Living as a Black Expat in Thailand

[@Myfotopia]

I’m Thai, born with curly hair & dark skinned lol. I remember the elders would point at me & tell me I’m different..as an adult, I love my beautiful dark tan skin & beautiful curly hair.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Many people wish they had curly hair and darker skin. People spend money to make themselves look like what you naturally look like. Embrace it dude.

[@DakarBlues]

Like Buakaw Banchamek, he is dark-skinned, but a very beautiful person known and loved the whole world round. As one said above, the way you carry yourself makes a big difference.

[@Lotusflower_brand]

❤

[@masterprophet8378]

I'm here in Bangkok and a White dude from Paris told me that Thai people don't like Black people - but my experience has been the exact polar opposite. I think only twice I ran into a couple of situations that may have been racism - maybe. It was hard to tell if they were racist or just had bad character. But all the Thai people have treated me like gold. I love it here!

[@JamelHadi718]

2:25 I knew exactly what you meant. You didn’t even have to explain it. There’s other videos about Pattaya, where the women do not like to go out during the day, because they do not want their skin to be dark.

[@michaeldsells2887]

Everything you say is 100% true! I was in Thailand as a Black expat for over 10 years! My nephew is still there. One day I will make my way back to Thailand. I am back in the States now. I currently teach a Thai language and culture class at the charter school I am employed at.

[@DreamofThailand19000]

Wow, you teach Thai language. Thai language is very difficult. I am Thai and you have my respect!

[@qwintisntial1792]

Peace Brother 💯 !!New to the Channel !!

[@LDee-910]

Would you mind linking your language school? Looking to long term expat

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Let me know how I can help. I have a vast collection of pictures and stories that you may find useful.

[@jkdk6235]

I’m Thai and I agree with you have said . We all Thai people love and respect the others one as a human. Spread the Love and Respect. Peace ✌️❤😊

[@CoryInThailand]

My wife is from Isaan. she apologized when we met her father in ubon ratchathani because in her words he is “black skin.” I was shocked she would apologize for her fathers skin color. I said he was beautiful and the family laughed in a positive way for using the word beautiful to describe her father. Definitely a culture shock. She asked me a few more times that week if I was okay with her fathers skin color. She also was shocked when we met a black American couple and was extremely impressed that was possible.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

There are still pockets of people like that. It's more of a rural thing than in the big cities.

[@kamyfernandes1]

Asians in general don't like darkskinned people or Blacks. Even in the USA, the Asians prefer to deal with whites.

[@marshezswanson9042]

Isaac is a little more racist.Than places like Pattaya and Bangkok.

[@marshezswanson9042]

I meant Isaan not Isaac.

[@saifonmatangka4948]

Thanks for your compliment of Thai people. The important thing is your expression. It doesn’t matter You’re black or white, people are same. Welcome to Thailand.

[@smk4428]

Obviously it does matter. He's being positive but by listening you can tell it does matter.

[@Seldomtraveler]

I lived in Singapore in ‘13 & was the best time of my life too.I’m an African American male

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Good to hear. I’ve also been to Singapore and agree it’s a good time there.

[@seventhskin1]

Great vlog and fascinating perspective, dude. That experience with the police is kinda sad, though. Back in '10 and '11, I had a British friend in Thailand who happened to be black. He had a couple of similar experiences with Bangkok police and told me it was because they have a lot of Nigerians that are involved with running the ice on the streets. Still, the stereotyping sucks, and my buddy decided to move on to the Philippines. He is still there and married with kids...Loving life. Peace and love, man.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

The Nigerians are definitely known for selling ice. Some Thai girls have approached me asking for some because they thought I was African. Just something to be aware of.

[@miaslifestartedat50]

Positivity is key wherever you go! You're a great person, keep doing what you are doing! I love Thailand to and I will be returning there soon!❤❤

[@Darkangel-A-c8z]

I was adopted from Thailand by Swedish parents when I was 6 weeks old, my parents wanted a more white looking child and the orphanage said I had a Western nose and called me pinky, dunno. I don't care about what colour or what race you are, as long as you're a kind soul. I've got a dark birth mark, which is quite big on my hip, and Thais think I've had a weird skin bleaching. Bleaching your skin is completely crazy in my eyes 😢

[@SV-kr9fu]

Talking about a black man being a basketball player. I (a Thai-American) took my good friend, Alex, to Thailand with me in the late-90's. Alex is a 6'5", dark complexion, and bald-headed black guy; he was originally from Senegal (then France, then U.S.). Everyone in Thailand thought that he was Michael Jordan from the Chicago Bulls and tried to get the autograph from him (there was no cellphone camera back then). The funny thing is that Alex was a much better soccer player than a basketball player (he sucked at basketball, despite his height). 😂

[@globalismoblackman]

Great story Brother 👍. I was born in the UK but of African ancestry and I have been travelling to Asia since 2008 been to Thailand once I can relate to all you said about being dark skinned, the bias and prejudice depending on who you encounter amongst some Thai people. Some were friendly with me and my friend also from the UK and some were not. I am 100% African and proudly African regardless of being born in the UK and I defiantly won't let any race or person look down on me or negatively treat me badly because I am black and African. There is nothing wrong being an African, its purely ignorance and poor education in Asia that makes many Asians think lame about Africans or other dark skinned people from America or the Carribbean. I have visited several countries like Japan, Philippines. Singapore , Thailand and HongKong. Malaysia, South Korea.Vietnam , Laos and Cambodia not yet but I have heard Africans do get stereotyped and discriminated against in various situations in some of these countries and it really does piss me off. Some Africans from the motherland continent go to these countries and commit crimes now adding fuel to the fire 🔥 and make the travel experience bad for other decent African travelling around Asia but why judge an entire group of Africans as bad because of the action of a tiny percentage of Africans. However I will never let the bad actions of a small percentage of Africans from motherland Africa ruin my travel adventures in Asia especially The Philippines and Singapore my favourite countries of all times in Asia because my experiences in both countries since 2008 has been nothing but fantastic and amazing.

[@kamyfernandes1]

FYI: There're LOTS of Asians all over Africa committing crimes. The Chinese send all of their criminals to Africa to work on different construction projects. Yet, in Africa Everyone is welcomed.

[@tyclef1]

I’m not black, but the video was great and informative and I’m encouraged to hear that you had a great experience and think you have a great outlook on things. I forwarded it to a few friends.

[@bpe9578]

Excellent and correct explanation of why Thais and other Asians feel the way they do about their color. Thank you for posting your content.

[@nikoykem]

I'm a Thai who went to college in Compton, California in the early 1980's. You remind me so much of my very good friend, Fred, who moved to Compton from Alabama. We were odd couples back then.

[@PEzell-cp1lt]

Your analysis about the culture is accurate. I am Thai.

[@DreamofThailand19000]

Thanks for a great video. Your experience in Thailand is very unique because you live in a remote area by yourself as a black man. You are very insightful and open-minded person. Everything you said about Thailand is mostly true, except the part of dating. Dating Thais involve family which is different from dating Americans. Relationship can be greatly influenced by family members, especially parents. I speak as a Thai woman who has been living in US for 30+ years.

[@mrbHanoi]

Glad it has been good for you. Japan and Thailand are my two favorite countries and Vietnam and Malaysia are very good also. You are soft-spoken,articulate and polite so Thai people will love u.

[@HOLVIBE]

Wow! What a beautiful video. You’re fantastic at putting your experiences into words. I really enjoyed hearing your perspective and it’s helpful as we prepare to move to Thailand.

[@anthonyscott5210]

Bruh - I absolutely loved this video. One of the most informant ones I've seen on here. No fluff no big beats just facts. Im thinking of moving out there in the new year. This helped.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks bruh. Be sure to share with ya peoples.

[@MOESTYLE1]

BLACK expat for 6 years in Thailand was amazing , the only place that i felt was in Bangkok one time ...

[@TwinJalanugraha]

Thank you for loving my motherland ❤️

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thailand is my second home.

[@nurser37]

Great video I love Thailand I was in Phuket in May one of the best places I've ever visited could not get it out of my system I felt like I belong there my next trip is Bangkok next year can't wait.

[@WorldTraveler70]

Brother, I subscribed because you sound genuine and you display a very good attitude. Keep up the great work, keep traveling and stay safe ✌🏾

[@FreedomofPhotography]

I appreciate the encouragement

[@wingnut4217]

Excellent Vlog my Brother. Thank you for keeping It real, I was surprised to hear you're friends with the Hmong people from Norther Laos they have a special history going back to the conflict in that area. Since they have befriended you that Is something special, much respect.

[@stevenbarton5949]

Good video, Kendrix ! I'm an American long-term expat too. And I really like your attitude and approach. Subscribed!

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks. More videos on the way.

[@Kano_Jig]

Youngblood, truly inspired by your message. Spent 11 years living abroad (Italy, Germany, Korea, Djibouti). Keep living your best life King! Oh yea, you gotta tell us what state you from. I am from GA. Your voice sound like you from the da south!

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm from Mississippi.

[@TittyGoon]

❤

[@ThaiUSA]

This video is spot-on. Very accurate!!!

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks. I'm glad you like it. Please share.

[@moeg3752]

I hope you are still in Thailand. Great story I spent 5 years from 2007 to 2012. Being from New Orleans I dont look like you but I was always looked at as a dark Thai from the South especially when I wore my sunglasses. Learning the language opens doors. Loved the vlog brother spot on. Thailand is not for everyone. Understanding keeping cool head in Thailand is imperative. Kendro keep it going bro....

[@FreedomofPhotography]

It's all about keeping a cool head.

[@bouchecaldwell1360]

Thanks for being an Ambassador brother. Much luv bro.

[@globalgogetter4469]

Good brotha I salute you and am digging your channel. brotha's like you represent us well. Live your life continue to share teach and grow Blessings! Subbed!

[@FreedomofPhotography]

I really appreciate that mane. More videos to come.

[@CAP416]

Learning to speak the language is a great piece of advice. I've visited Thailand several and will probably retire there. It is really and truly a beautiful country.

[@franklincarnes5264]

It's cool just hearing your candid thoughts

[@andrebrooks1961]

I feel the same way about Thailand. great story.

[@humanconnectionflores]

As a Haitian American,I visited Thailand in February,really enjoyed myself.when I travel I see myself as a man,you do meet people who have negative views do to false information from media.but because being able to travel you realize human nature is the same worldwide.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

I agree.

[@givescoinc8718]

The dark skin complex is all over Asia you will see the same thing in Cambodia, Laos, Philippines even, its just part of the culture thats why you see some dark asian girls put white make up on their face same way you see some Africans, Jamaicans, Haitians etc girls do the same by bleaching. Does it make it right ? Is it sad? yes we all human just accept who you are and believe in yourself there's no general standards of beauty except the one you make yourself after being able to believe in yourself dont let negativity or other people tells you what beauty is. Believe, trust yourself and elevate to be the best version of you...

[@humanconnectionflores]

@givescoinc8718 it's ready self hatred part of mental colonization.until they realize that,they will not change.

[@Schley939]

Thanks for the video well done my brother. I'm currently researching Thailand

[@dbssmiley]

🧑🏽‍💻🌐✈️Traveling outside the country thank you for the video king🖤👍🏾💯..

[@Afellowtraveler69]

Great Channel. Great perspective! Just subscribed! 👍🏾

[@bdanicky]

Thai people are great and it's such a beautiful country!

[@Arcane_98]

Yeah so I'm 24 & will be day trading full time soon. I've watched very MANY videos about life in Thailand. The pro's & the cons. It's needless to say I'll be switching residences here in the near future. Really loved & appreciated the video brother. 👌

[@lifeslices2228]

Very interesting and original perspective! Loved hearing your thoughts and story. Thanks for sharing!

[@MrDDaz-m2e]

Love the video, explained well. I’m on the next plane to Thailand, thank you

[@okaygworl]

17:52 That 'Original King' would've had me in TEARS!! But 'We Shall Over Come' probably wouldve made me laugh later on lol

[@FreedomofPhotography]

I get love everywhere I go.

[@darind1nonly]

Dope video!! I’m in Thailand and myself

[@markjenkins7044]

Great video bro...Very informative...All the best. Blessings from 🇯🇲 Jamaica.

[@walterray96]

Excellent my brother. Very enlightening

[@dagmantv]

Love this video bro, very insightful.

[@erikacooper4707]

Your video is refreshing. You talk like me and can relate. I’m in Montreal and black American experience is different!!!! lol

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks Erika. Please share.

[@803logic]

New sub!!! Excellent video

[@SterlingArcher321]

Thanks man, great video. Planning on moving to Thailand eventually and it’s great to get a different perspective on the experience

[@mabeaute8963]

Thanks for making this video !🙏🏽

[@profitabundance70707]

Thank you. I thought it would be something like that in Thailand and places like that. Thanks for the info and here is to a great life in Thailand and places like that. Very inspirational video to watch as a black man.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

I appreciate the encouragement brother.

[@dawnaleewilliams8460]

I like the way you explain that we don't have to get on the defenses when people look at you a certain way because a lot of the time it is what they are exposed to that forms there opinion of you.

[@JamesBondEsq.]

Thank you, my brotha. This vlog was outstanding! You dropped some serious knowledge. Stay safe and well.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks for the support.

[@NoiHarling]

I’m Thai person and I like you 🫶🏼😘

[@Liwonghu]

Cool thanks for sharing which I was going again. I'm old now good job sir

[@jeffster7]

Cool vid. Thanks! My wife is Nigerian; I think she will love it. As an American, I want to try living in Thailand; have visited enough to know I love the vibe, I enjoy the people. She and I look different anyway; so we are used to it. Eventually will spend most of my time there I think; but start half time. Your examples of breaking ice, striking up conversation, was really fun.

[@katsinnamon]

I’m so proud of you leaning Thai love it and keeping learning more any language Godbless you

[@kalinahenry2699]

When you said “in da boonies, in the sticks” I was like oh yeah he’s from Flawda 😂😂😂 am I right?

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Almost. I’m from Mississippi.

[@bugair9595]

Well said, Brotha!!! I am Laotian and I live in U.S.A.

[@SuperTruthful]

From Thailand i visited Laos and Cambodia on a bus. Traveling is easy from Thailand.

[@EUU100]

Thanks a lot. Very informative

[@MrLoyalty2me]

Great video bro....I'm thinking about moving out of the USA in a few years.

[@mentorinspired]

Safe journeys and blessings in your Vision. Hope you can travel for as long as you can.

[@twilson2605]

Yeah, when I was in Chaing Mai, everyone was very respectful. The only weird thing was having some lady at the bazaar shouting at me across the street, "hey Africa guy. Come buy t shirt".

[@janjvon3000]

Hello my brotha am planning to retire it here I hope to meet you in the the future. Stay safe my brotha , peace.

[@richardfrancis2609]

Thanks for the great insight my brother. Excellent job!

[@donaldkinsey5245]

Thank you sir, I appreciate your insight. I'm considering moving to Thailand and headed there in September 2022. This was helpful

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@jomontanee]

35 years ago I studied English courses for TOFEL exams and the international school I attended had many black teachers. One in my class full of bubbling and giggling Thai students, both males and females, middle age to teen (I was a 16 years old back then). We felt odd on the first day due to unfamiliarity with BLACK TEACHERS but after the first day everything went well. We teased our black teacher a lot, not for his skin but his name. He had a girl name and he always joke about it. 😂😇 Imagine the understanding and openness 35 years ago compared to now.

[@NEROROYAL]

Wow!! Salute young blood. Subscribed 🤝

[@Liwonghu]

I did the same I now speak Chinese Mandarin, I taught at the University

[@Resilience723]

I have been to Thai and as a dark skin black woman, Thai women really don’t care to much for black American woman but yes they love black men, it’s like a “trophy” for them. They love their sex. So no black men don’t have a problem going overseas period and dating.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

I know a few black women in Bangkok and I’m not sure they share your same experience.

[@SuperTruthful]

As a bw that has been to Thailand about 8 times i agree and most bm are going for sex tourism and they want that money. What do they see from the media about bw it's not positive.

[@TittyGoon]

​@SuperTruthful lies. Black women get over it. Passport Bros and SYSBM aren't going away. Be happy with zaddy or the strapon and leave us alone!

[@AmericanThaiGuy]

Thanks for sharing 🤗🙏🏽

[@EmperorSeneca]

great insight. thanks for sharing! :)

[@tampapropertygirl3422]

This guy is living his BEST LIFE!!!

[@bufordhart730]

This was an AWESOME AND VERY INFORMATIVE

[@icecream547]

So good. Your description of your experiences in SEA are very informative. Love that current location in Viet Nam, such a beautiful country. Hope to retire to Thailand.

[@MrJrweir]

Great information, great back drop

[@jimmybiggs9856]

You young brothers are late!😍😂, just messing with you, I live in Europe in the seventies, stay 7 years in five different countries, they treated me the same way. I learned to speak a few different languages, I learn how to say hello in over 10 languages, Hello, Goodbye, how you doing, it's remarkable how just learning a few words in some other languages in their country, it goes a long way, fortunately for most Americans they speak English and most of Europe, but me speaking just some of other languages and course being fluent in one or two, it tells people that you are concerned about them as well as yourself. I read about Thailand years back, one of the five places for black people to go when they're tired of the United States, everything I've heard is really great. I've been back in the States for 20 years now. I was talking to some German ladies in line at a Japanese fast food, in downtown Atlanta, it really made me miss being outside of the US, the States are great, but it's always good to see other countries and live there, it's just kind of remarkable. So I'm just messing with you guys, when I say you're late cuz I'm old school. A Roman vendor calling me an Egyptians on the streets of Rome in 1975, I was a young man back then. But thanks for the video, very influential, very good, very informative. Thank you, I may have to visit Thailand. Swet,d

[@TittyGoon]

🫡 to you OG!

[@DylanVoerman]

Good to hear your vision on being different and how to use that in your advantage! Subscribed ;-)

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks for the support. New videos coming soon.

[@WadmanP]

The irony about about the dark skin/sun thing is that one of my uncle's is very darkly suntanned due to years spent in the sun playing golf (some of my friends actually asked me if my uncle actually worked). Fortunately, no one ever looked down on him because the way he carries himself.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

How people carry themselves can play a part also. Good for your uncle.

[@smk4428]

How would you know if "no one ever looked down on him"

[@Kingofthepeople]

I'm black I like Thailand it's cool especially there flag.🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭

[@KerryBuchanan]

For real, I thought this video was going to be boring, lol, but on contrary. This was really great, man. Thank you for sharing!

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Thanks for watching. I did another breakdown like this for when I lived in Vietnam. Check it out and let me know what you think.

[@chetthakiri5369]

Just respect Thai culture is enough.

[@digitalmarketingwithbrye]

Thanks... Real talk... Appreciated.

[@ruthwright6247]

Thxs for sharing !

[@ed209d2]

Excellent first rate video Brother 👍

[@jahree1000]

You are very informative thank you brother!

[@timothybright7064]

I truly enjoyed your Video! Make More of Them!

[@actionvj]

“Like way in the country, like way where your grandmama live…” 😂😂😭 Great video bruh. ‘Preciate ya.

[@dextermorgan4093]

Dark skin being seen as laborers was a white thing at one time as well. Then at some point being tan meant you had money because you could afford vacations. Lol but my grandfather told me his mother use to get mad at him for getting too tan when he was a kid. It wasn’t a racist thing, just something within the race.

[@quiveringmoist7558]

Only discrimination I've seen in Thailand against black men was employment in the teaching field. Besides that thais are very open minded and good hearted people.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

I’ve heard people say that as well but I can only speak about my personal experiences.

[@quiveringmoist7558]

@@FreedomofPhotography what part of Thailand do/did you live, I'm moving back out there and have lived in Lopburi and Phuket.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

@@quiveringmoist7558 I lived in Isaan and Chaiyaphum. I also had a condo in Phra Khanong in Bkk.

[@cbttrainee5961]

Nice Job. Well Done. Much appreciated my Brotha

[@chuckholmes9125]

That is true l have lived year for twenty-five years married to Thai woman with my son

[@jomontanee]

Thank you so much for the truth 🙏🥰🙏🇹🇭🇹🇭. That myth circles around for a long time. Many African American expats in Thailand made youtube videos clarifying the same thing as you that the black people discrimination is none in Thailand. On the contrary Thais love them, from their own experiences.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Many of the experiences written by some bloggers are from spending a couple days or a week in Bangkok or an island. Living in Thailand for years at a time and speaking the language is a completely different experience.

[@SuperTruthful]

I'm a bw and i've been to Thailand about 8 times and there is racism there. There are different groups of Thai and they have their own issues. There is also discrimination against blacks but it's a bit subtle ..but it's there. Overall there is less discrimination than anywhere in the west. And yes, it's based on how the media portrays blacks in the media.

[@ed209d2]

@@FreedomofPhotography well said Brother! Seems the only people who have a problem with BM in Thailand and some other Asian countries are some white expats, particularly white male expats.Many a white male expats feel like absolute kings in Thailand and other Asian countries. One white male expat once said to another "the reason thai men hate us is because we're rich and our c@@k$ are bigger"?? At any rate the presence of non white male expats (especially BM) is seen as a threat/competition to their reign/kingdom; and they'll find every blog/vlog & social media sources they can to issue dire warnings to BM not to come to Thailand because of racism.

[@jvstncasetravels56]

I'm on my way their less than a month!

[@HairyPixels]

When I first visited Thailand I was at a hot spring with some hill tribe girls (very early 20s) and a dark black African came up to us which caused the girls to literally recoil in horror as if they saw a dangerous wild animal. This very likely was the first time they saw any black person just because of where they lived but I've never forgotten that even though it was nearly 20 years ago now.

[@FreedomofPhotography]

I would say things are different now.

[@SpearofDestiny-c8y]

They were right in that observation. Look at societies in Africa. Look at America. Look at Asia.

[@HairyPixels]

@@SpearofDestiny-c8y I don't understand your point. What do you mean?

[@SpearofDestiny-c8y]

@@HairyPixels Asian societies are safe peaceful law abiding. Their citizens are hard working, well.educated, community minded and prosperous. The very opposite of those other 2.

[@rgtunderworldrgt7773]

@@SpearofDestiny-c8y Complete total Bullsht. If that were the case? Then they would be ruling the World. Yet they aren't . Not even close. Most of the US IS hard working. Likely The Most hard working country in the World. Especially when you look at the production, And they take fewer days off, vacation , holidays than the rest of the World. So that part you said is completely untrue. Violence, yes because Republikkkans and the NRA and their Lobbyists...have it to the point where there are hundreds of thousands More guns then people in the US

[@diggingmystyle]

Cool video!

[@dosverde12]

Great video,you gave so much information,best vlogger about thailand ans southeast asia,keep up being so informative. What do you think of the Philippines ?

[@FreedomofPhotography]

Glad you liked the video. I've only visited the Philippines once, but I did enjoy it. I wasn't there long enough to form an opinion like I was in Thailand.

[@coolsheatingacservices7375]

Skin color shouldn't matter but I know it does matter in certain places.