INCREDIBLE Life Story of Abandonment, Racism and Rediscovering Thailand Family after 30 Plus Years

[@ThairishTimes]

Here’s Part 2 of our interview where Dakota tells the story of his Thai family stealing his land in Thailand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fV7Pq2CwatyFna8

[@ninachumnanvech5212]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING, IT'S THE MOST TOUCHING STORY OF ONE'S LIFE, I FELT YOUR LONELINESS AND EMPTY CHILDHOOD..........THANK GOODNESS YOU DID NOT FOLLOW THE BAD EXAMPLE OF LIFE FROM YOUR FATHER, NO DRUG, NO ALCOHOL........I CAN FEEL YOUR HAPPINESS, FULL OF LIFE IN THAILAND...........WISHING YOU THE BEST FOR SAFE SURGERY AND THE BEST OUT COME OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANT..........ENJOY THE LONG LIFE AND HAPPINESS IN THAILAND WHERE YOU BELONG..............GOOD LUCK.

[@zacharyferreira2469]

This interview was the feel good story of my day!!!! Thanks Dakota and Pete!

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it buddy

[@holissarbeni2652]

Wow!!! Thank you very much. I really enjoy his fantastic story.

[@devonmalcolm34]

Very touching story glad for this guy he took a leap of faith & it all fell into place🙏🏾👊🏽

[@Dmt43]

This is great, Only done part one, this is the type of story that should be on the news, instead of all the negative, great job Pete, watched a lot of your videos, this is the second one that made my cry, on to part 2

[@ThairishTimes]

Really glad you enjoyed it. I think you’ll love part 2

[@williamhartz8707]

It always amazes me how kids from such unstable upbringings can overcome these disadvantages and become great adults such as Dakota. Thanks for sharing

[@ThairishTimes]

Absolutely Bill

[@mrjamesyboi3960]

Dakota,lovely man,great interview.My son is mixed with Filipino mother (I'm Anglo Scot) - a LOT of Parallels in the story - I reckon in a Thousand Years the World will be closer to being totally mixed anyway.Good Luck with his Op & look forward to the Follow Up. Good Job Mate !

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks ☺️☺️

[@wanderlustasia]

Pete I think this is your best interview yet. Looking forward to watching part 2. Talk tomorrow, Willy

[@sunilrodrigo9778]

Very powerful story. Thanks Pete for doing this interview. Best part I enjoyed was when Dakota went to his moms village first time he became an instant rock star among the villagers.

[@742EVERGREENTCE]

I don’t really comment on KZbin videos but this was too good a story. Great reporting Pete and more importantly, thank you Dakota for sharing your epic story. Tip of the hat to you sir.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@nokchilton1562]

It's an incredible story, started off with heartbreaking chilhood, my heart is full of happiness when returning to his Thai family and married Thai wife and fingers crossed for his operation. Wishing you a happy ending Dakota! Good interview Pete...

[@ThairishTimes]

Yes Nok this was an amazing story. So happy to have it on the channel

[@garymarkham4167]

Great interview...Best of luck to you Dakota...Love your smile and kind spirit...Cheers from Australia.

[@antonyloc]

This is a really good interview, thank you

[@ThairishTimes]

You’re welcome

[@edstahl8705]

Amazing beautiful story. That's the beauty of the Thai people and their culture.. Never have I met sooo beautiful, humbly, meek, mild, sharing and caring people. 99.9% Thai the the sweetest humans I have met. A true classic story of the Thai people. The Gods of love and kindness live in Thailand. Every human soul needs to experience this amazing love on this beautiful Rock. They are a very unique human. Always spreading and sharing the love and the food is to die for. Bless the people of Thailand. Love them all.

[@adZHARRISON]

If you see part 2 you'll see how his wonderful family/uncle (guy holding him on the photo) ripped him off - took his land and house

[@emmaedwards829]

Wow what an amazing life story. So very interesting I was hooked. Thank you for sharing your story

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it Emma

[@uBenji1234]

Absolutely amazing story. And I was wrong about many Americans. I'll be the first one to admit and the happiest when I am amiss.

[@Jon55034]

this is a fantastic channel, I like the interviews,

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you very much

[@medsan11]

Thank you both. Fantastic 🙏

[@scottDchicago]

This was one of the most powerful stories rich with authenticity that I’ve watched on KZbin. Standing ovation from Chicago! The fact that 100 Thai relatives and extended relatives were there to greet you is uplifting. However, the fact that your mom passed away is heartbreaking. This was truly an amazing story!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Scott, glad you liked this story. There will be a part 2 coming soon

[@BennieTarrMusic]

The longer interviews are GREAT. I listen while walking in the jungle.

[@noel1541]

Great story. Rollercoaster of emotions in this one.

[@ThairishTimes]

It sure was Noel. Thanks for watching

[@joylyn3158]

Brilliant !

[@stephencaz5823]

Fascinating story, amazing how the student managed to get in touch with his family in Thailand 🇹🇭 gave me goosebumps, cheers Pete 🍻

[@ThairishTimes]

It gave me goosebumps too Stephen, the world works in strange ways sometimes. Take care👍🏼☘️

[@josephsoto8294]

I so enjoyed listening to Dakota's story! When he got to the point of opening up the return email and the attachment of the photo of his uncle holding him as a baby, I was listening and driving down the road; I started to have a rare crying moment. Like a good, heartfelt cry that speaks to the realization of divine intervention, perhaps. Very interesting how, from there, the path of his whole life was changed, and in such a beautiful way. Good for him! Thanks for doing this interview and sharing it with strangers! 🙏☺️❤

[@ThairishTimes]

wow really glad you appreciated this interview. It was an emotional stroy for sure

[@chittakhamone248]

Amazing !! Thanks for sharing.

[@mjohnston8313]

What a fantastic story. Amazing.

[@razadaza9651]

Great story

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you think so!

[@tlynnw2238]

Really loved this interview and wish Dakota all the best. Thanks Pete!

[@ThairishTimes]

You’re very welcome glad you enjoyed it

[@pinayjunglehome4737]

this is a sad story and yet the ending was happy.I love watching your channel. I found your channel when I started watching Lily 's channel that was last only i found her channel

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you so much and glad you like our content

[@sandeepsodhi7511]

Really enjoyed the interview, what a great story. I was an exchange student in Thammasat University in 2006. Great time of my life, been watching the videos as I miss Bangkok soo much.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Sandeep, it's a fantastic story indeed. Thammasat is a nice Uni. I like their campus along the Chao Phraya River

[@david-reason]

What an amazing story of a cultural identity. It has everything, sadness, uncertainty, self-doubt. You made me cry. Best wishes, to you sir. Welcome Home in 2022!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching David. You’re right this story has everything. So glad that Dakota shared it with us

[@Jon55034]

interesting interview

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks

[@yannip2083]

Dakota's life story is THE BEST! He is GREAT INSPIRATION!

[@ThairishTimes]

Absolutely

[@RoswellNative]

Good mate

[@tommynielsen3706]

Great story👍🏻

[@gripguy6056]

What a story ! It's great Dakota found his roots and got through life becoming a decent person. All the best in the future.

[@jimjanlekha891]

Thanks for and amazing story Pete and Dakota. Having moved from Thailand when I was 14, 40 years ago to Santa Monica, CA I can relate to his experience. I can’t wait to hear more. Life is so amazing and mysterious!

[@ThairishTimes]

Hi Jim, I've more to come. You're right life is so amazing, everybody has a story

[@JorgenD-original]

Must say again. So good. 👍🏻👍🏻🤟🏻

[@BadApana]

This is an unexpectedly wonderful story. I cried several times during this understated story. I grew up in the Houston area, and my husband grew up in Bangkok. The aspect of this story that affects me most deeply has less to do with details than with the underlying theme of isolation. But the details are the hook for me. Wonderful story.

[@ThairishTimes]

Dakota’s story is so sad but for someone who has had a tough childhood he has down well in life. He’s a great guy too

[@seanmcgoldrick1702]

Brilliant Story Pete! I’ve said it before, you’re an absolute natural at this. Tommy Tiernan esq. You know when to keep quiet and let the person you’re interviewing talk and get into their story.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Sean, that’s a great compliment. I appreciate that mate ☘️🙏

[@DakotaTPatterson]

I watch several vloggers in Thailand and I knew Pete was the one I should share my story with.

[@ThairishTimes]

@@DakotaTPatterson It was a pleasure Dakota. A fascinating story and a delight to have on the channel. Take care of yourself

[@seanmann863]

Wow!! I love the internet. It has made the world so much smaller. I am so happy for Dakota!!

[@marcostejeda5910]

I enjoyed it.

[@janamckendree3529]

I am not surprised ,about Dakota’s story. I am glad that his story end with a good life. It was an eye opener for a lot of a real people. Good job Pete, I wanted you to do the interview some of Thai ladies,that been left behind after the Vietnam war. In 1970-77

[@ThairishTimes]

That would be a great one. If you know anyone please email me

[@kirkburns1308]

What a great story ❤😊

[@gabe2045]

The longer videos are great. Great job on this video!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Gabe, nice to hear you like these long ones

[@Quaderllion]

Amazing touching story. I wish Mr. Dakota to be well and happy. Thank you Pete.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching Jaafar ☘️👍🏼

[@masterofthecranium]

Brilliant interview, I wasn't sure I'd last the whole thing but got totally sucked in and barely noticed the time! Great story.

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheer mate, it's a great story. Glad Dakota shared it here

[@judyengle7728]

@@ThairishTimes same. Watched the whole thing at 3:00 AM. Pete and Dakota fast friends. .

[@georgejobe961]

What a lovely man, his story was so touching and sad in parts. I wish him all the best with his operation, and I am so glad he found happiness and acceptance in Thailand. Thank you so much for this uplifting story.

[@ThairishTimes]

Really glad you enjoyed enjoyed this story. It's a sad one indeed

[@j24601valjean]

For me he story went from being very interesting to simply amazing when you got to the arrival of the exchange student from BKK; I was so glad to hear of such a happy coincidence in your life, and the richness it brought to you. I heard the interview on March 5, 2022, so I hope that the operation went well, and your wife and you made it back to Thailand as planned,

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Incredible story! I didn't understand how that student from BKK was able to find his uncle and make that connection from phoning people...that sounds fascinating. I'd love to hear how that happened...Also, he should write a book! Thanks for the interview Pete and Dakota - very interesting. We all have a story to tell!

[@codis5722]

I think he edited that part out

[@codis5722]

@Tawan Paradize we understand you and Dave are into lady boys but Dave is old news.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate, Dakota never mentioned that part of the story of how exactly the student found his family. Perhaps he’ll read this comment and tell us

[@DakotaTPatterson]

I told the kid my mom's full maiden name and province. Amnatcharoen is a very rural and lowly populated province. I guarantee there aren't many people in that province with that particular surname. My guess is he simply asked for anyone with the same surname and started inquiring. Like a true detective. I imagine Thailand must have a cell phone registry or something like that.

[@besouniveirs.1643]

@@DakotaTPatterson How did your kidney surgery go?

[@adamhend3211]

Great story, what an awesome guy. After all he has been through growing up, it's amazing he's such a wonderful balanced person.

[@ThairishTimes]

Absolutely

[@JorgenD-original]

Super good

[@w-r-one1445]

Such lovely story! Thank you for the interview. Wishing you all the best🙏

[@maktpl1341]

wow by far your most interesting interview...

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you very much

[@billbell1239]

Incredibly beautiful story. Thanks for sharing both of ya 😎🙏

[@ThairishTimes]

You're very welcome. Part 2 is coming soon

[@taxitoloei2055]

Really interesting story, wonderful that he was reunited with his family. Thanks Pete and thanks to Dakota

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching Tax to Loei , glad you like it mate

[@bbas3008]

Great story Pete, I was riveted throughout. Keep up the great posts.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching Brian, I've more to come. I was riveted too. Fantastic

[@syedbokhari4279]

Thanks for sharing such a nice story mate.

[@rondawson6118]

Pete and Nune, That is a fascinating life story. I wish the best for Dakotas surgery and his future in Thailand. I really enjoy your interviews. Thank you

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you very much Ron🙏

[@soldiermick]

Really interesting story and a nice guy.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching Mick. Glad you enjoyed this one. I've more to come

[@chiangmai127]

Wow, Pete, great interview. You are an amazing host allowing the person you're talking to to finish every thought. If you do a podcast, I am definitely in. I would have easily listened to this whole story, but you did a great job nonetheless. Really, really interesting.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thank you very much Deborah. I’m glad you enjoyed the podcast. I think a part 2 to this story is in order

[@mariettathornton5924]

That was an amazing interview Pete! Dakota has such an interesting life story…..it was heartbreaking to know that his mom had passed away but thanks to the Thai foreign exchange student, he’s able to get in touch with his Thai side of his family in Thailand! I wish him all the best with his kidney surgery and I look forward to seeing the part 2 to this interview 😊

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it Marietta. It really was an amazing story and so well told

[@adZHARRISON]

If you see part 2 you'll see how his wonderful family/uncle (guy holding him on the photo) ripped him off - took his land and house

[@artofverity8791]

Great story! I had a Thai nanny when I was newborn. For some reason I always felt comfortable in SE Asia.

[@frankoseven]

really interesting Story. I watching it from the beginning to the end. He have alot to tell.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Frank🙏

[@Aaronthedegen]

what a wonderful interview really enjoyed this one mate

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks very much Aaron 🙏

[@tman5634]

Very very interesting & enjoyable story by Dakota. A mix of sadness & happiness all rolled into his life. Totally amazing how the connection with his mums family happened & went on from there. I wish Dakota all the best for his health & future happiness. Excellent Pete, more of these please.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks T Man i’ve more to come mate

[@enjoyfreedom4life]

What a powerful story. Great interview. It really moved me. Keep it up.

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you likes it Christopher. We did a part 2 also

[@dorteandersen526]

Amazing story thanks for share 😀👍

[@petenestor1]

Incredible channel, story and guest. Best of luck to all!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks so much

[@iantawashington-allotey9913]

I love this channel and this story. Yes parts of it is very sad but it’s an amazing story.

[@papapepe2232]

Good morning to you Pete and Nune 🖐 It's 6:30 AM here and I just finished watching the vlog. I will be honest though someone may disagree. To me this was a stark contrast to the last interview, I won't go into that right now. I related to Dakota's growing up. My being of Mexican descent. Growing up back then is a BIG difference from now. Dakota's ability to adapt, growing a thicker skin and just having the common sense to realize and accept that somehow you have to survive in this sometimes cruel humanity. Anyway except for Dakota's latest challenge (which I'm sure he has the strength to overcome) It seems he has done well for himself 👍 Another immigrant transition success story. Before anyone wants to jump down my throat, I recognize Dakota his half American but he was born in another country coming to America for the first time at a young age. Pete I'll just finish by saying that I did especially enjoy this interview 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ThairishTimes]

Hey Papa Pepe, well said. He showed real character to be able to come through that level of racism

[@michaeldecaprio4282]

Another Great true to life interview Pete and im confident for a good outcome for Dakota . Pete Any News of Dave Keegan from Bangkok Dairies , Thank you ,,,

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Michael, I’m not in any contact with Dave and haven’t been for months

[@michaeldecaprio4282]

OkThanks Pete i cant seem to find anything online about Dave from Bangkok Daries i hope all is well , Thanks again Pete see you soon .....

[@youwatchme0808]

great interview, looking foward for part 2, thank u 2

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate, here’s part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fV7Pq2CwatyFna8

[@tombstonearizona5786]

Wow this good story thanks for sharing

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching

[@t.q.6639]

What a touching story, please do a follow up. I hope nothing but good things are coming his way going forward.

[@abdulghaniabdo2212]

Very fascinating storey, wishing Dakota quick recovery and getting home to motherland Thailand

[@jeffnelson5099]

A truly incredible story!

[@toohp]

Wow what an incredible story 👍

[@ThairishTimes]

yeah it's great. Thanks for watching

[@colinschofield6783]

Talk about an amazing story!! Just wow!!

[@ThairishTimes]

absolutely

[@BendigoHydroblasting]

What an amazing vlog. My 2nd trip to Thailand some six years ago I too landed in Bangkok and flew to Ubon, then drove to Amnat Charoen and lived the village life some 30 minutes out of the city. This brought back so many memories of those trips. Didn’t end well that one but I am now happily married to a beautiful Laos lady who is the cousin of a good friend here in Bendigo Australia. It’s a small world Pete, one day I too will share my story when I can get back to Laos. This vid was next level mate, keep em coming. Cheers Craig

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Craig glad you like them, I've more to come. You certainly sound like you've a story there

[@joelawrence56]

had very similar experience in Amnat!

[@Pat5208-j3n]

All the best to Dakota for the upcoming operation. Thank you , Pete

[@nofood1]

This was great!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks

[@jackmac7777]

Listened to whole lot how could I not. I'm curious wether Dakota/Dakoda/Dagoda (sorry not sure on name) would have a favourable sway getting Thai citizenship being born in Thailand to a Thai citizen. Very happy for you. And you certainly have the Thai smile 😁 as seen at the end. 👍Agus a Pheadair mura gcuireann sé seo borradh mór faoi do chainéal níl a fhios agam cad a dhéanfaidh, great work and a great story you have brought to us all, go raibh maith agat.

[@codis5722]

He would've had to go through the military process so it probably would be hard.

[@ThairishTimes]

Go raibh maith agat Seán. Níl a fhios agam freisin ach tá mé ceart go leor. Dakota does have Thai citizenship, unfortunately I had to cut some of the interview out cos it was 2 hours long

[@coleennoble6492]

Very interesting. Wishing Dakota a speeding recovery so he can return back to Thailand.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching Coleen

[@coleennoble6492]

@@ThairishTimes Always, I really enjoy your channel!

[@ThairishTimes]

@@coleennoble6492 Thanks for the support Coleen. I always appreciate it

[@joncurran7505]

What a story thanks guys good luck with the operation Dakota

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching Jon

[@liamdoherty211]

What an amazing life story Dakota, best wishes going forward. I hope you do a follow up.

[@ThairishTimes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fV7Pq2CwatyFna8 here’s part 2 Liam

[@thaifroggy69]

Wow! I have subscribed and been watching your video interviews for awhile and have enjoyed them very much. I came across this one and really enjoyed it. Could be used for a drama movie script I think. Keep up the good work and wish you all the best for your channel. Just curious how did you come across this man or find out about him?

[@ThairishTimes]

He's a subscriber on the channel and contacted me about the story. Thanks for the support mate

[@kobisrebus7664]

That was such a fascinating story. So amazing that he managed to meet up with Thai kid who managed to connect jim with his Thai relatives. Am very curious to know how the Thai kid managed to so quickly find his relatives. Was the kid from the same hometown? Hope that all will be well after his operation and that Dakota will get to live his dream and get back to Thailand after his operation.

[@ThairishTimes]

That’s the strange part, Dakota said he didn’t know either. All the kid had to go on was a surname and the area his Mom was from. Fate, destiny or luck who knows!!!

[@kobisrebus7664]

@@ThairishTimes That's so strange...... did Dakota keep in touch with the kid after? But according to Thai folks, as long as you have the exact Thai spelling of the surname, everyone with that surname is related cos all Thai surnames were created in 1913 under the Thai Nationality Act. At that time each head of the family had to create and register their surname in a national register or something.

[@monero892]

Maybe Facebook? Every Thai seems to use that. If he knew a relatives name and hometown it’s not too difficult to find perhaps

[@codis5722]

This will catapult your channel. Amazing

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate, I appreciate the support

[@williamryan6268]

"what changed?" Damn Pete, you always ask the right question. You have a gift. God bless you.

[@stephenmonash821]

Amazing story - journey - struggle and triumph. He certainly seems a calm and gentle soul - am guessing from his mother's side. The story had everything - and I wish him well with his kidney transplant and eventual move to Thailand.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for watching Stephen, if you haven't seen part 2 check it out. Yes a fantastic story and Dakota is so calm and collected. I'm delighted that he told his story on this channel

[@Ulbre]

Love this story. Sad. Happy. Uplifting. I love his take on everything. It would be easy to become bitter about most everything if you were brought up the same but Dakota overcame that and forged ahead and became a cool dude.....awesome....well done Dakota. Probably maybe the first Thai dude to be name Dakota. Cool :)

[@williamryan6268]

God bless you Dakota. What a tale. Hope things have worked out for your health.

[@andreashenke1468]

I used to work together with Dakota in Samphran. Great guy.

[@adZHARRISON]

ARE WE MISSING SOMETHING between his father drinking beer stacked to the roof (16.45) and then his mother showing up the next second ??????

[@Tada_Minburee]

That part was confusing. His mother left him with a family, but she returned and got an apartment? 🤔

[@haveleginthailand]

I have downloaded for future watching

[@ThairishTimes]

Nice Ken, it’s a great story although it is quite sad

[@Bekindloveis]

An hour interview is too short, would have liked to listen to your full 2 hour interview as it was very interesting all real life stories are fascinating of people’s outlook in life & their experiences 🙂 kudos to u & a big thank u 👍🏻

[@noormuhammadoosmanabbasako5381]

Amazing story. Might be worth an update after 6 months

[@ThairishTimes]

For sure, we'll do an update

[@mingmedia808]

Hey Dakota if you ever see this we share a similar story. But, I had a pretty stable family and am so grateful in hindsight that my american dad(rip) adopted me and took me to the states in the 70s. I used to joke with him that if he never adopted me id be a sam lor driver in thailand. I spent most of my childhood in San Antonio and i can relate with you on the struggles. Ive gotten old enough now that i have no more family ties in the states and my mom moved back to thailand. But, how incredible is it to know that you have a whole village that loves you. Now that thailand is open back up time to visit my village. Also, i am not the same Ming that you mention lol.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks for sharing Ming