As promised, learn more about the RW4U Members Program here: retiredworkingforyou.com/memberships/

I am Canadian too and I live in a small Thai village since 2017, no farang friends and feel pretty good about it. Some people just feel happy being alone with a nice Thai wife. Your mind is free for reflexion. Greetings some farangs and having a short talk with them on a weekend shopping is enough for me.

@mixalis6168

6 ай бұрын

Do the actually talk, i have said hello to few. and rarely do they say hello back where i am..

@armunro

6 ай бұрын

I am like this too but for 30 years on and off. Alot of foreigners have their issues and dramas in Thailand; I can do without all that. Let them get on with discovering the culture themselves, making their mistakes and generally finding their way. Happy with my simple village life, and can always go on holiday or a road trip when I get bored.

@adogg1206

6 ай бұрын

​@@mixalis6168since 2 weeks in Thailand, everyone said hello back, after I said suvadikap with a smile on my face

Another great way to meet people in Thailand is to take a Thai language class. This worked great for me. I met some awesome fellow expats who became great friends, as well as local Thais who were the school staff. As well, I learned about Thai culture, and earned some Thai language. Thai language school from a reputable school comes with the added benefit of allowing one to obtain a 1 year student visa, which the school I attended handled 95% of the student visa paperwork. And the classes were only a few hours a week, which still allowed me ample time to explore.

I think that Mark's question is one of the best that I have heard, and your response is also exceptional. The way I met my first few friends in Thailand was by enrolling in a six-week Thai language program. Yes, it cost a few dollars but was advantageous to learn some basic Thai and meet a few expats who became great friends. 👍👍👍

"if you're lonely then you're in bad company when you're alone" - if loneliness is a problem then I'd suggest meditating on why being alone is a problem. That problem almost always distils down into the person being stuck in tomorrow(anxiety) or yesterday(depression). In a balanced person being alone is kinda a treat where they can just be.

@kippsguitar6539

6 ай бұрын

You sound like one of the ko tao hippies, what a load of claptrap , humans are social animals and being alone causes loneliness

@Boddav

20 күн бұрын

My theory: The basis of lonliness is guilt.

To all foreigners wanting to live in Thailand for a long or short period of time, you need to know this: You are a foreigner, plain and simple; and while living amongst the Thai locals, it is imperative that you possess these qualities if you want to be happy and not be lonely while living in Thailand: 1. Possess a genuine, caring and pleasant personality; people will know if you’re real. 2. Do not look down at the locals, as if you are superior to them. 3. Always respect their culture and other “idiosyncrasies”. 4. Have enough finances to support yourself because free loaders are not welcome there; they have enough problems with the less fortunate.

@1greenMitsi

6 ай бұрын

where can I buy a pleasant personality

@sailirish7

6 ай бұрын

@@1greenMitsi Ya ever heard that phrase " There are some things money cannot buy..." ? Yeah, somethings even Mastercard won't cover...

@jparsit

6 ай бұрын

Well said, you know the true. Most foreigners here are bad financially that does not mean they are bad. Arrogant attitute will bring troubles that already have within. Majority will become sex, drugs, and alcohol victims. Thailand have enough of shitty locals. No need import more shit here.

@1greenMitsi

6 ай бұрын

@@sailirish7 like you and a sense of humor?

@cruisingthethaiway6881

6 ай бұрын

#2 and 3 is total BS unless you too are dumb as a rock. Seriously, don't trust anyone. Be completely self-sufficient

I am 71 years old and love my space, privacy ect, and love my self enough to never feel lonely or feel the need to be with people, my best friends and my family are animals, uncondional 💕💕💕💕💕

@MrMyfrienddon

27 күн бұрын

I'm 66 and single. I wish I could be like you. I feel lonely a lot. I need to at least be out and about around people even if I don't talk to them. If I'm home alone I'm lonely and depressed. I need to learn how to be like you.

I am happy living with my younger pretty Thai gf! I joined Pattaya City Expats groups-lectures weekly-jazz pit Pattaya -jazz fans-work out daily

Nothing wrong with being alone. Society pressures you to think it's bad. Just keep your head up and be unapologeticly you.

@zam2050

5 ай бұрын

its more a matter of loneliness causing mental illness

@dennythedavinchi3832

5 ай бұрын

For my case, people think I am a funny guy for some reason. I actually make little effort to makes entertainment on conversation but later more talk with the people, I just don't get any entertainment or chill with the guys I met. Felt some what mediocre and not interesting at the end.

@Regi869

5 ай бұрын

I genuinely prefer my own company, but like to be around a crowd occasionally. No need to talk to anybody, but just hang around. Peace ✌

@jarosaw3114

4 ай бұрын

Yee Exactly, there is nothing wrong with being alone in an empty Western world, but Thailand is different ☝️ not ,, empty "

@giannilyanicks1718

4 ай бұрын

society is right being alone for too long is not good

Im coming to Thailand for the first time on January 2nd. Im staying for 2 and a half months. Ive been dreaming of this for 3 years. Im staying in Chang Mai, Hua Huin, and Jomtien. And ill probably stay in Bangkok before i fly out. Im so excited. Im preparing for it everyday ❤

“Stop thinking about it and just do it. Get your ass over here, would ya”. Sold. I retire Christmas eve. I’ll be there full-time in January! Great video Chris!

I did two things when I arrived in Thailand… But I set it up beforehand. I started attending a great church. As a Christian, I found many things in common with those who were shipped at the same place that I did. Many who shared a heart of compassion and a global sense of community. Another thing that I did was I took a university course in the north of Thailand. Through both of these, I developed a network of friends that I had great meals with, study together, learned together and I'm still in contact with today. This may not be the path for everybody, but it was a good one for me. Happy travels

I just moved to Bangkok a little over a week ago. I don’t use social media anymore, which automatically increases the difficulty in connecting with people. I don’t drink alcohol anymore, another hurdle. More than anything I just want to find some open room karaoke place, not a room rental but American style where you sign up and sing to a room full of other people. 😂 Typically easiest way for me to make friends in the past few years is to sing at my local karaoke night.

If you’re into fitness I suggest Muay Thai classes, I joined for 2 months and I made a lot of friends there that invited me to places. My trainer showed me around bkk where locals hang out at, majority of the time I was the only foreigner there and they welcomed me with open arms. till this day I still keep in contact and when I go back I’m not going to feel alone

@scotniver7180

6 ай бұрын

Excellent suggestion. I started training 2006. I made lots of great people. I have 2 gyms Pattaya. One Bangkok. All very cool people.

My husband & I are retiring to Hua Hin in early 2025. We've just returned to Australia after 3 months in Hua Hin. We joined to gym as soon as we arrived. Lots of expats there who invited us into their social circle. From there we invited to dinners, coffees and day trips.

It's not difficult to make friends with the local Thais, it'd help a lot of you manage to speak basic Thai enough to get by. If they realise that you are here for a good reason, they usually would go out of their ways to help you. Or you could offer to teach languages or anything useful for free to the local community you are in, that would be the quickest way to make friends and earn acceptance & respect. Thais generally have high esteem for teachers.

@sweetjane6506

5 ай бұрын

Just be careful about the work permit situation.

"But get your ass over here will ya" LOLOL! This dude is the freaking best!!

I love being alone. Not one of those people who need to socialise to feel ok about myself.

@tamsinthai

Ай бұрын

I Like to live alone, spouse (Thai) died 12 years ago and not about to replace him. But lived alone in the UK too. Problem here is I can't do what I did to socialise in England. I'd go out to pubs and whoever was there was there and I'd leave when I got bored (not often). There's none of that on Phuket. Just a bunch of titty bars ugh. And no, after 2 decades I can't just pull up sticks.

Hi i have finally made the decision to move to thailand 71 years old pensioner and very little money but my happiness and welbeing is more important at this stage, so will be leaving south africa ect, to spend what time i have left just being happy at peace ect., for as long as i am able to stay, please do the same, dont hesitate just do, please keep safe❤❤❤❤❤

In July I was in BKK, went to Det 5 for supper and there was a bunch of members there, say my shirt and instantly I was part of their wolf pack. It was an amazing evening of chang beer, conversation and a live music bar afterwards. It really was like family......Kevin F.. I loved it!!

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

awesome man.....just awesome!

Oh my. My question. Thanks for taking it. Brewing? Fencing? Rollerblading, latin dancing, philanthropy? Love it! Excellent conversation.

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

thanks for the great question Mark!

I go to the gym around 4 to 5 times a week, most of my friends are filipino. I am close friends with the trainers and some of the members at the gym. they tell me everything i need to go to buy some things. They live healthy lifestyle, so less drinking and acting stupid.

Dude you're fantastic. You're content is very helpful and well-done. You're a primary source prepping me for when to expect when I get to Chiang Mai. I appreciate you!

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

this is so much appreciated!!

It's easy to make friends in Thailand! Foreign or local. Just go out and enjoy life and see what your vibe attracts.

I'm almost there Chris. Thanks for the inspiration August here I come. Petey

Great and useful information! And best Canadian accent ever. Beauty! Thanks for posting 🇹🇭

As a *huge* Computer Gamer.... ALL I need is a laptop and/or desktop computer and I can muse myself *forever.* When I retire in Thailand, I may try and start up a board game hobby group.

Love this vid, you’re a breath of fresh air, even though you’re a Canuck, lol. I’m an aged female retiree, who has just about had enough of the rubbish going on in this world. I can’t wait to sell everything I own and come to Thailand and be part of the expat community. My plan is to look at who I Hua Hin First and maybe Jomtien. I feel Bangkok will be far too large and fast and noisy for me. I want somewhere a little more easy-going and quiet. It’s a good suggestion, trying the Facebook pages and I think that’s what I’ll do. Thanks again

@sweetjane6506

5 ай бұрын

"Even though you're a Canuck"? I wouldn't lead with that if you want to make friends.

@lynnbrooks2430

5 ай бұрын

@@sweetjane6506 You must be Canadian sweet Jane if you feel that way. Being an English person in Australia, I get constantly called a Pom and I don’t worry about it it’s it’s just what people do it’s all tongue and cheek and they shouldn’t get upset.

@tamsinthai

Ай бұрын

@@lynnbrooks2430 Yes. And here we all get called 'farang'. I used to care but then I thought 'what for? the Thais don't know the difference between white nationalities, I also use farang as it's so much easier.

Best decision ever love it and please be safe, much love and compassion

Motorsport is big in Thailand and its a Great community and its a Nice place to get local friends. I have many local friends in Thailand, cambodia, Laos and myenmar.

Thank you for having meaningful videos that give genuine and useful information without being robotic or cut and paste. It's helped me make better decisions for my long stay here.

Great advice, thanks.

Great vid brother. ❤

Great subject Chris, thanks 👍

Love it. 🙏

Have you given any thought of offering a service, whereby you could charge a fee to spend 4 to 8 hours showing the ropes the ropes around Bangkok Thailand? I reaaly enjoyed your video showing your commute home after a video you planned cancelled.

Good to know mate 👍👍👍

Good ideas!!!

Great video as always some great ideas

If you are seriously considering coming to live in Thailand. You should learn Thai language. Just like this, you will easily have millions of Thai friends.

Good Video idea.

You can live happily in Thailand. It's like the Thai people's habit of creating happiness on every occasion. Great. May you be very happy every day.

Ahhh a fellow Junglist Soldier. I salute you Sir. Also, I just wanna say thank you for your videos and app. I've been watching your vids for about a year and your content really helped me with my travelI'm

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

get those lighters up!

@michaelkeene3686

6 ай бұрын

Junglist here as well! Chris you remember Milanos basement on Sunday nights when the headliners from the Saturday show would show up unannounced?

Enjoy your videos 📷

Good presentation Crish.

Great video - lots of terrific suggestions. I enjoyed watching this.

Great content! I’ll be in Thailand mid May until mid June, can’t wait.

Thanks for nice info, I'm a Swede, i will go to Thailand middle of December,i hope to meet some good friends 😀

Great initiativ 🏆

Great VDO Chris. I am Thai living in US finding Thai friends in Thailand is easy for me but I want to explore my friendship to Expat in Thailand. It will so much fun to experience new friendship. Thank you once again for this post.

I love loneliness but sometimes I feel lonely. When I traveled to Thailand I don’t any friend there. I hope I could meet friends there next time when I move there .

What a fantastic question. Thanks for the video

Older you get the less you need. My children are my friends.

You’re a good man Chris!

I was at the airport in bangkok going back to USA, and was talking with Philly guy that said his sons were starting the first ice hockey organization in Chiang Mai

I wondered this too. Good question

Thank you so much for your hard work!

Great video Chris👌👍

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

Thanks 👍

Love all the information you provide, I am looking for something that has fewer people and more kick back.

Appreciate this vid, Chris. A big help. I'm gonna reach out to one or a few of these groups for sure. Thanks!

Advice for younger farangs.. become Thai. Came here when I turned 20 for Muay Thai, only had about 2000 dollars then the unthinkable happened and I fell in love with the country, culture and people. After blowing all the cash, went back to LA, worked and saved as much as I could for a few years then got on a plane and been here since. I was super frugal and rented an apt in a "Kayha" (National Housing Authority) in BKK for 2500/mo, so all my neighbors were working class Thais. I eventually started hanging with group of Thai dudes and that was how i learned the language. Obviously that involved lots of drinking, singing and being a public nuisance which thank god I eventually grew out of. I then moved south to a small island. Also, that money wasn't going to last so I spent two years learning 3D modeling and eventually got a freelance job as 3D artist. I still rent a cheap apt because I like this life and enjoy living among them though without the drinking. Life's good here. Been living on Koh Lanta for 4+ years now and loving it.

Moving to Thailand. Be there Monday

A few weeks ago, Scott and I were discussing how to meet people once we're in Thailand, then your video came up. Amazing! Volunteering is definitely something we want to do, but the Facebook groups is something we didn't think of. We'll join your membership, hopefully make some connections and next fall, visit for 2-3 months to start planning long term... and so it begins :) Thank you for all the informative videos... and the push to get going. We love Toronto, but damn, it gets too cold for too long!

Great question from Mark! And excellently answered by Chris. Some really good nuggets of information in this video 👍

Thanks man. Your awesome!

@RW4U

5 ай бұрын

Glad to help!

Great to see you back on Parker, xoxo J-Bird

Thanks for this vid Chris. It caught my attention as making some friends is my goal for this year’s visit. I have recently retired and can now spend much more time here.

I love the DnB and Andy C drop! Good call!

More useful informative content great 👍

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

More to come!

This has been one of my reasons for staying on the fence regarding moving over. Thanks for these positive tips to help getting active.

Hey Chris you offered some great solutions to a question that everyone can probably relate to. I came to Thailand for the Morrissey Concert and now I hear it's Cancelled. Bummer. I never knew you were a Morrissey Fan. That's awesome. I've seen him twice as well as Jonny Marr. I hope to run into you in BKK at one of the meetups Chris!!! Thx again for great Vid on a great topic!!!

Great video Chris I’m moving to Thailand full time next year. The wife is Thai so I’m in Thailand twice a year. I will look at social media to make new friends, keep up the good work robin Nonbualamphu

Thumbs up 👍 Chris

This new channel is really good.

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

thanks a lot!

Thanks!

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

wow, that's very nice of you!

I wish I could spend a month over there but 2 weeks is all I can. In February I'll be in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Prachuap Kiri Khan, Chang Mi, then Pattaya. I'm thinking Hua Hin. Relaxing by the sea. Close enough to Bangkok but far enough away. I'm not interested in the islands with a dog and I'm not interested in Phuket. A little two-bedroom house a couple blocks from the beach would be perfect. A lot of the way I have been making my decisions have been based on KZread videos specifically side trip life, yours, and a few others.

Excellent content. A great answer to a great question. I just spent 3 weeks on a scouting trip in Hua Hin. I'll be returning to the U.S. tomorrow. I met a few people at the swimming pool at my hotel and had some great conversations with them.

Oh dear your all alone...get a grip!....its a big world enjoy it while you are here❤

Good advice Chris and good video my take on the friendship abroad thing is it all depends on age group the younger the better and easier to intergrate

First, the biggest challenge to meeting new friends is language! Sign up for a good Thai Language School and you will find like-minded foreigners. I frequent several popular Farang restaurants (in the city) and almost always meet friendly people visiting or living in Thailand. I avoid the bars as the patrons are focused on alcohol and their next ex-GF.

A brazillian jui jitsui class works really well for meeting people if youre just here for a few months. The other peo Le in the gym are also nere for just a few months and many are wanting to make friwnds too

hi Chris! i just got in bkk and also going to the Morrissey concert. i hope to meet you there! keep it up man!

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

i believe that the Morrisey concert is now cancelled. bummer.

@phyrokhar

6 ай бұрын

@@RW4U noooooooooooo. thank you for the news 🥲

Im showing up December 10th and I love Drum and Bass. Your channel is awesome. Im coming. I want to get with you about setting up camp. Would love to meet you in person.

Hey Chris , i just got back to Quebec Canada from Thailand yesterday for the first time . After your recent video about your health check up , i decided to make Thailand my new adopted country . I got some dentistry work done in Bangkok and was very impressed by the professionalism and meticulous attention of everyone who was involved with my procedure . i decided to retire in Thailand , I will probably choose Hua Hin as a base to visit every corner of Thailand and neighboring countries. I spent 3 days in Hua Hin out of 20 and loved it . I even met a beautiful Thai woman with whom i have been chatting for the past 8 months and helping her with the cost of English classes tuitions. I will certainly meet with you and your many friends this winter which I plan to spend in Thailand , hopefully with my newly met beautiful Thai woman. Mario

@edelling

6 ай бұрын

Lol shure she is going to class

I am really enjoying your content and the guy riding the scooter to all the provinces. Sorry, you know who, cancelled his show. he does that.. I look forward to meeting you one day.

Definately agree🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏what you see is what you get this is from lorraine 71 years old from southafrica

Thanks for the advice Chris. I hope to be able to put these into action soon 😁 And I can say tip #4 is great from personal experience. I used it myself to meet some folks when I was in Bangkok 2 weeks ago 🙏

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

Boom!

@tamsinthai

Ай бұрын

Bangkok has the best expats (real mix) but surliest Thais where Phuket is the other way around.

Great video Chris! I bumped into you on Sukhumvit about two weeks ago. I think this video is very important because I'm adjusting to being retired and after no longer "having to work" (which is a good thing). Also my kids are now independent and I don't need to be home for them. Now it's just me after having responsibilities and family all my life and I lost a bit of a sense of purpose and accomplishment that I think is critical to mental and spiritual health. Back in Canada; I try to fill that in with going to the gym and calling friends and taking on little projects. I've been surprised to see that it's easier meeting people in Thailand but, much of it is surrounded by going for drinks etc. I do enjoy having beers but, I don't want to have the bar become a center of my lifestyle. I liked your suggestions about all of the different groups because I've had a lot of training and experiences in my job and I feel like I can still contribute. The only question I have is about volunteering. I've heard that I'm not allowed to do that with a basic visa? Is there a way to get around it?

@sweetjane6506

5 ай бұрын

Volunteering can be tricky. Probably best to do it with an established group.

Didnt know you are a junglist, big ups. Looking forward to explore thailands dnb scene

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

reprazent!

I know your not a lover of Pattaya but these Facebook group are really good too for there

not been to Thailand yet but have spent time in many other se asian countries and have found its so much easier to make friends with other expats out there than it is with sometimes our own people back home... maybe coz we all in the same boat or we just away from that western bs... thanks for the tips Chris...

@dennythedavinchi3832

5 ай бұрын

I realized that living in a hostel can easily talk to people in the same dormitory or kitchen(with tight space, more engagement with people). I met my girlfriend in a hostel too.

Great video! We'll be heading to the Morrissey concert as well, landing in BKK on the 14th Hope to see an "Awkward" shirt in the crowd haha!

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

well i got some bad news for you. the morrisey concert has been cancelled. at least that's what i heard.

@joepercoco7961

6 ай бұрын

noooooo! haha That would be a huge bummer. Heaven knows im miserable now@@RW4U

Chris, thanks so much for this new channel. This is exactly what I need. I've been approved for the 30 years visa and I'll be moving to Thailand soon. I'm an OG of your primary channel, but I never comment. This channel I'll be commenting on a lot. Thanks for this info!

@RW4U

6 ай бұрын

awesome to hear it man, i hope the comments section becomes a place for people like you who are heading to Thailand and want to share information within this community.

@michaeldileo8815

6 ай бұрын

@@RW4U It definitely will be a place for me. I'll be a household name here, lol! I also am very interested in the membership plan. That sounds like something I can benefit from.

@EuroVrod

6 ай бұрын

Just curious, what's a 30 year visa? Never heard of it. Thanks.

@michaeldileo8815

6 ай бұрын

@@EuroVrod Sorry, I screwed that up. I have a 20 year elite visa and it was 30K (usd) to purchase. But anyway, the elite visa gives you much more flexibility than other visas available. Unfortunately, the price went up 5x higher since September, so it's no longer a viable option unless you're made of money.

Great video. Sub’d

I’ve been researching Thailand for over a year but have yet to visit..I’m a subscriber to Retired Working For You and bunch of others from Chang Mai to Phucket ..Is starting in Bangkok the easiest transition from the east coast of the states ..Then sample the other areas to find your personal favorites to settle..???

Thanks for the awesome info. 😎 I feel that this video will help so many people out there, me included. Since I don’t drink alcohol it would mean some long and stressful days. That’s the main reason I am just ship heading there. I do have a question for you. Maybe you have already done a video on this. When I get next in the spring I don’t want to be tied up doing paperwork so that I can stay longer and everything else that I will need to take care of. Could you recommend an agent that handles different services? This would appreciated so much. Keep up the great times and I hope to run across you in the near future. 🌴🐚 LBL 🌴🐚

If you want to make good Thai friends in Bangkok from the middle class who mostly have a decent education and flexible jobs then I recommend joining one of the biggest Gym franchises and doing the group fitness classes. I made many new friends at Fitness First who like to talk me to help practise their english. The gyms have a cafe lounge where some of the regulars work remotely some of the day so good opportunity to see the same people regularly.

Some great ideas Chris. When I first moved to Thailand, if I saw a white person speaking English I gravitated toward them. My first mistake, just because they are white does not mean you are going to like them. I Learn some Thai and start meeting locals. I have some great Thai friends.

I spend most of my time in the Philippines,preferring to come to thai 2 months at a time.But,I 'm always alone as pattaya expats tend to have a chip on their shoulders even when it comes to regular long stayers.In udon thani this week,I found expats and the few western visitors hospitable.

where do you go to renew your visa avery 90 days? do you actually have to leave the country, like I did when I lived in Korea?