All about Thailand, especially Chiang Mai. Hi, I'm Randy - and I'm often joined by my girlfriend, Joy (a Chiang Mai local) - and we love to share information about Chiang Mai, and Thailand in general. I divide my time between San Diego, California and Chiang Mai.
I'm a retired attorney. Well. . . that's not quite accurate. I'm actually semi-retired - but hey, "Semi-Retired Global Life" is not as good a channel name as "Retired Global Life,. Right? I'm lucky to be a bit of a digital nomad as I can work from Thailand as well as California. So in my mind, I'm retired. (BTW, I'm a "nice" attorney. For 36 years I've limited my practice to adoption, so I'm proud of the work I do: trying to be a positive force in the world and not negative.)
We want to be your #1 source of information about Chiang Mai. That means restaurants, coffee shops & special places you might not know, as well as how to have a great life here, whether you are moving here, retiring, or just coming for a trip.
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Good morning, next year I will leave my job, 4 years before retirement age. I am a 60 year old Italian. I had already made my decision but I was very inspired by your videos. For this I thank you very much. I will have a limited budget so I will have to be careful with expenses. I have already traveled throughout Southeast Asia, so I know what to expect. The idea is to travel between Vietnam / Cambodia / Laos / Thailand / Malaysia / Indonesia / India and Sri Lanka, following the rhythms of the duration of the visas. A very important thing, which I still have not understood well, and that I would like to ask you concerns international medical insurance that is valid in the countries indicated above. The coverages that I need are hospitalization in case of accidents or illnesses. Without any advance payment on my part. The question I ask you is: which insurance company do you recommend?? Also, is it better to do it once you arrive in Asia by looking for a broker or an agency that inspires trust? Or is it better to do it before departure, or maybe online? Waiting for your answer, I thank you and wish you a good journey. Antonino
Great report Randy, Do you have any information on a Thailand Visa Agency that you, or others can recommend to me? Thanks
Im planning to go from September 15-21 to Chiang Mai... mainly looking for massages, good food, and relax (I went 2 years ago and did all the temples). Im ok with cloudy days and a bit of rain but if it's likely ro rain all day every day it seems I should reschedule. Any advice??
Very good point about health insurance. I've heard about many cases where people have struggled to get insurance companies to pay out and then dumping them. Plus, some companies only pay out after the surgery. Add to this premium increases with age. Conclusion I decided to self insure.
Hi guys, great video. I am thinking of "retiring" to Chiang Mai but not to really retire. I want to actually write every day. I have many things to write, stories, a film, some songs, etc. I want to live somewhere in Chiang Mai that is close to nature but on the fringe of the city. I like to walk in nature every sunrise and every sunset to balance my life because then I write all day. If you could please tell me what parts of the fringe of the city are best for renting somewhere that I can write in private, but be very close to nature (big parks, a riverside walk or similar.) Thanks, I will watch all your other videos now. Thanks
Wow.. I've got to do some research on this. As Americans, we're really getting hosed after paying so much $$ into Medicare. Thanks
Nice balanced and logical presentation of the real deal. Thx! Non sequitur: A pet peeve of mine is something that prolifteraed via KZread is the danged "what I mean by that is..." and suddenly the whole world is saying it. It's so predictable and faddish. I just wish we could reset and go back to using creative and varied language. How about we return to things we used to say, "that is to say" or "put another way" or "to clarify" and on and on!
Hey, nice comment. Thanks. I appreciate it.
What is your end of life strategy. Cremated in Thailand or have remains shipped back to the US?
Morning Randy and Joy, thank you for the thoughtfulness you put into your videos. Randy could you share the name or a link please for the Chiang Mai Visa agency (your daughter's I think?) that you mentioned some time ago. Thank you and regards
Thank you, and it is hhpremium.com
Hi Randy and Joy. Lots of wonderful intelligent advice in your videos. I found a partner in Chiang mai on a dating sight and she has made my visits there a great experience, also I plan to learn Thai in the future as I feel that learning the language would be of benefit . Another important suggestion learn the basics of Theravada Buddhism which will help understanding the culture. Now if I could only survive the smokey
Congratulations! And best advice in smokey season... visit someplace else for a while...
Great Vlog very open and informative. You covered off well about the differences. The only thing I would add is the elephant in the room, where western men look for the freelance lady or holiday romance in questionable locations, and fall more deeply for this person than they thought. Then get hurt and develop the negative stereotypes of Thai women, tarnishing all with the same brush, instead of looking at how their relationship started, and learning...
Yes, good point, that happens to many guys. They just don't see it coming.
Kap ko kaap Randy on a reality check video that's done and thought through so well. I come to Thailand with respect for the kindness, easy and non stressed communication, quality of life, reasonable cost of living and peace of mind. Desire clouds all the above if not tamed making one prey to its impulsive behaviour and if not controlled, it can lead one to hit rock bottom. Then the easy way out is blaming it all on Thailand. Thailand is more like electricity, one can use it to light up and brighten his life or miss use it and get seriously if not deadly shocked. The choice is totally up to us.
Really excellent and intelligent comment. Big thanks.
I am a 73 year old widower. who was married to a Chinese Malaysian for 51 years until her death earlier this year. I am going to move to Thailand, starting in Bangkok. I am a Christian and will only date or marry Christians. I put my profile on ThaiCupid and my profile had only a Christian--Protestant. But most ladies ignored my Christian requirement. A lady who said she was a Christian contacted me but she wanted money right away and without meeting me , she wanted to marry me. So I am thinking , a Church of my faith may be the best place to meet a Christian woman.
Thank you...
Thank you, Madeline.
Great video. I spent a month i Thailand and tried different avenues. Worst mistake was taking a girl who spoke no English. It was not fun.
Thanks for watching and the feedback.
You two do some of the best informative videos out there. Not only relative to Thailand, but for Asia or anywhere different than where someone is from. Thanks, and much Aloha from Maui 🤙😎.
Very kind of you Maui.
Did you take notice of the carvings on the floor of the silver temple ? I regret not asking the monk what the aliens theme was all about, as well as the Different animals, did you, or do you know the story? Btw, when will you be returning from the US , in case I have the opportunity to buy you lunch?😎
It is quite interesting, yes. I did not notice the detail but when I got home and did some research I saw photos of one person with an electric guitar, others of aliens... all quite odd and not the usual Buddha worship.
@@RetiredGlobalLife yeah, the aliens in the flying saucers waving out the window and with the big antenna (ears) was kinda strange. And they were flying over different countries too. 😲🤔😮 Can't wait to go back and ask, hopefully in Sept/Oct, which should be interesting in itself. Plus the prehistoric animals. Reminded me of the show, My favorite Martian from years ago.
Hope you realise what a lucky man you are. Stay safe and stay happy. And stay loving each other for ever.
Thank you, Ron, that's the plan and hope!
Everything you said in this video is so true. My advice to people who are going to Thailand to meet any woman is... Don't think so much about getting the *right* woman,instead enjoy the the Thai atmosphere and the religion and the beautiful country. Try to be polite and show respect to elder and monks. The *right* women you will meet when you are relaxed and there are so many that want to be with you not only for the money, but also for learning English and foreign culture.
Hey, great comment. Yes, I agree 100%.
Thank you for this video. I am retiring in December and plan on going to Thailand soon after. Thank you for the information on Thai Friend and Line. It took me some digging around and trial and error to get the apps functioning correctly for me. Now on Thai friend I have banners going by a mile a minute ranging in the ages from 18😳 to 55. I will probably have to watch this video to remember some of the information on it. Look forward to the outcome.. thank y’all
Glad it was helpful. (:
Soo nice, Joy comes from a family of Beautiful women! David 🇨🇦
Very nice of you! Joy will pass that along. (:
Boy, I worried about your safety when you told the massage story. This not something you talk about in front of a woman, much less a Thai woman. In cases like that I invoke the fifth no matter where I am. 😉
Haha, yes one of those stories - even if pre-relationship - I realized halfway through there was no escape.
Thai friendly is great 👍
Worked for Joy and me!
Man, poor John Smith - you did him dirty!
Haha, let's hope he's not in a panic, "How did Randy know????"
@@RetiredGlobalLife At least one of his wives is bound to be very upset.
Fail?…
Fail as to not succeed in what was originally planned as a future. But if someone makes a new plan and it works, then it was all a success I suppose...
Very informative video, thank you?
Our pleasure. Thanks, Joe.
Honest and well-balanced information and advice! Expats come to Thailand for various reasons, and after a while, living becomes normalized just like routine. Don’t expect the world to come and adjust to you, Thailand or anywhere else.
Yes, well said.
Thanks for you video! Where is the best place to live in Chiang mai? (Affordable and less crowded) 😊
Oh what a tough question. It just depends on what you like. Less crowded would mean outside the city and there are many areas. Joy's house is in Saraphi. Close by is Hang Dong. Those are to the south of the city, but Mae Rim is popular to the north. You just need to come and drive around and see what feels good.
Get to the point buddy!
Yes, I can be wordy, can't I....
Anyway, The image of the Buddha that you used for the cover of your video is called "The attitude of persuading the relatives not to quarrel." which originates from a story recorded in the Tripitaka. It depicts an incident where two factions of Prince Siddhartha's relatives were about to go to war over water. The Buddha personally intervened to stop the war. The Buddha stood in the sun between the two armies. When asked why he didn't find shade, he replied, "No shade is better than the shade of relatives." The Buddha then asked them, "Which is more valuable, water or blood?" The relatives realized that blood is more precious than water and that they should not fight and shed blood over something less valuable. Although the story is more complex, this is the origin of this particular Buddha image. It serves as a reminder for Buddhists to maintain mindfulness and self-awareness, especially when angry. Seeing this image reminds them that the Buddha taught against conflict, as it leads to destruction. It is not an image of the Buddha waving goodbye.
Thanks for your info and it is great you have that knowledge. I don't think anyone takes the image literally as waving goodbye. You are the first to think that, or at least to say it. it is just an image that matches the theme. I appreciate your input.
You forgot the girls in the massage parlor. Often they don't drink and don't smoke as usually Bar girls do. You have not to pay Barfine. I did tremendous experience with the massage girls when I was in Chiang Mai. Take a trip to Pai Chiang Rai and I live three month together in a condo.U unfortunately this relationship went bad second time because she leave condo in the night. Big red flag 🤐BTW get tested and your gf at loy Kroh clinic doc is fantasic and cheap !
Thanks for the comment! Actually I did mention them as related professions to meet women who might either date or freelance...
I also met my thai lady on Thai friendly. talked to many but only video chatted with one. First thing I did when coming back to Thailand was a real date with her. She is 23 years younger than I, a teacher of kindergarten kids, a mother of a 9 year old daughter and a beautiful soul. Last weekend we visited her family in Sisaket. A good family. When here in February for vacation, I met some bar girls, had a good time with them, and respect them for who they are, but for me, for long term commitment, she is mine, and I am her's. its a great feeling to have someone that you love and respect in your life. nothing against freelancers or bar girls. they serve a purpose. Yet to live here like I now do, not for me. Loving Thailand. We will visit Chang Mi in the late fall, would be nice to share some food with you and joy.
Always nice to hear from you, Rob, and perhaps we can meet up if we are in town. (:
I watched this with my Thai girlfriend. She said yes we know this but do it to make ourselves feel good. I said that is why I open doors for people and let others go first in line. Cost me nothing but helps others. and almost 40 years in the healthcare field i should have some good karma from that.... 😊 enjoyed it.
Thanks, Rob. Appreciate the Thai input too. Best wishes.
You guys are great together ❤️ I think you add some great value to the platform Randy! Cheers 🏆
Wow, what a nice comment from a KZread pro I admire! Thanks and hope to chat soon.
@@RetiredGlobalLife hope so too 😊🤟🏼
Excellent video but there's one part that I disagree with and that's the part about "normal" Thai woman. Nowadays, there are as many greedy, dishonest, irresponsible "normal" Thai women as there are philandering, dishonest, irresponsible "normal" Thai men. Without knowing the culture and language, the chances of finding someone suitable are quite slim because single Farangs are hunted down by the less desirable Thais.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, there are dishonest and greedy Thai women and the country is poor so money is a natural priority. But I'll stick to my belief that the everyday working Thai lady, a nurse, teacher, waitress, bank clerk, are not greedy or have bad intentions more than any person. I think they have good values toward family and partner above what we see in most countries, including the west.
one’s religious practice is intensely personal and should teach good. what a particular person does in the name of a religion may be a problem with just the person, except when it comes to a religion and its supporters that espouses extermination of so-called amalek people.
Yes, and thanks for commenting.
We called them Suzy Wong back during the vietnam war
Ah that's a new one for me.
If living in Issan, it might be a $50 place per month. But that's local prices which one needs local type person to get. Be ready to have only the basics in a cheap place & you'll need everything else. *My gal works at a small clothing shop, it's hard to meet that type- but not impossible.
Thanks for the input. Yes, that region is incredibly inexpensive.
So guess the height weight and measurements of the naked massage girl! Lol
Haha. Don't get me in more trouble. And if you are reading this Joy, let me repeat it was many years ago and was nothing I sought out...
That was a great video … very brave to address the issues head on and provide non-judgemental information, and I would say very accurate information too! I agree with your original point, no fun/not fair for regular Thai women to be misled by western men, better for us to be honest about what we want and choose accordingly.
Thanks, Jim. Yes, helping Thai women not get mislead was the genesis of the video.
I don't want to hire someone to nag and complain, that sounds silly.
Ha, maybe you are "hiring" the wrong person...
@@RetiredGlobalLife Seems I married the wrong person
What about for the LGBTQ community?
I did address that once in the video. On online dating, all the options are there for LGBTQ. And some freelancers online too, particularly for men. I don't have any experience in same sex nightclubs that are geared exclusively to that, but they may exist. I can say that there seems to be no prejudice in same sex couples there, and I see more same sex couples here than I ever did in the US or Europe.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you for taking the time to reply. Thank you so much for all of your videos. I always enjoy watching them.
Releasing animals is a huge profit making business cycle.Look.Buddha was a rich man,but gave up his richness and lived a poor man and look for enlightment,but Buddhists are buying gold leaves to cover his statues.Not just Buddhism,every religion became a money making business and political power and mass murderers.Look at bloody isahell killing innocent people for name of their religious believes .
I'm falling in love with khun Joy's smile, she is so sweet and lovely.❤
Well that makes two of us! Yes, Joy is a lovely person in every way.
2:40 That was a good edit 😂👏
Hey, thanks so much. It is nice when people notice editing decisions like that.
Thumbs up 👍
Good to hear from you Mango.
I have a question? there are these Thai style bars/restaurants where they have PR girls. When you arrive they take you to the couch/table and then you can select one or two ladies for company. They charge per hour and these charges are different at different places. This girl give you company as long as you are having drinks and also her dink and food. Now here I am not sure what to do or how it works out and how to approach, that after having drinks if you like the girl can she be taken out or not because there are no bar fines in such places, but I never had courage to ask her out even I saw some local thai people take some lady along. So what to do ?
Nothing is wrong with telling a lady you want to spend more time with outise the bar and ask what is involved. Or find a bartender or manager and ask.
@@RetiredGlobalLife okay so that's common and reasonable.. thanks
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights 🙏
Thanks, Timothy. I hope it was helpful.
Thank you for telling the truth cuz I say the same thing!!.. help the people will help you let
Nice to hear from you. Thank you.
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