What You Will Dislike Most About Thailand As An Expat

[@spicana]

In Korea couples wear matching shirts like this.

[@ST-gk6rs]

🙄😂😂😂👏

[@yesviews]

Unfortunately

[@ST-gk6rs]

@Korea Forever 🤦🏻‍♀️😂😂😂😂

[@volariarr4680]

Forest facial expressions indicated he liked to eat white banana

[@doccdisrepecc7307]

Thailand too

[@DonPlaton]

Buy a car or bike which is manufactured or assembled in Thailand to avoid import tax. I priced a couple of bikes and the price was about the same as in the US.

[@marcuslind6591]

As someone who lived in Bangkok for almost a decade. I’d say my main complaints are the lack of “residency” status. Even when married you only get 1 year visas and it makes it challenging to plan long term. Second point is incredibly expensive private schooling. We are talking about 300-1M THB tuition. Still miss Thailand though.

[@pvasir]

Because the quota for PR is super limited.

[@alexrodriquez1327]

I purchased a motorbike for about $1,200 back in 2006 and sold it after 6 months. I don't think I would buy a car or truck in Thailand, as its easier to get around when you're single. I wonder if there's a way to buy & sell items between Thailand and US or other countries, as there's a few items I miss buying from Thailand. The biggest benefit, aside from cheaper rents and food is a more healthy living in terms of fresh food and less of the harmful chemicals and stuff they poison our food here in US. Case in point, after 2 months, my metabolism kicked in high gear after my system was cleared after being in Thailand and I was able to drop weight and lost inches, without dieting.

[@Maggietogo]

Be aware for people trying to make Thailand a bad experience. Some expats are not genuine. But you two are a blessing for Thailand. Thanks for talking to us and thank you for embracing Thailand

[@Keepintouchthailand]

+ 1

[@polymac1]

Thailand has it right with a consumption tax. The US has taxes on everything and can be very unfair. Especially for the working.

[@craigross341]

From an economic point of view land value taxes make sense. But the country's virtually feudal. They'll never hammer the ownership of land. Taxes on imports reduce consumer utility and business efficiency. People think it "stops jobs going abroad", but the economics was done to death 200 years ago.

[@robocop581]

@@craigross341 Yawn. Just pay the VAT, it's cheap.

[@tananbnb]

It's 200% tax for an import car, not 300%.

[@nuplissken1600]

Over the years met like a dozen shady expats in bkk who claimed they were on "SEAL team 6" lol

[@TheCopperist]

As a Thai person thank you for you guys and your comments about Infrastructure and Bad air quality I think we are think the same that these are very big problem. Government will be hear your voices than us. Thats true so I think most of Thailand or Bangkok''traveller or expat youtuber always say or show only good sides of it. So I think I like this video and just want to hear video like these to make government or officer hear of these problems I give you an example that like Bill Gate he post picture of messy wires in BKK and recently Russel Crowe do the same and goverment hear this and they promise to fix this so Thank you for video like this.

[@heythave]

Thailand should convert little by little to electric, from solar panels on every roof to Tesla battery storage to electric bikes and tuk Turks and buses and cars. You are near the equator and has a lot of sun. This will cut down on pollution and noise also.

[@ginse4891]

i agree for the most part especially the footpaths but “government will be hear your voices than us” are we talking about the same government because hell no they will unless you like a very well-known person. still, we need to keep speaking up about the problems here that need to be solved until it reaches the government. i’m grateful for this video.

[@TheCopperist]

@@ginse4891 Good news !! new governor hear us. Thank you sir

[@reggaevibes100]

@@heythave it's kind of rude to tell people how they should live in their own country. I know a lot of people do have solar power on their houses just to help keep their power bills lessened when they run their ac.

[@heythave]

@@reggaevibes100 dear boy, the word “should” means it’s a suggestion, not dictating what they HAVE to do. I wouldn’t think that somebody was rude if they were to tell me that I should drive an electric car. I would agree with them because that would make the air quality better. Many countries are run by old people who are not up to date about new technologies. There are many Thais who can afford solar if the government make a push for it and there is consciousness about the topic. Obviously, you have never have been in Bangkok during the smog season.

[@WadmanP]

The burning season is the sole reason I've crossed off Chiang Mai as a possible retirement location. Currently targeting Southern Thailand (Hua Hin/Prachuab Kiri Kan).

[@WadmanP]

@@JoeHan268 No, the burning season comes at the end of the last rice harvest. It preps the soil for the next season. Good for farming, not so good for your lungs.

[@richardkleinberger7031]

They would make a cute couple.

[@cravenmoorecock5267]

Hua Hin is a nice seaside spot. Older expats, good markets, bar scene if you like, various nations represented in food (Italians, Scandos).

[@afg3643]

hua hin is a good balance. ocean, party but not that of "pattaya". when i lived in thailand (pattaya) getting new clothes. i am 6'3" and 13 (45/shoe) not easy. when found it was $. those things one manages, i believe in relation to being in (near) paradise each morning. i had a (similar) cast on my left foot from tendonitis (bad) for about ten (10) days. the condo in jomtien beach. i would each day and my lady "friend" would do some shopping. the famed thai "hollywood" movies DVDs were fun and not issue starting at the ocean from the 5th floor each day.

[@robertmaddelena7890]

Its good to hear both sides the good and the bad. Personally the costs saved on rent and food makes me want to retire there.

[@asiaexpat62]

Having lived in Bangkok for over ten years and the Kingdom for many more I can say that there is an extreme lack of maintenance of pavement and streets. Some efforts have recently been undertaken but beware when traveling either on foot or by vehicle.

[@BradSabako]

Well done. I spent 2 years there and agree with everything you said. Couldn’t hack the air quality in Chiang Mai(but loved it best overall), so I spent the last year in Kamala Beach, Phuket! Awesome

[@Photojouralist123]

Took you guys that long to figure that out. I've been here 30 years and don't plan on every going back to Seattle. Living the life bro

[@alex09aries]

You the crypto millionaire?

[@craigmorgan7053]

They're panzies getting robbed by ex-pat gigolo's. LMAO

[@SoulOctavius]

I work and live close to Seattle. I envy you.

[@pointofview899]

Hi Forrest and Daniele, thanks for advising and warning about some expats.

[@theruggedtravelers]

Same same in the Philippines, Malaysia, Costa Rica as in Thailand.

[@HiDaveandChloe]

Thanks for sharing the good and the bad. Thailand is a place that we plan to be in the foreseeable future in our travels so these are great insights!

[@CryptoQuest95]

Hey guys! Awesome to see Daniele on the channel

[@willpcs3453]

Dan & Forrest, Thanks for the spot on intelligent well articulated Vlog. Video & sound quality is marvelous, Safe Travels and Fair Winds!

[@AL4140]

If you need to buy a vehicle, you just have to pick a model that is built in Thailand. That tax is in most countries, it’s just higher in Thailand. Buy a Thai built Honda and it’s cheap. Also my Thai friend just bought the newest iPhone 13 max. She paid the same there as I would here in Canada. So I’m not sure how it’s more expensive there?? 🤷‍♂️

[@CrystalSaffel]

We have compared the prices, and at first look it appears more here, then you realize that in Thailand the tax is included in the advertised price, you pay what you see, whereas in Canada you pay the advertised price plus tax, so it works out almost exactly the same!

[@Amt4ever]

Great content regarding electronics cell phones, I'm sure there's a work around regarding purchasing. The reasoning is most Thais have very modest incomes.

[@theevanpyle]

Thanks Forrest for your advice and comments about Thailand 🇹🇭

[@TLK22]

What I dislike is the yearly visa and road security. Air quality was easy to fix and I simply moved south. There is still way more advantage than disadvantage in my case compared to my old life in Canada. Only thing that could tip the balance I guess is my childrens education but I think I have enough money to send them the best school available. We will see what the future will bring!

[@remote3652]

nice video, anyone traveling abroad for the first time should def. watch this video.

[@goodomg5427]

Chiang Mai , nakhon ratchasima (khao yai) still cheap and air quality normal. and not to far from bangkok.

[@Eric_Casteel]

I am coming to Bangkok in the fall, I would love to link up for coffee or a beer when I get there. I am going to get a place for a month in Bangkok and then pick between there and Chang Mai.

[@tonythaiger93]

That was true buying something in US and bring it back until we had massive port issues. The price for many goods are now same in Thailand.

[@RichFerreiraIns]

You are very likable and believable. Just a good guy. Thanks for your channel. Best of luck.

[@HansCSchellenberg]

I am building a house in Isan with my Thai Fiancee, I can get really really good fiber internet here, in the middle of nowhere (3BB) for dirt cheap. I cant even get fiber internet in my Bay Area condo!

[@toddsellars4694]

Thank your the new content Forrest. Keep up the good work and stay strong in 2022 💪

[@stephenpavy2501]

200% on imported cars. But as Thailand is a major car manufacture "assembly" country for eg: ToyotaHondaMitsubishiFord etc those are not highly taxed, also they sell the special versions locally that you can't get in the west. So you can get good buys, especially at the countless autoshows. The down side in Thailand is second hand cars hold value for a long period. So they are sometimes higher price compared to the west countries. But bargains can be found if going older, and your in Thailand not in your home country, so does not matter what you use as transport. Really would you only use a scooter for your transport home country ? That's the joy of Thailand..it's normal

[@theopinion9452]

Well that was an interesting video for sure ,I appreciate the candor of it,am planning to move there next year and even though I do know some expats behave like that.it's good to be reminded of such things..I met a fellow American in Philippines,drunk in public and asking for money that he said "it was surely coming to him 3 days later",I told him,if you'll been waiting this long,you can wait 3 more days...

[@joshtr04]

Thank you for making this video. Even though I haven't had the experience of moving to another country I noticed a lot of similar instances when I moved back to the Bay Area after living on the east coast for a number of years especially the part about running into shady people. They're out there everywhere and I'm thankful that there are good people like you who remind us to watch out for these things no matter where you go. Keep enjoying Thailand and I can't wait to see more of your videos Forrest. Take care!

[@mdaniels6311]

Good to hear. I'm a permanent wheelchair user, and moving to Bangkok soon. I've visited a few times, and it's not too bad for access (no worse than London). I use taxis, and have to go into the road a lot, but generally it's okay. I have wheels, so do cars, so can go anywehre a car can go. Also, I have travelled a lot, and I think I have a good spider sense for scams/scammers. These videos have been helpful to give me a realistic expectation of the city. As with everything in life, there's pros/cons, and we gotta learn to adapt and overcome.

[@philliphwee4966]

Thank you for a reality check, Forrest--an informative video.

[@TheBodiesInTheWaterBeckons]

Air quality will continue to decrease as we're getting into summer. The rice farmers will start burning down their fields to prepare the ground for the new season. I hated this about Thai farmers so much. It's that they stuck in their old ways and consistently refuses to change. It's not that hard to turn those dead stems into fertilizer. The Media never mention this on the news in Thailand they always blame everything else, not saying those aren't valid, but. They always ignore the farmers which are a very large contributor to the air quality situation and with this the farmers will never change, cause no one wants to call them out.

[@bobbrown9079]

There are several KZbinr's who think Chiang Mai is heaven. I call BS. For several months every year, Chiang Mai air is thick with acrid smoke. Totally unhealthy.

[@Antandthegrasshopper]

Forrest, for someone coming first time to BKK, which website or agents would you recommend for Condo rentals and which are the best areas. Can you do a video on that?

[@westtxgreg]

Great information guys. For sure anywhere you go in the world it’s okay to be polite and give people the benefit of the doubt and some trust but you have to draw a line and stand firm at that line with regards to how much “help”, monetary, time, labor etc your willing to give anyone. It’s okay to say no. 👍🏻 if they are truly a friend they will understand and continue to be a friend.

[@JW-tp5rh]

I have lived and worked in BKK and later moved to Northern Thailand. Your comment about shady expats holds true. Have to keep many at arms length for sure. Look me up some day if you are up in Northern Thailand

[@mikeazpiroz9292]

Uneven streets lol. Been there. Shhhhhit! I'm vision impaired. No cane..... I'm still coming! Soooo worth it!

[@INTELLIGENCE_Revolution]

Oh yeah I did notice those prices. I didn’t realise it was an import tax :)

[@richardcyphers9529]

Great video and thanks for the info on Thailand 🇹🇭 🙂👍📹

[@craigross341]

There are cars for $10,000; made within the region and escaping the taxes. They're okay. Small Japanese models from ten years ago. Technically if a friend brings a laptop in and doesn't have it when they leave they're smuggling. They'll get you for a bike. Whatever you do don't file a police report claiming a bike was stolen to disguise the fact that you gave it to a friend. You'll get jailed for that.

[@wytchend]

It's funny what you say about the expats. Can't believe how many "Financial Advisors" I kept coming across??? haha Great content as always, keep real, & stay happy

[@shirleykimber2330]

Hi!! Just absolutely 100% accurate advice, was an expat for 4 years, soo many false people amongst the ex pat population, you quickly learn who to trust. Cars and electronics have always been more expensive thats why a lot of peeps go for motor bikes. To be fair if you are in BK the transport links are so good you don't need wheels. Love your story about the sidewalks! If you think they are bad now you should have been around in the 90's! They were lethal! 555

[@williamhartz8707]

Yes…most sidewalks in all cities & towns in Thailand are obstacle courses with some shops using the sidewalks as outdoor display or parked motorcycles blocking the path along with the unleveled concrete tiles (or missing tiles)…and stepping over sleeping soi dogs or drunks.🥺

[@danielsantiago6680]

You is bad there try the Philippines lol

[@harryclarke3217]

Agree with the content ......and especially scammers & Walter Mitty type characters that live here in the ex-pat communities. You are more likely to be ripped off by an ex-pat than by a local so common sense goes a long way and that goes for any country you live in.

[@travellingviking6711]

Buying an IPhone at MBK is almost same price as in the US, have bought a lot of phones there

[@Nordic_Sky]

Can you be sure it's not a fake?

[@629th]

so true most the sidewalks are so hard for walking not level enough in Bangkok as well as air pollution is pretty bad there

[@chrisclemons333]

Hi Forrest, great video. Curious how you were able to remain in Thailand for so long? Did you just do visa/border runs every 30 days?

[@agoodchow]

Over 50, renewal every year.

[@chrisclemons333]

WHOA, wouldn't have guessed you're over 50. Lookin good man! @@agoodchow

[@agoodchow]

@@chrisclemons333 Forrest Lee is 37.

[@Stephen-pc7hh]

Import tax on cars is 80% and 30% on parts, not 300%.

[@craigross341]

Depends on the model. It increases with price. A Lambo or Ferrari is incredible.

[@stevenrostron6671]

Easy, other expats. Can honestly say in 20 years I’ve never had major problems with anything Thai or Thailand. Cellphones are relatively cheap in Thailand, maybe $50-100 difference on a new iPhone, but that is offset by being able to sell them easily. Cars are also not what you say, Thai built Corollas, Jazz, Yaris etc start around 550,000 baht, so probably $20k USD. Trucks are cheap, like a Hilux under $30k And the thing that annoys me most about expats, is so many moan and try to turn Thailand into the place they came came from.

[@ra803g6]

Good rebuttal with action plan. Very helpful and respectful.

[@cebucoder747]

Thanks for another amazing and informative video! How are you two able to stay there long term?

[@Neednoy]

Bangkok is built on river delta so the soil is soft causing the footpath tiles cracks or slipped.

[@jparsit]

I enjoy watching your straight talk video, and informative. I was born in BKK moved to SF, CA, and just returned to Thailand after decades in the US. This nation is very screw-up, but thanks for the experience. Infrastructure in Thailand is a shit hole. Completed of all pollution, noise, air, water, and bad hygiene. I was an advisor to the Thai gov't, but corruption was a big problem. The weather is too hot and humid. BKK is just like other big city rat race styles. Good things are also there, but I prefer nature in northern Thailand and the beautiful culture. China is my kind of place, but that is my personal preference. Laos is more humble than Thai. The fast train from Laos to China is open. Have any questions, feel free to ask me. I am living in CM and China. Take care and welcome. Keep doing good videos. You have a unique style.

[@thanaang1455]

Bagnkok has bad air quality in Dec-Feb, southern Thailand has better air quality except in Oct where burning smog from Indonesia spread to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

[@benjaminrodriguez4429]

I Miss Thailand. It must be so much better now since when I went back in 2004

[@jhawaiian]

Yes I agree about the sidewalks in most of the country is bad, air quality very bad in Bangkok. Air quality and sidewalks are better in other parts of the country... however, Bangkok is not Thailand. That being said transport (taxi, grap, bolt) is cheaper and you can hire someone to help you for a fraction of the cost because labor is cheaper. I remember back in 200? My friend and I helped this family by carrying one of their family members in a wheel chair down some stairs just outside either National Stadium or Siam BTS station on the way out of the station.

[@theinternationalist1357]

I'm going to retire in Asia soon but there's a concern that I want to ask you guys is.... 1. Do you maintain your credit in the US? Is there a credit card that is good for international travelers/expat, you recommend? How about getting a sim card in that country beside buying a new phone in that country?

[@DerrickWe]

Ok what are some things that are hard or extra expensive for one to get in Thailand maybe I can bring some with me when I fly out.

[@mixingjd]

It kind of bugs me when expats complain about the sidewalks in Thailand. Unless you are in NYC, you can find plenty of messed up or non existent sidewalks here in America.

[@doomd1816]

America has better sidewalks in general

[@gabymalembe]

As long as you don’t need to breathe, Bangkok can be great.

[@theopinion9452]

oops

[@jayanders8467]

This is a good humour video. It’s always amusing to see little boys starting to grow up…

[@thomasalison6188]

Spot on! Happy New year Forrest!!

[@Phucket24]

I think it’s time we turned this Pandemic (an outbreak that spreads throughout the world) into a Endemic (a disease that is constantly present in a community),

[@johnny5stickswilliams696]

I’m into my 7th year and live in hat yai southernmost Thailand, import tax wow 😳 yes it’s crazy. I wanted a Harley Davison and the price was triple what I would pay elsewhere, hence why I’m riding a 750 virago , driving here is a lottery as well, I witnessed three cops sat in their truck at an intersection with their doors open smoking on duty, and what happened next is crazy, several motorcycles with three or more people on them ride through red lights and they didn’t even bother to stop them. What is the point having cops who are as good as a chocolate fireguard eh! Other than that the people are sweet and accommodating

[@puertocool]

thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@ubiquitousdiabolus]

Business restrictions may or may not go away, but the tourism damage has been done. Virtually no chance that the Thailand Pass, insurance, PCR tests and other restrictions will go any time soon if ever. The second high season was systematically wiped out and 90% of tourists will probably never return.

[@harryclarke3217]

Wow you are a bundle of laughs🤢

[@Ben-yp9nh]

Everything will go back to how it was eventually, stop being so pessimistic lol

[@lucionelucione]

Hello Forrest, I am in bangkok since December 2020 working remotely to italy. I want to live here. What should I do? What job should i look for? I am business management master of science.

[@pm6341]

A few ideas which vary by budget. 1) Start an export business to Italy. 2) Import business from Italy to Thai. 3) Start an agency helping Thai businesses find customers in Italy - get paid on commission. 4) Start a dropshipping style business selling Thai product to Italian customers. 5) create and market an info-product/ course about Bitcoin for Italian customers. 6) start a digital marketing agency and hire local thais for graphic design - sell your services to Italian market.

[@pm6341]

The bottom line is - sell high (italian market), buy low (buy Thai) and leverage your comparative advantage.

[@abhishektomar2082]

Lived in Delhi for 8 years where air quality index is 300+ :)

[@jamies6534]

Several of the points could have been made about any major city to be fair. What about the garbage (collection) situation in BKk? I heard a while back it was a major issue.

[@davidepattibiomed89]

thanks for the insight guys. I wonder especially with the rona bs and the air quality why you guys don't move to a smaller city?

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

I don't loan people money. That's what banks are for.

[@sj20860]

The broken ankle is worrisome in my dreams of moving to Thailand in 3 years as I just broke my ankle walking a perfect road in US. As a subscriber, I always cheer for Forrest and enjoy watching him. Hurts is referred to fat old expats as gross in a previous video, as while there are trolls on the internet, you don’t expect your imaginary friend you watch on KZbin to say this to you. As you age (ie. age 50) I have now ripped both rotator cuffs, damaged shoulders prohibiting lifting weights and tried to walk 5-10 miles a day to get in shape and broke my ankle. Just a mental note for Forrest… stay positive as your listeners take your words to heart more than a random internet troll slinging insults. It is more my own disappointment trying to get to 15% bmi from 30% but now every time I watch Forrest I think of his comments and how young fit people see me. Age hits hard… your viewers are diverse…. So always remember you have a chance to bring a smile each video into someone’s day.

[@seiya.lifestyle]

This is interesting topic to watch. I lived in Bangkok for 5 years as an expat. I got married with my Thai wife. We moved to Japan which is my hometown now:)

[@derekdart1441]

When I first arrived 2010 a Thai told me "there's no such thing as a loan in Thailand" That is so true I ignored that to my cost

[@FrankDimino1]

A thai lady just told me something over the holidays regarding a thai lady-there is always money involved

[@karlwilliams8208]

Good information but what camera were you using?

[@nomadrver2069]

Forrest good channel by the way who gave that name i grew up in the south i have met so many Forrest i swear . glad i run in to your channel my wife & i planning to get a condo in Bangkok but i think southern Thailand will be just fine and come up to the big city once in a while.

[@michaelkaufman9625]

so where to live first? Bangkok, Isan, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin,the islands? I guess rent a place and see ....

[@nitrowheel]

I thought the poor air quality in Jan. - April was from farmers burning theirs fields (burning season), not exhaust from old cars? I know in Chiang Mai the pollution is from burning fields, is Bangkok different?

[@ubiquitousdiabolus]

It is mostly from farmers, but some local pollution (year round) is from old vehicles and low quality fuel.

[@stephenpavy2501]

Yes Bangkok is different.. about 15million people different 🙄 😂

[@peterpalashevky7423]

Why in the world would you want to own a car in Bangkok of all places? It's one of the most diff cities to get around

[@AmericanInThailand]

Where is the "Choke My Arms To Death" T Shirt shop you guys use?😄

[@mdaarun]

I would recommend Singapore.

[@shibidi]

I like his IWC watch.

[@waynelast1685]

That import tax apply to apple products like MacBook Pro and iPhone?

[@theopinion9452]

yes,anything imported..those are made in China after all.

[@scottie934]

Some of my fondest Bangkok memories involve shady expats. Become an English teacher and you’ll work with them.

[@piusngu9355]

Forrest, you have bought a condo unit. How much do you pay for maintenance fee monthly? How about sinking fund? Other fees to pay?

[@fusong1111]

when did he say he bought a condo?

[@richiesd1]

people who have money don't need to borrow money from others. isnt' that simple?

[@TheBusinessAdvisorPodcast]

Good advice

[@Nordic_Sky]

The jobs pay nothing.

[@briannewton9369]

Sounds like a great time to move to Rawai! Maybe better?

[@nicolestroud3009]

This was helpful.

[@coolworl]

Do you have the freedom to purchase oxygen tanks there? What if you have doctor hookups?

[@Masoniteable]

Would be nice to just be able to come quarantine free...

[@discotex2236]

Love it here and not bitter, but you asked for it: Polluted air, water, streets and food. Grocery stores are horrible, import taxes. Overall lack of logic in the design of most things, infrastructure, homes, rules etc. No sure path to residency, face culture, no freedom of speech.

[@Jersey2WorldTravels]

I never realized there was a problem with toxic/scamming expats.

[@craigross341]

Massive. People whose lives have gone to shit are drawn to where accommodation is cheap and (because they're often lazy and entitled) eating meals made by others is possible on a low budget. Think of the character who can't escape high housing costs or court action (including civil) and won't tough it out, but wants to continue the skating behaviour that caused the disaster in the first place.

[@BlackHatAndy]

How do people get scammed? Why would you EVER give money to anybody? I cannot remember one single time somebody asked me for money, even close friends or family. How are you going to give a prostitute or some random dude you met money in good faith? People are odd. Anybody asks for money and it's a nope from me.

[@vicpla7152]

As an expat are u eligible to get health insurance and if so how much?

[@LongThanh-ew4tf]

$50 to $200 depends on age. Pre-existing cinditions size of deductible amount of exclusions decent insurance for most $100 a month

[@waynelast1685]

Air quality in Chiangmai is bad too.

[@Live-dt9hj]

I have to wait to get the new iPhone lol 300-400$ more here than USA

[@ideaphile]

Thanks!