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@user-ud7wu2tc7i

6 ай бұрын

Could I please ask how hard is it to find work and buy your own apartment please. Thanks

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Finding work is very hard, unless you are teaching English, then plenty of jobs, or have high tech skills needed there. You can buy a condo if the building's overall ownership is at least 51% Thai, so westerners don't take over the property market from the locals. Best wishes.@@user-ud7wu2tc7i

@genesj14

4 ай бұрын

Toilet paper roll on the table.😂 TIT. A good collection of rants. 😮

I totally agree with the AC! 😂 I always get sick because the shopping malls are too cold! While outside its so humid and hot 😅

@RetiredGlobalLife

5 күн бұрын

Haha, yes. You'd think if it was 42 celsius outside people would be happy with just comfortable inside, not half the termperature.

I just got back from a 3 week stay in Chiang Mai, where I'm moving to next year when I retire (I just paid for a 20 year Elite Visa that your daughter's company is helping with). Loved the sidewalk sequence! I am also a big walker, and I like to look around. My head stayed on a swivel looking around and for traps at the same time! Thanks for all you do here, I really enjoy your videos!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hey, Brian, double thanks. I know Hailey is great at her job but it's still nice to hear people tell me. And for sure, eyes to the ground walking around the old city. Maybe someone in power will see the video and get embarrassed. It is so funny the things they choose to spend money on, and not spend it on. Big congrats on your upcoming retirement. I'm so happy for you. Happy life!

@brendonoehme8707

6 ай бұрын

My wife Dao is from CM and we have a 7 yo son, Jai. Would like to go live there for 12 months but interesred to know if you could tell me anytthing about the schooling? I retired last year but Dao is still young and works as a nurses aide in Melbourne. We love CM and want Jai to embrace the culture. Thanks for any advice and love your channel. Cheers Brendon

@alyxr

Ай бұрын

I'm a big walker too and I recommend exploring all of the back streets and alleyways, both inside the wall and east of the wall, Thapae side. The back streets are quieter, much less traffic, and fewer tourists so there's less competition for walking space. Plus you'll figure out awesome short cuts.

Very informative and thank you for showing some of the things I should consider before moving to Thailand.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thank you. Now you know to pack your flat sheet (unless you like baking under their thick blankets) and watch where you step around Chiang Mai's old town. Take care!

Randy, love your channel sir! I am about ten years out from my retirement date. But Thailand is in the top of the list for sure.

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

That's very nice of you, Lance. Thanks. It will be fun for you traveling and selecting the right country for you.

Really enjoy your video... I love Thailand and know exactly what you are talking about. 😇

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks. It was all in good fun. Nothing mean intended. But hey, those sidewalks! Haha.

@maoher7880

6 ай бұрын

@@RetiredGlobalLife I know...LOL ... you should already know that no Asian salt and pepper their foods like Westerners...😁😆

Great Video Randy! My sister and I watched this one together and really enjoyed it. We were excited to see a new one posted when she was visiting. Love your humor. Your Thai sounded really good to us 😂😂

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi Linda! You are too nice. I'm glad you enjoyed it. My Thai is terrible but I'm working on it! Take care. (:

Thanks for the flat sheet tip !! First trip to Thailand coming in a month. I will bring my own pillow as well.

@RetiredGlobalLife

5 ай бұрын

Haha, yeah. Flat sheet... essential!

Hey Randy and Joy. I always look forward to your new videos. Love the channel and your approach to everything. If those are the things you don’t like, Thailand, and Chiang Mai must be great! A few of them don’t even directly impact a person, such as the overhead powerlines and witnessing others riding without regard to their own safety on motorbikes. Others such as the wait staff hovering while you pay the bill and the absence of garbage cans are pretty innocuous in the grand scheme of things. The obstacle course sidewalks, the lack of the pedestrian yield and the TP situation present different challenges. For sure I am heartened and encouraged by this and other of your videos! Looking forward to playing pickleball in Chiang Mai! Please keep up the good work on your videos!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hey, big thanks for the compliments! Yes, my complaint list is not too serious, mainly having fun with it. Other than the burning season, all's great in the world in Chiang Mai IMO. Take care and see you again.

@KeilikoGreg

6 ай бұрын

“Other than the burning season” Now that is some thing that gives me pause. I live in the Sacramento Valley, and when we first moved here 40 years ago, the rice farmers were allowed to burn their rice fields. I remember that as being,a not very pleasant time period. and the burning they did was for a far shorter time and much less substantial than what I understand takes place in the region surrounding Chiang Mai. I imagine you live elsewhere during that period?

Very helpful. Some minor things like top sheet...pepper....air con over bed...glad I watched.TY

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, Chris! Yes, I was having fun with the little things but many of them are actual quite useful tips. Especially the top sheet! Take care.

Hi I enjoy your videos also because my wife is also Thai I’ve been there 5 times and I agree with you , next time I go I will visit Chang Mai I normally stay I bit south of Bangkok in Sai Mai ; I also enjoyed your trip to that beautiful island you and your girlfriend Joy visited . Keep those videos coming and as you I also live in San Diego, for now I’m looking for a place to move and retired . Good luck to both of you and I will see you in your next video.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. And hopefully we will cross paths in Chiang Mai. Best wishes.

I live in Lampang, but also spend a lot of time in Chaing Mai. Thank you for your great videos. I find them really enjoyable and spot on.

@RetiredGlobalLife

2 ай бұрын

Glad you like them! Thanks, Paul.

You are spot on those issues. Well, that is the way we all have to adapt shrug our shoulders, and let go. I grew up here before I went to the US and found the best place for me in So. CA. Every place has its own problems the same as in southern California we have to put up with tourists and congested traffic every summer and with the city working on the streets in winter.

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Thanks. Just having fun with it. All is said with affection. I really like Thailand.

I’ve been to Thailand 8 times and I agree with everything you said. I still love it here of course. Thanks for great video 👍

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, I love it too. I was just having fun as I hope you could tell. Hope to see you back for #9!.

Thanks Randy for the advice. It is really important to know

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, Sam. I appreciate the comment and really glad our videos are helpful. Best wishes.

Great video again, thanks from Finland! We are coming to Chiang Mai at first week of december. I like to swim, do you think water at pools are warm enought for training?

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! You bet the pools are warm enough. No problems there. If your hotel does not have a nice one there are several places with pools to use with a monthly pass, like Duangtuwan. My spelling might be off. Check out my video Start a New Life in Chiang Mai, that's the thumbnail anyway, and you will see that place. Take care.

Randy as a frequent visitor to Thailand BKK, HUA HIN and Chiang Mai - who sleeps without the air conditioner on? no need for a flat sheet - I love cranking up the temperature in my bedroom and crawling under a quilt/duva. Love seeing the whole family, the dog, the shopping and the baby on the front. Just need to be sensible with crossing the road.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Haha, I think you could make a more entertaining video than me! Take care. Hope to hear from you again.

@sebastianhamilton5892

6 ай бұрын

I like having a flat sheet between me and the comforter. Much easier to launder every week, so it's way more hygienic.

The tissue paper at food outlets gets me😂 but one of their smiles makes me forget pretty quick😊 Enjoying your vloggs👍

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Randy, you are 100% correct. And you know you are doing things right in Thailand when you are getting a lot of smiles directed at you. Take care amigo.

My husband and I love your videos! We are making plans to retire in 2025, possibly in Thailand! Thank you for your insights… so helpful!🎉

@RetiredGlobalLife

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, Monica!

Lovely man and lovely lady , great to find your channel 🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪☘️

@RetiredGlobalLife

2 ай бұрын

Ah, Kevin, you are too kind! Big thanks.

Massive thanks for your videos I am from Australia and really want to move and live in Thailand so your videos are great thanks been there 6 times love that place ❤❤❤

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Six times! You are practically half-expat already! Haha. Thanks for the nice comment and hope to hear from you again. Best wishes.

Very well said we agreed with you 😂 I’m Thai but living in the USA for over 40 years now my family and I went to Thailand back in December 2021 and we were in Chiang Mai for a couple of days love it there it was worth every steps that we had to take to get there during the pandemic time we got a great chance to enjoy Thailand when it was not too busy then wish we had more time we were only in Thailand for two weeks which was a teas but we are planning on going back to Thailand again next year this time it’ll be a little longer 😅thank you for sharing your experience this is very helpful

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. I hope I can tell I really love Thailand, and especially Chiang Mai, but it is fun to talk about some of those things we sort of shake our heads at. Best wishes.

Like always, great video! My wife and I (both Canadian retirees) will be in Chiang Mai from Jan 7 to Feb 10 for the first time, can you recommend a place where we can meet other expats? 😀

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi Ruben, thanks. If you like sports the Gymkana Club just over the Ping River has tennis and golf and a restaurant where people hang out. The Chiang Mai expats club welcomes new people and they have many, many activities. Joy and I went lawn bowling with their group once. There are also MeetUps with lots of activities. You will see many westerners here that time of year so if you are outgoing, you will be talking to people you meet in the restaurant, getting a coffee, et cetera. If you play pickleball, that's my number one suggestion. I did a video on where they play and when. Great group of outgoing people. And you might bump in to me although I don't seem to get the time to play much lately. Best wishes.

Love your gripe; it’s informative and funny at the same time. I always bring a big pack of tissues when traveling overseas. Some countries don’t even offer napkins and instead sell individual packs. So thin napkins are better than nothing I guess😂

@RetiredGlobalLife

5 ай бұрын

Haha, Vickie, yes, it is funny. It takes two "napkins" to just wipe your mouth.

I think its pretty great that by the end of the video these are all minor complaints. Your videos have informed me quite a bit. Thanks!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, Patrick! Yes, other than the burning season, I am a pretty happy guy in Chiang Mai. I hope you are, or will be, as well. Take care and come again.

Hello Randy and Joy! Thank you for another GREAT video. Tonight is my last (of five) nights in Chiang Mai. Leaving to Bangkok, then Singapore, then home... I completely agree with many of your points in this video, especially the TP discussion. I carried Dude wipes (lol) on this trip... Also, from an earlier video, I did eat at It's Good Kitchen and Fern Forest Cafe. Loved them both. And, the coffee is fantastic in Chiang Mai. Also, I had great coffee and food at Kati Restaurant-at Burirattana Hotel. Perhaps you can review the restaurant for your viewers. Thank you again. I hope to return in 2025. Be well. Stay safe.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Big Dog! I'm so glat you got to visit CM and enjoyed two of our favorite restaurants. They are geared to westerners but that's okay. I love their food. We don't have to immerse ourselves in total Thai places all the time and eat eel and what not. I've walked by the Burirattana all the time. Thanks for the tip the restaurant there is good. Enjoy the rest of your trip. I've never made it to Singapore but hope to in the next year or so.

Thank you for your videos Randy. I enjoy them very much. I have a question: you mentioned about the side walks and sewer covers - I find Bangkok and Pattaya are same: as in 'bad shape', but my question is on the odor. Everywhere in Bankok and Pattaya I went to had bad smell to the point I'm thinking about going somewhere else. Is it similar in Chiang Mai? I heard the burning season is bad there as well, though. (Smell and air quality is important for me). Thank you.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi and thanks for your nice compliment. Yes, the burning season is a real issue and I make sure to leave when the air starts turning bad. Time for a couple months at the beach, an island, or another country, or a trip home for 2-3 months. It is just reality. About the smell. I never notice a smell except sometimes in the old city where there is the sewer canals right under the street and there is ventilation where it comes up. I remember my first time there many years ago I was very aware of if from time to time. Now I rarely notice it. So I don't know if my nose is used to it, or the smell is not so bad. But I'd say at least in the old town, you will get some sewer whiffs occasionally. Hope to hear from you again sometime.

Nice to learn about the good and the things that could work better in Thailand. Thank you.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. Yes, it is nice that most of the "bad" things are things I can laugh at. Take care.

I remember being in the old town and it started lightly raining and fire arced of the power lines and the power went out on the whole block. We had young kids with us and I was constantly telling them not to touch the wires because many times they were within reach which was frightening to me.

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Yes, a different world. Got to keep your wits about you.

I’m 53 just starting to receive SSDI for $2155 month. Been looking at Thailand for a while. I’ve seen hundreds of other peoples videos but for some reason yours are really making sense to me. I be looking for roughly a medium renting budget of 500 with a high food budget of 350. I can’t walk long distances without taking breaks so I guess I would need to be close to things. I would also be looking to the health insurance the top one that has no deductible with the yearly retirement visa. I’m thinking low travel budget. Tuk tuks probably. If you could somehow pull if the Medicare coverage that would change everything for me. Any way thanks so much for taking the time to make these videos. Im sure im not the only one who appreciates them. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

@RetiredGlobalLife

5 ай бұрын

Hi PJ and Merry Christmas and happyy 2024 to you. Some Thai cities and parts of cities are more walkable than others, so look for that. And for budget local trips avoid the tuk tuks - expensive. Bolt is much cheaper and more comfortable. Unfortunately, SSDI I think will only let you be out of the country 6 montyhs before losing benefits until you return. It is different than regular Social Security. So you might want to check that out to be sure. Take care.

You nailed . Great video

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Mike! Really appreciated. Take care,

HI Randy !! Another great video . Hey ! No sense growing old if we don't have something to rant or complain about ! It's our right of passage 😂😂 If you have spent anytime in Thailand, you'll know all of these points are valid. I often think 🤔 the government there should have signs posted. " Thailand, Use At Your Own Risk " 😅 Enjoyed Joy's dancing too !! 😊👍

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Brian, thanks as always for your message. Yes, Thailand, land of no known safety regulations... For sure, Joy is quite the dancer!

@brianwhiteside4178

6 ай бұрын

@RetiredGlobalLife My Pleasure 👍 As always really appreciate all the info available on your channel.

Great tips!!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi Ted! Thanks as always for your nice comments. Take care, amigo.

Restaurants...Took our Thai neighbors out to dinner at Ohkajhu, fantastic food and all vegetables grown on site. BUT, everyone done eating when my food finally came..lol😃😃. Yes, they stand there waiting for the bill payment, but also when you first sit down, their standing there waiting to take your order and your still on page one..my wife always tells them to bring the drinks first.

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Thanks. Yes, it is funny how it happens.

Nailed it, agree with all of them, especially the sidewalks!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thank you! Glad you liked it. I hope to hear from you again.

Just going to second everything you said in the video, and what other commenters have already written! Thailand is a great and beautiful country and the people are open and friendly, but the infrastructure is challenging for us walkers! A decent sidewalk narrows down to curb-width in a matter of meters so you have a wall, a curb stone and then a busy roadway! I'm fairly quick on my feet but I really had to swallow hard and hope all the drivers were fully awake a few times. Another great, and honest, video of what to expect when your path leads to Chiang Mai!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, and as always, for your nice comments. Yes, there is bit of faith involved walking in Thai streets with cars and MCs coming behind you. And your walking summary is spot on. Take care!

@roofpizza1250

6 ай бұрын

If there is a sidewalk it's either broken, filled by merchants, or a motorcycle pathway.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

I know I pointed out how disappointing Chiang Mai's sidewalks are, but I don't want to make is sound like every sidewalk is like that. There are plenty of stretches of fine sidewalk. I just laugh at the fact you can be within a stone's throw of one of the city's most famous landmarks, like the Thapae Gate, and you'd think it would be a bit dressed up, but no, oddly some of the video footage I show was right there. But hey, CM is so great in other ways, I tend to laugh at the sidewalks and such issues, rather than get mad a t them.@@roofpizza1250

@consulthai

6 ай бұрын

Hi Randy, all your observations are spot on . For me the issues about restaurants, hotels and toilet papers are small irritants you can overcome,as you pointed out how. The safety issues and garbage disposals are not within our controls. This is for the authorities to handle and the Thais themselves have to be more proactive . I constantly worry about seeing families on motorbikes risking injury and death. One characteristic of Thai people is that they do things instinctively,not really considering consequences . The problem is that this attitude impacts on innocents too. Like careless driving will kill careful drivers . In some places in Thailand walking is a difficult sightsee since you're always walking with your head down looking at obstacles . Maybe sidewalks haven't been developed to Western standards since Thais don't walk around much in the heat. I live here in Chiang Mai with my wife and our dog . Mostly we drive to some destination,my wife doesn't like a walking tour unless it's at markets . There she is on her feet loitering . If she wants to walk for exercise it'll be in a safe environment I'd the village compound late in the day or early morning when it's cooler. Here many locals walk for exercise. In Bangkok people go for exercise in the cooler part of the day in parks . But sidewalk exercise is not a Thai trait, that probably explain not developing good sidewalks. In conclusion and particualatly in Chiang Mai there are too many positives to outweigh the complains. If you live here long enough you get used to it and some things, like toilet paper, you can but in supermarkets thick enough to handle any backside. Top sheets are available to buy but in most places including hotels,you can alter the settings. We just came back from a weekend away to Chiang Rai and Mae Sai and had a great mini-vacation. In Chiang Rai city by the river we stayed in a 5 star resort named the Legend, which at 2650 baht for a night was an absolute bargain. I felt like an honoured guest and the staff were superb as well as the buffet breakfast. They have an infinity pool by the river,beautiful gardens with ponds and we had a bangalow which resembled a large cave with. a jacuzzi. At breakfast they made me a cappuccino to die for . The Swedish Manager came to have a chat at every table and could speak perfect Thai . Made our stay memorable. Keep up your channel,it's great and your private dancer is even greater !😉

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, Tom. As always, your comments are so right. I think you should have a channel, not me. I hope my positive tone came through as I had fun with my gripes. I never want to be one of those complaining expats. I am glad you shared about the resort in Chiang Rai. Joy and I have been talking about going there and may do so in December or January, although our eyes are bigger than the free days on our calendars. Yes, I am a lucky guy to have such a great dancer in my life. Take care.@@consulthai

Hello there, I’m enjoying you’re information, thank you. Do you guys know anything about schools we have a 10 year old grandson and are thinking of moving to this area. Do kids have to be vaccinated to go to school and is the system a good one? 😊

@RetiredGlobalLife

4 ай бұрын

It is my understanding that in Thailand vaccinations are recommended but not mandatory, but you'd need to check with the individual school. Most people with money send their children to private schools, especially Westerners. They range from moderately expensive to very expensive, but are also considered to be very good.

@user-vp4es9fx4i

4 ай бұрын

Thank you. I maybe back to ask more questions 😊

I am a Canadian living in Thailand for over 10 yrars and like you I see all the same thing as you do but for me it is what make Thailand soo unique and interesting, other wise it would be just as borring as back home. Just lern to like these differences and you will enjoy them. Cheers

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

I agree 100% and I hope my happy tone about these things came through. I never want to be seen as one of those complaining expats. But hey, they CAN fix the sidewalks in their busiest area, old town, 555. Take care!

Thanks again! My wife and I will be there in January 2024. My wife is highly susceptible to mosquitoes, so I am grateful for your in-depth briefing on that subject. Re condiments - I love Prik nam pla and I'm convinced it keeps mosquitoes at bay. I recently learned there is some 'Scholarship' backing up that theory! Agreed re the air conditioning ... I'm there to bake, yo! Ceiling fans are wonderful, evocative and warmer.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

We hope you have a wonderful trip. I will have to leave mid-January but the winter is great, just a lot of people, but that's life in popular places. Best wishes!

When I come to Thailand in June, I plan on bringing little packs of baby wipes for the bathroom situations. Much easier to slip into a pocket.

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Yes, very smart!

Cool video. Im a flexible dane and visit CM in May and now coming back in December. Fascinating video you make. Problems are not so big as I see them haha The cable thing I see in the US also 😂 I’m thinking to retire in Thailand also one day and this next trip is to see more and go look houses and expat places Some good places to meet people like you that I can talk to ? Cheers Bo lind Denmark 🇩🇰

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Well, I am the only totally cool guy in Chiang Mai... Haha. only kidding. Thanks for the compliments about the video. I did a video about 5 great ways to meet new people when you move to Chiang Mai, and at the same time stay busy and healthy. You could look at our video list. They title is Start a New Life in Chiang Mai. The only bad thing is you might be stuck seeing me at one or two of those places.... Take care and please come and visit us again.

yeah i noticed that and it did work my nerves

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks. Nice to hear from you.

@user-nl9me3er7w

6 ай бұрын

@@RetiredGlobalLife oops i must have been sleep typing. i was referring to the no trashcan policy. I'm thinking about moving to Chaing Mai for a year and those sidewalks would work my nerves. I lived in India and had the same problem and broke my foot.

I'm glad I came across your vlogs. It gives me a few ideas of living in Thailand. I'm going to the philippines in feb, but I'd like to visit thailand eventually. Living there isn't really on my radar, but I have thought about it. the language barrier and the long term living there seems difficult to me. something I haven't really researched much, but watching other expats talk about thailand, it's not easy getting a permanent visa to live there. I'll be 74 when I go the the philippines, in good health, love the hot weather, and would love to try many of the foods they have to offer. But not the bugs or scorpions to munch on, yuk. I might go to Pattaya and rent a condo. I'm looking forward to condo living, since you get a lot of amenities. I love the beach, and being an ex navy guy, love the sound of the waves. I guess I have a little salt in my blood.🏝 not looking for a 2 legged companion, but a furry 4 legged one.🐈

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Much more reliable affection comes with four legs, yes, haha. Visas are not so bad when you are 50+ as you are, just a lot of bureaucracy. We have bugs and scorpions here too, so they are not only in the Philippines. I've never actually seen a scorpion except as a food I decline.

A lot of the things you mentioned, we noticed when visiting Thailand. I kind of appreciated a lot of it as their culture. Like you, It did make me miss some of my comforts of home. I did observe that very early in the morning many of the shop owners, or honestly, I don’t know who they were, we’re out sweeping debris up into piles, and as you walk through most towns in Thailand, there are baskets, 5 gallon buckets, and other items that hold garbage and debris almost at every telephone pole. And somehow, each morning they had all been emptied, and were sitting in waiting as receptacles for the next days trash. The wires for us were astonishing to observe, but understandable. Didn’t know that those big metal sheets in the road were where they had been working on the road. I have to say, when we stayed in old town Chiang Mai we really actually kind of liked walking in the streets. It’s almost like that’s where part of the character of being there comes from. The cars didn’t hit us they didn’t come close to us. It’s almost like everybody gets there right of way in their space right where they are and it works. The most interesting thing that we witnessed was that when you came to intersections where multiple roads were coming in to play and everybody just sort of had their push through and it seem to work. There were no honking horns. There’s no one yelling there’s no one getting irate. It was just sort of an understood chaos. We kind of appreciated it above and beyond the United States. Because people here drive so stupid they could never safely drive like they managed to in Thailand. We also assumed that all of the families on overloaded scooters were because of the severe poverty. And again like my husband said the kids are born with a scooter in their crotch so by the time they’re big enough to literally reach the controls, they can drive a scooter better than you and I will ever drive a scooter!! as far as the communication goes. I feel like the Thai people are beautiful, wonderful, peaceful, and kind. Even the ones who have to resort to pick pocketing to survive are probably very kind people they just do what they have to to survive. We were never in fear or afraid for our safety. Our lives in any situation, no matter where we were in Thailand.… And we were quite a ways out there more than a few times. Can’t wait to go back. Really love your content. Will keep watching as time permits👍

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, Becca, for your thoughtful comment. Yes, it is amazing how the Thails share the road with each other in what seems like madness but all co-exist quite well. And you are so right about the lack of anger. No honking or rude gestures or road rage, despite the narrow roads requiring a lot of cooperation to pass each other. It shows the Thais good spirit. (Although they still don't care too much about pedestrians, haha.)

Good ones! Haha, I remember thinking the flat bedsheet was such a big deal during my 2nd and 3rd years in Thailand, now I don’t think about it at all and laugh at how much it irritates you 😄 What Id add: -You ask a Thai a question and they smile and say yes (They have no idea what you said) - now that I know this well I just laugh and think it’s cute but it was frustrating being misled in the past! -The people are so nice, the food is so good, & everything is so affordable that it ruins every other place in the world. Btw love your expression at 3:59.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

555, yes, that would have been a good one to have in there, the agreeable Thais not wanting to offend just acting like they understand. You are right about Thailand and I agree with you 100%. As I said in the video, Thailand is great - people, food, culture, the sights, the prices - but it is fun to talk about the things that do frustrate us. I will never be the rare ugly expat, living in Thailand, but complaining the whole time. Luckily I rarely meet them. Most all are terrific people having a great time living in Thailand.

I always carry a "terrible towel". The napkin thing gets me all over SE .Asia

I would appreciate that name at Pacific insurance I haven’t heard back from them yet. Thanks Frances

@RetiredGlobalLife

5 ай бұрын

Email me at RetiredGlobalLife@gmail.com. I spoke to someone I have crossed paths with at Pacific Cross/Prime and he said he will look at your application and talk to you. I'll give it to you directly rather that here if you email me. Best wishes.

I have to run my air conditioning while I am sleeping.AS you said, the duvets are there but no sheets.Becuase the electric wires are exposed, when there's a storm ,like in the rainy season, the power will be out for a few hours.The sidewalks can be hazardous.Bjuenos Aires is worse.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

It is great if places you stay have a ceiling fan, or if not, just a floor fan, set high and placed to bounce the air off the wall or ceiling. I find that gives bit of cool on warm nights so I don't need the aircon. Cheaper and healthier. Plus the hum drowns out sounds and helps me sleep. Haha, health advice from me. Take care.

I'm curious. I'm assuming I would need a particular visa status and assistance in setting up a bank account in Thailand as an American citizen. Also, how to transfer large sums to a Thai bank account ? Any input would be greatly appreciated. I have visited many years ago but I'm not knowledgeable about these subjects. Thank you in advance, I enjoy your videos. Very informative !

@user-js8re6yr6k

6 ай бұрын

Once you set up your Thai acct. you can send an international wire from your home acct. we’ve been doing it for years with no problems at all. Bangkok Bank And Krung Thai Bank are great. Look up top banks in Thailand for what works for you

Been to Thailand last year and I totally am agree with you. The tissues they give you in street food market are so thin and tiny. 😄

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Good to hear from you. Hope you make it back to Thailand soon.

hi randy i m a subscriber to your channel currently in the philippines but seriously thinking thailand as my final destination similar bur different the primary issue to me is the cost of living and the quality of medical care any words of wisdom ?/

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Thanks! Cost of living about the same between the two. But huge advantage to quality of medical care in Thailand IMO.

lmfao. those are valid points and yes your examples of mah, ma, maa was funny but accurate. my native language is from laos pretty close to issan i would say. so i understand what you mean about some words meaning different things depending on how you say it. i grew up in the states and still here until hopefully next year and then i'll be there in chiang mai (if all goes accordingly). i think most of the pet peeves have to do with the part of the world we are at? even with trashcans around people still litter here in the states, but you are absolutely right that at least have some trashcans so those of us that do care can help keep clean. i have an extremely sensative stomach so i will definitely carry tissues with me. great advice for many folks that may not be used to different cultures. oh funny story similar to yours. a friend and i went this restaurant in fort worth texas and we sat down ordered our foods, waited, our dishes came out and after a few bites in our waitress brought us our check and my friend and i had a laugh, but we were not offended. it was the first time we ever experienced that at an american restaurant and my friend and i still get a good laugh about it.

@RetiredGlobalLife

2 ай бұрын

Thanks, yeah, funny how in America they plop down the check often shortly after getting your food in some places. So different than Thailand and Europe where you don't get the check until you specifically ask for it.

What bothers me sometimes about Thailand is that I’m 6’ 2” and all the awnings and street foods on the sidewalk only 5’5” or lower in Roi Et 😂 I have to walk bent over half the time.

@RetiredGlobalLife

27 күн бұрын

Haha, good one. Yes, size can be an issue. Hard for some to buy clothes in Thailand as well.

My third home is BKK with an owned condo for ten years, second Perth-w.a., first SG, and I will not retire in the Kingdom of Thailand Kap.🙏

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Sorry we lost out in your retirement sweepstakes, haha. Sounds like you have a lot of choices. Good for you, man!

Hello. I love thailand 12 years now living.but 1 thing erks me ordering food at a restaraunt.bring u a menu which about 20 pages & the staff stands & waiting for u to order.please go away & come back later when I'm ready 😂.keep it rollin

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Haha, yes, some of the menus are huge and if in Thai, takes a lot of time to go through. I have not had many servers just stand there but when they do they seem fine with being told I'll be a while. Joy and I usually take forever to order as it is a lot of negotiation on who will share what, haha.

Great tips.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, Tony, we appreciate it! Take care.

@tonycanniffe2360

6 ай бұрын

@@RetiredGlobalLife Have you done part 2 of the cost of living video? Just rewatched part 1 - which is great btw- and can’t seem to find part 2.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi Tony, yes some time ago. The thumbnail and title is Thailand Health Insurance. Then after that it says Pt 2 Cost of Living. I hope you find it helpful. Best wishes!@@tonycanniffe2360

@tonycanniffe2360

6 ай бұрын

@@RetiredGlobalLife 🙏 and thanks for the excellent videos!

Interesting rant, Randy. You're so right about most of the things: toilet paper in the restaurant, not in the toilet, no trash cans to be seen anywhere, sidewalks in poor state (Sukhumvit in Bangkok might be Thailand's most famous street, and its sidewalks are just a shame) and cold drinks with a ton of ice. Then, if you travel to Europe, in a lot of countries, you will not have flat sheets but only comforters, thiner in Southern countries, and thicker in Northern countries. And when it comes to "bloody" cold aircon, I have to say that it is in the US that you meet those the most! Finally, congratulations to the 3 Joys for their dancing act 😂

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks! Always nice to hear from another YT creator. Joy and I are heading to Bangkok again next month so I'll check out those Sukhumvit sidewalks! And yes, Joy's dancing is always a joy, no pun intended. Take care.

Hi Randy, next week i will visit Chiang Mai (and Asia) for the very first time in my life.I will meet a friend who lives in the mountains. The first day i probably will be alone, What is the best part of the city to vivit?

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi, it depends on what you like to do. If you like to hike I would recommend the short hike, 35 minutes each way and a super temple to see, Wat Pha Lat. Look for our video on that which I did with my daughter. That's a few hours right there. The old town is fun and the two big temples are worth seeing, very close to each other, Chedi Luang and Wat Pra Singh. and next to the latter is a great place for lunch or dinner, Its Good Kitchen. You can find them all via Google maps. Enjoy and give me a report back!

So bring a queen sized top sheet, pack a fanny pack with wipeys and salt/pepper shakers, and advise the person making my ice coffee to take it easy on the ice? I can do that! Probably have to bring a little bottle of Tabasco sauce as well because I have to have it on everything! Question: Do they flush toilet paper there or have a little trash can next to the toilet? I’ve been to Mexico several times and can never get used to the idea of not flushing the toilet paper

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Thanks!

I was just given you a hard time😀. It was annoying not able to find any paper towel either.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

(: I appreciate it. And I'm with you on paper towels too. I use them too much in the states, for about everything. I guess if I went to a store like Macro they'd have them, but not the usual stores where you'd expect to have them.

Yep....spot on video! Having been and lived in numerous cities in Thailand.... including awesome Chiang Mai, I have experienced all of those differences and more! And it's not just Thailand. Those same things (most anyway) I experienced in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia too. However, depending upon the city, it could be more of one and less of other differences you documented. BTW...I lived for a few years in the San Diego and Oceanside area, so I can relate to your environment & culture there. But Americans like myself who have been in many of the big USA cities would agree that we can complain about far more concerning "bad stuff" in cities like Detroit, Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Houston, etc (it's unfortunately a LONG and growing list) as those places are very unsafe places in their own right, and not representative of the more desirable smaller or rural cities. ANYWAY.... In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, where I am now, it's a mixed bag frankly. KL has definitely a lot of traffic, but FAR fewer motorbikes than Thailand, Cambodia, and certainly all throughout Vietnam. Many smaller compact cars in KL. In many ways it's a very western-like city, great transportation systems, amazing buildings, beautiful malls, excellent and affordable golf courses, English is widely spoken, and except for the obvious difference in what comprises the population (mostly blends of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other middle Eastern), it's easy to feel like you're in a really nice American city! Most signs are in English, or at least Malay and English. American & British music is very widely played! AC-DC, Rolling Stones, more. I've never heard Country & Western being played though! 😅 BEDDING.... Asian "comforters" are really not exactly like the traditionally thicker American comforter, which often is a sewn-together usually "decorative" one-piece thing. And if it does have removable cover, it's far less often removed and laundered. Hence, the flat top sheet in the USA. It serves as the barrier between the comforter or blanket, and the humans. Asian "comforters" are usually a sheet-thickness colored cotton/blend fabric shell.... sometimes with a design, often not....that wraps the thicker cotton padding/blanket. It's basically a "pillowcase sheet" covering an obviously "flat pillow". It's that "pillowcase sheet" that routinely gets washed when the bottom fitted sheet does. NAPKINS Regarding the tissue napkins...I couldn't agree more! I was incredulous for weeks! I finally just gave up and accepted it... and also made it part of my dining routine to wipe-away the thin tissue fragments from my sometimes unshaved/prickly face. Now I just go to grocery stores like Makro and buy the thick, flat paper towels and carry them along in the car, and definitely use wherever I am staying. I would add one thing. While Thailand's people are absolutely quite kind, happy, smiley, respectful and VERY polite, the opposite can generally be said for the actions of people in Malaysia and Vietnam. It's not necessarily a bad thing or that they are purposely being rude or jerks, it just seems to be common practice in their culture to not yield, to butt-into conversations and lines, not open or hold doors for others, not cover their mouth or nose when they sneeze or cough, rarely say please & thank you...and definitely do not seem to have any concept or appreciation of "personal space". A very big difference from Thais in my experience. DRIVING Just like one of your other commenters pointed-out about the driving practices, it's definitely overall more dangerous (by American standards anyway) and drivers leave virtually NO safety margins. Tailgating and being literally fractions of an inch away from each other while in traffic is just normal. Oftentimes chaotic, it is like synchronized swimming in that everybody just flows together and goes for whatever opening or piece of road they see in more of a "leaning into it" kind of method. And forget about painted lane dividers, crosswalks, etc. Those seem to be just "suggestions". If the typical Asian drove those ways in America, they would definitely be (minimally) flipped-off, yelled at, a road-rage victim, cause an accident due to the unexpected nature of their driving practices, and probably arrested & charged with reckless driving. But anyway....we ARE in their respective country and being aware of these nuances is "just the way it is". I personally love experiencing all the cultural differences, age-old historical structures & other beauty, different people, amazing mountains and beaches, diverse and wonderful food, and so much more! Plus, the paper towels (napkins) I mentioned are cheap! 😂

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi, Rob, yeah I'm with you totally. And I like your synchronized swimming analogy. Take care and I hope you visit us again.

@maryturner932

6 ай бұрын

Please don't change thailand, stay just as you are. Love. It 😊

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, it's a great place. Just having fun.@@maryturner932

The korean music at the end was hilarious!! Some lady likes her kpop!!!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks! Not much music in this video but it takes us a lot of time finding music we like. Take care.

Don't change thailand, love you just the way you are 5:38

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for writing Mary. I hope you enjoyed the video and hope to hear from you again. Best wishes.

🤣🤣🤣 I loved this! Two things I don’t like about Chiang Mai - 1) the pavements - I thought you weren’t going to get to this! 😂 It annoys me because if you are physically disabled or getting older and can’t walk well, you have no hope! 2) some taxi drivers - many taxi drivers are great but sadly some pretend they don’t have change or take your money and say nothing, waiting for you to get out the car without giving you change. We’re talking peanuts, but I want to say ‘keep the change’, not have someone take advantage

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Yes, that's another one I could have included. I didn't think about the change with drivers. I'll have to consult you next time, haha. Take care and come again.

@anna_m59

6 ай бұрын

I was dropped off middle of nowhere when I try to get to a yoga class up to the Suthep . The driver was on FB messenger the entire time while driving and all the sudden tell me we arrived ( somewhere at the university area) . Which was not the final destination at all . Reported to Grab never heard back .. I have much better experience with Bolt. I also stopped using InDrive because it same fees but only pay cash payment.

Hi Randy. Great topic. I have found that buying a bigger purse for your significant other can become a tote for you. Salt and pepper packets, baby wipes, non-dairy creamer, Dental floss sticks and lactose pills. What ever your poison bring it with you. Thanks for sharing!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. Yes, it is funny, we all have our own list of things to bring back with us when visiting the west. For me, it is good peanut butter. And I love you idea about buying your partner a big purse. I did exactly that for Joy because she asked for one, and what an unexpected bonus for me that she can carry my few things as I prefer empty pockets, 555. Take care!

What made you originally choose Thailand over Vietnam or the Philippines. Philippines is probably a little too expensive but Vietnam and Thailand are comparable right?

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

My daughter moved to Chiang Mai 7 years ago so I got to know Chiang Mai visiting her. I don't hear the Philippines is much pricier. But health care and wifi are better and I think crime is lower, not that it is high in the Philippines, but in Thailand everyone seems, sabi, sabi: easy, easy.

The one thing that I find about living in Chiang Mai, although its more of a living in Thailand thing, is every so often I feel overwhelmed living in a culture that completely absorbs you. Occasionally Chiang Mai just gets too Thai for me. I live outside central city and can go about my day and hardly see a westerner. Its no huge problem and its what I expect and one of the reasons I live here for but just sometimes it can get to me.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Yes, I can see how that could happen if you are not seeing many westerners, which some would say is a good thing, 555. For me, Joy is quite westernized with her excellent English, as are her friends, and I constantly talk to other expats, so I think I will always feel like an American living in Thailand, and not get swallowed up. I can remember living in France many, many years ago, and it was different. I interacted only with French people and tried to speak only French, and I soon felt like I'd become a bit French. Take care.

I'll get you &Joy a pair of Western style salt & pepper shakes for x-mass gift.

@RetiredGlobalLife

2 ай бұрын

Haha, should I carry them to the restaurants with me? One day I'll get into fish sauce but not yet. Actually I'm fine with no salt and pepper but it is an interesting difference. I wonder if Thais come to the US and ask the waitress for fish sauce and chili sauce?

@MySmallWorld.

2 ай бұрын

@@RetiredGlobalLife They are shy .They will not ask.

Ive been lucky . they had salt and pepper anywhere I ate in Pattaya .

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Wow, you are doubly lucky: salt on the table and all those hot women in Pattaya.

This isn't a complaint, just a comment about how things are different. In the west, if you are walking on a major street, there will always be a stop sign on the side streets, so pedestrians have the right of way and keep on walking through the intersection. That's a dangerous move in Asia. Also, if a vehicle is coming at you in the west, pedestrians will jump back to avoid getting hit. Asians jump forward, and that's what motorbikes will anticipate, so that backward jump is another way to get smacked. Have you noticed the new sidewalks on Huay Kaew? Very nice and new benches, too.

@RetiredGlobalLife

3 ай бұрын

Yes, I always tell people Thailand is so safe . . . except on the roads. A big adjustment for everyone. No, I. have not noticed the new sidewalks. Thanks for mentioning them.

Even with obstacles on the sidewalk, Chiangmai is still more walkable than many other SE Asian countries.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. Yes, either way, Chiang Mai is still my city. Take care and come again.

What about no hot water in sinks?

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Haha, yeah, that's true. I guess it never bothers me so didn't make my list. Thanks for the comment. See ya.

This was the second video I saw, and I liked both. Toilet paper: I keep a roll in my backpack. I laughed at the thin paper. Psst: I had dysentery for 6 weeks in Vietnam in Jan., and Feb 69. Driving: crossing streets hasn't been a problem. But, my 1st time in Hanoi I got a shock. Drivers ignore the green pedestrian light. But, I lived 12 years in Boston; hardly the land of driver tolerance. I've always felt that people can be far more aggressive when driving. And, unlike Boston, NY et al, I've never seen a Thai driver give the finger. It's like breathing for me, and I don't drive. What blows me away is the connection with families that exist in South East Asia.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks. All your comments are valid. So rare to see any anger or rudeness from Thai drivers.

They sell flat sheets at Homepro.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tip! But I brought enough from California. 555.

Randy, for crying out loud you've got too much time on your hand, get used to it or move. I do agree with you on toilet paper / napkin, it is crazy / strange.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Haha, take it easy on me. Just having fun. C'mon... you can't also agree a flat sheet would be nice when you go to a hotel... (: Take care.

Yes Randy, I agree with a number of the things you were taking about. Especially the toilet paper! The sidewalks are another thing that the government could address. I wonder if it is a manpower issue, meaning not enough workers. There are many thai men in jail. I wonder if they could have them fix sidewalks? Tell Joy, she's a good dancer!!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Great idea... jail labor for sidewalks. I will pass along your dancing compliment to Joy. She will have a big smile. Take care.

A couple of months ago, I went into a bedding store which was strictly Thai with mostly just thick comforters, pillows and fitted sheets, but I knew they had a small selection of Flat Sheets. When I was paying for them, the sales girl got in this big conversation with my girlfriend. Turned out she was talking about all the foreigners who come in looking for Flat Sheets and was asking "What do they do with them?" Must say I had a good chuckle.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Haha, that is so funny. I have no idea who Thais live with those thick blankets. Glad you found a store with them.

I love the dance . I watched like 4 time

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

You will make Joy's day. I told her I was going to put one of the videos she sends me sometimes of her dancing. I don't know if she believed me, haha. Unfortunately I can't match her in the dancing skills department.

Use water.

I agree 110% with all mentions it. I have a few thoughts: -When I arrived after 32 hours in my furnitures suits there was no toilet paper and it was 7pm. I had no clue where is the closest store . -The bedding sheets you can take off and use to cover yourself I put the inner sheet in the closet,lol. 😅 - Chiang Mai has no pedestrian access if they have a few bricks to walk on it ( I wouldn’t call side walk) they are motorbikes parking on it. Basically the only option is walking on street along with traffic. And man, it’s smell badly from the canalization! Dont hope crossing the street safely. when it’s green light locals will still driving between the pedestrian’s 😮! I have two months here in CM but it is enough for me. I think the Thai food isn’t healthy lot of greasy fried food no organic options. It is tasty but not healthy. I decided buying and prepare my own food that I purchase in JJ market. Andy , please direct me to the right place where can I see the famous Thai smile. Thanks for listening to my vent .. I can’t wait for Koh Samui.. the ocean never disappoint me.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Sorry Chiang Mai was not to your liking. I guess I'm used to the lack of sidewalks... just a different lifestyle there. I hope you enjoy Koh Samui. I also like Hua Hin, and easier to get to. Best wishes.

@anna_m59

6 ай бұрын

@@RetiredGlobalLife thank you!

@ammerudgrenda

6 ай бұрын

Thai smiles are pretty much everywhere. Of course the more crowded, less smiles.

I have lived in Thailand for over 12 years, there’s a big difference in living here versus just visiting as a tourist. Don’t forget Thailand is still considered a developing country and for good reasons.The following are the three most challenging things I find in living here: 1. Finding a quiet place to live as at times it can be very noisy due to loud motorbikes, music, dogs, roosters the list goes on. 2. The amount of burning through out Thailand of almost anything that can be burned. I am surprised you did not mention this as certain times of year Chiangmai due to the burning can sometimes have the worse air quality in the world. It gets so bad many foreigners leave Chiangmai during that time of year. Maybe you’re not there when it happens. 3. The crazy drivers especially motorbikes who go the wrong way driving against traffic or try to pass when they shouldn’t and practically anything else you can think of. Thailand is always near the top of the list of countries with the highest road deaths. So you have to be very careful as unfortunately many foreigners get injured or die driving on the roads here. It’s mainly due to almost everyone can afford a motorbike but very few people learn how to drive safely, many do not even have motorbike licenses and the police do not consistently enforce basic things like wearing a motorbike helmet. Thais idea of safety is very different than in the west and liability is very limited when it comes to accidents even if it’s your fault. Of course there’s more positives than negatives in living here such as low cost of living with a high quality of life.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Yes, all those things are true. I actually talked about the burning season at the start when I said things I would not complain about: the heat, visa requirements and the burning season. Those have been beaten to death. We talked about the burning season in a weather "Best Time to Visit" video we did. I wanted to keep it a bit light and have fun with frustrating things. Take care.

I also don’t like the dirty canals and rivers. Like you said, having some garbage bins in public would help. I also don’t like heated toilet seats in hotels.

@RetiredGlobalLife

4 ай бұрын

I guess I stay in cheaper places, haha. I think I've only had a heated toilet seat once.

Hello Randy! I'm morning to Thailand 10 -25 -24 married to a Thai national In 2021 on my first visit.. flying to Thailand every year for 2 months since we got married.. I'm 66 year young. Waiting for full retirement at 66.8 living in the USA Oregon. I think I might need your help with information. I've been watching your videos thank you you've been a great help. thank you for reading.. AL.

@RetiredGlobalLife

3 ай бұрын

I'm glad you are finding the videos helpful. And congrats on the upcoming retirement!

This has been my exact experience, well Mayne nor my wife's dancing, but over all you are spot on. Oh, I brought my own sheets. My wife is now used to them. Great video, now stop whining....my wife just looks at me as if I have lost my mind.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks! I can still remember when I went to visit my daughter for the first time, when she moved to Chiang Mai seven years ago. When I asked her what to bring from home, it was Trader Joe cookies and flat sheets.

@chinesecrested9528

6 ай бұрын

@RetiredGlobalLife traders Joe's orange flavored cranberries... you are certainly from Cali, what, no 2 buck chuck???... I was in marina del Rey, surfed the entire coast ... no waves in Thailand. The things we give up for a better life lol. Living in hua hin soon enough

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Joy and I enjoyed it. I think you will like it. I didn't see any waves there either though, 555. Paddleboarding and snorkeling are your new sports.@@chinesecrested9528

I left because of burning season, which lasted 4 months when i was there

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Yes, it is terrible and 2023 was about the worst ever. I stay but always plan to be out of town when the bad season hits. I think for many it is like a forced vacation period, back to their home country, local Asian countries, or stay in Thailand and go to one of the islands. I hope you enjoyed your time here, however.

Try japan

Same for Thais going to farang countries. "Where are my spices and sauces?"

@RetiredGlobalLife

2 ай бұрын

Haha, good point. They will also be looking for the sugar which is disappearing from US tables. They put sugar in almost everything. I wonder if they say, "What is up with these crazy thick napkins!"

I’ll pack Charmin for Barry!

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hahaha, you are too funny. Knowing Barry, he would turn it into a business venture, bringing a hundred rolls in his suitcase, leaving room for two t-shirts and one pair of shorts. And he'd be selling rolls of luxury Charmin one some corner of the old town to desperate tourists, making a killing.

...what toilet paper...I have only seen paper in one place near me (not in Thailand). I was surprised 🙂

@ByronWatts

2 ай бұрын

It is very interesting that you describe things that are very similar to my experience in the Philippines.

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Yes, I'd guess many things would be true in Thailand, and other SE Asian countries.

Air conditioning can be ultra frigid. JUst bring a sweater,

Randy I would like to come to Thailand October 2024 can you help

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Well, Leevan, you have to buy your own ticket, haha. If you tell me what you like to do, I'm happy to recommend the best city to accomplish that here in Thailand.

Sounds like it may become hassle in the future then for us ‘normal ‘ retirees obtaining monthly income from employee pensions ..

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi Jon, I'm sorry but I don't know what difficulty you are referring to with an employee pension. But if you tell me what you mean I'm happy to reply. Thanks for checking in. Hope to hear from you again.

When hyou say the room is such and such a price but water and electricity you pay for.Electicity is EXPENSIVE.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

In almost all hotels there is no charge for electricity and water. If yours charged you, then you are in the tiny minority. But for apartments and condos, then yes, like anyplace in the world. And water is not expensive, usually $6-8 a month. Electricity can add up, yes, but still much cheaper than the west. I'd say California, for example is about five times more expensive per unit, but I have not actually checked. Take care and thanks for the comment.

DOGS One more BIG observation I've made and you did not mention, is the huge amount of dogs that casually wander the streets. I found that to be a case in EVERY city in Thailand I've been to, and I have been into quite a few! I was even chased by a gaggle of dogs when I mistakenly went down a dark dead-end street in Hua Hin one night. Interestingly enough, far, far less of the dog situation in Vietnam...and almost none in Kuala Lumpur where I've been. That does not mean it's that way in every part of the Malaysia obviously. Thailand's dog situation is a stark difference between America and Europe. There, if we saw a dog running around on a busy street we would figure it wouldn't last an hour. In Thailand, they literally lie either in the road or gutter and somehow seem to make it through. I think it's kind of like Asian kids who grow-up on a motorbike, the dogs literally know the streets and traffic. It still blows my mind all the time though! 🐕

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Hi Rob, yes lots of soi dogs for sure. I've been lucky and never been chased, but it is a bit intimidating when a group of them starts advancing and barking at you...

@sebastianhamilton5892

6 ай бұрын

More on the topic of dogs: I see a growing number of thoughtless farang couples relocating their never-visited-the-tropics-before pets. Who would do this? I couldn't imagine expecting an American, Canadian or UK pet to acclimatize to a place only 7 to 18 degrees north of the equator. Maybe moving from San Diego (32°), Tampa (27°), or even San Francisco (37°) -- but no further north. One such couple is from Minneapolis (45°). I also doubt "walk time" would be much fun for the newly-arrived pet with so many wild soi dogs on the loose everywhere.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

The few people I know who have brought their pets (always dogs, I don't know anyone who brought a cat) are very devoted to them and take great care of them, keeping the aircon more for their dogs than themselves. Surprisingly, most dogs, even with heavy coats, seem quite happy when i see them despite the heat. But yes, got to keep them out of the worst of the heat. I'm in Chiang Mai so it is much cooler than in Bangkok, for example.@@sebastianhamilton5892

@sebastianhamilton5892

6 ай бұрын

@@RetiredGlobalLife Yes, Chiang Mai wouldn't be as pet-unfriendly as Thailand's central and southern regions. Probably the lesser of all "evils", so to speak. I envision the ideal environment for a dog includes lots of socializing by going for long walks, running at large with other dogs in proper off-leash areas and interacting with only "pet" dogs -- not probably-unhealthy strays. Also, I am told Thai vets are averse to euthanasia, which, in many cases, needlessly prolongs a pet's agony near the end. These risks are all forced upon a dog because of the owner's vanity and/or codependency. Glad you've never been attacked by a soi dog, and this was the original point I should have stuck to.

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Good analogy of the kids surviving on their motor bikes and the dogs somehow surviving despite lying in the middle of the street.@@sebastianhamilton5892

Sidewalks, I never use them . I walk in the stree

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Then you will be right at home in Chiang Mai! Nice to hear from you. Take care.

I am an American citizen what do you know about real property ownership?

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Simple answer is you can buy a condo if the over building ownership is not over 49% foreigners. Can't buy land, therefore not single family homes, unless you have a Thai partner. But you can enter into long leases, like 10 years of real property and have a renewal clause.

😬😬😬🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣I’m Thai and I agree with you completely🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹👍👍👍👍👍

@RetiredGlobalLife

Ай бұрын

Thanks. All my comments said with affection... but some truth, 555.

@Kaomai50

Ай бұрын

@@RetiredGlobalLife I can tell that you love our beloved country🥰🥰 I also think that a lot of things over here need to be improved for the sake of our own Thai citizen too not just for the tourists….especially sidewalks. We are seniors who lives in BKK, me with very bad eyesights, always So AFRAID to use sidewalk w/o clinking on to my dearest husband’s arm🥰🥰🥰🤣😂🤣😂😂. We both enjoy walking so much…but not in BKK by myself….just on the beach😬😬😬😬😬🙄🙄🙄🙄

April of 2024 my Thai wife and I are going to travel to Chiang Mai for the first time. But your sidewalk comment made me smile. When you bring paper money from the US if it has one speck of ink or has a very tiny tear they will not accept your bill. If they paid that much attention to their sidewalks, well lets just say they would be much better off than nit picking about very minor damage on paper money,,,,,,,,,,

@RetiredGlobalLife

2 ай бұрын

Haha, quite funny... and true!

Agree 100%, haha 😊

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. It was fun to make my list. Glad you enjoyed it. Take care and hope to hear from you again.

Every single one 100% 😅

@RetiredGlobalLife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, Glory! I'm glad you agree with me! Take care.