Expectations vs Reality of living in Thailand 🇹🇭

I share what my expectations were and how the reality differed after nearly 19 months of living in Pattaya, Thailand.
Cost of living after 1 full year of living in Thailand ▶️
• How Much Does it Cost ...
Making good friends in Pattaya: part 1 ▶️
• WHERE to Find FRIENDS ...
Making good friends in Pattaya: part 2 ▶️
• BAR GIRLS as Friends a...
Learning Thai in Thailand: part 1 ▶️
• I Took THAI Lessons fo...
How good is my Thai after 100 hours of lessons? ▶️
• I Can Speak THAI Now! ...
Cost of surgery in Thaliand ▶️
• SURGERY in Thailand - ...
The Bertie Foundation starts ▶️
• BLACK PEOPLE in Thaila...
Am I an idiot or is this true love? ▶️
• The CRAZIEST Thing I'v...
Support me here: ☕
www.buymeacoffee.com/peteonre...
Contact me here: 📧
peteonretreat@gmail.com

Пікірлер: 90

  • @peteonretreat2023
    @peteonretreat202327 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching!! Drop me a comment or buy me a coffee to keep me motivated for another video next week. I’m thinking of talking about why I choose Pattaya and how I got stuck here. Http://Buymeacoffee.com/PeteonRetreat

  • @SoulStationNo1
    @SoulStationNo14 күн бұрын

    Happy belated birthday!🎉 I hope you had a great one ✌️🎶🎷

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    3 күн бұрын

    Thank you my brother 🙏🏼

  • @NickedOff
    @NickedOff27 күн бұрын

    Glad you're recovering well from surgery Pete! Enjoy your videos and the info you provide! Hope to visit one day soon! Stay safe!

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Thank you for your support and I’m glad you’re enjoying the vids. Looks like I’ll be around here for awhile so hit me up I’m when you make it out here.

  • @lenny364
    @lenny36426 күн бұрын

    Love the content and mindset Pete. Speedy recovery.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    Thank you Lenny 🙏🏼

  • @Roof_Pizza
    @Roof_Pizza27 күн бұрын

    Thought that you were gonna talk about the 'Once in a Lifetime' floods that happen multiple times/year.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    27 күн бұрын

    Haha, yeah… the thumbnail is a bit misleading. I knew it floods here every year. That’s one of the reason why I choose Pratumnak. It never floods up here!

  • @youngrounder7967
    @youngrounder796726 күн бұрын

    Great video and very informative as always. I will say some of the best things that occur in our lives are unplanned and unexpected.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    So very true. You have to be open to new things and embrace them when they feel right.

  • @PS-gm7vg
    @PS-gm7vg27 күн бұрын

    Nice update bud!!! Glad your doing well......Hi from Pete in Buriram!!!

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Howdy Pete! Yup, living the dream as they say.

  • @Stashmo
    @Stashmo27 күн бұрын

    Very insightful and enjoyable video, Pedrocito. All the best.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Thank you Mr. Stashmo. Sending my love to everyone!

  • @JamesBondEsq.
    @JamesBondEsq.27 күн бұрын

    Nice vid, Pete!

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Thank you Mr. Bond 🙏🏼

  • @MrOisJustLiving
    @MrOisJustLiving26 күн бұрын

    Hey Pete, good to see ya!

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Mr. O! Great to see you around again!

  • @sixx_xlr
    @sixx_xlr22 күн бұрын

    happy late bday man :)

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    22 күн бұрын

    Thank you kindly 😂

  • @jameshall2299
    @jameshall229926 күн бұрын

    Great video buddy! We definitely miss Thailand and can’t wait to see you guys in June. We will be in Hua Hin may 15-June 1 then pattaya for the month of June.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    @@jameshall2299 woohoo! I’m looking forward to it too! Love seeing your adventures on FB!

  • @gazzatatts4228
    @gazzatatts422819 күн бұрын

    XELLENT LOVED IT MAN CHEERS GAZZA AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    19 күн бұрын

    Cheers 🍻 🙏🏼👍🏼

  • @kymhaniford
    @kymhaniford25 күн бұрын

    Pete... How are you going with the music scene? Do you go to any Jam nights at bars or private places?

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    24 күн бұрын

    So… I haven’t done any of the open jams I’ve been to. I’ve been to a few and have been invited up but the level of musicianship at the Jazz Pit and the Smokers Lounge was intimidating. My chops are are also very rusty. I did almost audition for a band as a rhythm guitarist (I feel I had a really good chance of making it) but I didn’t really want the commitment. The drummer is in my D&D group. They’re still around and still haven’t found anyone so it might happen some day.

  • @kymhaniford

    @kymhaniford

    24 күн бұрын

    @@peteonretreat2023 I think you should give it a go and get back into it (even if just jamming with friends). Musicians are always Musicians, it is in their soul as to say ;)

  • @bearleers
    @bearleers23 күн бұрын

    Pete, This Video Resonates For Many Reasons -- Thank You!👍 My Only Real Hesitation In Making The Journey Is The Weather. I Don't Think I Can Get Past The Daily, Monthly, Year- Round Heat & Humidity!😓😓 Over The Past Week, The Entire U.S. Is Baking, So I Can Only Imagine The SWELTERING Conditions In Thailand!😡😡😡😡😡 Also, The Part Of The Video, Where You Talked About What You Thought You'd Do And What You Actually Do On A Daily Basis Was Helpful. Lastly, I Knew There Was Something That I Liked About You. Initially, I Thought It Was Because You Seemed Like A Laid-Back, Hippie Type, Lol, But No, It's Because You're An Only Child, Too! (Of Couse, I Definitely Appreciated & TOTALLY AGREED With Those Sentiments!😏) I'll Be Looking Forward To More Content, Thanks, Again!

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    22 күн бұрын

    The weather isn’t that bad and the warm months really make the relatively cooler months that much better. I hear it is actually pretty cool in the winter in the north in areas like Chang Mai and Pai. My next video unfortunately talks about why I can’t live in Chang Mai. I used to do more videos about just my daily and weekly life. I haven’t done one in a while so I’ve got a bunch of stuff to talk about in a vlog that’ll probably released in a couple weeks.

  • @RetiredGlobalLife
    @RetiredGlobalLife24 күн бұрын

    555, I enjoyed hearing I am not alone on the Thai language thing. I can make basic sentences and feel quite proud of myself... then the Thai person I am speaking to looks to Joy, My Thai GF with a "What did he say?" look. Very frustrating. And when I am alone and speaking Thai and they manage to understand me, I can virtually never understand what they said to me. Same issue with my French. I actually speak it quite well from living there, but unless they speak to me as if I was a toddler, I can't undderstand. Something weird about my brain to speak but not understand, so nice to know I am not alone with this odd brain thing.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    24 күн бұрын

    My GF understand my Thai pretty well but o get weird looks from everyone else or they just ignore me lol.

  • @ajherby7820
    @ajherby782027 күн бұрын

    great video, Pete! Hoping to retire to Thailand soon and was thinking I'll probably have the same 'beach day' experience you're reporting -- they sound nice, but will I really go? Same with the gym -- not expecting to be a gym addict, but definitely feel like a condo needs a gym for me to consider living there. Then my first trip to the condo gym will be my first time in a gym in years, so probably won't utilize that either! Hopefully I also won't increase the alcohol intake, but definitely want to find out (i.e. retire & move) sooner rather than later!

  • @billybob1511

    @billybob1511

    26 күн бұрын

    It's too hot to spend too much time at the beach. A nice pool and pool area to relax in is the go. Just need to find one that is quiet (I don't like noisy kids 🙂) My dream is to rent a pool villa.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the comment. It took me 4 months of being here to get to the gym and longer to get into the pool at my most recent building. Trying to make both of them a routine. Keep your eye on the prize and you can be here before you know it!

  • @JozieY1
    @JozieY126 күн бұрын

    Not considering... I AM moving to thailand in 2 months. Im born and raised in hawaii, and my body acclimates to the humidity. But no to Pattaya. Hua Hin is my destination. #Expatlife

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    I thought I might end up in Hua Hin but Pattaya has a hold on me. Well, really Pratumnak. I only go into Pattaya 2-3 times a month and it’s mostly to see a movie or buy something specific.

  • @joseph.cotter
    @joseph.cotter15 күн бұрын

    Both acclimate and acclimatize are correct. They are synonymous. Basically, it's whatever fits better grammatically, i.e. I didn't acclimate to, vs I haven't acclimatized to...

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    14 күн бұрын

    Thank you 🙏🏼

  • @Thairieskaterat
    @Thairieskaterat27 күн бұрын

    Yeah...I have NO IDEA what expect...there are so many options on the table. And right now, with what I have happening in my preparation to GTFO, man...I just want to be there. Be with Saifon. Hope to be seeing you by October and my non-refundable 25 night stay in Pratumnak 😅

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    I’m counting on you being here in October! I might be in Hong Kong though 😂

  • @BadRongo
    @BadRongo25 күн бұрын

    One surprise for me? Especially since a deciding factor for moving here was the legalized cannabis. But I actually don't smoke weed anymore.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    24 күн бұрын

    Whoa… that’s a surprise for me too! Haha

  • @rons6167
    @rons616726 күн бұрын

    D&D? what version. I haven't played since 3.5 LOL nice video

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    We are currently playing 5e but I’m also playing in a Savage Worlds Deadlands mini game now. I like 5e a lot. It has a lot less math than 3.5 and they made some good design choices. I’ve been running 5e since 2018.

  • @cloudnationmedia8326
    @cloudnationmedia832617 күн бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your story. I have never traveled to Thailand and I'm curious about who people (dark-skinned Indians, Mexicans, blacks, etc.) by the locals. Also, have you experienced a lot of inflation?

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    16 күн бұрын

    The inflation mostly stopped after my first 6 months. I first arrived right after the country had opened back up and inflation was big then. It’s definitely more expensive then it was pre-2020 but it’s still very affordable. The locals for the most part don’t seem to try people of color any differently. Pattaya has many black people living here and visiting here. My charity group is mostly black veterans and expats. There’s tons of Indians here (from India) but very few Mexicans. I only know one Mexican American here and he’s only had one racist issue I know of… that was with another American.

  • @Vansafe0
    @Vansafe026 күн бұрын

    I relate to you. I shall subscribe.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    That’s awesome. Many thanks 🙏🏼

  • @WalkingmanPattaya
    @WalkingmanPattaya27 күн бұрын

    It is especially hot this year..I have not acclimated either after 5 years. "Alcohol , the cause and the solution to all of life;s problems" Another good walk and talk . You are keepin it real Pete . You are doing a lot of good and helping people. BTW, haven't had pizza in over 3 years and maybe 3 burgers in that time Haha. Self-sacrifice? Am not into gushy romantic stories as am mostly broke and into a polygamous lifestyle. BTW, Knew you would shave 555 Peace and Love Y'all

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Hahaha, the shave was inevitable. I run a cycle of shave, beard, goatee, repeat. Pretty happy to not have any issues with alcohol. It’s easy to get carried away here (or washed away).

  • @mangostickyrice555
    @mangostickyrice55526 күн бұрын

    Thumbs up 👍 Pete

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Mucho gracias 🙏🏼 MSR

  • @davidsmiottawa
    @davidsmiottawa26 күн бұрын

    Great video

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @iandawson6461
    @iandawson646127 күн бұрын

    I have found that no matter where I move... I'm still me. Yes, the change can motivate some shifts in routines and habits, but I'm still fundamentally the same person. I'm uncomfortable in unplanned situations, I have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time... I get that want to live in the moment, and I get that failure to do so. We are who we are.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Very, very true. I tend to find new motivations but they slip away. My first year in Austin I was exercising a lot and going out for music all the time. Then I returned to my natural state.

  • @lester74
    @lester7426 күн бұрын

    I'm moving there on Aug 1st Turned 50 last march and saved and planned. Lets hang out sometime when I get there. I'm from Texas and we are different than the brits. I'm comfortable with myself and I'm not proving anything anymore. See y'all in 3 weeks.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    Sounds great! Congrats on the big move and definitely hit me up when you get here.

  • @edwardruiz8920
    @edwardruiz892027 күн бұрын

    Acclimate or acclimatize? Either way is correct. One is American (ate) and one is the King's English (atize.) Correct according to the audience you are speaking too. Talking about accents. Do you remember the Scot stewardess named Caroline? Jerry's friend. Barely understood her English. Your eyes always squinted in the sun and you always kind of withered in the sun. Might explain the non-existent beach days.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    Oh man, Caroline. I couldn’t understand anything she said! I had forgot about her, thanks for the reminder. 🙏🏼

  • @jz3689
    @jz368926 күн бұрын

    Hit up Ko lan the island right out in front of you. The water is clean. I live in Jomtien and I hire a private boat to take me there and back from Jomtien beach. Cost me $75 both ways. Little expensive but well worth it.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    Oh, I’ve been there. I did a video on my first trip there. It’s a great little getaway and has some nice beaches. Now, I just need to get back. I live right by the ferry and don’t mind the slow cheap ride. It’s like $1 each way.

  • @christopherraley781
    @christopherraley78126 күн бұрын

    I visit Thailand and PATTAYA 9 TIMES NOW also I avoid raining seasons but need to visit once to ck it out and myself want to live couple months of the year when ret .2 more years age 60 need passive income

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    The rain isn’t that bad. Definitely have more rain this year than last but it’s only a few hours a week and not everyday. I stay in Pratumnak on the hill so it never floods here.

  • @KwilliamsFLA
    @KwilliamsFLA26 күн бұрын

    So your playing D&D, is there a warhammer community??

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    I think there is a small one. There’s a gaming cafe called Mr Foxx’s that I still haven’t checked out but they do Warhammer (I think) I know there’s a scene in Bangkok andi just saw a video about a Warhammer cafe owned by an Aussie in Penom Phen, Cambodia of all places.

  • @charleskuneff2073
    @charleskuneff207325 күн бұрын

    I am in ban phe rayong? Been here 14 years. Never heard of a D&D club. Here! Open club?

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    24 күн бұрын

    It’s not quite a club but Pattaya does have an D&D Facebook group. That’s how I found my group and how other players have found games.

  • @Joe-og8um
    @Joe-og8um26 күн бұрын

    How is your relationship with your girlfriend in Pattaya? How would you compare dating in thailand to the usa?

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    Our relationship is great. She’s definitely not a typical Pattaya girl (she had only been here 3 months when we started dating). In many ways, she’s not even a typical Thai. Dating here is very different. There’s a book I highly recommend called Thailand Fever. It’s written in English and in Thai and it’s all about the cultural differences that cause problems in our mixed culture relationships. A book recommendation and review video is on my video to-do list.

  • @Mattcom1
    @Mattcom113 күн бұрын

    Seems like most of your expectations are on a personal level and not because of Pattaya other than swimming in beach!

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    13 күн бұрын

    Very true. It’s probably because of how much I researched it before coming here. Shoot, I knew I wouldn’t swim at the beaches here because of my research. I just thought I’d spend more days there 😂

  • @BradSabako
    @BradSabako26 күн бұрын

    Your pronouncing Pattaya basically correct! It’s not Pattaya Tie ya which drives me nuts!

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    Thank you 🙏🏼

  • @CryptoSteve007
    @CryptoSteve00726 күн бұрын

    Pratumnak walk.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    It’s one of my happy spots.

  • @LikeAGentlemanPlease
    @LikeAGentlemanPlease16 күн бұрын

    These jump cuts are making me nauseous 🤢

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    16 күн бұрын

    My apologies.

  • @Grimreapervlogs
    @Grimreapervlogs27 күн бұрын

    Happy belated birthday bro. One day I'll move over

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    27 күн бұрын

    Thanks brother!

  • @edwardruiz8920
    @edwardruiz892027 күн бұрын

    A lot of Gym exercises are terrible on your body. Walking up hills is the key to longevity.

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    26 күн бұрын

    I have 2 lovely hills right by me! Good advice Zed!

  • @graguitar6493
    @graguitar649326 күн бұрын

    i finally checked out the jazz pitt a coupleof months ago. great location and venue. it feels like your at a resort there when right in the middle of jomtien. the musicians were great too. bit expensive food and drink wise but great atmosphere. thanks again for your advice with ths

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    I haven’t been there in months but I’m going to try to make it next weekend. It’s such a great place and you would never expect it to be there driving by. Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @graguitar6493

    @graguitar6493

    25 күн бұрын

    @@peteonretreat2023 yeah. A couple of musician buddies have moved to Pattaya so we had a catch up there and enjoyed it so we went back again a couple of weeks later. Another reason I'm sad to leave the area

  • @graguitar6493
    @graguitar649326 күн бұрын

    mate have you got yourself down to sai kaew beach yet. its actually really nice and the water is clean enought to swim. i was hanging there at least 3 times a week. a swim up and down the beach is a good km so great for exercise. you should head down there mate for your beach days. avoid weekends and buddha holidays as theres to many people. in saying that theres usually good eye candy though. im actually a bit dissapointed to have to have left bang saray but my new missus moved to hua hin and ive followed her there

  • @peteonretreat2023

    @peteonretreat2023

    25 күн бұрын

    I still haven’t but it’s on a new list we’re making of day trips. I have a new friend in Bang Saray now too. I hope you have lots of happiness in Hua Hin.

  • @graguitar6493

    @graguitar6493

    25 күн бұрын

    @@peteonretreat2023 thanks mate. Keep up the good work