters around Bangkok 😅

[@polster2]

Money buys comfort, not happiness. If ones needs are fulfilled on the salary they make including housing, food, entertainment, etc.. than they are fulfilled and happy with their life. On the other hand someone struggling to make it in this world where they can barely pay their bills than money becomes burden and they project that if they had more money they would be happy but its more about comfort than happiness. Someone with excess cash in million+ dollar range doesn't need the excess cash to be comfortable or happy.. At some point it just keeping up with the jones to buy expensive things like cars, houses, vacations, etc... but none of those things really make someone happy!

[@theStacyJames]

Forrest, how do you deal with Visa renewal every three months? Is there a way around that? Living in Mexico for three years, Residency was EASY to get. But it seems either super inconvenient to have to leave Thailand every three months, or paying 800000 Baht and getting a probing probing background check for a five year Visa. Can you do a video specifically on this topic please.

[@Kotiara123]

"Money can solve about 95% of your problems. Money is very important" 100% spot on

[@agoodchow]

Money buys convenience.

[@ubiquitousdiabolus]

"Money can't buy happiness" doesn't mean money is not important or that it cannot improve your life. It depends on the person. Money won't: bring someone back from the dead. It generally won't fix poor health, mental illness, a negative attitude, loneliness etc. It can help you improve your life (travel, hobbies, more options) or it can help you destroy your life (cynicism, drugs, alcohol, gambling, lack of responsibility, sense of invincibility, etc.)

[@Wouter_asia]

I was thinking about those things when Forrest layed out his plans "to become RICH"..... I think he needs to open his eyes to see how rich he already is.... many things you mention...being healthy, travel....no 9to5 job and still have food and a roof over your head....

[@ubiquitousdiabolus]

@@Wouter_asia everybody wants to obtain more money and once they have more than they can ever spend, they spend their time trying to obtain more power and control over society.

[@Wouter_asia]

@Joe Dirt I'll settle for a quiet life over there with food on the table and a loving gf / wife. ...and above all, hopefully, stay healthy. My GF is in Cambodia.

[@amwfpaulandjay]

Money is a mean of exchange. It depends on who uses it. We are new AMWF content creator. I'm from Bangkok and my's from Scotland. Have a nice day/evening everyone! 🇹🇭🇬🇧 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@ekkamailax]

You’re obviously not rich 😂

[@TempestTossedWaters]

Money can't buy you happiness, but it sure helps.

[@ijaeson]

I think this is amazing information, but this pertains to most cities and people.

[@WadmanP]

"Surface Level Friends." Basically acquaintances. The Thai phrase for this translates to "friends you eat dinner with."

[@method341]

How do you say it in Thai?

[@method341]

I noticed that Thais have a LOT of superficial friends. It's just the way their culture is I suppose.

[@WadmanP]

@@method341 Superficial 'friends' cross all cultural boundaries. A friend of mine has a sister who, as far as I can tell, has NO true friends.

[@xhibit99]

@@method341 เพื่อนกิน Puen-kin

[@paymans1153]

Great video as usual Forrest. You made some great point specially about social media and keeping your true circle small. Very very true! Arrived in bkk last Tuesday and still trying to settle here. Would love to meet and treat you to lunch as a way to thank you fir your awesome tips in your videos. 😊

[@azntoogood]

I still think that you need goals, even when you are in Thailand. Ask yourself what are your goals once you are in Bangkok? And how are you going to achieve them. Don't just retire in Thailand and expect the unexpected. Yes, you need money even if you want a gf. Straight up! Pussy isn't free. That's what I learned having a gf in Vancouver

[@andretea262]

as long as i don't meet the lady boys buddy

[@AuroraPixel6]

Is the guy that claimed to earn 6k in passive income "real" or was it just a story?

[@BoatLoad-o5z]

it's definitely real. There are guys who make 4 to 5 times that per month that, it just depends on what you know.

[@ruggala3000]

can you name the sociopath?

[@masteryancodesan]

That probably could have been 2.5 minutes lol

[@tloceyes4079]

Wealth is not about having a lot of money; it’s about having a lot of options. -Chris Rock- Great video Forrest . Stay strong, Hodl and buy the dip. Not financial advice.😁

[@antruok4950]

Simplicity is the Gold standard . Some people haven’t recognized that yet

[@etathomas5013]

You can have friends but never 100% trust them.

[@matdunsford526]

Ok I'd just like to add that I lived in Phrom Phong for many years with little money and without western contacts. I learnt Thai Language i didn't need many contacts or much money and had a wicked time.Bopinyang Dtok!

[@amwfpaulandjay]

Money is a mean of exchange. It depends on who uses it. We are new AMWF content creator. I'm from Bangkok and my's from Scotland. Have a nice day/evening everyone! 🇹🇭🇬🇧 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@panapana8219]

I’m a local here. What you said are so true even for myself. I have a very small circle of friends as I grow. Now already entered 40’s. I just don’t hang around friends who are likely to get my in trouble.

[@dontrinh7686]

I want to come to bangkok and become your friend! I am loyal , fun , investor friendly =P. All jokes aside, thank you for posting your insights , as always.

[@guytiips3906]

Don't do like this when you cross road. it's not worth it. Almost poor driver can't pay anything when accident happen. Try to walk far and used Zebra crossing. I am thai boy... So worry you.

[@az9043]

Money doesn't buy happiness, but money does give freedom to choose the lives that you want to live. Money does give you more options and flexibility. However, you must have a good health. When you focus to become rich and wealthy, it is also important to focus on your physical and mental health.

[@wytchend]

Forest, you are wise beyond your years. Definitely right on most counts. I find most farangs are smart, but broken, or damaged in some way.? But still good people though. You need to be financially smart to survive here. Life here can swallow your money very quickly. Have you considered a subscriber meet? Happy to buy you a coffee sometime. Keep up the deep thing, & great work. You are a good advocate for LOS. Cheers Tony

[@vaguelyvagrant9694]

Awesome advice. Great video. You don't often hear this kind of perspective from a vlogger. I'm starting to put things in place to move back to the region and probably to Bangkok specifically.

[@richiemochi]

Appreciate, your advice Forrest. Would like to make some friends there like you and the expats there as well. American too and hopefully when the time is right I will be there too. Since the expat community is small there should be a support system.

[@ardentdfender4116]

Brand New Subscriber, first time commenting and 2nd video. I originally landed on your Introvert video from 3 years ago as a KZbin recommended video. I’m a low key just chilled guy so it resonated with me and as an Ex-Military too (U.S Navy). I spent my entire military time living in Japan, so these videos resonate with me. Been longing to get back overseas as well and I just find your video so far just chill and very helpful to watch. Here’s to the Journey wherever it may lead, hopefully overseas on my own terms. So great an apology between MMORPG characters, NPC and the Matrix of the real world. Totally get it. Desperately trying to escape! I also find it so interesting that it’s often an introverted personality that characterizes colorful people personalities described as Interesting individuals 😂. That’s just interesting in itself.

[@Moz8476]

Forrest I would like videos where you are more real with what you are really going through. The video seems vague and "life lesson" like.

[@TheArtofEngineering]

Bangkok rocks for me....but for a holiday! The heat and traffic is exciting .....for a while....then it starts to kill you! :) I have lots of friends who we like to visit then we return to OZ!

[@Lugha-lt9vj]

When you talk about people with interesting characters in Bangkok, are you talking about expats only, locals, or both ?

[@peterthermocline]

"t"

[@pepeee548]

i live at the base west, my room full of cockroaches, pested even in the bedroom, and i am clean and no have food around, i cant wait to move out of that building ASAP

[@patricialing]

Hi Forrest! Just came across your video/channel, thanks for this video as I am coming to Thailand in the next week! Thanks for being real and authentic in your video. Have you shared your experience as an asian American living in Thailand? If so please send me the link! Thanks so much :)

[@JohnDoe-iv7yu]

This is one of THE best videos you have done and the advice is sound. I live in Pattaya and its a bit more intense and smaller here. Never reveal who you really are, never.

[@TrumpetBiz]

Great points Forrest. So right that money doesn't buy happiness. Great tips, this really separates your channel so please keep these informative recommendations coming !

[@tipskulhiso6763]

Dude !! I’m from Petaluma and work as an Emergency nurse for the past 20 years at Kaiser Hospital. I’m moving to Thailand next year. I will be living in Nong Khai a small province !! Come for a beer or 2 or 3 or whatever. I’m probably one of the low level sociopath you may find. BTW I’m Thai but have been working in North Bay for 20 yr.

[@seat2d]

Lol at people back home bein normie wagie npcs. And yes, scammers everywhere.

[@raff1971]

First of all. Money doesn’t buy you happiness. It buys you comfort. As far as you saying it’s been a ball. Well maybe you should tell your face that. 😮. All I see is a stressed man child chasing it and is on the verge of balling your eyes out. Maybe you need to take a break. Maybe you need to stop worrying about making your fortune. Maybe you should stop postponing things because you feel you don’t have enough to survive. Let me tell you what I’ve learned. It’s never the best time to do anything. Just do it. You will figure it out on the way to your dreams. If you need money you will get it, if you need to make time for your family you will find the time. I see exactly in your face, what I saw in mine 20 years ago. Stressed out. Not living my dreams because I wasn’t ready financially or didn’t have the time. Repeat after me. Fuck it!! Don’t worry about anybody. This is your life. I have kids. While I hope they will be successful, it’s more important that they be happy. Stop measuring your success by the size of your wallet. Be grateful. Can’t afford a house, buy a condo. You’ll be happier, because of the smaller mortgage. Can’t afford a BMW , get a Honda. Don’t get trapped in keeping up with the Jones’s. Look around in Bangkok at the poverty, yet they smile probably more than the rich. They have piece of mind. Usually if money is stressing you out is either 2 reasons. 1 because of you wanting what the other person has or 2 by buying things you can’t afford. You will be running the hamster wheel the rest of your life. Anyway I hope figure it out. Good luck.🙏

[@petekhauv2476]

Great info to those who wanted to move to Thailand. Have you tried Cambodia?

[@martypoll]

I met you one night at Craft (Soi 23). I think you qualify as an interesting character. I love meeting the expat characters. You are going to be lonely here if you can’t put up with the interesting people.

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

👍

[@robertjackson9601]

Was waiting for it when you said "here's my window" Sorta like: Hold my beer. Watch this! BTW, Happy Veterans Day thank you for your service.

[@mustafabaris9681]

You can't change the people around you but you can change the people around you..

[@Ned88Man]

Thailand is often “last chance saloon” for many. Folks talk about how they don’t want to live in their home countries but the truth is, they can’t for whatever reason. There are a lot of good things going about Thailand, but the fact that it attracts some rather questionable characters has always been a down point.

[@horsetrader6154]

If it didn't attract Hooligans it would be like Singapore. Not a good thing.......

[@PerfectSense77]

If you aren’t hanging around shady places it’s effortless to avoid shady folks.

[@Ned88Man]

@@PerfectSense77 many situations where you might have to deal with said people, especially if you have some sort of business or something in the kingdom, in that case, they are our customers, so you just suck it up and deal with it.

[@davidd5636]

@@Ned88Man stop speaking what is in your head, fool, generalizing is useless, now go read a book or something, where you dream of doing what others do, who, unlike YOU, are not too coward to go anywhere and have an adventure.

[@Ned88Man]

@@davidd5636 Unlike me? I have lived in SE Asia for 13 years and simply speaking from experience and seeing the types of folks I mentioned.... Sorry if the truth hurts man.. My point is simple and I will say it again....while there are plenty of normal people with good intentions who come to stay in the Kingdom, there are many many folks who have basically been exiled from their home countries cause they can't make it work there..Yes, the place does attract some questionable characters. Nothing wrong with having adventures and living your life, but far too often, that's not what folks are doing...instead, they are running from something.

[@clintlafferty8023]

Great life suggestions in general, I appreciate your work.

[@Bauer787i]

Good video forest . Have lived in Bangkok before and worked remotely . Never had to Make friends as we don’t get time . Eat , sleep , work out and make the money . Good video . Keep it up

[@ulysse7243]

Money can buy everything except for mental health. I think that's the most accurate pick on that.

[@BrianPolito]

NPC/Normies.. i think we read the same boards. 😉

[@pyb.5672]

The people that hurt you have incapacitated you to reason properly.

[@dgilvani]

I stayed at the place where you had lunch. Super nice there! 🍻

[@pidiek6121]

Yes, as I’m Thai, money and connection is the first priority if you wanna live in Thailand comfortably. It’s REALLY important. You can become success more easily if you know people who works in the corporate or government.

[@ataberdi2064]

Hello, Where do you think the safest place in Thailand to move, more of a like calm and population is small ? Would be delighted if yu will answer 👍

[@pidiek6121]

@@ataberdi2064 It's kind of a mix in Bangkok where you can see a luxury hotels but find a poor community behind. So yeah I’m not sure bangkok will be the safest place for you. I would suggest Chiang Mai if you like to live in a more calm and less busier than Bangkok. Just try not to walk alone at night when the street is empty and not well lit. Thailand is most likely safe in the afternoon IMO.

[@ataberdi2064]

@@pidiek6121 Thanks for replying i have other 2 questions: 1. Is English widely spoken in Thailand? Like, in local areas. Or will i have to learn Thai to get by in situations 2. What is the problem with nights in Thailand, are there mean people wondering at night 🌉? Much appreciate your help ❤

[@pidiek6121]

@@ataberdi2064 You'd better learn Thai - at least be able to communicate if you wanna live in a rural area. But if you live in popular tourist places like Pattaya or Phuket, most locals can speak English (not that fluent but understand what you said). As in Q2, not too sure it will apply to most countries but just try not to stay alone in an empty street at night, especially in a deep narrow street/alley. it's better to take a Grab on your way home.

[@BobGoodi]

Be private but relaxed and open minded

[@toddsellars4694]

Another excellent Vlog and excellent advice Lee. Keep up the work!

[@williamhartz8707]

I worked near Pattaya for 14 years & spent a lot of weekends in Bangkok because I had a better choice of friends to connect with. The expats in Pattaya were mostly “bar flies” or complainers. And true, definitely don’t give out all your personal information to acquaintances when you casually meet someone. Maybe it’s an American trait but they’ll bluntly ask the following within the first 15-20 minutes of a conversation: 1) name 2) Where you are from … no problem so far with these questions 3) what is your job in Thailand 4) how long you’ve lived here 5) married with Thai wife? Being questioned within the first 20 minutes is always a turn off. And you definitely don’t give your phone number out to a new acquaintance unless you want to meet again.

[@horsetrader6154]

Bar Flies aka Sex Pests...lol.hahaha.

[@kt.t6031]

Nice to gear you learn Thai 👍🏻 Good move

[@xiachang1792]

Money buy anything bro

[@eleanderolyphant9385]

Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.

[@Photojouralist123]

Same here in KL, I stay away from the expat community here they are toxic nothing but a bunch of name droppers. I only have Malaysian buddies who I really enjoy being with.

[@ATIWatchReviews]

There are many people with sociopathic/psychopathic tendencies. It's a human adaptation, its a very bad thing but in some point in our history they were more successful getting resources and making babies. It's Mother Nature ultimately who did it.

[@williamdieffenbach3264]

Is he in Chiang Mai yet?

[@MrTkshiu]

What do you do for work?

[@traceylindsey4717]

Hi Forrest, thank you for the videos. I just watched an interview of you with an Irish gentleman. I found it very informative. Forrest I’m currently in the Philippines and I’m considering moving to Thailand. I’m not sure where to go. I’ve been considering Bnk, Pattaya and Chaing Mai and Chaing Rai. I really don’t want to be around all the mongers and such. I’m ex Navy and want to be around people that are positive and have goals. It’s actually kind of scary because I am traveling alone and sometimes it’s very hard to trust people. I would just like to meet everyday people who are happy and have goals in their life. I do drink but I’m not a big party type guy. Would just love to meet good people. If you have any suggestions for me I would greatly appreciate it. Oh, by the way do you sing? You have James Hatfields voice from Metallica 😂. Thanks again and hope to hear from you. ✌️

[@ataberdi2064]

Hey, Can you answer this question of mine: Is Philippines a good country to move overall. Or not worth the shot? What do you think 🤔

[@traceylindsey4717]

@@ataberdi2064 I actually love it here. It’s very safe and the people are very kind. You can rent for cheap and it all depends on your standard of living.

[@traceylindsey4717]

To me it depends on what your looking for to fulfill your dreams and happiness.

[@ataberdi2064]

@@traceylindsey4717 thanks for replying ❤

[@wilron776]

Excellent video mate!! The Language school, the inner circle of friends, money, habits and Bangkok,social media,the idea that Bangkok is a ‘small community also the orientation to think Bangkok is an ‘international city’ that is continually changing is very good to know. These are all great topic areas for me as I navigate this city and country. Thanks mate!!

[@xiachang1792]

Money is power