5 LIES About THAILAND You Should Not Believe! 

Did I miss any out? What lies do you hear about that Thailand that aren't true? Leave them in the comments below 👇🏻

I agree with everything you have said. Specially the point around safety. Once, driving through the country I happened to be in Nong Bua Lam Phu- which is off the beaten tourist path. Had a flat tyre and it was around 7 pm- locals helped me to find a garage, which was closed. The guy opened up his garage late in the evening to help get the tyre fixed. But it was quite late by then and offered me to stay at his home. I only left the next morning to resume my journey, but not before having breakfast with his family. Needless to say, they are good family friends now whom we visit whenever we are in Thailand.

Absolutely spot on 100%. First came to Thailand in 1990. Happily married with 3 daughters and lived here for a number of years. Feel much safer here than the UK. Is there room for improvement? Yes. But is it a good place to live?.....well let's say I had the choice of bringing up my kids in the UK or Thailand. I chose Thailand and don't regret it one bit.

Thailand is very safe. I lived there for three years (Udon Thani and traveled all over Thailand) I found it less stressful than living in the big cities in the USA. Thailand has a completely different vibe and mentality than the West. Family and respect mean something. Thais are not uptight, angry, gun-loving ‘shoot-em-up’ misfits. They are generally very polite and respectful. Sadly, Farangs enter Thailand thinking they are gods gift to them and behave arrogantly and disrespectfully. Nice Vid. You laid down the truth.

I've felt safer walking down Si Lom Road in Bangkok at 12.00 midnight than I have walking down Slough High Street at 12.00 noon in the broad daylight.

I feel safe walking around Thai cities alone at night whereas in the UK I would be very wary of doing the same.

Agree with you mate, a few years ago I left my Visa card in an atm... didn’t realise and went to the bank the next day a a Thai had handed it in

Bravo! I've lived in Thailand for 20 years, and he is absolutely correct in everything he says in this video. People have some rather ridiculous ideas about this country that have nothing to do with the real Thailand. Thanks for making this video and setting the record straight.

Your second point about Thailand not being a Third World country is so true! However, I still get annoyed when I see American missionaries trying to convert Thais to Christianity. I live in Chiang Rai and there are quite a few here especially, up among the hill tribes and I just hate their condescending attitude towards to the Thais.

Not just foreigners, I am Thai but have been living in USA since I was young . Last time I went to Thailand , I took a bus from Bangkok to Nongkhai . The lady that sold the ticket to me charged me the fares to Nongkhai but that bus final destination was Udon . I reported the bus driver and the company to the Thai police 👮‍♀️ and they took his driver license .

I spent a week in Thailand. In Bangkok. What did I notice? The Thai people are wonderful and caring. there's a reason Thailand is called the land of smiles. I was walking down the street, once, twisted my ankle on a curb and fell down. EVERYONE came running to see if I was alright. You don't see things like that in the United States. The Day I fell down, I was going for a looooong walk. I got lost and found Lumphini Park. Very beautiful park. I got so lost, in fact, that the motorcycle taxi guy didn't have a clue where my hotel was, lol. We actually had to stop and ask a cop. Smartest thing I did was to take a picture of my hotel room phone, which had the address on it. I don't speak Thai, so I had the address, in Thai, with me because I knew I was going to get lost. In fact, I was counting on getting lost when I went for the walk. You always find the greatest stuff when you get lost.

The main international organizations classify Thailand as a developing nation. The cities and tourist areas could rank as first world. The private hospitals and dental care are world leaders. Technologies are the crucial factor and it's Thailand's vast rural communities that hold the ranking back at developing. The people can't afford the large agricultural and industrial technology/machinery or know how to operate IT equipped and complex gadgetry. Most important, the old way works and simply don't want change. They can't afford trial and error, broken machinery and lost crops, therefore remains a developing nation.

I have been here in Thailand 18 years and I agree with Bret 100% on all points.

Well said. I feel very safe most any place I have been in Thailand and I’ve been about 30 times. Will happily retire in Thailand one day🙏🙏

If you realized how much many of your audience would love to be in a place that birds are heard....you would begin to consider them a prop (asset) and beg then to sing. Don't think of them as an annoyance

Wow, thank God you clarified things for foreign men about us Thai women.

Well done Brett, thanks for clearing up the misconceptions.

Thai are the most generous people I have ever met. The buddhist way of being service to others is a wonderful trait they have.

It's about time, so refreshing to hear the truth. To many so called experts on RU-vid. I've been living and traveling to Thailand for over 30 year's and like I said at last somebody tells the unknowing what Thailand is really like. Good on ya. Tony

That was a nice video.

Hey Brett Dev, everything you said here is on point !! Very accurate 👍

Good list for sure. Thanks for sharing. Just got the Thai Elite Visa approved. Headed that way in July.

Nice one Brett 👏👍 well educating to those thinking the opposite ways

Great video! Thank you for sharing!

The United States is far more dangerous than Thailand. After twenty years of wandering to hundreds of locations in Southeast Asia, I have never had much of any problems with the locals. Foreigners I can not say the same. I tend to avoid them whenever possible.

Excellent video!!

Very interesting, certainly cleared up all my misconceptions 👍

Always good info Brett. Thanks.

Great video. Keep up the amazing work.

Well said & thank-you g for making these comments 🙏

Spot on. Im from a very safe country myself (Singapore) and I can say the only place I feel safer alone at night out of all the countries I have visited is Thailand and Taiwan. I frequent Thailand (pre-covid) and have never felt like my life was in danger. yea sometimes we do get overcharged for buying some items and taking taxis / tuk-tuks but as mentioned, usually its a dollar or 2 more. Many foreigners come here thinking that most women wants to sleep with them / marry them is because they have only seen the nightlife side of thailand; which has some basis of truth in it. Many of these women come from rural parts of thailand and came to bangkok / Pattaya / Phuket to make more money for their family, and marriage to a foreigner could sometimes mean a ticket out of the system.

Well said Brett hopefully things open up soon I own a part of red dragon pub and restaurant plus salon

Y’know, ever since I saw Raya and the Last Dragon, the Ong Bak movies, and 9 Satra, I have been getting more and more curious about South East Asian culture.

Thank You Brett. Yet another informative video. Giving The Straight Dope!!!

Well done video!!

Great informative video, thank you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'm Thai but left when I was 8 so knew very little. Grew up in the states and believed almost exactly what you are saying until I actually visited myself when I was in my 40s. Crazy how things you see on tv and hear say can totally change your perception.

Seriously dude. Watched a lot of your stuff now. Hopefully moving there soon. It sounds amazing

Absolutely fabulous content, this is one of your best!

This was so good I had to subscribed.

This is nice. This information is helpful for people who actually believed in these lies. Thank you for sharing it. Keep up the nice work! :)

I agree Brett and l have lived here for twenty-two years. If this is a third world where are the first and second world i thought we had only one world .Thailand is far ahead of western countries.

Well said Brett

Very informative, thank you!

Great videos! How do I join the telegram group ?

I agree , I've never had an issue with Thais during my visits to Thailand, even in the depths of Bangkok. While I don't endorse religion there is a lot to be said about Buddhism and the spiritual guidance it offers the people. In Australia we have 40,000 people in prison and the most common crimes are fraud, sexual assault ,theft, common assault and aggravated robbery. So this 1st world country has a lot to be ashamed about..but true to Western mentality we are quick to condem and point the stick at our Asian neighbours when it is us who needs the reality check.

Awesome videos , appreciate your opinions

Im on board, just subbed.

One of the most polite and shy people in the world

Enjoyed your vlog Brett thanks. I totally agreed to all your conclusions.

So true , good Vlog Brett

Nice work mate ;)

Great video! Agreed 💯%

I'm really pleased you talked about number 4. I've told so many people about the enormous amount of 'Adult Entertainment' that entirely revolved around Thai people for Thai people (OK Thai men). The 'Foreigner' side of that business now (pre-covid) generates much more money but it didn't until sometime in the early 00s, and that was because of the vast growth of the Japanese/Korean entertainment areas more than the westerner areas.

Really interesting and good video!!

I came across a vlog about the Eastern Koel and its song; the bird that drives you crazy. The guy found that playing the song back on his smart phone drove the bird away. So I tried mimicking the sound / whistle and got it pretty good, if I say so myself. And guess what, the bird left. I tried it several times over several days and it always worked.

Greet information and your personality is pleasant… this is my first viewing of your site. I will continue to be a viewer for I wish to live in Thailand. Thank you.

I live in LA and walking around at night has always been dangerous. I've been here for over 10 years, so done with this nightmare country.

its hard to see young children sleeping on the sidewalks of bangkok begging for money

The only crime that has affected me while living here in Thailand is my Leo beer bottles keep getting stolen before I can make a bottle deposit. I'm talking like 60 to 80 baht worth empty Leo bottles lol

Plenty petty crimes, i wouldn't leave my phone or laptop lying around 😁

Thanks for the information...I'd love to visit that country and do some vlogging there..it's beautiful and I love the country side.thanks for the video much appreciated.

But Thailand has among the highest traffic accident rate in the world, so beware !!

Thank you so much Brett

Hello Brett i am following you, thank you.

Hi Brett, what’s your telegram channel? I couldn’t find it in the links below

Great vlog brother, good honesty and a great reality check for dudes and chics who have ill informed views of Thailand. Really refreshing to hear what you said.

I am a Thai, I found foreigner being attacted by some of a poor girl mostly they come from remote city, unlucky foreige men are also liking them too. These ladies are looking for money. For normal Thai lady they do not want foreige men and we are clever enough to select educated men and equally level.

Good, thanks!

Fair play to you been coming to Thailand for 20 years love it I did fall in love I have a eight-year-old boy and my fiance we been together for 9years and everyone thinks but I have to pay for her so I just tell them to f... off People don’t understand it’s just what other people say or what they watch on TV Thailand is the best country in the world and I would argue anyone who says bad things

Excellent video.Well done 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

New subs here. Thanks a lot for sharing your opinion about Thailand 🇹🇭

No 6. "Thai's are only friendly because they hope to get some money out of being friendly to you". A little as your no 5, but very important that we get rid of this misconception. Many foreigners only comes as tourists, and therefore almost only in contact with the service industry. And the service industry in almost all countries around the world of course works on tips. In Europe and U.S. you are even expected to pay tips, despite no good service level.... So when tourists comes to Thailand and the service staff is extremely friendly and service minded, we mistakenly think that it is because they want even more ups and gratitude !! - but exactly the opposite is often the case. They are just naturally friendly and are so proud of their country, that they want you to love your time there. When in Thailand try at your Hotel or Restaurant after a really great friendly service just to show that you really appreciate the service, but don't give a tip. The next day the same person will be exactly as friendly and service minded as the day before, because it is just the way they are. Just remember to double tip the next day ;-)

#Brett_Dev 😍Thank you very much for your love of Thai culture and understanding of Thai people so well. Thank you again for showing your love to Thai people and expressing your opinions on behalf of Thai people. And Thai people across the country love and respect you very much.

♥ you Brett - for your attitude, openmindedness and sensitive observation. It's delightful to have a foreigner like you around. I hope you will feel totally at home for years to come.

Thank you for this video ❤ I was worried about going to Thailand but now I’m more relaxed 😌

Brett has taken the red pull. Thanks a lot for this!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BRETT. From the bottom of my Thai heart. 💖🙏🙏🙏🇹🇭🇹🇭💕💕💕

I love living in Thailand and truly believe that it is one of the most *liveable* countries the entire world. When it came to buying a home to 'retire' in I had to choose between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. I chose Pattaya and could not be happier. Some things you hear about the LOS are true, however. I was told, for instance, that Pattaya had a small army of British (well, English) male ex-pats (ex-prats? ex-twats?) with grotesque pot-bellies, shaven heads, tattoos on either fist (''Love' and 'Hate' or 'Mum' and 'Dad'), who start knocking back the beer at 10am whilst wearing wife-beater vests or basketball shirts. Oh, and they smoke like chimneys. Apart from that, Pattaya - and all of Thailand - is great.

i love this thanks for sharring

Good video.

Interesting vlog..... like everywhere there are positives and negatives.... settling in a place which is not of your birth, takes time, I've lived in Thailand for many years, it has its good and bad, but so does everywhere its a balance on what you want. Remember its like visiting a friends home, its their rules so you have to fit in with their society. Thai's are friendly, inquisitive, adaptable and innovative .... there are some aspects where quality of services like internet, public transport are much higher than elsewhere, and there are some aspects which are not so good. Safety is one area where its never been an issue, though there are some places like certain islands (cough) where I'd not go ... bet generally in all cities and locations your much safer. However the roads ( driving riding ) are not, here you need all the roads skills possible, defensive driving is essential. Cost of living is what you choose to spend your money on, you can live cheap, or spend freely.....that is your choice.... I'd not want to live on $1500 a month in Europe, and neither would I like to do that in Thailand.....Residing here just make sure you have a steady income, preferred from overseas... working locally is restricted to certain trades and jobs... so unless you are qualified in those areas where foreigners are employed, just make sure you have regular income.... Your find if you respect others, treat them the way you want to be treated, then your get along just fine. Its a slower pace of life in the west, accept it and embrace it..... there are headaches and problems, just like where you call home, so its really beneficial if you have some reliable Thai friends or a partner. As in any location... only invest what you are prepared to lose, this rule applies to everyone and everywhere. Thailand is a naturally beautiful country, so travel and explore it, it has many different faces. Make sure you have good healthcare and insurance.... same applies to where ever you go, the unexpected can happen, so peace of mind cover your own ass. Thailand can be a shoppers paradise ... from local markets to the finest shopping mails, it has all budgets for all wallets. Adapt to your surroundings..... its mostly hot... very hot and dry or very hot and wet.... dress to be comfortable, but dress to be respectable as you would anywhere. Do not in any circumstances get involved with things that are not your business, if there are arguments or disruptions, just walk away. If you every have a problem even if its over pricing or poor service.. deal with it quietly and politely .... never every show anger or get loud and abusive. Shop and buy wisely.. ask a friend to help you, and show you the ways to do it..... Do learn Thai, that is your biggest assistant, you don't have to be perfect, but learn and understand the basics, it will make your stay so much better. Don't lie or cheat on people.... this is not a country to have enemies. In my years here... I have learned so much about life and myself, its been a great journey... Asia is a great place to explore... sadly not easy now but it will be again in another couple of years, do come and learn and experience the culture, who knows where it will lead...... I will be leaving when this virus situation concludes.... I just want a new life experience.... I want to continue to explore this wonderful world, and there are still a few things on my bucket list to do..... would I retire in Thailand?... No, but I would not retire in the US or Europe either..... Just treat people with respect, don't be obnoxious , try and fit in... but remember you are and always will be a foreigner.

I am travelling Thailand this year and I’m wondering what is the best roots 😊 thanks Brett for this 🤗

You are so right ! Everyone that I know stereotypes Thailand as sex tourism industry and speaks poorly about the high crime . It’s no different than any other country, if you’re hanging out with the wrong crowd of people , you’ll be bound to find trouble. But even so , I feel WAY MORE safe walking down a dark alley at 3:00 am in Thailand than any place I’ve been in the world ( I’ve literally traveled the entire world 🌎) there’s places in LA , Chicago, Detroit I wouldn’t even walk down in broad daylight. But number 5 ... for sure ! The Thai people will ALWAYS charge you the ‘farang’ price for whatever it is they’re selling. If I like a pair of shoes or something, I’ll have my girlfriend go buy it while I wait a short distance away, and she’ll get it for the Thai price . Other than that , Thai people are the most sincere , warm hospitable friendly people you’ll ever meet in the world. Treat everyone with respect and they’ll be sure to treat you the same .

I’ve seen more abject poverty in Europe than I have here.

Difficult to say any other country where I feel so safe as in Thailand. Even here in safe Austria sometimes I worry about drunken people. In Thailand I never worried. Well.... Honestly, in Thailand there is one thing where you should be careful, and that's the traffic and vehicle conditions. But from my experiences it became better in the last 15 years. However, if you drive safely then the chance to have an accident is also low.

Thank you for your info I would like to go on holiday there one day and I did worry if it were safe.

เมื่อใดคุณให้ความเกรงใจในความเป็นคนไทย คุณจะได้มิตร น้ำใจจากคนไทย และความช่วยเหลือดุจคนไทย ยินดีต้อนรับสู่เมือง ชิวชิว 😊

Thank you, Dev. For speaking the truth about Thai people. I'm living in Bangkok. Both of Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai are my second home too 🙏🙏

Great video Brett. Thailand is wonderful. I'm waiting for them to release more information about a potential October reopening for vaccinated travelers. This time, I'm planning to come for a year if everything goes as planned.

Hello Brett, your video is very informative and of great help. I have heard most of those rumors. Just like everything you hear, you need take it with a grain of salt. I would be interested in talking with you more if you have the time as I moving to Thailand next year. Thanks for being honest and have a great week.

Well, this puts my mind at ease, especially #5--- I will visit go-go clubs after all! Thanks for making this video!

I found Thailand to be very advanced, clean and safe! I find all your points to be accurate!

Actually you did a good job... I have been here a long time and rarely watch something like this because it is most often drivel... and I surely had no surprises, but am glad that you put this out for others.. pretty much spot on. again, very good job.

I expected the opposite list, about how Thailand isn't the paradise people imagine.

I think that was the same damn bird that wakes me up every morning when I visit my otherwise favorite hotel. I've felt more safe at 3am than any other country I've been to. Westerners bring troubles on themselves for acting a fool!!

You are correct on all 5 points. #4 is interesting. It would be nice if you can dedicate a vlog on #4 to discuss differences in sexual attitudes among Thai society and the western society. Like extramarital affairs, casual liaisons...etc. What you saw as surprisingly accepted in Thai society.

Hi Brett, I know all about those Koels or The Common Asian Koel that used to wake me up at 3.30 - 4.00am in the morning when I used to live in Kamala some years ago now!

Totally agree with all 5. You usually have to be looking for trouble to find it in Thailand. Avoid becoming a pimp or drug dealer, and you should be alright.

Been living in Thailand for four months now. I’ve never been in an area or situation where I felt unsafe. I would be less worried here about theft, assault, etc. than I would back in the States.