Why He Decided To Leave America For Thailand Forever

Chris - Tieland to Thailand Blog - www.tielandtothailand.com/
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[@TielandtoThailand]

Always great to catch up when you’re in Chiang Mai, Forrest. Having friends like you is what makes Thailand home for me. See you in Bangkok soon! 🇹🇭

[@adventuresfloridatothailan5217]

Nice to see you Chris and listening to your story. I live Florida been to thailand 3 times 3 months each time . I have more friends there then a lifetime in the states . I'm 64 now & plan on Moving to Thailand Dec. next year when I can sell my condo. Any tips you can give would be appreciated. I will be looking for your vlogs. Thanks

[@kellysychamp6076]

Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story.

[@PawGreigTV]

Thank you I really love the interview. It makes me so happy that you guys are happy. HOPE for the best for your future and God bless.

[@HundredPercentSteve]

You Handsom SOB, you must be really popular with the Thai ladies.👍

[@gabymalembe]

Took my mom to Thailand. Got her a traditional Thai massage. The masseuse found a limphoma, told my mom to talk to her doctor. She did, and had it treated, and lived 30 more years.

[@sotalife6230]

It is scary to be this happy. (US Army Infantry vet living the dream in Thailand). *Good talk guys!* The People, the Peace and the Pleasure.

[@williamhartz8707]

After teaching in rural Michigan for 5 years ( and completing my Masters degree) I took a 1 year of absence to teach at an overseas international school.I never returned to teach in the USA, finding living and traveling overseas was another learning experience and meeting interesting people from all walks of life. After teaching in Libya, DRC, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia ( all accredited international schools) Thailand was my last country to teach in. Thirty-seven years later I find myself as a “third culture” senior citizen-lol. I definitely feel like an alien when I visit the States. Now, the Thailand countryside is my retirement home. I do not regret my decision. Good luck to you both.

[@nikkapubess3349]

American kids are so disrespectful now and days, it's tough to be a teacher or cop in today's America.

[@ballergame1017]

In a stratified society feeling alienated is inevitable.

[@giannilyanicks1718]

what a boring life.

[@guymandudely324]

The success of your life as an expat was rooted in your work life. You have many interesting experiences teaching in different countries as an international school teacher. Part of your compensation was always a round-trip ticket back to the US for holiday if you chose to do so. There is a difference between working and retiring in Thailand, and getting up to drink a beer at 9:30 in the morning without any other plan for the day. Or as you can see from the multitude of digital nomads, creating stream-of-consciousness videos on youtube to earn a living seems like a very limited career. How would your life have been without being an international teacher overseas? Congratulations on your teaching career and your retirement in LOS.

[@10percent365]

"This is the country I love, but I don't feel like it really loves me" Totally resinated with this...Great interview

[@krailertf]

I moved to Thailand 5 years ago. Knew early on during the housing crash of 2008 that no matter how successful you are, the system will manufacture a crisis or hype a crisis to wipe you out. High gov debts, rising labor cost, stupid woke culture - the risk/reward ratio in America was not working for me. I have been enjoying early retirement in Thailand since 2015.

[@kendrewreviews]

While Thailand is a cheap warm place with sweet beer with easy women, is it really worth it at the expense of your health? USA culture destroys your mental health. I get it. But your more likely to get cancer in Thailand due to air pollution from daily trash burning, rapid industrialization, and vehicles without catalytic converters. Not to mention most all veggies and fruits contaminated from illegal Chinese pesticides and your daily ingestion of micro-plastics from bottled water because, like Mexico, you can't drink the water here. And that's if you survive Thailand's dangerous roads, the deadliest in the world. If you manage to survive pollution and impatient motorist, hopefully you don't get an argument with a Thai because you have absolutely no legal rights. If a Thai makes you angry, you gotta smile because defending yourself will land you in jail or fined as foreigners are always at the legal disadvantaged. So yes - Thailand is heaven on earth on the surface. But once you've been here 10+ years, you realize it's not.

[@John-ds6jz]

Spot on 👍

[@krailertf]

@@giannilyanicks1718 Some foreigners rent out their homes in their home countries and use the money to live in Thailand. Just $3k/month goes very long way here. Boring or exciting is entirely up to you. 🇹🇭

[@giannilyanicks1718]

what a boring life in isolated village xwith two-faced people

[@giannilyanicks1718]

@@krailertf if you knew that i barely care about what you tell , oldman.

[@30AndAWakeUp]

Nice! Retired from the military in 2015 and lived in DC for 3 years after. Great stuff! I'll be up in CM for 2 months in December - maybe I'll bump into you guys.

[@cwinasia]

I Lived here in early 2 thousands then back to Canada for maybe 7 years. Went through a similar cycle of thinking about work and where I was, and also had the pleasure of selling off everything and how freeing it is. Came back in 2014 and just stayed. Like your guest I have found the simple pleasure of being in a polite, playful, curious culture just makes my everyday life that much better. It's so much healthier to be around.

[@americaninthailand8760]

Left Southern California over two months ago! So glad I did!

[@kellysychamp6076]

Greetings from Orlando Florida. GREAT AND INSPIRING video! Makes me just want to drop everything here and move to Thailand. My best friend live in BKK was planning to go see her and had canceled 2 trips already because of Covid. Since I am working from home I was planning to go to Thailand for 3 months or so and could still work while I'm in Thailand and wanted to get the feelings of it and now after watching your video it's really making me just want to drop everything and go lol. Mind you I'm Asian but grew up in the State and was afraid to move any where until 3 years ago Thailand was the first came to my mind, I was telling myself hey I have a friend who lives there it wouldn't be so bad. Now that after I watch this video 90% of me said pack and go! Thank you so much gentlemen for share this inspiring video.

[@scottthompson8946]

Count me in!!! Hey guys, y'all got room for an old CW2 Black Hawk pilot? Planning on retiring early (I just turned 56) in February but I'm planning a "test drive" trip in January. It is odd how sometimes the signs line up. Just last night I was sitting alone contemplating what the right answer is as I chart this last chapter. I ask myself what do I REALLY want? In a near epiphany moment, I said "have a cute Thai girlfriend, spend every day with my dogs and surround myself with Veterans." When I heard your guest describe his thoughts, feelings and emotions about the path the US is on, I said "EXACTLY!!!" So, count me in! I plan on being in Jomtien (for now) but if able would love to meet you guys. FLY ARMY!!

[@ChaseandShelbs]

This is an amazing video. I feel the same way when I go back to Canada. Definitely gives hope that living in Thailand is possible.

[@floridashawn7317]

I never though I’d want to leave the US, but I’ve started selling everything and I’ll be out in about a year. I can slow travel cheaper than I can sit in my oversized house doing nothing.

[@jerryonjay]

Such an inspiring video . I feel like I’m living the dream in retirement leaving the US . Living and having a restaurant business in a resort town of Ocean City MD gave me the opportunity to travel to Asia 19 years ago , specifically Thailand where I knew I wanted to live eventually and never wanting to go back Thanks for sharing

[@jaredspencer3304]

"Ignorance is bliss." While this may be true, I've spoken Thai for about 15 years and even when you can hear the news or advertisements, it's not as bad as what you're used to back in the States. It really is a different culture, so you don't have to be afraid of hearing the news or understanding the morning announcements made over the loudspeakers.

[@method341]

Do you think learning Thai has improved your quality of life significantly in Thailand?

[@edwardguillermin823]

Great interview, i feel i have alot in commen with you both, however a bit older 26 years active, 6 years as a contracter. I have lived in Thailand for over 10 years and have no desire to return to the USA, i love Thailand and only visit america to visit my family. The rat race and disfunctional politics in America trully make me sick! Very happy to be able to live in Thailand!

[@stackchn]

From everything I hear Thailand appears to be the Garden of Eden for the bachelor lifestyle.

[@joefitzsimmons1901]

You’re videos are great, been to Thailand many times. I live with a Thai lady here in the states, my plan is to retire when I’m 60. I’m thinking Hua Hin. My thing about the states is the disrespect from people or the crime.. Thailand is beautiful…

[@mynameisvantheman]

You guys have inspired me so much. Thailand felt like home for me when I visited.

[@2gethersomewhere]

My Thai wife and I just got back to Thailand, after trying to make a life and enjoy America for the past 9 years. We thought we had a good life there until COVID and the divisive political environment took over. It was refreshing watching your video because your friend, Chris, really nailed it when discussing his experiences about life in America after living in Thailand (I lived in Thailand between 1999-2012). Anyway, we're so happy to be back! Great video...one of your best! Gar and Ann

[@jenpen3249]

good video man can tell hes speaking from his heart

[@thomasalison6188]

Good interview, I think that there are a lot of people who can relate to feeling the same way!

[@yamawowlai]

Like a coin, it had two sides. While so many people around the world want to live in America but you guys are happy to live here in Thailand.

[@stackfire9601]

Comedian George Carlin sums up living in the box life really well with a stand up called STUFF 😂🤣😉

[@jeromemassey3000]

I am watching your video/ interview with Chris. Man that is me right now! I am a retired Army Ranger who contracted in Iraq and Afghanistan and Haiti to name a few countries since I retired. And I am now in the process of selling all my stuff to move permanently to Thailand myself. A lot more info to this story….. I won’t bore you. Just thought I would let you know this video is me……yep, it happens at any age bro! Happiness.

[@DaveMani]

Super interesting. My wife and I are also looking a jumping on the digital nomad life and move to Thailand in 2024.

[@dazsav514]

Good chat gents…thank you for your service..( which is not said enough) from a fellow vet. After living in Indo and Malaysia for the past 10 years and now being forced home to Oz due the situation,yes agreed…feel like an Alien in my home country…Love my country,but will be back in Asia when time curtails…cheers nbeerz Daz

[@aaron_shore]

Im Infantry too and I've never been so happy as I was when all I had in the world was my backpack and I was solo travelling SE Asia. I love Chiang Mai and id love to live there. I'm currently trying to create a full time online income. Everything in this video resonates with to my core. I just need to create that online income and I'm on the next flight!!

[@em34ev3r]

Thank you for your service brotha

[@SawItWithMyOwnEyes]

How are you doing?

[@TheWillingLife]

Awesome video. I love these interview with us 30-50 year old guys that are living abroad. Finally people I can relate to. I just spent one year back in the States after 5 years in Asia. Same feelings as Chris. I felt like I needed to come back to make it financially. Long story short, made my money, invested it well, and just booked a ticket back to the Philippines for 5 weeks from now.

[@AlvoLong]

Awesome conversation. I really envy guys like you, having the courage to pick up your bags and live in Thailand. Enjoying your content.

[@jeasy1221]

He is spot on...thai culture is #1

[@davedoesthailand821]

Hello Forrest, What a wonderful interview and conversation! I am moving to Phuket in the next few months for most of the same reasons that you guys talk about! It is going to be a huge change for me personally but I am looking forward to the new challenges and the freedom that being a vlogger and business owner can bring! I am not surprised that so many people are choosing to leave America for foreign countries! American life is quickly becoming unsustainable for the working class citizens. Great video and thank you both!! David

[@dickwagon1314]

Love the nature sounds in the background. Been to se Asia twice it's so relaxed so chill. Can't wait to go back.

[@cheryls832]

I can totally relate to what he is saying. I am burned out on work and the current state of the USA,

[@JW-tp5rh]

Be interesting to meet ya guys up in Northern Thailand where I live. Been living and working here for numerous years. Leaving the US was the best decision I personally made for host of reasons.

[@Static714]

I hope to be in your shoes one day to where I can leave my life in America and start my life in Thailand.

[@timd6051]

Great interview… similar story for me… sold all my possessions and home in the U.S. six years ago… came to Thailand with two suitcases… best decision of my life… I’ve never looked back… probably never go back. Thailand is paradise. America is toxic in so many ways…

[@locn9307]

“Being in the states, you probably don’t have time to think about how happy you are.” A statement only made by people who have experienced another life.

[@harrywissink842]

Such an emotional interview .. no conversation! It even makes me think of leaving Europe ! I once was in Thailand and seeing you guys made me homesick ! Keep on rocking! And .. I’m serious!! I will leave Europe after seeing this video …

[@wesleydaniels40]

Proud of you brother, always a good feeling seeing former infantrymen doing well. I plan on leaving this country as well in 3 years.

[@Kari-Evan]

I’m a 54 yr old woman and related to your video- loved hearing your experiences.

[@em34ev3r]

Awesome!!! Another veteran!!!! 82nd airborne infantry and an old guard? Much respect to this man! Thank you for your service

[@martinpeacocke8968]

I totally agree with your guest Chris. Personal freedom gives you peace of mind. Most people are lucky to have real friends that you can count in one hand in a life time. The rest are people you know. Here four years in Chiang Mai and love it and the Thai people. Enjoy every day!

[@arentol99]

Great video and always good to hear others' personal journey to freedom.

[@SomeRandomIndvl]

Forrest, excellent topic. I concur with the opinions you guys expressed. Living in Thailand is a different state of being. Not for everyone for sure. But unless someone tries it, they will never grasp what it was like. Much success for you making a living in Thailand.

[@nilsrbenjamin]

facts, facts & facts. Thailand and it's people are just so great

[@mevans3291]

Great interview Forrest! It was great hearing how he spoke about not being mentally and physically well and working to deal with it.

[@46reasons]

Awesome work fellas, clear and concise information. Brotherhood!!!

[@Mikeskee7]

Great interview and can relate. Keep up the excellent work :)

[@absolutrudy]

Couldn’t agree with your conversation more on all points! Look forward to joining you all soon! Your stories, sentiment and view are mine exactly.

[@ryanmccabe3293]

Found your channel as me and my girlfriend are planning a move to Bangkok and it's filled me with confidence. Keep the content coming!

[@killingtime7350]

Hi guys, I really enjoyed the chat and I’ve followed Chris from the beginning especially when he did all the scoping (periscope). I even remember the drama getting his cat from America to CM and the motorcycle trips with Angie and so much more. Wishing you all the best, cheers. PS. Also the guy who used to push Amazon drop shipping think his name was Andy…..cheers

[@polymac1]

Fantastic interview!

[@fourthking]

Cheers to you both, Forrest and Chris! I am a Veteran too; I spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. I am interested in vlogging my travel and life experience. Maybe you both could give me some pointers. Thanks for sharing your journey and experience.

[@jc2426]

Simply genuine great video. Move away from paid slavery and focus on yourself is the message I gathered.

[@michaeltoddharris8341]

Can Relate completely! Thank you both. Great Content! Miss Chiang Mai! Keep up the great work guys.

[@wesleyherrera9323]

Thank u for your service both of you great content

[@leejones3219]

I can’t leave my house in Florida without a gun, pepper spray and mask. It’s the shits. I’m fed up with it. I retired two years ago with Federal, State and Military pensions. Me and my Thai Wife were planning on moving there for good. I shipped all my household goods. Then Bam. Lockdowns. Could not get my OA VISA, everything went south. Now two years later I’m trying again to get there for good. I’m not coming back here.

[@afg3643]

might be the "best" decision you ever made. i have counseled other (retired) govt/private personnel living here (dominican republic). although i lived in Thailand for 9yrs while working in qatar/doha. remember you will continue to reap the benefits of your work (pension) and forget the people and personnel that cause "such" (intentional) hardship in your life. their lack of action, letting our nation get to this point with "giggles" and slow "joe".

[@leejones3219]

@@afg3643 Thanks, I’m already in Thailand and sitting by the beach now. Best wishes.

[@VeteranEducationNetwork]

Thank you for this interview! The freedom and commemoratory you both speak of is something I struggle with daily as well, and find it in other Veteran's I speak with. I'd love to meet up with you both (In Thailand) for a beer. Thank you brothers!! 💯

[@thefubartraveleralibrown2947]

Been looking for a way to appropriately articulate the feelings that have been stirring my soul for the last year now.This video has a encapsulated them. I need to make the transition from Cali to Pattaya.Just waiting for my Army Medboard retirement to happen. Thank You Forrest Lee Great Interview.

[@Milos57]

You both seem like nice guys, but c'mon now, girls have something to do with why you live in Thailand. I can imagine in the mundane life in America its hard to date. In Thailand you stand out and girls are attracted to you both because you are foreigners - it's easier to date.

[@ForrestLee]

I ain’t gonna argue with you on that 😂🤣

[@Will.Flavell]

Yeah same I love asian women too I would never go for a western women they have ridiculous standards.

[@phillipharding6610]

White Feminists v Asian Ladies no brainer ? Hahaha

[@alec1430]

​@@codis5722 haha nice!!!! 👍👌😆😎

[@gorgeousthailand4748]

Most decisions in life are unfortunately based around a persons financial standing, in life you have 'the haves' and the 'have nots', those that are the 'haves' can do almost anything they choose to do, and appear to be happy, but more often than not are not, and those that are the 'have nots', wish they could be doing the things that the 'haves' are doing, but generally are happier and find peace in what they do have. I hope that blew your mind. Take care as always.

[@eigobike3929]

Powerful interview; on point.

[@biggooseadventures]

Great interview

[@Masoniteable]

It's exactly how I feel in the UK. See you guys in January. 🙏

[@Desmondneil]

Nice bro! Can't wait to get back, enjoy Chiang Mai!

[@nestognahue4446]

I love Thailand, 👍

[@WhyYouTrippin]

I used to follow Tieland to Thailand & Andy Dew on Periscope back when that was a thing

[@novak4594]

A full on bromance. When Harry met Harry. Great info chaps.

[@PimRoes]

In the interview you never touch down on any of the downsides of living in Thailand. Short term you'll enjoy your freedom, long term you might start thinking about family life, and reconsider your options.. I lived in asia for 11 years, and unfortunately saw many foreigners come and go in that time. It makes it hard to root somewhere, if to a lot of expats south-east-asia is just a temporary adventure for a couple of years.

[@rogerparis]

Great one!

[@EasternDreamer615]

I miss Thailand 🇹🇭

[@Stevensonworks]

Fantastic interview

[@Thailand_fan17]

I totally get that feeling I’m born and bred in Australia and have always absolutely loved it, I never thought I’d say this but I hate what Australia has become and I hate Australia. I hope to live in Thailand with my Thai missus, I visit and it feels like home to me and when I have to return to Australia I never say I’m going home because I class Thailand as my home 🇹🇭🇦🇺

[@user-zx1ip8mk8y]

Spot on guys, having walked in your shoes in one way or another. Spot on.

[@brendanrowell4977]

Love your videos Forrest

[@patrick9445]

I knew when I started following the very excellent Thailand2tieland blog in 2015 before moving here, that given enough time, Chris would be a single man in Thailand. Time has proven me correct. While there are many happy couples that move to and stay in Thailand, men typically come here alone for a reason. Bringing a wife or gf to Thailand is like showing up in Greenland with a chest full of ice. I am glad to see Chris as a free man enjoying ALL that this wonderful country has to offer. :)

[@Deputy_7]

Great show guys enjoyed your thoughts! US Army Airborne Infantry (Ret)

[@SawItWithMyOwnEyes]

The friends segment is spot on

[@eigobike3929]

Box Life - so well perceived and said.

[@kleerogers]

I can relate to most of what is discussed in this video, I am Canadian, but also have US citizenship, I could never live in the USA, no thanks, Canada is much better, but still materialistic and not family orientated, so we are moving to Hua Hin in November, for 6 months, then coming back here to Canada to pull the plug on our real estate and sell everything. Wife and I play pickleball, and we plan to play every day, Hua Hin has good pickleball courts

[@plumrocket2141]

It’s great watching this video. I live and work in the US and have two young kids school ages. I longed to settle in Thailand but because of the kids and schools we decide to stay out for now. What would life be like living as an expat in Thailand with kids? Is there a community for people with similar situations as mine? Would love to learn more and connect!

[@Itsnotanymore-ku7dz]

I don’t blame him tbh

[@stevee9491]

Chris, your being under 50 yrs of age, what visa option(s) are you using to stay in Thailand long term? Under the current visa offerings it appears the best option for the non-retirement age under 50 is the 5 year Easy Access Elite Visa if one can afford the approx 600k baht cost. Are there any other options you would recommend/consider from your experience?

[@dougm3037]

I can emphathise with a lot of what Chris had to say. Chiang Mai was my second home a few years back so I understand the attraction. Last time I was there the old city was flooded with busloads of tourists which dented the laid back northern Thai charm somewhat. You don't need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out Chris is a libertarian before he stated that fact. You tube seems to attract people with our political philosophy. I also agree with Chris' choice of beer. Singha is my favorite as well. I checked out his You tube link and was surprised to find so few videos. Hope he gets back into it without pushing himself to burn out.

[@seanmann863]

I loved Chiang Mai. Loy Krathong!!

[@healthytruth1363]

When I was living in UK for 10 years....many British friends were not genuine as I came to realise. I was referring to good friends.....not based on general UK population. Maybe....THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE GENUINE OUT THERE in the general UK population . But as far as I was concerned living there for 10 years.....I could count good friends who are really sincere NOT MORE THAN 10 FINGERS ON MY HANDS. Probably.....LESS IS MORE ❗❗ British people were very superficial ...I am referring to people in my world. They were more interested in self indulgent activities ...focusing more ABOUT THEMSELVES...very competitive in a negative way.....so little humility left to be desired. YOU LOSE SOME.....BUT GAIN MORE ELSEWHERE ❗❗ THAT IS LIFE. ......CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT IS THE KEY TO MOVE ON......👍👍👍 GOD BLESS 🙏🙏🙏

[@thefubartraveleralibrown2947]

The Nomad Capitalist(Andrew Henderson) said “go where you are treated best”. I try to live my life by these simple words now.

[@Traveler-PKK]

Burning Season is really bad and Sucks if you want t live in CM. You have to leave late JAN to end of MAR. I was in a lease and had to take off to get some air because my eyes and lungs were burning. Nice town but totally over crowded now. 15 years ago it was different.

[@AlfredHimmelweiss]

Great interview. I think you both can relax and let go the ALPHA body language, because you are in Thailand NOW!

[@EmperorSeneca]

the fish eye lens making the arms look bigger. (love your content btw) :))

[@LamNguyen-qb4ic]

I plan to live happy like you guys, the only way is to quit my job next year and move there. Life in America is suck, live to work. I just need to save enough $$$ then bye bye America.

[@somchai9033]

Any idea when the rot started to set in back in the States? It may have happened slowly over the past couple of decades. I visited there a few times over the past couple of years and it’s not the country I grew up in.

[@robertlombardi5317]

The simple live is the best life

[@pthong100]

Being as thai why i want to go to America so badly

[@Phucket24]

Forrest that was a powerful story I can relate to everything you both said

[@sebastianniqvist3144]

What about long term visas? What visa do u need to stay for months on end in Thailand?

[@waitsang1878]

Live your life…ok Love your life…much better ❤️

[@timetomosey]

Didn't hear Angela's name mentioned - will she be joining him in Thailand at some point?

[@beaulong3270]

I’m retired military under 50. What’s the best way to stay in Thailand for a year or more?