"I moved to Thailand at 19 with 600 Dollars to my name, 12 years later I'm still here"

Friso left the Netherlands at 19 and moved to Thailand 12 years ago and hasn't left. In this interview Friso tells us why he moved to Thailand and how he made it work for him. We get into the businesses he owned in Bangkok, one of which you would have seen when walking down Sukhumvit Road back in 2019. Friso talks about how he became fluent in Thai and how he is treated by Thai people as a foreigner in Bangkok, Thailand.
If you've been following the channel then you'll have already seen Friso feature in a video a few weeks ago (link for video below). This is because Friso is co-founder of Bangkok Community Help Foundation which helps poor and impoverished people in Bangkok.
Bangkok Community Help Foundation is always looking for volunteers so if you're in Bangkok and want to help out you're more than welcome to join the great team there.
If you'd like to make a donation to the foundation follow this link to their website: bangkokcommunityhelp.com/
Friso's Instagram: frisopolder...
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First video Friso featured in; • Dying On The Streets O...
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[@anjadezeeuw6735]

So very proud! Thanks for this inspiring interview with my son Friso ❤

[@stormstereo]

Heeey Anja! So cool to see you here. I agree it was very inspiring. And don’t worry, I will win the next Uno game too, and you will have to jump in the pool again! 😄

[@anjadezeeuw6735]

Hi Tommy, how are you? we sure had a great time ......ending up in the pool 😁. Next time it's your turn, I've had a lot of exercise with my grandchildren......

[@DreamofThailand19000]

As a Thai, thanks Friso from the bottom of my heart for your community work and service. You don't just live your life for yourself but you give back to the community where you live. You care about people who are poor and in need. We need more people like you in Thailand.

[@markholland6657]

this interview is like gold dust for any prospective entrepreneur.. Asia in general is an amazing place to live, create a business and thrive compared to so many places In Europe... as far as the language goes.. he is spot on. Full cultural immersion is very much the best way to get fluent and not be afraid to speak to anyone and everyone and it very much opens social doors in appreciation for your effort... I think coz he grew up with Thai friends it becomes a part of him, culturally...Can very much relate... Great Video as always Pete..

[@willsmith39]

I agree it was a great video but I'm not sure what your comment about Europe and entrepreneurship meant v Asia. Just being allowed to stay in Thailand for a meaningful amount of time isn't that easy and ownerrship structures around commercial property,, starting a company as a foreigner on Thailand etc I wouldn't say is easier v Europe. I'd actually say many places in Europe punch well above their weight in terms of entrepreneurship. I wouldn't even be typing this on my phone if it wasn't for Finnish Nokia and Swedish Ericsson which together ushered in this mobile world as we now know it. Computer gaming development is also massive in Sweden where Minecraft was born, GTA of course is part of Scotland's Rockstar games. Scotland actually has a really strong presence in high end hi fi with names like Linn. Actually my whole hi fi system is from small UK companies -its Arcam, Naim, Cyrus with B & W speakers. Anyway I guess we disagree on this. Which is funny I guess as I speak as someone who moved to Asia over 30 years ago now and started his own company. I retired a coupe years ago but still live here.

[@markholland6657]

@@willsmith39 yep, each have their own preference...

[@DrDavidRogerPHD]

You don't believe the saying. If you want to be a millionaire in thailand come with 2

[@Ned88Man]

@@willsmith39 I would agree with all you have said

[@andrewhyland9212]

Smart young man, business wise and with community work. Great interview.

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

A very smart young fella with a bit of go ! wish him well , not short of ideas , can see that he will only prosper

[@petergladt3489]

Amazing video with an absolutely amazing fine young man with a big heart. I will absolutely follow Friso's continued work in helping people and communities.

[@Ulbre]

"Friso, you're a legend". Absolutely 100% agree. Great video.

[@ThairishTimes]

Much appreciated, he is for sure

[@Patrick-xo8ht]

What a class act, Pete. Such an impressive individual and just an all around great guy!

[@Swimfit998]

Yes great interview Pete what a "go getter" you just know this guy will do well.

[@gemox3225]

I didn't finish the whole video yet, but I already like the story he told about his youth and how, as a child, Thailand became a kind of calling.

[@ellielarsen3673]

You've done it again Pit. This time with a Great young person that have the intelligent, human sensitivity, wisdoms beyond his age, all this combine with self driven personality make him an excellent character. And as usual your pleasant style of interviewing, this has made it one of the many great stories. Good Luck Pete and good luck to the Dutch young man.

[@ThairishTimes]

Well said!

[@IrishPhotoArchive1952]

You 2 guys restore faith in the younger generation. Well done.

[@ChrisBird1]

Speaking Thai is wonderful . It's such a respectful language . Great young man .

[@marcoweegerink]

Wow Friso! ... Legend! ♥

[@rushadol]

What a name..."Friso" it's like "Free Soul" the most suitable for him...

[@ThairishTimes]

Cool🙏🙏🙏

[@FrisoPoldervaart]

I'm competely in love with this comment. Thank you so much for this. I never thought of this and it encapsules everything. Thank you so much.

[@rushadol]

@@FrisoPoldervaart Thanks very much

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

that's one thing I would love to be able to do .... speak and understand Thai ... I can count but heaps more to do , just have to get more serious

[@packageism]

He’s got the look. I think a lot of nice Thai ladies are chasing after him. Especially with the language abilities

[@beforetherewerefences1257]

one of the best interviews i've seen...ever. and you're not even there. well done 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks so much🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@pannachawangkul585]

🙏 Friso & 👍 Pete.

[@oywatters9415]

Friso's quite an amazing person in many ways and his Thai is something else😮 A very interesting vlogging, Pete, love it 🙏

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it Oy🇮🇪🇹🇭👍🏼

[@siemmuy8887]

hi pete this is amazing interview friso have inspiring story. many people happy &will joint you .from toronto sue. I thank all youtuber are very kind& have good heart.

[@ThairishTimes]

Hi from Ireland. Thanks for watching🙏👍🏼

[@JamesWBurns]

What an interesting guy. Loved the interview Pete

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks James👍🏼

[@gertdrok]

Friso is a Very Nice Person and do a Lot of Good Work for the Poor Thai People. Good Interview again Pete. Now we miss Thailand with this Cold Weather in Ireland and same in Holland. 🙏

[@ThairishTimes]

It’s getting cold Gert, time to light the fire.Glad you enjoyed it

[@ImaginethenorthNet]

Great video. BCH is doing amazing work. I know Greg so it was really good to learn about 'the other guy' in all the photos 😍❤️

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MissPookie2]

Beautiful words at the ending Friso

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you liked them

[@beforetherewerefences1257]

what a fascinating interview... thankyou, pete. from extreme capitalism to helping the citizens of that beautiful city. my next trip will definitely involve helping out.

[@ThairishTimes]

Great to hear that, thanks

[@beerman204]

super. impressive guest on many levels....

[@ThairishTimes]

I agree, glad you appreciated Friso’s story

[@papapepe2232]

Great stuff Pete 👏 This young man Friso is one of a kind 👍 A true humanitarian unlike all of these wannabes that I run into these days mostly in western countries. Especially young people who think they are going to change the world. Arrogant, ignorant, and pompous. There are exceptions. Sorry I'm not doing Friso any favors am I 🙄 Anyway Friso is a good example of what it means to walk the walk and not just talk the talk!! That's how I should have started 🤔 Not to mention your own skills and ability to do such great interviews Pete 👍 👍👍👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Right on mate, glad you enjoyed it

[@Rai_Koroshiya]

Nice. Perhaps when you paint the room, you can use something like an acoustic dampening paint.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks i’ll check it out

[@stevieh3223]

Such a genuine guy who came across very well and all your viewers will relate to him. 🙏

[@jmand63]

Another great video, Pete. Friso is a great gentleman, very bright, inspiring and bringing a lot of positivity. What a fantastic job they make with their charity helping people in dire needs.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks buddy 🙏🙏

[@grahaml6072]

Hey Pete by the way it’s Bangkok community help foundation not health foundation 😊

[@tomoconnell2858]

Another great interview. Thanks. I will be making another donation to wonderful cause.

[@ThairishTimes]

Wonderful! Thanks Tom

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

Big change in his looks before/after his weight loss , easy to see he has goals to achieve

[@ThairishTimes]

I agree mate, took years off him

[@margarettownsley9500]

Amazing video with a amazing young man he seems such a really genuine nice person wish him all the best and Pete are such a great interviewer one of the best’ I’d not like dinner in the sky I can feel the seasickness from looking at it 😊thank you Pete for a fantastic video as usual

[@ThairishTimes]

I’m not sure i’d be into it either Margaret. Scary stuff

[@AsiaStreet365]

Great vid mate.

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed

[@narellec]

Brilliant ❤

[@ThairishTimes]

☺️☺️☺️

[@kennethbarr6842]

GOOD LUCK TWO ALL THE PATS?

[@bdmenne]

How does he take his coffee? Fascinating Shtory!

[@inindian]

Many thanks Pete. Much respect to Friso Poldervaart and Greg Lange for their community work.👍♥️

[@Jefe_Perro]

Great interview with an inspirational person. PS Great to see the progress on your "Pole-cast" studio....

[@ThairishTimes]

Haha well played

[@mixalis6168]

Im still subbed, keep up the awesome interviews

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks very much👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@sirsillybilly]

This guy is a legend ! Must be something in the water as I’ve yet to meet a bad apple from Holland.

[@NickyDunn]

Hiya Pete, I hope you are both doing well. On catch up. Binge watching now. Love your videos. Happy weekend.

[@ThairishTimes]

Welcome back Nicky, enjoy

[@caragon2]

Very awesome video Pete. This interview with Friso is really an inspiration for anyone wanting to take a certain skill set and making it work in Thailand. I also like the fact that you are still creating Thailand related content while your in Ireland. Cheers!!

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it Carlos

[@waleedkilani3473]

Very impressive, intelligent and kind young man. Respect

[@kennethbarr6842]

THANKS PET AND YYLAND IS THE NEW DAM For GANGA?

[@ThairishTimes]

It could be buddy

[@gibsonsvideo]

Very nice interview.

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@saddq1]

Friso is a great guy and very kind-hearted, to do what he does. Additionally, his girlfriend is hot as hell.;)

[@andrewk4881]

Age 19, $600, and a one way ticket to Thailand? I would not want my son to do this. I'm guessing he had contacts through his previous visits, spoke some Thai, and knew the culture. Great charity work he is doing.

[@tvr286]

paid by parents...

[@FrisoPoldervaart]

@@tvr286 I wish 😆

[@sharonk382]

@@FrisoPoldervaart Super inspirational interview. Ik ben Nederlandse en verhuisde als Au Pair naar Amerika op m’n 18e voor een jaar, en 30 jaar later woon ik hier nog steeds. Mijn droom is om naar Thailand te gaan en studeer al 3 jaar the Thaise taal, maar ben nog steeds op beginners niveau. Je doet super goed werk en nog veel success verder om dat te blijven doen!

[@TransparentMediaTruth]

Definitely a fantastic way to help improve how Others view the Country One hails from > relocate spreading Humanitarian Good Will > & with the way in which "Western Privilege" is viewed around the World (rightly so imo), this sure couldn't hurt in helping to change such perceptions. Fantastic Content once again Pete > Human Interest Story's whereby International good will is generated by Foreigners > can never have too many Conversations focusing on promoting efforts as such > like the talk You had with Niall👍🎯

[@user-wt2ip3bo3t]

what's with the random Capitalization?

[@TransparentMediaTruth]

@@user-wt2ip3bo3t > intended for those who are bored & need something to bitch about > including nefarious Institutional algorhthims programmed to incite across Social Media Platforms > see the testimony of Jaron Lanier if You're unaware of these prolific algorithms > pleased to see it's working 🤪

[@user-wt2ip3bo3t]

@@TransparentMediaTruth I dont know, it just makes your comment hard to read and follow, and less convincing to be honest. But && Do -> Carry; on!

[@TransparentMediaTruth]

@@user-wt2ip3bo3t > well then it's a good thing it wasn't directed to you > if/when I ever respond to you again in the future, I'll try to remember to keep things as simple as possible > Cheers! ....or rather....cheers 🥸

[@user-wt2ip3bo3t]

@@TransparentMediaTruth come to Think of it > I like the maniacally written Style more > much harder to See the lack of > Absolutely any Substance whatsoever. Cheers!

[@rogerward9492]

My advice from him would be to dance around the bush 😂

[@ThairishTimes]

😂😂😂

[@FrisoPoldervaart]

😂😂😂

[@agoadr]

Grande Friso!

[@shane0traveller451]

Wow what a decent hard working guy that is living the Thai 🇹🇭 dream!!

[@maryanntownsend265]

Bless you and your wonderful work,Friso🙏🏽

[@condor5150]

Great upload Pete, that was some special content for YT. That Dutch guy lives up to the positive traits that NL is known for. Hard work, kindness and creativity!

[@MrTobypowell]

great positivity. Great interview

[@nokchilton1562]

Amazing man and thank you for what you have done to Thai people. Thanks Pete !

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Nok🙏

[@vanessayim4929]

Wow! He is absolutely amazing, Great beautiful on- going mind, honest, many many new development & drives. He blow my mind off and love this interview very much indeed

[@kingmaafa120]

Young man you did it again I broke this one ⬆️ into parts So good Had 2 Wishing you well and that young man is an inspiration Once I touch down in 🇹🇭 2023 Definitely will look him up and the others Keep up the GOD WORK

[@ThairishTimes]

Fantastic, i’m glad you enjoyed it

[@ian-wu2bb]

Top as always Pete. He has done well and a great contributer to Thai community. I carnt see it being an easy road to get where he is now. Hindsight and all, Asia in my experience would be a difficult place to build a business for a westener. It seems to me those who honed their language skills first are the ones who really made it when it comes to starting from scratch. You keep teasing us with the Pod Cast Pete . When ? ... and what colour will the velvet drapes be ? Green ! To be sure , To be sure.!!!

[@DeanConnolly-ke8rp]

EXCELLENT

[@masterofthecranium]

Nice interview 👌

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks bud

[@PATThaiA]

Liked.

[@YuChiGongG]

Four-Course Dinner in the Sky. Creative Marketing idea. But, was there also a Bathroom in the Sky? I think you forgot to mention this important question. What about the people below? Was this done only once? Was it over a construction site? So many questions.

[@FrisoPoldervaart]

You're asking the question every person asks haha. We had bathrooms on the ground and announced multiple times throughout that a bathroom visit before going up in the air was recommended. The location was right next to Benjasiri Park (Next to Emporium) on the land that is now used to build the new 'Emsphere mall' - It was no construction site, just a vacant land right alond Sukhumit. People below had to stand and watch from a distance as we had a no-go zone for anyone to be under the table. We had multiple phones, cameras and knifes fall down and none of them survived. 50 meters is quite a distance up :)

[@YuChiGongG]

@@FrisoPoldervaart I just watched a few KZbin videos of this concept, one captured in Thailand. The outcome and pleasure of this experience seems to be highly correlated with the caliber of the clients at the table. If one is unlucky enough to get strapped in with a loud group of buffoons, yelling and shouting, as I have seen on one Dubai video, then the result must turn into a real horror show. The experience is probably best savored with an entire group of people one knows and can stomach. Anyway, good luck for your future business concepts!

[@tampapropertygirl3422]

Very nice young man. Nice to see someone going to Thailand for something other than a the sex trade

[@Paul-dv4dr]

Great interview Pete! Hey quick question for anyone who knows BKK.... If I make funky hand-printed Thailand-design t-shirts (decent cotton), could I ask £10 / $10 (retail), or would that be too much compared to street prices? Thanks if you have a view, cheers.

[@ThairishTimes]

Hmm that’s priced in and around what you’d find in the markets of Bangkok

[@eduardoalbuquerquejr2699]

I’m interested

[@JakTalkThai]

Great story for sure. I wonder though why is there no guys like that in Ireland to help day for example the 11000 homeless ? Definitely some great guys in Asia helping out. We just don't get that in Ireland too that extent.... why is that ?

[@mw7517]

Said his Thai is fluent but the guy didn’t even understand him at the end when he said Tammai lol

[@thebaronofoz]

😇🥰Real Gold 💯💘💫What a Awesomeness overwhelmingly Magic Man😇 MrFriso Poldervaart💥🤟💥

[@importantlookingpirate]

So he changed from being a businessman to aidworker? Dont really understand🙂. Or he still does the dinner in the sky? Or aidworker is his job now?or is he a volunteer?

[@ThairishTimes]

He’s co-partner of a charity foundation now

[@FrisoPoldervaart]

After Dinner in the Sky when Covid hit Thailand i've founded the Bangkok Community Help Foundation together with Greg Lange.

[@medicann_coping]

how can i be sucesful in thailand, im broke and no education . visited once

[@YuChiGongG]

I just went on the Dinner in the Sky global website. Very curious. I don't understand the appeal of getting a tray of food dangling from a crane. And the cost is quite high. Also, if you insist upon using the toilet, then you get lowered to the ground within a minute, but you cannot regain your seat after relieving yourself. And then, of course, there are no waiters walking around topping up your wine glass. Houdini once had himself hung from a crane, upside down, in a straightjacket, and his experience sounds more fun to me. Here's an idea, what about hors d'oeuvres on a hang glider. I just don't like being strapped in a seat, without the freedom to unbuckle, for over 90 minutes. What about if I became claustrophobic? Still, a good idea for owners of the franchise, because the owners don't need to be hung in the sky. This idea is great for China, however.

[@pepelemoko01]

Pete , when the Spanish went out to colonize the new world the first thing they would do, when they got to the new land is burn their boats. That way the men were committed, and not thinking about returning home all the time, and it cut down mutinies.

[@pepelemoko01]

@@davidwilliams7552 He proved his point, didn't he.

[@ThairishTimes]

I know mate, I get what you’re saying. I’m working on it

[@pepelemoko01]

@@ThairishTimes But for Christ's sake Pete, don't take me literally, lose your head and start burning down things.😆

[@packageism]

I know he's a young guy and he can get away with starving his body like that. But let me say that he should not do it in his 40s and 50s due to risk of heart attack. Look at what happened to famous cricketer Shane Warne who died in Phuket this year. He was also on an extreme fasting regime. 52 yrs old and had heart attack. In my opinion now that he's got rid of all fat on his body he should slowly go back to healthy 3 meals a day and exclude all fat from the diet eg. No beer, no soft drinks, hot chips, cakes. And keep the exercise up. I think that would be a safer option. I had a gf in Europe who had a weight issue when I met her. She did the same as you and starved herself and hard running. She lost heaps of weight but then returned to being a fatty as soon as she stopped exercise and started eating again. She is still alive.. That is my 2 cents worth on extreme fasting.

[@FrisoPoldervaart]

Thanks for your insights! I wish I had elaborated a bit more in the interview, as it's definetely something you'll have to build up and do with utmost care. I did however always hit my calorie intake, just on a very delayed time patern. Now I'm eating normal as I'm training everyday. Thanks again for your comment! it's good for others to read this.

[@belindaschafer1593]

Amazing inspiring video. I am 61 and fasting has changed my life too. Given back my life. First skip one or two meals a day and walk after eating, no wheat/gluten. I wear castor oil packs on my liver (with a hot water bottle), which detoxes your liver, body and rids the pain and inflammation.Helps with faster weight loss and deep relaxation. Castor oil works on the relaxing the nerve system. I sometimes do a 3 day water fast, then eat one meal and fast the other meals, most days i eat one meal, drink water, sugarfree energy drinks for potassium and salts, always walk daily after waking up or after eating. Hope this young man will read about the castor oil (castor oil also called the Hands of Jesus).Everyone should read up on oxilates and silacylates toxins in food that build up in the body. Regular detoxing (with castor oil packs on the liver and whole stomach area) is a must. I fast most days, hardly ever eat 3 meals, only 1 a day, 3 hours before bed at the latest. Castor oil improves weight loss, faster weight loss.

[@tailwind12]

interesting to learn from. some decent information here. i lived in thailand for over 10yrs. if only others could do this. IF this story is valid and true it is more that 1 in 1,000,000. especially that age. too many drinks and women around at that age. i knew folks in their 60s with a half a million$ and few years later home, broke.

[@NS-ik9sl]

I think what he meant was, you have to pay off under the table to those government officials .. lol 😅 that’s how Thailand work .

[@Phucket24]

Once you’re up in the air having dinner, what happens if you want to go the toilet ?

[@YuChiGongG]

Is this guy living on the roof of a building with a cat? Would have been nice to see this living arrangement.

[@FrisoPoldervaart]

Kind of! Maybe in part two we can do a home tour, it's stunning up here.

[@YuChiGongG]

@@FrisoPoldervaart Yes. A home tour would be interesting. It seems as if you are living in one of the best arrangements in the entire city, in fact.

[@47AgStudios]

Beat around the bush. Is there any toilets at the Sky Table?

[@ThairishTimes]

You’ve to pee over the side which isn’t ideal when you’re hanging 50 meters in the air

[@redrum4486]

lol he was dropshippping before it became mainstream

[@happygolucky94]

A load of bollocks. Every business spoken about has collapsed. They no longer exist .

[@dublintvcontent2023]

A dissenting voice among the people is always good to have. Useful to have different perspectives and perceptions. Keep an open mind and retain critical faculties too.

[@FrisoPoldervaart]

Thanks for your comment. As you probably know.. in life & business not everything always works out the way you want! Luckily the businesses we discussed in the interview are either still running (as mentioned) or were succesfully sold and taken on by other parties, nothing mentioned has collapsed..

[@joebidet2050]

I dont like videos like this For every success story There are 99 failures who end up broke This is common in philippines

[@Michelessex]

Wow, what an inspiring interview, great guy, great conversation, many thanks, Michel Pariseau

[@syedbokhari4279]

I lived in Bangkok for a good 19-years and learnt That just conversing with street venders, students going to school and shop keepers, to a degree that whenever I hired a TUK TUK or a Cab the drivers usually asked me if one of my parents was a Thai? ha ah ha....) amazing country...Now I m here in Australia since 1996.