Hi Ally. That was a truly thought provoking video. I agree with your sentiments and observations about western foreign visitors and even longtime foreign expats who disparage and hold condescending attitudes towards thai people, culture and society. It is not uncommon, unfortunately. Even outside of Thailand, the ignorant ideas, opinions some people have towards Thai, and Asian people generally, is profoundly disrespectful, rude, and dehumanising. I once inadvertently overheard an American female co-worker of mine indirectly make an intentionally degrading comment about a complete stranger while referencing my wife, who is Thai. Some context: a male colleague, whom we both worked with, walked by our work area holding hands with his girlfriend, as we were working. His girlfriend is "Asian looking" in physical appearance. She mockingly commented to another co-worker, "I wonder if Rob got his girlfriend from the same mail order catalogue as Jamie?". A thoughtless, careless, hurtful, and entirely ignorant and demeaning thing to say, in my opinion. I think when people make meanspirited and gratuitously degrading comments such as this, that it's based in their own insecurities and self doubts. I see it as a sort of casual attempt to portray oneself as confident, worldly, wise and funny, while secretly suffering from an uncertain yet heavy sense and fear of not belonging. They seem to need to feel a sense of superiority over others and try to emit that into the world. People resort to this kind of behaviour, usually subconsciously, to cover for their inner confusion about their own place and value in the immensely complex world of human beings and interactions. Thanks for the thought provoking video.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching & sharing this very relevant story Jamie. The world has generally received bad press from poor attitudes of people who have taken what they wanted from Thailand, juiced it up a bit, spread a bit of machismo and perpetuated the spicy stories of bar life, in fact a purposely created environment for that clientele. It's a viscous circle but that people who have never been to or have rejected integration into Thailand believe they know it all hurts me and was mainly the reason I started vlogging, to show the real Thailand ❤ 🇹🇭

@Jamie-mt2vb

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. I'm grateful that you put the effort and time into making and sharing your enjoyable and educational Thailand content. It is respectful, curious minded, and useful. Your respect, admiration, and appreciation of Thai people and life is obvious. It is clear that you are not there to exploit and degrade the people and country, as so many foreign visitors do, but out of a genuine heartfelt love and desire to be a part of a society that values kindness, compassion and mutual respect.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

@@Jamie-mt2vb Thank you 🙏

@Jamie-mt2vb

2 жыл бұрын

@@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand 🙏

@yimyimms2847

Жыл бұрын

To be fair. Lots of prostitoots in Thailand 🇹🇭......lol.hahaha. You go to a bar you participating in Thai Sex industry whether you barfine or not.

This is the video that I can understand. I have been living in Isaan Thailand for 8 years I am from London England and at first it was hard still is difficult to change the way of thinking I think as farlangs we come here and become reserved and shy people and that seems to lower our confidence but one thing that helped me was learning thai and I decided then that I want to open up and I say this to all viewers that Thailand is the land of smiles so smile alot leave your old culture behind and try to learn about this country the culture is in the language. If you can learn the language it will change your life doors will open do not worry about speaking wrong just try. I like this channel it is helping and I wish it all the success.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Paul for sharing you experience here, I hope it offers someone else encouragement 🙏❤️🇹🇭🙏

Thank you Ally for this personal video - I am nearly 9 years now here in Chiang Mai and enjoy every day..... some little problems from age , but I know why I am here.... sadly I only speak a little bit thai, but with an open heart and a translating app on my phone I have no problems to communicate with people - and I love it. I am living alone with my cat Lilli, so of course I have a feeling of loneliness from time to time - but then I go on my scooter and drive into the mountains or go to warorot market, where always someone is to talk with. :-) - or I go with Stefan Kluth on a trip 555555

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Josefine 🙏 Than you for watching, thanks for sharing this & I do hope your knee is recovered since your fall 😊🥳

A thought provoking video Ally; my wife is a Lanna lady from CM and being an Aussie in his late 60s I guess at times I'm a "them" to her, her mother and sister 555 but no problem there. I'd like to thank you for plugging Menu For A Spiritual Revolution...I have it on my Kindle and so far enjoying it immensely. I could always do with more self improvement and wisdom.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there Brian & thank you kindly for watching & taking time to comment on this video. I am also enjoying the book and look forward to reading more. Stay happy 🥳

I appreciate your insight. I plan to retire in Chanthaburi with my Thai wife of 20 years. I hope to use my hobbies of cycling and playing music to help me integrate into Thai society. I have no clue as to how successful I will be but am looking forward to the challenge. My first choice retirement location was Chiang Mai as I love the mountains and somewhat cooler weather but the burning season and my desire to live a long and healthy life have forced me to opt for the better air quality in Chanthaburi. I really enjoy your videos and I hope to visit Chiang Mai often when I finally do retire. Thanks!

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing this, You have positive intentions & Chanthaburi awaits you ❤️🇹🇭

Isn't "farang" another form of saying "them"?

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Is that used in a disrespectful way ? Thanks for watching 🙏

@suzanne-cq8pn

Жыл бұрын

it is from the sanskirt word farangi. It basically refers to western europeans/white people. it is not really derrogatory unless they say something like, "he is my farang wallet" etc, in thai. At least I think

@Masssshysteria

6 ай бұрын

Brah it means foreign When you speak in a Thai accent the word “foreign” it sounds like “fahh-rrang” so it’s kind of derogatory but normal idk man Nuances nuances

@gameplayfirst6548

Ай бұрын

@@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand Is "them" used in a more disrespectful way by default? You are looking for excuses, if you want to tell us that "farang" is not a form of exclusion/delimitation.

Hi Ally, Very true what you say in your vlog, yes some farang very ignorant and misinformed on the Thai people and the culture. I always picked up a phrase book when I used to travel Europe, but now I am learning Thai, it’s the only way if you want to integrate with these wonderful people. You make a friend with a Thai it’s a friendship for life 🇹🇭🙏🙏🙏

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your informed & genuine comment 🙏 🇹🇭

many of us are losers in our home countries like me I'm korean. so that is the reason why I am living in Thailand🇹🇭and I love it!🇹🇭

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Yeah! We can be losers anywhere 🥳 So happy to hear, like me, you love Thailand ❤️🇹🇭

@suzanne-cq8pn

Жыл бұрын

Why would you call yourself a loser in Korea?

Very insightful video Ally. Thank you

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Roland 🙏❤️🇹🇭

Words of Wisdom . Thanks Ally

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Dennis 🙏

Yes, like an other user said coming late to this topic. 2nd time in Thailand and 8 months into a 15 month retirement visa. (I'm 65, divorced, no kids, long time New Yorker) It's been a rollercoaster experience, and one I still deal with. One week I think I have it licked, next week might have a huge dose of culture clash. I am slowly integrating into Thai culture; the people in the small town I live in know me now, friendly, some good progress, and the long term aim is to settle here. Yes, also so important to learn to speak the language; only know the numbers at the moment. Now, complete honestly time and : hard not to be judgmental, and not to use the phrase "loser foreigners" because just yesterday I found myself "subjected to" a clueless American, overbearing, insensitive to not only Thai culture, but in everything he said regarding every subject, this is in the presence of another Thai and foreigner. Him: early retirement as engineer in his thirties from US because of some legal settlement(???), now in his 50s, says his house is in the Philippines, but works as a nomad English teacher (China, Vietnam, now Thailand). Says he has Philippine girlfriend. Unbearable oaf, and of course his story doesn't add up. Odd bunch these foreigners I meet; seldom friendly, and this includes the Christmas eve services I attended. Thank God for the friendly Philippine nuns who asked me to join them for the meal afterwards, and festivities. Two of the "foreigners" wouldn't make eye contact with me, and this doesn't seem unusual. Sharing my experience; that's all. Thanks for the video.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and taking time to share your perspective here 🙏 It’s not as straightforward as many might think, people from all walks of life marooned in this new world we are trying to call home. Some folks just don’t acclimatize 🤦‍♂️❤️🇹🇭

It seems that your premise is "don't judge others" and yet all through this video you seem to feel it's ok to say that other are wrong, have been mistaken and are wasting their time with their actions and attitudes. Judge ye not, remember that one. The trouble with the "self help" industry is that various people feel that they are in a position somehow socially/spiritually elevated, and they can somehow give others answers in how to be happy. It's cultish and displays some of the worst aspects of the human condition in my opinion.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

3 ай бұрын

Great to hear your perspective ✅

Interesting article. Really fascinating. And love your take on it.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Beverly 🙏

Good morning sir. it was so lovely to see you today and thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. I am an African-American woman who will be retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand in April 2024. I honestly believe that when one human calls another human them, there has been a disconnect from others humanity for decades and decades and decades, whether a person has had great experiences with people from other countries or poor experiences, humanity still remains in my personal view. We’re all connected because we all come from the same place, the same spirit, the same God, the only difference is ethnicities and cultural. I believe we are truly one race and that is human. Millions and millions and billions of people don’t feel the same they isolate ,they separate, and call other human beings them.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

9 ай бұрын

Well said 🙏

Wonderful insights! Thank you!

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks For Watching Tom 🥳🙏❤️🇹🇭

Hey ! That’s my line! Life is not a rehearsal ! Lol …In my times in Tland have experienced a broad spectrum of farangs (falangs) from the best to the not so best..seems many just bring their old western mindsets with them..just try being adaptive and flexible mentally, anyway, that discourse could go on for some time..nice listening to your pov…kop 🙏🏻👍🏻🕊

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

You said it Norris, adaptive & flexible 🥳 Thanks for watching as always 🥳

Great outlook on life. Thailand is such a wonderful place and the Thais are lovely people.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

3 ай бұрын

So pleased to meet another who shares my point of view. People of this beautiful country need more respect and appreciation ❤️🇹🇭

Many wise words spoken ,thought provoking thank you

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching John 🥳

It always amazes me how foreigners in Thailand disparage the locals. It boggles the mind. Thailand is Thailand and we shouldn't expect it to be what we left behind. Because if it's no different than where we left then why did we come here in the first place? To find a fresh place to complain?

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 күн бұрын

It boggles my mind too, some folks are never happy 🤦‍♂️

Wow, you have one full set of hair, my friend. You remind me of my grandad, he kept his beautiful red mane until the very end.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Wonderwall, its in the genes 🥳

What a great video, ( pidgin English ) lol, just a quick point, you do have to be careful of almost beautifying Thai people, Thai people like farangs etc come in all shapes and sizes, good ones, bad ones, funny ones etc... When I worked for a few years teaching English in Thailand , you had farangs come over, usually woman who wanted to help the brown people... they were in rapture.. we are all the same .

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Oh shit, “almost beautifying…” Hell, no. I failed to express it clearly. Thailand has beautiful people, what many Thai people do is beautiful and I am totally in love with Thailand ❤️🇹🇭 Hope that clears up any vagueness 🥳

Well, I've come to this video a bit late, but it's a big topic!! Just a couple of personal notes: my single piece of advice to anybody who wants to migrate to another country is to learn the language, right from day one. Don't have to be goot at it, just to have the intention and try. Local people instantly warm to you for your efforts to get 'on the level' so to speak. Second thought is this: we are both individual and one. We are different and we are the same. Humans gravitate towards groups, being social animals. If you want to be in the group you have to play by the group's, often implicit, rules! In my early years in Thailand, in Bangkok and on Ko Samui (what a heaven that place was then!), I'd be chatting with lots of Thais wherever i went, half in English, half in Thai, and at some point they'd start laughing and say 'Same same but different'. For me this totally encapsulates the human experience. We are the same in some respects, and different in others. That allows nothing to be wrong...!!!

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching & making an excellent contribution 🙏

This issue with Farangs calling Thais "Them", I personally believe stems from their first few visits to Thailand and like most single foreigners who travel to the Kingdom start off their experiences in places like Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok and obviously in the bar scene. That's where `a conversation starts with the more "experienced foreigners who spend their entire life in the bar scene" usually starts with negative comments about Thais and the negative experiences they have had. Inevitably it rubs off on the newcomer and he begins to put up his guard and adopts the same negative attitude, an experience that I had 20 years ago on my first few visits until I moved to live in a village near Mukdahan and started to understand and take Thai people for what they are. Call it mentality or sheer ignorance, it is a fact and I have seen it happen to some of the nicest people when they first arrive and get their minds poisoned unfortunately by other "Billy No Mates Bar Flys" and end up passing the same experiences and attitude down to the next newcomer on their first visit to this great Kingdom.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Stevie & adding your insight to the conversation here 🥳 We need to break that circle ❤️🇹🇭

Thanks so much for this video - all your videos actually. I've been watching them off and on for a few years now and I appreciate your commentary on life in Chiang Mai & life in general. I plan to settle in Thailand within the next few years, I haven't been there for over 25 years but I have traveled through Thailand extensively since I was a young man (backpacking and so forth). I'll be visiting there this coming October through December, I plan to scout around the country, revisit some areas and new places as well - including Chiang Mai. I'm not sure if you realize how valuable these videos from you (and others in Thailand) have been to me throughout the covid lockdowns. Plus I'm a nature photographer so I really like how you put out fruit for the local avian life in your yard. I could sit in that kind of situation with my camera for hours and I have. Anyway, cheers!! Much appreciated. Nice to see there's a good bookstore in town too.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Eric for watching this & other videos but more importantly thank you for letting me know your experiences and aspirations 🥳 Good luck with your plans & I hope you can enjoy your time in Thailand soon 🙏❤️🇹🇭

Beauty! Thanks Ally!

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching & taking time to comment Cat 🙏🥳

Same goes for foreigners in Europe that don’t want to integrate.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 ай бұрын

Totally get that 🙏

I think it’s all about respect..remember: it is the Thai’s country and Thai culture.. Respect is paramount. 👍🇹🇭❤️

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely 👍 Thank you for watching and summing it up so perfectly 🥳🙏

@AdP2614

Жыл бұрын

I worked north of Chiang Mai for nearly 4 years.. learnt a lot of lessons ( some the hard way) about respect, saving face and just plain common sense. Hoping to be moving to Chiang Mai within the next 12-18 months with my Thai Lady. BEST decision I could make.. Thnx for the excellent videos 👍👍

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thank you🙏 Hope your plans come together soon 🥳

Thank you for our thoughts.

@carldseekingpeace

Жыл бұрын

*your (lol)

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏🥳❤️🇹🇭

Prefer the perspective of being a global citizen rather than being restricted to just being a resident in the country I'm living in at this moment in time. Also fine with waking up in the morning with zero planning and purpose … I don't find it is necessarily bad …. I love the word 'serendipity'.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Global Citizen, mmm also action takers & impact makers apparently 🥳 Interesting to know you watch my videos Chris 🙏 Stay happy 🥳

Unfortunately, Thailand being one of the top tourist destinations in the world is going to attract some unsavory types. ( I do not of course consider some ignorant but well-meaning backpackers to be the worst of the lot though). Another major issue is that Thai society has let vast sections of Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket ( to name a few) operate essentially as a “ no rules zone” where drugs, alcohol, and women can be had for bottom dollar. Check this problem and Thailand might inch closer to Singapore.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

You make valid points, I agree with you 👍

I meet farangs that hunger for a good chat with another westerner. Of course there are the louts we wish to avoid as well.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

I believe you 👍

Sometimes I feel ashamed to tell people I live or lived in Thailand because of the stigma

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly Kyle, strangely i edited out a rambling piece about just that, it’s such a shame and perpetuated by successive generations. Thanks for watching & letting me know Kyle 🥳

@a_spiritual_revolution

2 жыл бұрын

Kyle, not so much now, but back in the 90s on my trips back home to England (I was living and teaching in Bangkok) I loved telling people I was living in Thailand, and that I was an English teacher!! I loved seeing the instant judgement on so many people's faces, and then the comments! Not all people, some, but nevertheless, my point is that forget the stigma, and revel in your choice of where you are living!!

@adhemartucker8171

Жыл бұрын

A westernized thai is a thing to avoid

@rayjay1585

Жыл бұрын

Stigma ? You mean the stigma that the West thinks all people who come to Thailand are sex tourists, I am very open and honest about my life in Thailand and if people want to try and make it something that it's not then that's their problem and not mine, I avoid sex tourists in any case as I move to Thailand to get away from everything that is from the Western world

@yimyimms2847

Жыл бұрын

@Good Life in Chiang Mai Thailand its perpetuated because a lot of it is True.

Are you still with your wife? Haven't finished the video yet.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Best you look at a few more videos to find your answers 🙏🥳

Thank you so much for sharing this personal experience. I am only here for 18 Month now, but I totally understand what you mean and agree.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching Stefan. I believe you opened your mind, a long time ago, you left the west behind you & are now free to enjoy your life ❤

Love Thailand and thais have lived with thais in my home country new Zealand and Thailand and have traveled with them overseas farang is a word used by them which is fine unlike if Filipino men use which they do often Gringo its very disrespectful

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Joel & also taking time to leave a comment 🙏❤️🇹🇭

You talk about foreigners learning Thai and learning the culture. So you've been in Thailand about 20 years. So the big question is do you speak Thai??? Or is everything you know just second hand information told to you by your wife?

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for stopping by Glen, I hope by now you have had time to watch other videos on this channel to further understand my outlook on life. Yes I speak Thai and information comes to those who look for it & there are many channels here to gather from. If you are interested in Thai culture as I am, perhaps let me know here, I would be greatly interested in your perspective. I note you have no content on your channel, that's a great shame 🤦‍♂️

@glenloader639

10 ай бұрын

@@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand so when your wife talks to you what is the percent in Thai or English. I hear my farangs say they speak Thai but every Thai they know only speaks to them in English. 90% can't have a real conversation in Thai!

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

10 ай бұрын

@@glenloader639 pop over for dinner, you could probably learn a little about etiquette. However, as you are likely to never grace our table, let me pass on a lesson to you here. Get yourself a life, look at the positive and enjoy that life to the fullest. Thats what we do ✅ Take care Glen 🙏

ty

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Yw 🙏

Do immigrants to the UK respect British culture? Not always

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

9 ай бұрын

Very good point ✅

Very well said,,couldn't agree more ,,,

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching & the feedback Billy 🙏 Appreciate it 🥳

This guy is the new David Attenborough of thailand 🇹🇭

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

🥳🤦‍♂️555! Good one 🙏

I can tell you're educated.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏 Poorly educated actually 🤦‍♂️🥳

Facebook started February 4, 2004.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏 you are correct ✅ But FB was not made public until Sep 2006 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Facebook

@212Roger

Жыл бұрын

@@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand Good point; I stand corrected.🙏🏼

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

🥳 Good to see your name here Roger ✌️

While I agree with the opposition you have towards people who separate themselves from the culture they choose to live, I will offer this caveat. Study some cold reading methods... You will find when you learn how to become a fake fortune teller that the biggest error people have is how much they believe they are individuals. Turns out we are not, almost everyone follows trends in thinking, wants, desires and goals which are related mostly to age. Just asking a few questions can quickly elicit at what stage someone is at, that then the usual cold reading statements will describe with a remarkable degree of accuracy the person. This method is also used to develop trust and rapport by cult leaders, online romantic scams and conartists. When we believe we are more individual than we really are, it opens us up to being taken advantage of because we think the other person really "knows us" So there are indeed "they's", and the uses of having this heretic rule of thumb to make quick judgements we call intuitions. I think you are correct in that many farangs lack of knowledge and understanding of Thai culture means their assessment of Thai 'THEY' is wrong and annoying to someone with greater understanding. But don't let the use of stereotypes annoy you so much, they are useful things to have. Allow the stereotype formed from a lack of knowledge to bother you, then you don't throw out the baby with the bath water :)

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all that, good to know you watched the video 🥳

Is that a wig?

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

🥳 good one 👍 555!

@johnerdelyi4208

7 ай бұрын

No he just needs a new barber 💈 😂 !

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

7 ай бұрын

@@johnerdelyi4208And you need to step out of the shadows & get some content on your channel 🥳

Sorry, but you are already seperating yourself from the rest of mankind by using the words "Thai" and "they". And vice versa the word "Farang". Think about that!

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me know that you watched, I appreciate people’s feedback 🙏

Typical uk lad living it up in thailand!

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🥳

Looks and sounds like this guy on this channel has spent quite awhile in Boyztown in Pattaya 😁

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching & making a valuable contribution, you have extremely insightful & appreciated opinions 🥳🙏❤️🇹🇭

@1baoluo1

Жыл бұрын

Your name is crusty undies and you are writing about pattaya. I think you are lost and posting in the wrong location.

It's weird how farangs measure each other up. It's to the point in many cases a a farang resents a farang and queer not assimilate into a country they chosen, and presume love.

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Correct ✅

Very ,very good! I'll give you my thoughts in a private message on Face book🙂

@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Rod, happy to hear from another subscriber that recognises the underlying issues of this subject 🙏 ❤️ 🇹🇭