22 Types of Foreigners in Thailand 

Did I miss any 'Types'? Comment below ⬇️

The type of traveler I hate are the one's who don't respect the local people, culture and laws. Learn a few friendly phrases in Thai at least and don't get mad when there is a communication issue. Pack some patience and enjoy what the country has to offer. This is their country and you are a guest. We are all human and some tourists need to learn to treat everyone with respect.

Foreign exchange students. They wear Thai school uniforms, attend Thai high schools and live with Thai families. Different from international students. I was an AFS student in Bangkok and it changed my life so much for the better.

Glad you mentioned the traveling RU-vidrs In Thailand. There seems to be hundreds of them all carrying selfie sticks covering the same subjects ( tourist attractions, the best food vendor food, and the peculiarities of the culture).

I’m mixed and My dad goes into the village dweller since my mom comes from a small thai village from Phayao and I have to say my dad always helps out with my grandma at her shop the weird thing is that I probably attract more attention from the locals then him 😂

best channel about thailand ❤️

I came as a backpacker in 2016, returned to be a TEFL teacher in 2019, left because of the pandemic and recently returned as an international student. I love Bangkok! I feel I could fit into several of these categories. The thing I love most is taking long walks in the humidity around the city. I average 20,000+ steps a day, often around Chatuchak, Bang Krachao, and Riverside. It's amazing that such a large and developed city can be so walkable and delightful, with amazing green spaces. The new Benjakitti renovations are lovely! I have certain types I try to avoid, but won't name names. Everyone has the right to enjoy Thailand in their own way as long as they aren't hurting anyone.

Nice summary Paddy and I agree with them all but there are a couple of types you have missed which are actually quite large categories. One is the Medical Tourist, coming here for dental, cosmetic or other surgery and the other type is the Remote Business Managers who are often here on long stay visas like the Elite visa and they essentially live in Thailand but have businesses in other countries that they partially manage or have their team manage for them. Some of them even live here with their families too and they are quite a different type to the Digital Nomads.

Another great video paddy! Number 13 made me laugh because I experience it every time I go to Thailand, sit there moaning about anything and everything about Thailand but then almost have a heart attack when you mention to them about going back home🤷‍♂️😂

THANKS Paddy for enabling "CC"! Great to be able to enjoy one of your vids again! 👍 (l'm nearly deaf & cannot follow along without them).

You missed the biggest type of all: the Chinese package-tour tourist! They disappeared during "the situation" but they are coming back!

I think you nailed all of them there Paddy. I am a Thai born Australian who considers himself Australian with some Thai knowledge (albeit not as much as you), but whenever I go back to the mother land, I don't feel like a tourist so to speak even though my Thai vocabulary is limited. It's a weird feeling as I view both Australia and Thailand as home, just that the cultures are vastly different.

Great vid Paddy, but you forgot about us the FOODIE Lovers!! the first thing i think of when i land in thailand is food.!! just can't get enough. keep up the great work.

Hi Paddy, I am currently teaching at XLC and find your videos so helpful to teach the students cross cultural communications. The students and I both love your videos!!!!!! Keep up the great work!!!

Top stuff Paddy, keep em coming!

Luv this video. I never would have came up with so many categories....and yet each one is legit! I am probably in several and may have been in a couple more way back when!!!! I always learn something new from your videos. Today was the pronunciation of Pai. Even though I first came to Thailand in the early 80's and started learning Thai in the mid 80's AND have been to Pai several times, I had always pronounced it with a 'P' sound. And then Thai talk Paddy throws a spanner in and pronounces it with the Bp Bor Bpoo sound and I was like "Best I look up the Thai spelling"......30 seconds later "ปาย".....and I've learnt something new....thx Paddy, you are a legend.

Interesting perspective.. enjoyed this! Thanks Paddy!

Great content as usual, Paddy. Keep up the good work.❤

I’ve met a few of these types and one of the joys of Thailand is meeting other foreigners. This has exposed me to all sorts of interesting people I would never have met before. I’ve met the rich, poor, corporate, working, the nomad, the retired, RU-vidrs, and a few of the US Embassy personnel. I would much rather though sit and have a beer with a sexpat than a Christian missionary. Please keep Thailand Buddhist (says the atheist).

That was an awesome video Mate.

I'll add in the motorcycle touring rider. People like me who ride all the way from Singapore through Malaysia and to everywhere in Thailand. I guess it's quite hard for you to meet people like me. We're not in one place too long and generally don't stay in the touristy areas. There are always groups of Malaysian or Singaporean riders that ride around Thailand. We don't really look that different from Thais so it's quite hard to differentiate us sometimes. The southern parts of Thailand are quite different in culture too. Which goes to show how diverse Thailand really is.

There was another kind for a while: those stranded by COVID related travel difficulties. I was one of them. Wasn't my favourite Thai holiday, but 2.5 years was definitely the longest.

Very interesting video. Thank!

Great video. I’ve been a “#21 The Village Dweller” for four years and wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Great videos and explains ways I never know before

I guess you could call this a sub culture of farang visitors, but cyclist come from all over the world to ride in Thailand, Chiang Mai in particular. Many regularly come in the cool season and I've had the opportunity to make friends from many places. In my 11 years of living in Thailand many of those descriptions fit at one time or another! 😂 Personally I enjoy your videos interacting with Thai's and Thai speaking farangs, this video sorta drops back into the lowest common denominator of Thailand experience videos. Really enjoy your videos and find much encouragement in plodding along with my Thai.

Nice to see you have a copy of Mary Beard's SPQR on your shelf!

No 22 was me too at one point years ago... lolol... Vietnam is catching up very quickly in this regard. Well done and very good insights as always!

Supremely witty well done and thankyou.🍀

love the guide and love the big hair in the photo too. I'm not quite fitting into any catagory, but maybe a tennis version of 16, a third 17 and a third of a travel for food in Chiang Mai haha.

SLC native, my buddy went to Thailand on his mission said the LDS church is doing well there. Last time I went to Thailand there was a new Mormon temple right next to the Makkasan station. So it seems it's growing there.

Nice video! You’ve it all covered I believe. 😊

Thanks for the showing us positive image. I think you're the only one who can talk about it 😉

As Thai, I have no problem with any types of tourist expect "The Negative Asshole". They always say bad things about Thailand such as people, culture, attitude, etc, but they are still in Thailand and take advantages of Sabuy Sabuy Thai culture.

I think I'm several different of these types depending on the day and area I'm in. I should probably pick one and embrace it. Good video.

You missed out the "imported boyfriend/husband" Thai girl studies at university abroad, meets boyfriend and brings them back to Thailand. To which I am one and I know 3 others.

Great job Paddy ! Very realistic vision. What about diving instructors ? 😂😂

One of your more (if not the most) interesting, attention-keeping videos from start to finish.. great job 👏 I tried to place myself into one of your many categories, but couldn't.. may I humbly suggest "the too-broke-to-stay-long tourist" 😅

How about military? I personally discovered Thailand as part of a joint military exercise, and almost everyone I know is in the same boat. Operations like Cobra Gold have allowed military members from many countries to work along side Thai Soldiers, experience the culture, and assist in the construction of some infrastructure projects that benefit local communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside so many great people and been able to experience such a rich culture. I would not have been able to discover this if not for the military. I know I am not the only one.

Gold! There's a bit of me in some of those, i have to say. Great sum up, Paddy.

The "Real Thailand" types remind me of the foreigners who tell me that New York is not the real America. No one city, town, or village will be the "real" anything. In our case, New York is as real as any other part of America, but it's just another aspect of the country, offering its own experiences. Bangkok is just as much the "real" Thailand, but it's one facet of a diverse country.

I consider myself third culture kid, cause my father was an attache (diplomatic services related to military). Studied in two countries when i was a kid. This left a big impact on me: while my former friends grew and bonded strong relationships, i never had unbroken ties and friendships that could stand the test of time. I got superb education, good lifestile, saw a broader world, but sacrificed on friendships and sense of stability in my personal world.

good job, Paddy

this type of content is very fun! would love to see more of this

The "Know it all's" favourite past time is quizzing other foreigners on how long they've been in Thailand, just so they can explain to you that they've been there longer. Either that, or they start every conversation with "I've been here for XX years now, and..." As an expat living in Laos, these the ones I avoid.

Super spot on 😀

This make me miss Thailand so much. Moved to Australia for a year now and i miss the humble and kindness of thai people. 😢

good work Paddy...........................

We are firmly in the #2 camp. My wife and I moved to Thailand for all the reasons you mentioned. We love exploring but we’re pretty quiet and don’t go out partying.

Great video as usual Paddy. I'll be the retiree soon. Met my Thai partner here in Sydney. She's from Bangkok and keen to return to Thailand. We'll be splitting our time between a rural property near Phitsanulok and an apartment in Bangkok. Best of both worlds. Looking forward to it. The language though. If i only had to read it, I'd be fine, but speaking it is another story.

I think you could've expanded the English Teacher category. There are definitely farang who started as ESL Teachers and then moved on into Language School Administration, or moved on to a more prestigious teaching jobs (often in other subjects) at an International School or University in Thailand. As someone who has interviewed for a Communications/Marketing Specialist/Coordinator positions at various Int''l Schools throughout SEA there are definitely Admin jobs beyond just teaching as well..

❤ awesome krub

Very good!

You got most of them right but missed one. How about the farang that has Thai relatives and friends in Thailand and loves the people there?

I met up with a friend in Bangkok who was a dental tourist. He had all of his fillings replaced the first time and a few years later had four titanium posts fitted within a week. Was meant to come back six months later to receive permanent crowns but Covid intervened meaning he had to find a dentist in Brisbane.

im an english teacher here! love thailand so much

Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness to human trafficking in the fishing industry in Thailand

Well, if the topic is just "foreigner in Thailand" and includes every possible types whether long or short period. May I suggest to add the "military" particularly American. Almost annually joint exercise takes place between Thai military and other friends especially the big sponsor ,American. The "spy" or "special agent" types of people may already included in your "Diplomat" category.

Lol, I guess it’ll be hard to avoid being included in one of these categories at one time or another. 😂

NICE JOB I LIKE TO WATCH ALL YOUR VIDEOS I STRUGGLE WITH YOUR AUSSIE ACCENT I UNDERSTAND YOUR THAI BETTER KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CHOK DEE

2:38 Great use of sound effect! 🤣🤣🤣

Hello, i wish to learn thai on my own but i cant find the perfect books. What do you suggest?

Spot on.... I think I was a bit of most of them.....

i worked for a small aid organisation in Northern Thailand/Laos a long time ago in the early 1990s. At that time Laos was slightly opening up to international travel. Most of the foreigners I encountered were pretty decent, given the fact that at the time it took a lot of time/effort/expense to visit the country. The only people who bugged me were foreign embassy staff expecting an easy ride and religious groups attempting to foist their beliefs on the local people. I suppose I'm guilty of the Muay Thai experience, but in the area in which I lived our 'ring' was a courtyard and we just all went at it, followed by kao neow, lao-lao, papaya salad and recovery.

U havent met me yet bud. Really like ur videos. U have touched upon a few types but there are many more positive types.

Pretty spot on there Paddy

As for your aversion to the phrase "the real Thailand", some of us use it to emphasize the fact that the bars and go-gos of Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok are not typical of the country in general. I've been living in Thailand nearly 16 years, I speak, read and write the language pretty well and have seen a lot of the country, and have encountered many expats who think Thailand is typified by the tourist traps.

Having started as an English teacher and 16 years later as a retiree I thoroughly enjoyed your video and certainly agree with all of your types. There a few others in Jomtein beach where I spend 6 months at. The older unfriendly never smiling Russian and now the young Russian couples with kids who laugh and say I hate Putin who remind me of the Vietnam draft dodgers I befriended years ago in Canada.

Hello คุณ Paddy. Great video. I like your channel, and am impressed that you know Stewart J & ครุ Smuk...(I've seen you in videos with them). Anyway I am an aspiring "retiree", "English teacher", and possibly in the distant future even "wife seeker" type. My first trip to Thailand was last August, and I'll be in Thailand this August. Perhaps someday I will meet you. Be well

I am now the Mr.Chinatown and Taekwondo type. Pannipak Wongpattanakit is also a taekwondo girl in Thailand. Before was only checking Food in Sukumvit Bangkok. I had been a Taekwondo fan because of Chaelim in "King of Fighters". Been to Chinatowns in Singapore & Malaysia as well.

Hi Paddy...you nailed it with this list. I'd say we fall into several categories e.g. retiree(me), teachers, youtubers arrgh(we're long time expats) parents, dreamers and students of Thai culture. Cheers

You forgot to mention about the import footballers that play in the Thai League.

I guess my dad was one of those that got transfered from his company to the one in thailand. And no wonder we lived in the Sukhumvit area lol

All good descriptions, but knowing how many there are [of each type] makes a big difference.

Where do people go for monk training? Can you provide some information please

There seems to be another type of foreigners who come to Thailand to live out the atmosphere or visit the locations the actors/actresses used to exist in the movies or series they love.

I don't think most foerigners in Thailand would be shouting the first round of beers unless they were one of the execs. Lol.

Well done

Type 23: the normal guy who wasn't looking for a Thai wife but met someone overseas who happened to be Thai, and then happens to find life in Thailand to be pleasant and relaxing in comparison with the home country. That was what happened to me. I didn't really know anything about Thailand when I met my wife, and when I first came here I fell in love with the place. I've been welcomed into her family. I guess I could fit into the "Digital Nomad" slot because I do have a tech-based business, but I'm not really nomadic. We live in a normal city house in the deep South away from the tourist areas and we do normal stuff for our everyday life. I find here in the South, there are a handful of guys like me but not many. I am friends with some people in the Russian community in Phuket and I find that most of them are normal family people like myself. The semi-permanent British foreigners on Phuket often come across as a bit questionable to me while the Russians live in an expensive enclave (Cherng Thalay) away from the main tourist beaches. I have been to Hua Hin, which is where you find the 'normal retiree' type. It's a nice place for retired foreigners who are not into weird stuff. I'll always be a foreigner, I'll never be Thai, and I think Thai people feel a bit weirded out by people who try too hard to fit in. I learned a bit of Southern Thai because at first I thought it would be a good thing to do to be welcomed by locals but from the reactions I had, they seemed weirded out by it. I feel like a double-foreigner because most of my non-Thai social contacts are in the Russian community, so sometimes I do feel a bit lonely and culture-shocked, but my wife's family are so incredibly welcoming and loving that it doesn't last long. I think a lot of the 'types' you talked about (and they are definitely real) come here because of something missing in their life in their home countries ... they think they can find it here but I'm not sure that they do find it, or perhaps they find a fake version of it that can be paid for.

Dont forget the confident thai speaker ,they are turning up all over utube.

Great video, I guess I am a 17,21,23 person maybe... But I haven't moved to Thailand yet 555

Not sure if this comment will reach you Paddy, I love your videos! I was in Samut Prakan last December just looking to escape from city life and have some alone time. I guess I'm sort of the lost traveller, everytime I went out I would just use grab. I do intend to head to Chiang Mai this year end to do some volunteer work, and in the near future train Muay Thai in Thailand.

I think I fall somewhere between the "retiree" and "digital nomad". Watching this makes me not want to talk to anyone lest I be judged and my motives misinterpreted. TBH I keep myself pretty much to myself most of the time and i prefer to stay under the radar and not attract too much attention to myself.

Paddy speaks the truth! ❤🇹🇭 Amazingly halarious! Great job 🙏 I've definitely run into several of these types... I'm #2 and a psuedo #22 😊 🇺🇸

Detailed and accurate ka

Great video idea! As an exchange student who has lived in Singapore for a year, I can confirm that many of these types also exist there, especially execs, diplomats and their children. However, I am glad there were no sex tourists in SG, which are unfortunately very numerous in Thailand

The BS Artist - Someone who exploits the fact that no one else knows their real past when beginning a new life in Thailand and fabricate all sorts of elaborate stories about their previous life and careers etc. They are easily spotted as their stories are way too extravagant. They are generally harmless and guaranteed to give you a good laugh. The sad thing about them is that they tend to start believing their own stories after telling enough people who are too polite to challenge them. There is a much higher concentration of these characters in Thailand than abroad so you are guaranteed to encounter them if spending enough time there.

I think I fall into the retiree category as I stay for extended periods - I'm considered a 'senior' but not yet retired.

Over 30 years, I've been 6 of these! now I am neither, as I'm Thai.

The Village Dweller is who I am then, haha. I've got a name. Number 21, I thought for a moment I'd been left out then Paddy. I've tried to contact you before for a good chat mate but you keep swerving me haha.

I feel like there’s a #23 type of foreigner that briefly gets mentioned at 0:13. Farang that have made a lot of money in their homeland through “dodgy” methods and have then fled from their homeland to Thailand permanently in order to avoid either their enemies or the police. These guys tend to be the owners of a lot of businesses like bars (especially Gogo Bars) and hotels. Ironically they’re rarely involved in anything dodgy in Thailand though, you don’t shit where you eat

The Foodie. always in search of rare or exotic cuisine visiting a different restaurant in Sukhumvit every night. My gf and I for example.

fun video :)

Thailand was ok. I stayed for 6 months but it wore on my nerves. The heat, the language barrier and the traffic got to me.

You forgot us adopted Thais, who were adopted by white or black parents, and who go to Thailand to try and get to know our native country and language, feeling a bit like a backwards farang lol 😂

The guy blurred out at 2:21 looks a bit like you mate 555 Seriously, thanks so much for always bringing amazing videos that show the real side of Thailand and its down to earth people and potential. It’s because of your channel that I am now seriously studying Thai and can’t wait to go back again next month.

#23 the average tourist who likes the climate, food, culture, sea, ... that's probably me. coming again and again to my turtle island many times. enjoying bars as well, but not the loud oomts oomts music. meeting many thais, that i got to know over the time - some of which are close friends and girlfriend. i consider that island my second home, even not beeing there over 5 weeks per year. it is always a special feeling when i make the first step from the lomprayah ferry down to the peer after at least 24h of traveling. and after checking in into my room, driving around with the 125ccm honda click and look around what has changed. i don't know if this deserves a certain category but i do foodporn - probably like many tourists. i like to enjoy and compare food from different restaurants and make and post pictures. one time i did a burger challenge where i ate 3 burgers on a day at different restaurants or three penang curries on a day and maybe 8 in total over a week. and check out different coffee places and comparing their espressos and cappuccinos.... on koh tao my favorite cappuccino in the morning is at koppee in chalok with a nice view on the beach. my favorite espresso is at Horizon on the way to tanote bay before you drive down right next to the street. amazing view, amazing espresso. pure without milk or sugar, not bitter, not sour. nice people there as well.

There are worker tourists as well, came from company request to stay a short period

Interesting insight Paddy ! Unfortunately, came a lot of 'No. 13's... so annoying LoL

Watching this makes me want to go to Thailand again, I feel like it is home even though I am very shy about not being able to speak and my lack of knowledge about the culture. I feel even more ashamed cause I look Thai too. Being an adoptee of Thailand and brought to Australia at the age of 5. I feel such a disconnect as I have very quickly adapted to Australian culture and lost most knowledge of Thailand. Perhaps one day I will get to live in Thailand and renew my Thai-ness.