Why American Minorities Consider Thailand Their New Home

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[@jimjanlekha891]

Dang, hot topic! You’re definitely getting a lot of comments here. As a Thai American, born in Bangkok in 1966, moved to LA in 1980 and been there ever since, I can relate. I do go back to Thailand every year to preserve my roots and visit family so it’s been even more of a struggle to stay in the US, especially these last few years. These last two years have been hell because I couldn’t go back until next month, yeah!!!! Used to envy the US when I left Thailand but now I can’t wait to get back. My dad retired and moved there 5 years ago too. Now I feel lucky and privileged to be Thai (how strange it is), I would have never thought that in a million years. How things have changed. Cheers and maybe we can share stories one day.

[@richiesd1]

Because America is now relatively not so much better than Thailand and Asia in general. Also, because of globalization of education, other countries have progressed very quickly. America no longer stands on principles -- it's now more about geopolitical interests. Another thing in USA is that the urban architecture makes people lonely resulting in substance abuse, mental illness, etc... People are isolated in their cars and homes. There is a lack of social interactions, so people turn to religion and partisan politics online.

[@jimjanlekha891]

@@richiesd1 yes, you’ve got the general drift of the state of America, Asia and Thailand. Isolation and broken masculinity have also caused a lot of pain and suffering and probably many mass shootings we’re witnessing now. I’m really sad and heartbroken 💔. Americans are generally very kind and loving people. I’d like to contribute to rebuilding this great country also.

[@richiemochi]

In USA we will always be consider a foreigner no matter how high of a position we hold in the corporate world. When I traveled abroad to Cambodia for some reason it felt like home... Its definitely a strange feeling.

[@Photojouralist123]

Like I mentioned many times on your channel as an Asian American from Seattle I left 25 years ago and never looked back. For the same reasons you stated. I love living in country where I look like everyone else and I'm tired of trying to prove my Americanism back in the States.

[@ForrestLee]

It gets exhausting having to go out of your way to having to repeatedly prove yourself

[@Photojouralist123]

@@ForrestLee exactly bro! One day over a beer 🍺 I’ll tell you my BKK experience from back in the day

[@houseofhas9355]

As African American man. I related with what you said. I am tired of living in America. I will explore once I have saved up more to life and travel in southeast Asia without needing to work.

[@waynelau1492]

Right on man. This is exactly why I left Toronto Canada.

[@theevanpyle]

I’m from Toronto Ontario. It’s a great city I’m sorry you left 🙁😩

[@partytimelingerie9076]

Toronto is racist as fukkkkkk

[@aaronbux1]

I'm white, but my girlfriend is Chinese American and from Monterey Park in LA. Wondering where you're from, Forrest? She had the typical .. so she tells me .. Asian upbringing. Strict parents, must get good grades, etc. She did. In fact, even though brought up in relative poverty, she managed to get a full ride scholarship to Cal. Wow. But of course, even though a very successful architect, her parents still treat her as if she can never be good enough. To me .. weird .. since I came from such supportive parents, even though I was basically a F-up for many years, until finally getting my shit together and becoming an RN working with cancer patients. Anyway, can't say I've personally witnessed any racism directed specifically at her (or at a previous Thai gf here in the U.S.), but I am well aware of the many stories in which Asians (and obviously other minorities in the U.S.) have experienced racism .. and would do my best to have any hate-filled, coward, bully feel the same physical pain he has very likely inflicted on others in his past .. if I ever came across such a person. But this brings me to the subject of aggression. Racism .. is inherently aggressive .. led by hate, mistrust, etc. But the U.S. Military also, obviously, brings out aggression in those who serve and have served. (I have two brothers who both served). And no, of course, I am not equating racism to the military. But this is a large reason of why I constantly think of moving to Thailand permanently .. to get away from the American way of life, which is very largely aggressive. The U.S. Gov't spends more tax-payer money on the military than the next 9 countries COMBINED .. road rage .. school shootings .. guns guns guns .. "Lock her up!" .. "Grab them by the p*ssy" .. on and on. Even our favorite sports are pro football (violent) and UFC. But .. Thai people are of course very much led by the philosophy of the peaceful ways of Buddhism. This way of thinking and living, inherently, allows them to be more accepting of others (Chinese, farang, etc), who may be different than them. Yes, money does do a lot of the talking in the world .. but so does world view and philosophy of how life should be lived. Just ask KZbinr, The Naked Guru .. who has a vid specifically talking about how his girlfriend (now wife) made more money than he did when they met .. and he knows many other farang who have married Thai girls, also not caring so much about their net worth. My point is .. get rid of the aggression .. and the thinking that money talks in all ways of life .. when clearly, at least in Thailand, it does not. You are thinking like an American, Forrest. :) Start trying to think like a Thai. Lastly, and back on the racism topic .. I thought it was very interesting when I heard an African-American KZbinr (his name escapes me) use the term "soft-racism", when talking about how some Thai's view him. They are very warm to him, he said, invited them into their homes, fed him, etc .. but just don't date my daughter! :) He took that with humor, still loving Thai people, the culture, etc., but also knowing some boundaries do exist for some locals. Sounds familiar as an American .. obviously African-Americans being subjected to much worse in the U.S. .. than just not dating someone's daughter. Anyway, apologies for my wordiness. My overall point and advice would just be to get rid of the aggressive views. You are correct about Hollywood portrayals of Asians, but there are worse things than being portrayed as "harmless". :) Even Muay Thai fighters live in peace in Thailand, knowing there is a place (in the ring) for the aggression .. but not in life. My two cents .. as a white guy. Thanks for your informative vids, Forrest! I wish you nothing but happiness. :)

[@JamesBondEsq.]

@ Aaron: Nice!

[@onlittlethings5894]

@@kimlove5760 What.is.this? The.point.Forrest is.trying to.make.is ​At.least.the.prevalence​pushing someone​ down.the railway​ because.of.the.skin is.much.less in.Thailand.​

[@mentorinspired]

I am a mixed black Male from USA. For most of my life I've felt America didn't want me besides using me. I plan to go to Thailand in November hopefully indefinitely.

[@errolmacdonald3256]

I was a university lecturer in English in Japan for 12 years, and like my colleagues, often visited Thailand (and other Asian countries - Nepal, Burma, Bali - but most often Thailand). I invested most of my savings so didn't live in luxury while in Thailand. I stayed in modest guesthouses, got around by motorcycle taxi, ate in inexpensive restaurants. I didn't give off a wealthy vibe even though my income from the universities I taught at was very generous. I felt comfortable with the Thai people from the get-go. Their easygoing self-esteem allowed them to welcome visitors on an even footing and you could flirt with them and joke with them without worrying about anyone taking offense. After giving a presentation at a language-teaching conference in Bangkok I was invited to visit one of the universities there and I remember that when i was introduced to the head of the English department, she said, "Oh, we like the Canadians!" That's great, I thought, but while strolling around the campus I noticed some expensive watches and a little bit of haughtiness from some students and I thought, well I guess maybe the charm has something to do with the class of Thais you're dealing with. The Kingdom of Thailand was never conquered or colonized by Western powers and on the one hand, that's why the Thais can welcome without resentment the hordes of tourists who come there ever year but there's that other level of Thai society that remains beyond the reach of blokes like us.

[@aoodyvang]

I agree bro! Most Thai people are very nice, but still some class of Thai are living in fantasy. Out of touch!

[@proud_atheist5759]

Agree with this completely...Being born in India but grew up in Canada...Have put up with racism all my life, especially when younger and wearing a turban at the time.

[@partytimelingerie9076]

Yeah. True.

[@waynerm002]

Like this one Forrest. The early military (basic training) life, exposes one to all these stereotypes from folks that don’t know differently and never took the time to find out. I recall one (Caucasian) guy in our group that avoided taking part in the group showers (yeah, that happens people). Teammates thought he was dirty, because they didn’t see him showering. He would do it late at night when everyone was asleep, except those on guard duty. Years later, he approached me to ask if black peoples had tails. He felt comfortable broaching the subject as I’m Jamaican and get along with everyone. Turns out, he was afraid of seeing black people’s tails, he was taught that black people had tails in his home state, I forgot where it was. After that conversation, I advised him to ask more questions of things he was curious about. He shared his story about the late night showers to other members of the team and his fears. He was no longer an outsider (which was his choice) and shared his life with us. He resigned for a few more years to travel and learn more about people and the world. These days, I think people need to talk and listen more to their neighbors to learn and get along. Things here in the US is getting crazier. We are planning to head to Thailand and tour around South East Asia and settle someplace over there. Maybe one day we will meet up. Like this video.

[@thomasy.3228]

I don't necessarily disagree with some of the things you're saying. But I think experiences can differ as well. I moved the first time to the states from Japan when I was a middle schooler. I went to a school that was predominantly white, and to be honest, I never really experienced discrimination. Sure there may have been a few stereotypical views, but I felt most of it was not necessarily discrimination but a lack of understanding and education. On top of that, the college I went to was predominantly white as well. My roommate was black, and we both never really face discrimination while I was there. In fact, I was surprised by how so many people really wanted to learn about Asian culture, specifically Japanese culture. In fact, I started watching anime and reading anime, and I don't want to brag, but two of my friends ended up double majoring in Japanese because they wanted to understand what was being said in these animes. I agree there can be discrimination, but the fact is education is critical at the end of the day. I prefer to believe the best in people as well. I spoke about this with my Thai wife the other day, and even in our own countries, there will be forms of discrimination but in different ways. For instance, in Japan, there are still small groups of individuals who believe that Japanese people are a superior Asian race. Again not disagreeing, but experiences can really be different from person to person. Great video thanks

[@michaelorfanos7416]

Well said sir!

[@TangoLima1]

Chinese Canadian. I totally agree from my own experiences living in China and Hong Kong. On the other hand, I would be interested to hear of Asian experiences in Eastern Europe. My sister in law is Russian and she carries NONE of the prejudices /stereotypes that typical North American whites have towards Asians in general.. Completely a blank slate. In fact when my brother explained some of the racial issues she was quite shocked.

[@aniwee17]

She came of age during the Soviet era where communist ideals were indoctrinated. The modern Russia is very conservative and is not as tolerant towards people of a different ethnicity or race as the former Soviet Union used to be.

[@peter8039]

Russians do general carry less prejudice. It doesn't matter if it is a black cat or a white cat, so long as it catches mice.

[@TangoLima1]

@KrO_gg I am minority living in the West. So I talk of my experiences growing up here. I cannot speak authoritatively about European attitudes. Is Canada /US more welcoming? It depends if you are referring to systemic level or individual level. You are probably talking on a systemic level because of the more open immigration policies and multiculturalism policy in Canada . Whereas European countries are hostile to immigrants. The Europeans don't have a policy to attract immigrants like Canada, USA , Australia, NZ. The middle east refugees add fuel to the fire in Europe.

[@IkeMcFadden]

@@TangoLima1 Who cares if they are "welcoming"? I've lived in a dozen countries where I was the minority. I did not expect anyone to "welcome" me. I expected to get on their same page, or suffer the consequence.

[@Lee-vo7dl]

As an American, I appreciate your perspective. It's a shame that you experienced the racism that you did. Thank you for your service. Wish you all the best in your future endeavors

[@Marine1One]

As a black American male, I completely understand your situation. Moving abroad to avoid hate myself. Marine for life!

[@ForrestLee]

Semper Fidelis!

[@Marine1One]

@@ForrestLee Always faithful!!

[@Marine1One]

@@ForrestLee I have been watching your videos for a few weeks now. Because of your videos, I am planning my escape to Thailand or possibly Singapore. Keep inspiring people like me.

[@locn9307]

@@Marine1One I took a 6 month vacation when I was laid off and bummed out about my profession. Best time of my life. I spent a good 6k on food and hanging out. Room and board will need to be arranged. Got to experience all the good holiday locally. I suggest doing a few recon vacation to feel out what you like.

[@Marine1One]

@@locn9307 Sounds like a great idea. I will be doing a recon visit in March. Thanks for the Info!!!

[@picadosinferno]

Dude your videos are getting a lot better, I can tell you are working hard on it!

[@dutchylondon]

I've lived in England for 35 years. I identify with your comments, I've had some racism not huge but my main issue is I just don't integrate with the lifestyle in UK, the pubs, drinking culture, weather, food, not much outdoor activities and its pretty much gloom for about 5 months of the year. Iam financially secure now and iam looking to go out to Asia (was born in Malaysia) and Thailand is definitely one place I'd like live for a few months. You align to Thailand because your mindset is still Asian. I have a Australian born cousin who hated Malaysia when she worked there as she's basically white washed. It's all about your mindset.

[@Kevin-xz4jq]

Im the same as you. I also dont enjoy drinking culture/bars. Its my first time in thailand, but id say drinking culture/bars is still really prevalent here. Much more than China/Taiwan where bars are almost hard to find. I wish China wasnt so crazy politically, because it has been where i felt most at home. Guess i gotta keep looking.

[@pointofview899]

Asian genes Asian mindset?

[@coolworl]

ABC here, but I spent one-quarter of my life in Malaysia. I am not sure why your cousin hated Malaysia. I find Malaysian people are so much more sincere and friendly. Moreover, there are a lot of well-mannered Americans but I see a lot of fake smiles and manners. And the food is so good it's our of this world. I have to say though Malaysia can be a fun place as a male, but you need to spend much more than in Thailand. Also, I remember the nightlife in Malaysia. The ratio is 1 female to 4 males. Definitely not as fun as Thailand.

[@dutchylondon]

@@coolworl she worked in Australia and I think had issues understanding how to work with the Malaysians there, maybe different to the Australians she is used to in the work place? As I said, she is very white washed so that's a reason.

[@mosesbraun4760]

Hi Forrest . I'm French and I visited many countries , I understand and I agree with what you say. My best regards from Heidelberg Germany . Stay safe there .

[@arg888]

Throughout history migrants have always moved to where they’re treated better, have better economic opportunities and freedom from physical harm. Good on you to have an American passport that unlocks many doors.

[@michaeltran8079]

I am a multi-millionaire and highly educated Asian American. Still, I always feel like a second-class citizen in America outside of my work and home life.

[@Wazlonestar]

As a Guyanese 🇬🇾 American who grew up in NYC and traveled America as a cross country trucker for seven years. I know what you are talking about. I have been to Thailand three times already and I was shocked when they greeted my by bowing 🙇‍♀️. And the politeness of the Thai people amazed me. I tell everyone in America how nice the Thai people are and how they greet their guest. As a brown skin Indian man I get treated fairly well in Thailand and I feel at home. but of course white people still experience white privilege even in Thailand as well.

[@baraclude]

I was telling my wife that we will retire in Taiwan. We will always be an outsider and never felt at ease in the US. We are caught in between the race war in the US. We are also the most targeted race by other minorities.

[@theslifestyle2030]

Great to meet you today Forrest and I'm definitely going to have to check out that park!

[@aublumberg]

Thank you for sharing your perspectives Forrest.

[@TheBigBananaaa]

🍌I am a Australian Born Chinese ABC with similar racists challenges growing up in a western society 🤓 I plan to spend more time living in south east Asia because I feel at home in Asia 🤗 I feel like the bottom 10% in my western home 🏠 and I feel like the top 10% in my Asian home 🏡

[@JT-xe5jz]

So interesting mate, I’m an Aussie living in Macau. Starting to dislike Macau a little due to the insular thinking but SE Asia is my top priority

[@jaime3837]

Great video I am with you 100% brother In arms . I was born American 🇺🇸 from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 Happily married to a beautiful Thai 🇹🇭woman.

[@KhmerMinnesnowta]

No matter where we are, there are always pros & cons with racism due to our ethnicity, religion, and background. I had to live through genocide from evil Pol Pot era who killed over 2 million innocence people regardless of their background. I've been traveling the world since my retirement and I can say the hate and genocide remain to be happening over and over. Be kind to each other whenever possible. It is always possible!

[@JamesBondEsq.]

So true.

[@cambodianpleasuresquad1753]

agree anyone can be racist and discrimination comes in all shapes and forms.

[@Rivergooch]

You are spot on. I am Japanese and have many chinese friends here in the US. Also I am 6 foot tall so as an Asian I stand out. In Bangkok I don't stand out. I mostly dress in long pants and a polo shirt so I do not stand out as a tourist. I do not even get bothered by the hawkers selling tourist items. LOL I actually noticed being not noticed in Honolulu in the 1990's walking along Waikiki beach and when I was Tokyo in 1996 until I opened my mouth and spoke the little Japanese I do know. It's the calm of not standing out that really makes retiring in Thailand attractive.

[@theevanpyle]

Hey Forrest! Thanks for this video 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@asheb3893]

Thanks for sharing your honesty. Great insights.

[@brontejc]

Love your blogs, been travelling to Thailand for past 10 years before Covid and still think it’s great

[@MAXH-ui8cn]

The nature law, if something is different than you are, it wil always be a challange for you, different race, different school, different neighborhood, different height, different social status, the people even animals react to things being different, we humans learn to deal with differences among ourselves, more educated you are, more diversity you accept , less differences you see, more understanding you become of differences🙂.

[@calibay8]

Your video was spot on. I'm AA and raised primarily in Northern California. My experiences in the USA are very similar to your descriptions. We are from different minority groups, but the everyday peskiness of racial discrimination issues overall are the same. I also relate to your description of time spent in the military and how I felt more connected to my brothers in arms than with the general "majority" members of the American population. I've been contemplating a move to another country as a result, perhaps Thailand. I'm financially secure with a solid pension after 25+ years in LE and could live quite comfortably there, at least from a financial standpoint. I'm only contemplating the assimilation factor at this stage. Your video added one more building block that has pushed me closer to the edge of making a move. Thanks

[@ntcychannel6170]

I’m totally agree with you on this issue. I understand you.

[@wytchend]

The American dream, is exactly that. A dream. You can live a good life in Thailand for the cost of your USA medical insurance! It's crazy. I can't wait to get back in a few months. I'm stuck in London waiting to go back to Australia first though! Finally opening next week! Stay positive Forest, enjoy life. Keep it simple :) Thats true happiness

[@JamesBondEsq.]

Wise advice. Bravo! This is a brief life.

[@stanislavcheung919]

I hear you loud and clear Forest. Like you, I served in the U.S. Army (11B Infantry) and spent a few years in the National Guard (Military Police) and Army Reserve (Medic instructor). Living in Houston, the most diverse city in the U.S. it appears there is less of racism towards Asians. Anyways, I always pack "heat" 24/7. Crime has increased all over America and also in Houston to a certain extent. Texas overall is less liberal and tougher on crime. I could not imagine living in California and New York where criminals are cuddled and law abiding citizens are victimized. I am looking forward to visiting Thailand and Philippines in the future.

[@gunna2709]

Then let the Duterte regime cuddle you

[@shyguygc1755]

I heard Duterte's Daughter, future President, prefers Chinese Americans - best of both worlds - American accent flaunting Chinese wealth meets Philipina Royalty 🤣🤣😂😂

[@ForrestLee]

Keep packing heat, I fucking love Texas

[@cambodianpleasuresquad1753]

racial hierarchy in thailand goes like this japanese, koreans, chinese thais, taiwanese, mainland chinese, singaporeans caucasian westerners native thais arabs africans, indians cambodian, burmese, lao rohingyas and other refugees one person's paradise is another person's hell. for the group in the lower rung, life in thailand is not so great

[@mariogarnica2506]

What about Latinos, Hispanics?

[@cambodianpleasuresquad1753]

@@mariogarnica2506 sorry man. my comments keep on getting deleted. depends on what type of latino. white, black or mestizo i've seen mestizos get treated well and be seen as attractive because they had a eurasian look

[@kageyamareijikun]

Interesting. I'm Singaporean but living in Tokyo. I guess I'll be between #1 and #2. Hehe

[@cambodianpleasuresquad1753]

@@kageyamareijikun aslong as you are a chinese singaporean and not malay or indian. it sounds harsh but that is just how it is in thailand

[@kageyamareijikun]

@@cambodianpleasuresquad1753 Wow I see. I have been to bangkok about 4 times and I didn't know that. Most Thai thought I am mainland Chinese and not Singaporean though. (I am Singaporean Chinese) They keep speaking very poor, broken Mandarin to me I rather they just stick to English or now maybe even if they speak Japanese to me I can understand it better. Are you Thai yourself? You seem to understand Thai society well.

[@chaiyatatchawaldit6045]

You are in the right. Chinese have historically been welcomed in Thailand, and have done well for themselves.

[@deansalahkacimi9665]

As a naturalized American who moved to the US from Morocco now living in Asia, my main problem with my life in NY was the near-impossible mission to go up the social ladder even with significant educational background. I still consider myself fortunate to have had that experience in the U.S. I learned a lot made good money, but I came to realize that the U.S. is not the perfect place to make a family at least for the time being.

[@rotallud3485]

Just found your channel. I dig the raw real talk. I was an Asian-Canadian teacher in Thailand a few years back and can relate to much of what you talk about. Missing Thailand, Keep up the vids man. Good stuff.

[@michaelcorreia1377]

I agree with you about living where I'm treated best. As a 28 year old male living in Toronto, I feel kind of uncomfortable living here, as I feel like people are constantly judging my behaviours in a lens of "toxic masculinity", and I never feel comfortable with being myself. It's like I always need to be careful about what I say or how I say it because people seem so sensitive to everything I do or say, while making sure that they are the ones who are in control of the interaction, not me. I'll be heading to Vietnam hopefully next month for my new job and can't wait.

[@pointofview899]

Take pride in your heritage and later in life, you will be pleased to have done so.

[@afrivox]

What kind of job are you doing in Vietnam ?

[@dragonoftheeast0516]

Greetings from Bangkok! Thanks for posting and sharing this video. Fellow Asian-American, Army BRAT (native-born Californian like yourself), combat veteran and retired Army.

[@patrickrivera7404]

Appreciate your honesty. Keep up the good work Brotha

[@Ultravioletmerkaba]

Couldn't agree more. I'm moving over this February. I got tired of not only discrimination and but also the work/life balance. In Thailand I wasn't solely treated like a n-. Being a Tri-racial person, I have never fit in anywhere, always not enough of something based on the person seeing me. In Thailand I was welcomed. In buddhist spaces everyone is welcome to mediate. I love Thailand. I hope to stay long-term.

[@randyc831]

Fellow Bay Area roots. Oakland roots, SF upbringing, Berkeley graduate. Things have gotten alot worse. In the early 70s there was discrimination but it was not as in your face as it is now. At age 70 I continue to lift weights, practice martial arts (escrima, karate, wing chun and boxing) just in case someone tries to attack this Asian elder. It could get even worse which is why a number of my friends pack heat. Will be coming to Bangkok in the near future to take Muay Thai classes.

[@illfreakynana]

I'm Viet/Chinese in Toronto I had the same childhood experience. Life after university was much better when you get to distance yourself from the ignorant. But every time I go to BKK i feel like a rockstar, and I really like that feeling.

[@locn9307]

Yeah man. That feeling of not having a care in the world is priceless. I always light up at the corner of a street and watch all the world go by.

[@jamesread7543]

I really enjoy your presentations. Love you. Love your work. Keep it up.

[@richbrew8198]

I was surprised to see Dano, super excited and can't wait to visit Thailand Bangkok and experience the lifestyle freedom travel just like you guys, enjoy thanks for the great videos and experiences 😊 Cheers 🍻 bro!

[@theslifestyle2030]

Hey Rich !! That's awesome you're subscribed to Forrest's channel as well !! Can't wait to see you down here bro !

[@Jason_M72]

Excellent video Bro. Def down with the concept of going where you are treated best. Sometimes being amongst people who look like you and share a similar culture is ultimately that place. I'm in Northern Cali, prob one of the best places in the US for minorities, but yet it still has its problems. Seriously considering going back to my roots and exploring Latin America to discover that place for that treats me best. Keep on keepin it real!

[@ForrestLee]

Enjoy Latin America brother, hope you find what you’re looking for

[@10000words1]

Nice video and interesting perspective...not one I've heard on the Thailand vlogs yet

[@AsianTankPilot]

I am a Thai American, born in CA, but grew up in Central Florida / Space Coast area. I was called all the derogatory Chinese names a kid in the 80's, but once I got to junior high school, it really stopped, except for one or two bad bullies that couldn't even advance in grade, let alone make it high school. In high school I found that I was pretty much accepted by my peers of all races. I think the only discrimination I experienced was from sports coaches. In both football and basketball, I could be on a level playing field with guys in my same position during practice and even perform better them than them, yet they were given the playing time during the games. I asked the coach and instead telling me why that was the case, he would just say I would play more next game, but it never really happened. I only felt bad my Dad who would come to every single game, home or away, to support me. In Thailand, since I look kind of Thai, but they can tell I'm mixed, I do get treated as a farang, whether bad or good.

[@BobGoodi]

Thanks for sharing man.

[@toddsellars4694]

Great perspective - thank you for sharing this Forrest. Totally agree. I've heard the same thing from American minorities about their experiences retired or working Thailand, and the Philippines also.

[@terrancejones8192]

Amen Brother. I’m an American of Color, not Asian, who has lived in Japan, Europe and the Middle East. Also spent a lot of time in Thailand. My life overseas was thanks to a twenty-seven year career in the Navy. Now living back in the States at time I get slapped in the face with racial issues. My friends who are not minorities just don’t understand. Pray for a change that unfortunately doesn’t seem to be on the horizon.

[@welcomeback777]

stop being a victim. u just have low esteem and blame it on racial issues.

[@tim1traitimaccount269]

@@welcomeback777 Look, there’s a difference btw playing the race card and actually acknowledging the truth of what happens. I find it funny that those that say “ stop being a victim” are the ones whining about western women, how america isn’t what it used to be, and finding ways to live in asia/eastern europe. Who is saying this guy is being victim?

[@JamesBondEsq.]

@@tim1traitimaccount269 Preach!

[@AEdavirgin]

@@welcomeback777 typical response.

[@user-ut5yp6bb7u]

I am Thai born in Thailand and still living in Thailand. My views on racism in the United States and Europe are as follows: All human beings are racist in every corner of the world. The only difference is whether to express it or not. which Thai people will not express bad feelings through gestures but will keep it in mind Thai people feel good about Chinese people and Japanese people. because of the good historical relationship We traded with China and Japan during the Ayutthaya period. Where there are racial differences There will be a division. The more I saw the difference in skin color and religious behavior. Society is more divided It's just that one day the problem will erupt. If Asian Americans move to Thailand for permanent residence I didn't think there was any problem. because they look like Thai people But if it's comfortable for Asian Americans should learn Thai because Thai people use Thai language in everyday life. If you know Thai language it will make your life easier.

[@charleswarmack3683]

Great presentation young man👍

[@terencegraham8414]

Very interesting talk my friend. So good you have found your place here in Thailand.

[@matalagrecia1325]

As a Chicano let me just say, yeah the same here regarding junior high and high school, lol! Love your videos brother. Viva San Pablo/Richmond!!

[@DavidC-ru4it]

Forrest, new sub here of about a three days. I have been watching your videos almost every moment I have free time. I love your content and I love your delivery of said content. I'm retired Army since 2018 and your vocabulary is both familiar and comforting as I plan a path toward an expat life in Thailand. I enjoy all your "army" phrasing around locals that probably don't get all the nuance. I'm sure I will conduct my conversations in the same eloquent manner. lol Keep the great content coming and I will look you up when I arrive "in country". Cheers Brother

[@alexandertraveler510]

I LOVE this video. True honesty

[@josephnguyen9666]

I appreciate your making this video. You are so right and although our experiences growing up in the US may be different, now that I'm living overseas I feel so much more at home, accepted, relaxed. Thanks Forrest for talking about this important topic and saying it exactly like it is.

[@Ale_on_Tour]

Very interesting video. I can completely understand that you prefer living in Thailand. Even I would prefer to live there and I am probably the most european person you can immagine.

[@auadventuresunknown7611]

I grew up in Laos, studied in the US, and lived here for 30 years, now in the Bay Area for over 20 years, where Forrest has left behind. Thank you, mate. Hoping to move back to Thailand soon.

[@DJ_BROBOT]

You are one of the most real asian brothers on YT...I am a bruh with alot of Asian fam, and its hard for alot of the Asian fam to voice what you have and be free and real about the deal in the states. And as a bruh, I'm gonna get outta the states too soon. I got too many friends abroad who have been telling me to leave for the longest...got the message.

[@leahNJosh4ever]

You're a great person. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We watched this as a family. ❤🔥

[@StreetzSweeper]

Great topic, I think your spot on when you said, "go where I'm treated best ".

[@kevindockery5182]

I just found your channel and I feel a kindred Spirit. You are very candid and real. One of my best friends is Asian and he used to tell me of his " frustrations " and we were there for each other. As a brother in arms yes we will die for each other no matter what, Semper Fi , do or die.

[@richard85121]

Appreciate your perspective .. as an Asian American who has lived across the US from the 70s - 90s Boston, Houston, LA, SFO and also lived abroad from Latin America and Asia from the 90s ..I see your perspective as a narrow and personalized one … if you believe it to be as you describe ..!it will be just that .... at 65 today I walked the path you speak of at a much earlier and different time and while there is much truth to what you say .. it can and has been lived differently in my case ..married at 50 .. dated many whites and blacks especially on west coast .. too many friends and accepting individuals amongst the fray ..never let that cloud my vision … or perspective as a younger man … time will tell how you evolve and mature …. Or not … wish you well … I married a Thai who is now 40 and split my time between Thailand and Indonesia .. so I can understand and relate to much you bring at this time of your life 🙏

[@pointofview899]

Forrest, It's never too late to start a new beginning. Enjoy and Cheers!🍺🍺🍺

[@johnnymarquez86]

Ascot great area Shopping, Restaurants, Korea Town, Parks for walking, Soi 🤠 and of course clubs and Coffee joints....I had a great stay at the Grand Centra point 21.

[@mmfong297]

Seems like there is a large correlation between ex military and oversea expats. You are totally on point on the things you said, in addition to the fact that your dollar goes so far there, your status goes from middle class to the top 1%, living standard and food quality actually increases in a developing nation. No to mention, your SMV increases by 2 points

[@thomaskelly6472]

Privileged American here! Moved to Asia a few years ago just to experience a new culture and feel what it's like to be in the minority! Really great experience!

[@zengmaxxing]

Wow i feel that I couldve made the same video. Thank you for making this, Forest. As a young Asian American man in CA, I feel like every year i learn more about brutal truths about the reality of being an asian male in the west and even though I try my best to stay positive, I’m still very disillusioned with things. I’m gonna be traveling around asia this year and there’s a good chance it’s gonna be a one way ticket!

[@acewongsawad6910]

Good topic for discussion, Forest. I'm of similar viewpoint for Thailand. This topic requires a nice long discussion over some drinks for sure as there's so much to talk about. 😊. And, didn't know you served, so thanks for your service. 👍

[@misterhlam]

Move with your feet! One of the best advices! I like it! Thanks!

[@maisis.2139]

Love to go Thailand in the near future..thanks for sharing.. watching from USA 🇺🇸

[@ryang1924]

Hey Forrest appreciate your videos thinking about giving Thailand a shot. Quick question what kind of Visa did you get? Is it difficult for American to get a long term visa there? Thanks!

[@kapteng]

well said man !

[@pfguo87]

Hey Forrest for videos ideas, I think it'll be cool if you do food videos as well. Showing the amazing food in Thailand for sure, but also show that they are diverse as well. Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc. Thanks. PS - I'm gonna be future version of Dano when I am able to come and visit Thailand, to thank for your great videos, buy you that matcha haha

[@rosieruta844]

Hi Forrest, I think you are right, if you are happy living in Thailand go for it. You are more comfortable to live in Thailand than America.. It is easy to live in Asia, culture , food etc. it is comfortable to get along with Asian Culture. I have a friend rightr now in Bangkok, Thailand ,but he was stranded for 6 months with his Mom..

[@GoingGreenMom]

That makes me very sad. And yet I don't know how to help when I don't see it happening in life since I got out of high school.

[@EasternDreamer615]

Mixed Asian American here. I previously visited Thailand in 2018 and in 2020, both times for about a month. I'm in the US to make money, invest the extra and hopefully move up enough in my career to go fully remote. I don't care for the lifestyle in the US and only have a few friends here. I have never really felt like I fit in in the US. I spend a lot of time feeling confused as to why things are the way they are in the US. I definitely encountered a lot of casual racism in the US and I feel much, much happier in Thailand. As soon as I sort out how I'm going to pay my bills in perpetuity in Thailand, I will be making a permanent move. I'm even talking to a Thai woman who I met through a Thai friend.

[@Forevernychc]

100% 👏👏 that’s why I am thinking moving to south East Asia within few years

[@oranjelicht]

Totally agree. Also in Europe. I was not good with math either. Did everything on photographic memory.

[@rwsteeling7708]

Well said, Bro! Move with your feet away and go find a new place to stay. 👍😊

[@MK-nj5bm]

These videos are great, i love the way you call a spade a spade. Calling it how it is.

[@ericbaptiste1193]

Great video Forrest! Being a minority myself, the key word you said that resonates with me is Libertarian. I am really noticing that I am becoming more Libertarian by the minute.

[@pointofview899]

Hey Forrest you're mumbling like Somerset Maugham, philosophically, I mean. That's good, interesting and deep in thoughts. I like it... give me more! 👍👍👍

[@goonerdoy]

As an Aussie with Korean heritage, I felt the 'privilege' whilst living in Thailand for ~6 years, especially given how popular everything Korean is with Thais. Now I am back in Australia, but I do miss Thailand a great deal! Btw, you walked past Unico Italian restaurant on soi 23, that is a nice joint if you haven't already been 😉

[@ForrestLee]

Say hi next time!

[@goonerdoy]

@@ForrestLee will hit u up next time bro! 😊

[@CryptoX-kr3wu]

Bro, I can totally relate. Also an Asian-American and visited Thailand the first time 2 years ago. Felt more welcomed and at home in Thailand than I ever felt in the US. Ready to move to Thailand for good. Sick of the general fuckery in the US.

[@ThailandWithMonchai]

Spot on Forrest. I'm an Asian American and 100% relate to your comment. Thanks for all the videos brotha! 👍

[@UniteAndAttack]

Very insightful video as a fellow Asian American that i agree with

[@thaitea1989]

Great vid man, I definitely share alot of similarities with your experiences. Navy vet and Thai American from the LA area myself and been going back and forth to Thailand since the 90s. Would like to add from personal experience that though I do have some Chinese ancestry, I am of darker complexion, so I do face colorism and classism there, even within my own family. Yet tones would change when they find out I'm American and can speak English. Yet I do feel safer there than being in the States.

[@SV-kr9fu]

As a Thai-American (and half Chinese-Thai aka a "Chai") and a Navy vet from Chicagoland area, I have also had similar experiences as you. Though, I was born in the U.S., but I was raised in Thailand, since I was a baby until the early-teen; so I speak English with a slight accent (it used to be heavy accented-broken English when I first moved to the U.S.). I used to get made fun of and/or ignored by many different races of people, including other Thai-Americans (they were Americanized like you and I was just a F.O.B.). And over the years, I have also been told to "go back to where you came from" on quite a few occasions as well. So, within a year, I will be taking the advice of those people and move back to where I came from, Thailand. Currently, I am in the process of getting my Thai citizenship back (I had to renounce it to get the Secret Clearance for the Navy) and I will be renouncing my American citizenship. I am DONE!!!

[@thaitea1989]

@@SV-kr9fu I'm sorry to hear about the discrimination and racism you've faced man, that's always terrible. Pretty surprised to hear about the citizenship renouncement as well. I was able to keep dual citizenship while having a clearance.

[@SV-kr9fu]

@@thaitea1989 : It was what it was. The funny thing was that a Thai-American girl that, rudely, rejected me when we were teens, tried to be nice to me, once she found out I was working at one of the top investment banks in the world (after the Navy). She was just trying to get me to get her a job there. And her mother told my mother (they are friends) that "we are Thais; we need to help each others blah, blah, blah... I was like "fvck you, b*tch!" (Well, I didn't say that. And yes, I was being petty). What did you do in the Navy? When the Navy did a background check on me, they found that I was dual citizen. They said that I had to renounce my Thai citizenship or I could not be an EOD Tech., so I did (I was young and really wanted to be an EOD Tech.).

[@pvnlouie]

@@SV-kr9fu Try to keep the American passport. It has it's benefits around the world.

[@locn9307]

Watching this on twice because you’ve said what’s never said. Nicely done.

[@JCriceguy]

Totally agree, you Feel home when you surrounded by the peoples similar looks

[@billmiller5741]

Interesting conversation. I agree with you that Hollywood sets the mindset of most people with their characterization of races. I do not like the label "minority" but it is used freely here. I can't imagine what it feels like to be called a "minority" and or other names all one's life. I was fortunate to have been raised by a family that never spoke of racism or judged someone from another country. I appreciate your honesty and subjects of conversation this is why I follow you. Thank you

[@rusty6314]

God, Family and Friends is all the loyalty you'll ever need brother.

[@NOTES1]

100%!! Go where you are treated the best! 👍🤘

[@TheBusinessAdvisorPodcast]

Thanks for your views. I am traveling to BK in April and I like what you have taught me so far about Thailand. I am considering making the move. Regarding racism, you will find it in every single country. Can't get away from it, it is there in some form. So it's up to us to be good to everyone.

[@JamesBondEsq.]

@Michael Lodge: I completely agree. Most people on this Earth are basically good, I believe. But American racism is "The gold standard." Where's the evidence? "Roll tape!" Video after video reveals the reality!

[@TheBusinessAdvisorPodcast]

@@JamesBondEsq. The discussion in American is a continued work in progress. However, the problem with the discussion is that it has become political racism where when you don't believe in someone's political views - they are racist. I mediate business disputes, and with that come workplace disputes. I had a company in Oakland that needed mediation between three employees. Two employees wanted the other person fired because they didn't believe in his politics, racism was used as part of their argument. However, the person they wanted fired was Asian. Right now in America we can't have a real conversation about real racism because politics has corrupted it. Enough of this subject. It is all about how we as individuals treat other people fairly and honestly. However - keep up the good work, the good vlogs, you are continually teaching me about Thailand. I am looking at my options there. Right now in the US, it is a mess. :-) Maybe it's good to get away from a mess to rethink business. Again, thanks for the vlog.

[@charlesweatherly3586]

Forrest we Americans have lost a step in our acceptance that we are, and should be equal to each other in how we treat each despite our differences. There was a time where had more respect for other cultures. As soon as those other cultures became competitive with the power base those with Privilege then became fearful, and unwilling to change, and allow others to have the same benefit, access, and right to pursue happiness and their best life. We Americans are undergoing a reckoning of 'Truth and Equality" and it makes those who wield Power at all levels uncomfortable, and unwilling, to accept the changes that are happening. What has been taken for granted by those who never gave it a second thought because they enjoyed all the rights, and privileges, now question and try to deny others the same protections enjoyed by those who wield Power. The ugly truth is that because we have so many divergent Ethnicities, and ideas, people will find ways to discriminate and use every way possible to step on others in their ambition to maintain the edge so they can get ahead no matter what it takes.

[@AndyMatrixTV]

I am latino and cant wait to go to thailand

[@darrylg2043]

I'm a 52 y.o. Asian American and I approve this message.👍