My TOP 10 MISTAKES to avoid in THAILAND !

[@SS-mf5bz]

One of my ten commandments never lend money to anyone period

[@BrandenLesko]

For those that have road rage, leave it at home in the west. I know driving in Thailand, especially in the big cities like Bangkok, can be stressful from the chaos. Learn the Thai way of "sabai sabai (chill chill)" and "mai pen rai (no problem)" or you could find yourself at the end of a brutal beating. Thais generally try to avoid confrontation, but won't backdown from a fight. If you fight a Thai person, do expect other Thai bystanders to join in to help them in a fight against a foreigner. It doesn't matter how badass you are or think you are...it's not worth it!

[@jamesabroad8589]

True, easy to lose it driving here. Good advice.👍🍺

[@Ned88Man]

I've also seen a foreigner completely obliterate a Thai in a fight and a mate that came into try and help him and I hate to say it, but it gave me pleasure to witness that.

[@BareKnuckle666]

Lending money lol. Spot on mate. Someone ok e told me. When you lend money. Half the time you never get it back. The other half, you don’t get as much as a thank you 😂😂😂

[@ShoelessNomadThailand]

James you are far too hard on yourself. You have done a fantastic job with your Annie. Home schooling is so under rated. We sent our daughter Anna to International Private School the first year we were here. There followed an English curriculum and one Thai cultural lesson per week. By the end of the year. Anna did not speak a word of Thai. Second year we sent her to a private technical primary school. Within that year she became fluent in Thai. We still do the home schooling for English. Life is now very good. Her Secondary school education? Possibly international school in Tenerife or home schooling. Big decisions to be made. Carry on your fantastic blogging. Your looking good.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers mate, appreciate the kind words. All the best.👍🍺

[@SS-mf5bz]

Thais are quick to call most farang cheap Charlie's but I never see them putting there fingers in there pocket never

[@RM-zj3zb]

James, love your content! Thank you!

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers mate. Appreciate it.👍🍺

[@autrogatti]

having lived in thailand for 8 years these mistakes are really good tips to avoid!

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers, yes hopefully useful.👍🍺

[@autrogatti]

@@jamesabroad8589 I got caught out a few times with pointing with my foot at something after a while you get to remember! the important one u mentioned is the saving face ..if you don't get your head around that one you will have a hard time in everywhere in thailand ..by the way keep up your posts they're interesting and good info for people that want to come to thailand i just wish you would post more content... on side note quick question do you miss the old uk banter or sense of humour? thats one thing i really missed and proper sausage's

[@keithd1219]

I got side tracked at a temple near a cave I visited in the petchaburi area. An old Thai lady who spoke no English showed me how to bow and pray to Buddha and put a gold leaf on it. I was sweating profusely because it was a super hot day, I had no idea what she was saying, it was uncomfortable but I was doing my best to be polite and respectful. I finally pulled out a 100 baht and put it in the donation tray and finally got away. I fully respect the Buddhist religion and the Thai culture but I felt extremely uncomfortable in that situation, more so because I had almost no idea what I was doing.

[@user-qk9jd1qv3p]

"In the video, you briefly touched upon the topic of your daughter's education at the local school (you can specify the school). From what I gathered, it seems like you consider it to be a mistake, and you would rectify it by enrolling her in one of the international schools. Could you please share the top three schools you've considered, and what would be your recommendation in this regard?" P.S. "Was the choice of the school, specifically [название школы], influenced by the neighborhood where you reside? Could you list the areas or neighborhoods that appealed to you for residence as part of this decision-making process?"

[@old_dog9953]

I truly enjoy your perspective. I am married to a wonderful Thai lady from Buriram. I plan to relo there when I fully retire. Your videos keep me connected to that wonderful crazy lovely place while I am (sadly) away. .

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers. Glad you enjoyed the video mate. All the best.👍🍺

[@markterry8704]

The one about Grandma sitting in the doorway. My wife is always sat or doing something like making food in doorways, entrances or in the way of the fridge

[@jamesabroad8589]

True mate, doesn't make things easy, my missus is the same.👍🍺😁

[@tatecraft1361]

Yeah man I’m in a fix myself having to jump headlong into learning Thai now that my first kid is on the way 😂. My fault of course although all my ex’s (and current gf) never wanted me to learn but that’s another situation altogether. Good to know about the high school issues. Enjoying you vids for last few years as always bro! Btw you looking good, fit and healthier more than before I started watching you. Maybe let us know what you’ve been doing there 😂

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers mate. Certainly useful knowing the language. I've been sinking the wine and beers, so doesn't make sense. 😁👍🍺

[@inert11]

keep up the blogs james always enjoy your content.....well done

[@jamesabroad8589]

Thanks, will do! Appreciate it.👍🍺

[@boogaloob4638]

Lol, I quite enjoyed that as it happens. Great list, and all sound advice :)

[@jamesabroad8589]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@escapesjc7936]

Jeez, except for boxing and schooling, I probably committed most of those mistakes, the foot pointing in my experience is more observed by the older Thais than younger generation, also I think besides speaking I think reading Thai would be beneficial.. also glad you and Annie were able to go to England, cheers James.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers, yes the older generation tends to be stricter on certain traditions/beliefs here. 👍🍺

[@imdigitalmedia]

Good channel!👍

[@jamesabroad8589]

Thank you! 👍

[@karlenzmann1917]

It’s always best to learn from others mistakes 😂

[@Kiterunner]

Tried the whiskey when I was at a Thai wedding in Yasothon. Quite strong😂 They told me that many students drink it because it's a cheap way to get drunk~ 🎉

[@jamesabroad8589]

Yes cheap and the hangovers are brutal.😁👍🍺

[@BareKnuckle666]

Quick way to wipe years off your life mate

[@unclecraigbaannawk]

haha...too funny...been there done that on all counts I believe...lol...it was like I was walking through the past listening to that...stay safe brother...good on ya!

[@jamesabroad8589]

Cheers Craig, will have to pop in one day. All the best.👍🍺

[@unclecraigbaannawk]

@@jamesabroad8589 yep…we’re always open brother…cracking cool ones !

[@stanleystuart2008]

That's done to see how really good you are and what you have in mauy thai

[@shamusshamus6251]

i once pissed of the abbot by not kneeling in front of him in the temple . Once stepped over an old boy whilst trying to exit a crowded room without realizing it , later i found out he had been saying i was stingy and had no money despite the fact i had been teaching english to his gransdon in the school for free , so i didnt feel bad about that mistake .

[@jamesabroad8589]

Yep, easy to find yourself in frustrating situations here. Sometimes better to not know what's being said.😁👍🍺

[@duncanmorton2056]

After my negative top 10 Here is my positive top 10 must do’s 1 . Make love to a Thai Girl 2 Drink all the different fruit shakes you can 3 Do Ice coffees 4 Hire a scooter 5 in Chiang Mai eat Chicken Koiu Soi 6 Smoke Pot it’s legal 7 Use an outside gym 8 Eat 7/11 9 Go to a temple 10 Try a ladyboy

[@jamesabroad8589]

With you mate, but not sure about number 10. 😁👍🍺

[@JohnLadda]

Number 2 i think should be thinking thai people know how to drive and get angry about selfish drivers...After 6 years now my wife still have to calm me down about the poor driving. And she just past her licens....after 3 days learning at a private driving school. Now i teach her....unbelievable.

[@shamusshamus6251]

any blind corners move right over , you never know whats coming on your side of the road , again be prepared for overtaking when you see a tailgating convey coming towards you , dont drive when the kids are coming out of school . slow right down in villages . these are my driving tips .

[@jamesabroad8589]

Yep can be easy to lose it here driving on the roads. Can be dangerous if u mess with the wrong dude.👍🍺

[@shamusshamus6251]

dont lend out tools , dont let your wife stand guarantor for loans or finance .

[@user-ss6ex5ku9f]

What elementary school can you recommend? There are so many of them and they all have conflicting reviews

[@duncanmorton2056]

My Top 10 1. Keep away from the woman ( I did but hard luck stories everywhere) 2 . Dont use dating apps , ( Scammers , Hookers , Ladyboys ) 3 . Watch out for Street Food ( not all good ) 4 . Have a legit Driving Licence 5 Check Scooters fir Damage before hiring 6 . Don’t Shoplift 7 . Don’t build or buy house with Thai woman 8 Don’t Drink and Drive 9 . Check put prices of Coffee Shops if woman wants to meet you there 10. Don’t do dodgy visas to stay in country I did not any of the above but have heard of people who did and know the consequences

[@jamesabroad8589]

Apart from shoplifting, done most of those lol. Check the restaurant/coffee shop on date good idea.😁👍🍺

[@c.k.2]

#8 is a good one, if the locals would follow the same rule…. 😬

[@Ned88Man]

@@c.k.2 but they won't and that is one of the reasons why the country will NEVER be a major world player. Too many third world qualities. Thailand is a third world country wrapped up in the glitz and glamour of a first world one, but you can't cover a stink with a smell

[@marcusaurelius9123]

​​​@@dontshoot76652 might want to try counting again, your comment doesn't make sense. And don't call posts stupid especially if yours is obviously incorrect

[@matmar2009]

I got "I dont understand" mixed up with " I have a small dic." in Thai for a whole week until corrected, got a lot of akward smiles and funny looks. So learning the langue is vital , totally agree.😀

[@jamesabroad8589]

Yep, happens mate. I called someone pubic hair for almost a year before my wife decided to tell me.😅👍🍺

[@ahmedghazi8827]

I remember I was cracking my fingers to get someones attention and ended up like I'm not your dog😅

[@antidote351]

I ike your videos for getting such insights. Do you also have some tips from your wife how to find a good Thai husband? It's said they often cheat but if one stays 2 years married at least the Thai citizenship stays, hopefully 😅

[@jamesabroad8589]

I heard that too. Bonus for lasting 2 years lol.😁👍

[@farangutan6773]

Hi James love the picture in your video at 8:11of a farang having a near death experience lol . On a more serious note place and face are the more serious values in Thai culture . I really don't think Thais want or expect you to become one of them . The younger generation find it more fashionable amongst themselves to adopt the Western ways lol. If you can speak Thai well and good . I think Thais appreciate you more as the farang who knows his place and has face by showing respect to them and fair enough because they give respect back. In Thailand you will always be the farang and not one of the boys , but you can easily live with that , they are nice enough people . Just my thoughts ?

[@jamesabroad8589]

Conveys the right emotion/predicament.😁👍🍺

[@YuChiGongG]

Concerning the Foot: I think it's acceptable to kick a rooster with one's foot.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Haha yes, especially if it wakes you up.😂👍🍺

[@syman3534]

Nice anecdotes !

[@jamesabroad8589]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@syman3534]

@@jamesabroad8589 Touching peoples heads is another one - Almost got in Fight with a big Thai Guy doing that one merry evening !

[@barrygunning8422]

I struggle with the thai language can't get my brain around it.would love to find a teacher in my area mixing with my wifes friends are good they want to talk to me i don't understand what they say my wife has to translator

[@jamesabroad8589]

I try to speak just Thai with the missus some days. Can be painful for both of us lol but a good way to learn.😁👍🍺

[@timwalker2458]

I dropped 20 baht a few years back. My friends where not too impressed and let me know it was not the done thing. I've read about it before. But once you drop money and its windy, you forget.😮 Being smashed around the ring by a beautiful Thai lady is something I need to try 😅😅

[@jamesabroad8589]

It was an enlightening experience.😁👍🍺

[@Jefe_Perro]

Mistakes... I’ve made a few... A good list for those new to the Kingdom to be aware of. I'm glad to see not adapting to the bum gun sooner isn’t in top ten. Did you take to it like a duck to water? 😉

[@jamesabroad8589]

Haha yes, I was converted immediately. Quite a spiritual moment.😅👍🍺

[@Jefe_Perro]

@jamesabroad8589 LMAO This sounds like a good video for you to make. "Losing my bum gun virginity" maybe a good click bait title. 😁

[@boxcartwilly]

Good advice 😎👍

[@jamesabroad8589]

Thanks mate. 👍

[@kavanobrien6547]

Live and learn ,Die and forget it all, why box , life is like a never ending rounds of fighting.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Was fifteen years ago, but nothing like getting beaten up by a beautiful Thai lady. 😁👍🍺

[@kavanobrien6547]

@@jamesabroad8589 If that’s your fantasy it’s ok, your secret is safe with me .

[@cizerthapa8063]

Hey, can you share some information about the scholarship in thailand.

[@Nfkuag]

I’ve been here a year and only can say very little Thai words. What was your game changer for learning. Many words are so difficult to say that I just think I’ll never learn.

[@jamesabroad8589]

Main reason. I wanted to know what my wife was saying about me lol. Helps in every way if u plan to stay here. Basic Thai isn't as hard as you think.👍🍺

[@martypoll]

I am in the process of waiting for money to be paid back. 😢

[@jamesabroad8589]

Hopefully not too much. If your missus is on your side you might get it back. Good luck.👍

[@martypoll]

@@jamesabroad8589 The missus is strongly on my side but we will see . . .

[@stevejeffrey7948]

I agree with your points but most are invalid if you don't try to integrate into Thai culture or society hence the many western enclaves such as Pattaya and surrounding parts where the I'm paying so my rules apply. I have known guys who have lived in Thailand many years who wai waitresses, bar girls and kids, can barely speak a word of Thai or even pronounce their wife's name correctly have only met their outlaws a few times whilst caring for them even less and wouldn't dream of spending time in Nakhon Ratshit. Some of these people have children most of whom are superbly bilingual and multicultural mainly through your point of a good international school and daddy refusing to speak Thai.

[@jamesabroad8589]

True, valid points mate.👍🍺

[@bigal2417]

The private school would of set you back a small fortune 😢

[@jamesabroad8589]

True, we thought Annie was better with friends and family here in Tak/Phitsanulok and 2 years was spent learning online during COVID anyway. Rural highschools just aren't up to scratch though and the decision still grates on me a bit.👍🍺

[@bigal2417]

@@jamesabroad8589 dont beat yourself up over it James ,whats done is none mate.

[@Bo-tz4nw]

A very long tourist selfie....!

[@jamesabroad8589]

Non sensical, but thanks .👍🍺

[@NickCoburnPhillips]

Hi James. My daughter and son are both Thai and needing UK visas... They applied via a company called Worship Visa... but we are now finding it difficult to contact them? Do you know if this company is bonafide in Thailand or is it just another scam company? Kind Regards, Nick :-/

[@jamesabroad8589]

Quick Google and their FB page looks dodgy and only review says it's a scam. facebook.com/worshipvisa?mibextid=ZbWKwL If kids are British/Thai only need UK /Thai passports. Good luck mate, hope works out.👍🍺

[@SS-mf5bz]

Filipinos will always give you what little they have even if they don't eat . Filipino are mostly good in the inside Thais I find out on a smoke screen and as time goes along they tell you a story and get to know them inside with out a word being spoken I always closely observe people and just let me brain process the information I have a sixth sense. And also my gut feelings have never let me down .

[@marknichols8533]

Whats the best way to learn thai 🤔

[@jamesabroad8589]

Phrases and do a bit every day with missus & outside is quick way. Learn to read, write and speak Thai is the best but hardest way.👍🍺

[@stanleystuart2008]

Thai whisky rocket fuel not good lol

[@pamy5965]

😂😅😂

[@Pfsif]

Did granny with the stick ever ask for money?

[@jamesabroad8589]

Yes, actually.😅👍🍺

[@nickmondo222]

it took me years to learn Spanish when I lived there. I find Thai impossible. Been here a few years now, and all I know are the very basics and numbers. I dont enjoy trying to learn it to be honest. Its not a beautiful language at all. I found Germand and Spanish a lot more pleasant, and a lot easier to learn. So I just stumble on by. My gf speaks good enough English anyway (most of the time). Some of the Thai culture gets on my wick a bit now also. And as you said, the Thais should give us a bit more latitude. But a lot of them arent the brightest sparks in the fire are they....... but good advice. The face thing.......Ive told my gf to get over it.....and to try and be a bit European at times. If someone pisses me off, i tend to let them know, in a polite way.........the face thing has no effect on me anymore, dont care about it.

[@zyankaly]

What a lovelly immigrant

[@jamesabroad8589]

He can't take Thai nationality and most probably has a non-immigrant visa, so no, not an immigrant.👍