6 Months Living In Thailand - My Experience & WHY I LEFT 

Lastly, Merry Christmas everyone, and hope that 2024 brings you all the blessings ❤👊

The issue here isn't Thailand not being as cheap as we think...it's about personal self-control. I'm not a bar fly (at almost 61, not looking for love) and if I budget for one or two more expensive western meals per week while having local food the rest of the time (which is probably healthier for you anyway) I'll stick to it. I still think it's reasonable to live in Thailand reasonably well for $1,000 a month and like a king for $2,000 a month. Now if someone wastes their money on girls and booze then it's a whole different story.

To be honest, i just moved to Thailand. Stayed in Koh Samui, Phuket and now Pataya. Me and the Mrs. Are going by just fine on about 1500 per month. And that's even without long term rental prices. Dont waste your money here on the hookers and booze. Just use the environment, nice weather and beautiful beaches to relax so you can come back home and work again.

Wow! When I saw you’ve left Thailand my jaw dropped! I think a lot of the issues are location and mind set. I lived in Spain in my 20s and got the majority of the partying out of my system. So, going to Thailand in my 30s, I wasn’t interested in the bars, and also I lived in Chiang mai which is worlds apart from somewhere like Pattaya. So I had a lovely relaxed time with no issues regarding productivity and spending. Anyway mate, you seem like a really nice guy so I genuinely hope you achieve everything you want to achieve. You’re a good content creator, highlighted by the fact I watched the entire 40 mins !! Regards mate, David :)

Years ago I spend nearly 2 years in Bangkok. It was a lot of fun, but I can relate to many things raised in this video. I decided to leave and move to another country because I felt a certain void after a while. I have never been into alcohol, bars and shallow conversations in broken English. There still are plenty of great places to go to in Thailand (especially Bangkok). What was missing for me was a more productive life/work opportunities and a more western wage. I still love going to Thailand. My father has a place in the sticks. Nothing beats reading books in a junge setting and spotting a snake at 6 am, but I definitely do not miss that bar crowd.

Man , this really good info for sure ! Thank you for sharing your experiences. Very interesting to watch !!! Thank you !!!!

Great video. I see so many videos that say Thailand is all rainbows and unicorns. Very few people talk about the down side of living there. Thanks for the honesty.

Great video, bro! Appreciate the advice from the perspective having lived there. Just came back from my first trip to Thailand and loved it enough to want to return more often. Cheers!

Thanks for the link to your tutor, am going to do this for sure before I head over there next month. Great advice all around, start to finish.

Exxcellence video! Very well put together and great advice. Thank you so much for this.

I doff my cap to you lasting so long in Pattaya. After 4 days I’m done with the constant noise and bright lights. It’s good to get over jet lag on arrival from the uk, after that I head to Hua Hin. I don’t do bars on a nightly basis but I find Hua Hin has everything just in smaller doses. Feels a bit more Thai to me than Pattaya or Phuket. Spent some time in Ubon Ratchathani aswell, now that’s one chilled and relaxed city.

Two words - SELF DISCIPLINE and everyone thinking of moving and living in Thailand should know this before they go, if you can do this - then there won’t be any problems whatsoever. All you need to do is try an extended holiday before you move, say perhaps 4-6 weeks- then you will know if you can do this. I’ve visited Thailand on 32 occasions since 2005, averaging around 10-14 days each time and to be honest I’m sick of drinking after about a week - so if I make the move in alittle over two years, I know for a fact that I don’t want to be drinking day in day out. I really can’t believe you’ve returned to the UK where it’s going to cost you far more to live😧

Thanks for this. This is one of the most brilliant, sensible posts for anyone who wants to live/retire in Thailand. Really top advice 👍

I've watched lots and lots of videos about Thailand and spent a month there in 2022. This is one of the best videos I've seen about Thailand. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that the very people who would benefit from your warnings will take them seriously. I traveled alone for part of my trip, and as a senior, I had no problem spending evenings in my hotel room watching Netflix but I can see how that would be more difficult for young people. It's surprisingly easy to blow through a lot of money in Thailand.

Exactly how I feel. My Cousin has been living in Thailand for a few years and every time I come, he and his friends is always pressuring me to go to this bar or that club or get with this girl or that. I am in my 30s, I am not a Bar guy anymore. His life, is not my life. Their is this mentality where some people cant leave others alone, where they pressure you to think and act like them. Im not him, I like my life the way it is, I like being productive and being less distracted. I am happy. But if im not hitting the bars all the time, then im "boring" or "miserable". What really makes me unhappy is being pushed to live someone else's life. Ive been to Thailand lots of times, that I am out of that "Vacation mode", when im here I also want a balance where I am living like a normal person, who is productive, budgets, and aims for better relationships. And sometimes I just want to hide in my place and get work done, and on the weekend ill go out. Is that wrong? Ive learned to accept that my life in Canada isint that bad. And if you want to actually LIVE in Thailand like a normal person, you cant treat it like a Vacation 7 days a week. Some people are just jaded with their Western lives and get sucked into this "mirage", where the grass is always greener in Thailand or elsewhere. Once the "honeymoon" wears off, you will encounter cons of being there.

Excellent advice for single men thinking about living in Thailand. I am married, retired and probably can easily avoid all those "traps" about spending more money on "volume" since the cost of living is so much cheaper in Thailand. I live a simple life in the United States and would do the same if I moved to Thailand. Watching your video with interest becasue one of my sons is exploring Thailand now. Good luck with your ventures. You sound like a grounded, smart young man. Good luck.

I have been living in Thailand for the past 5 years. I was lucky to find a great job, and now I'm running my own business here. I just turned 30, and as I look back, I realize how lucky and blessed I am. Totalt agree with you, its really hard to live in thailand affordable with so many options we have gere. If you ever visit Bangkok, let me know, and we can grab a beer!

Keeping control of your spending,living on a budget and being sensible on a week to week basis and of course avoid the girls or limit them it is still a cheap place to be living.

good on you for having the discipline to pull yourself out of distractions to focus on what you want

Thailand is a good holiday spot but it can drag you down in your career imo. I am earning a good salary here in London, wouldnt move there before retirement. I visit Pattaya 1-2 times a year as a single man and pretty happy. Welcome back to UK hope all works out for you.

Wow my friend thanks for putting me on your video that so cool I'm definitely glad you did this channel I probably would have never met you it was so fun to hang out and get to know you I definitely will be staying connected and hopefully one day we will meet up in Thailand again I am going June 22nd hint hint nudge nudge LOL keep in touch my friend thanks again❤

I am from the US and I've been living here since March 2023. People have asked me to compare it to the US. The simplest comparison I can make is that you can live here cheap or you can live like a king, and that depends on your budget. But, in Thailand, you can feel safe regardless of which path you choose, cheap or king. But, in the US, you cannot do that. If your budget is low in the US, then you'll have to live in a low income neighborhood, and that can be very dangerous, but if your budget is high, then you'll be safe. This guy sounds like he is lonely or weak-minded or has no self-control, or some combination of the 3. If your budget is around $1100 (about 40,000 tbt), and you simply want to explore and experience the food and culture, you'll be fine. It's what I have, and I travel, eat very well, feel safe, live comfortably. and most months I don't use it all, and I roll it over to the next month. This guy sounds like a complainer and I would take what he says with a grain of salt.

Excellent advice! Thank you!!

A very thoughtful, useful video. Nice one.

It was always my dream to live in Pattaya after going there my 1st time in 2011.. but I choose to work in uk 9 months a year and live like a king for 3 months out there and it works perfectly. Overwise exactly like this happens and you have very lonely days

thanks for your content, I've just discovered you're channel and now I wanna see your next channel about YT!

Great advice, you certainly add a different perspective.

I LOVE UR HONESTY THANK YOU SO MUCH

Wow! Lots of great honest advice. I’m retired and a frequent visitor to Thailand (not just Pattaya) and I completely agree with you. There are so many traps in Pattaya and I see it in others constantly but they don’t realize it like you do. I also admire your drive to make more out of your life and place yourself where you can focus and achieve the most. I see too many RU-vid vloggers in Thailand who are trying to make a career out of it but perhaps don’t realize that their ultimate goal in life over the long term is in all likelihood not achievable. My best wishes to you. You seem to have your priorities right.

Good stuff.. Planning on a few months every winter.. Great advice

Thanks for this honest review. This was very entertaining, almost hilarious, while being so informative.

Thanks for being so transparent. I’m sure your not the only one whose gone through it.

what is crazy is that in the US to have a decent retirement you need between 5K-8K per month with a paid-off house. Yet that type of monthly income you would live like a king in Thailand. Also for us men, it is so hard to justify a life that is fast approaching the end when your partner is all about watching TV, visiting her friends for cards, or seeing the grandkids and looking at you like you are some kind of pervert wanting to be intimate once or twice a month., when again you know places like Thailand exist.

Great details, thanks!

Great vid and info worth gold

Sorry to hear you're ending this channel. I hope you will keep these Thai travel vids online. You did a nice job with these vids. 👍🏽

If i repeat the exact same routine in Thailand as in my home country i will only need 700 Euro every month, rent included. Most come here and it's like cheap Disneyland. You have holiday mode and Living here mode. Holiday mode is always expensive. Do i eat out 3 times a day, massage every other day, 3 times a week to the bar, every week go to the movies, etc when i'm home in Europe....? Absolutely not. Best advice is to get out the holiday mode as fast as possible.

I'm in my mid 50's and am about to semi-retire in Thailand. My biggest concern is falling into a life with no structure that bottoms out my mental health. I don't want to get so lazy that I end up like a monk living in an air-conditioned highrise cell. My plan is to move to Bangkok, keep my side hustles going, and get an apartment while setting up an office at a digital office park. This way, I can get up early, dress up, and work in a professional environment, surrounded by other digital nomads for inspiration and collaboration. I plan on pretty much keeping my non-work schedule the same. Joining a local jiu-jitsu club, working out at a gym, shopping, meal prepping and getting my runs in. I'd much rather make friends in a professional or athletic setting than in the bar scene. And when I want to have some fun, I'll spend my weekends in Pattaya. Rule number one: NEVER bring a Thai girl to your residence. I have zero intentions of having any girlfriends-just weekend bar girls. Then after 6 months, do a reality check. I'll make an assessment at that time if I want to stay in BKK, move up north, or move back to the US. I'm looking forward to the relocation, but I have no illusions Thailand would be my forever home.

Great Video many thanks 🙏 Mate. I been to Pattaya many times myself actually I’m coming back tomorrow to celebrate out there New Year’s Eve . Pattaya is a wonderful place but I totally get that is full of temptations and distractions as well. If you live permanently there you must have self discipline and keep it real otherwise can be a very toxic and addictive environment. And of course not to mention the financial implications as well. Hope to see you will keep the channel on and I wish you all the best for the coming year and for future ideas.

I've just come back from Krabi in Thailand, an amazing place for families.

All the best. I've enjoyed your content

This video is spot and to lots of it I can relate too. Speaking of the dopamine rush. I actually have a note in my phone just to remind me… I understand this channels has run its course though I’m gonna miss your videos. I liked your take on things. Very interested though in your take on how to grow fast on RU-vid. Definitely hope you’ll make that videos. Cheers and good luck

I have followed your channel a lot since it is a Thailand channel Ryan. Sad to see that you are giving up working on the channel and moving home. Good luck with your fitness business and whatever other ventures you decide on. You certainly nailed it with this channel in the short space of time you worked on it. I can totally understand why you didn't continue with the channel though, especially when you are a health conscious kind of person. Pattaya and the bar scene definitely doesn't mix with someone who wants to stay in shape. There are way too many temptations in Pattaya, especially in the bar scene with women and alcohol....plus all of the problems these can lead to.

Go to Chiang Mai. There’s very little red light activity

That’s Interesting! Have a great weekend!

You bring up some really good points my man. I'm just back from 3 months in Pattaya, partying almost every night. It does catch up with you eventually and I was starting to feel really burnt out in the last few weeks. Despite that though, I'm planning to move out there soon and you've voiced a lot of things that I already know but didn't think about out loud. Good stuff man. I'm still pulling the trigger though, wish me luck 😝

Monk mode is best at home with no distraction. Once you business really take off and you reach cruising speed, Then you can go anywhere you want. But yeah important to be disciplined, otherwise temptation is too great to get lost.

Saying mai ouw kraup to taxi drivers in my experience has almost always gotten a thank you in return. I also use the Set laew joke as well 😂 brilliant way to create humour from a no. Only just discovered you. And you're quitting 😂

True, I gof in Thailand about 6 times on a 3 week vacation, which costs about $100 USD per round. At home I might golf once a month at a cost of $20 on a Muni course. Also I never go to bars here in the US, but in Thailand it’s a nightly thing.

Stick with RU-vid. You’re a natural! Very interesting to listen too. Something most RU-vidrs lack.

Ryan I felt like I was with you over there from your first upload mate, sorry I ain’t been on much lately, (sorting out my new single life lol) I haven’t resonated with many vloggers but you are amazing mate, I’ve come to the realization that you have hit the nail on the head and I’ve decided to lean towards a move to a smaller place like NaTrang or hoi-an on the coast of Vietnam instead of the central cities of Thailand or viet, I’ll continue to follow you as ALL of your content has been class since the beginning, hope you’ve had a great Xmas (not to freezing cold) and if you ever travel I’d still love a beer & to pick your brains on south east Asia, stay well, strong and never stop being yourself, cheers mate 🤙🏽😉

That’s good information and a very compelling point. A person on a retirement budget needs to keep with the budget. I think that the fact that very nice accommodations and good food can be had for at least 30% of the cost in the west makes Thailand and other southeast Asian countries very hospitable for persons on a fixed income.

Welcome back too UK Thailand is paradise , but only if you have a good budget to spend.

I'm curious as to the name of the apartments or condo he was renting and how to book it.

1st time I've seen you channel/output as a younger guy, well a lot younger than me being 65. It's very easy in be sucked into a lazy lifestyle, once boots are on the ground if your here for any lenght of time. I had thought about retirement here but I don't think I have the self discipline to live year round. I'm more of a snowbird from the UK looking to spend the winter months here which I might then develop into a 3 months on 3 months off cycle, so 6 months of the year. As for Pattaya, it had the best of both regarding nightlife partying etc also i'ts a great place to base yourself because of cost to explore all other places. Depending on your budget lifestyle etc you can have an extremely cost effective time here, far cheaper than the UK currently. Jom tien has more of the vibe I now want whilst I very, very occaisionly go the the main drag in Pattaya for a walkabout.

How did you get 6 months visa

Are you on working visa? Did you Register your company ? Which visa type is it and did some agency help you? Tnx

As someone who early retired on dividends this year my experience is the key is to get out of holiday mode. thankfully I'm now out of it. most days I eat müsli for breakfast and cook myself for dinner. I'm an introvert so some days I'm not even leaving the apartment. I stopped drinking alcohol and I'm not going to nightclubs. I like metal so the music there is trash for me and honestly most girls there are trash too. Met my gf in a café. We're going Dutch on dates, she makes her own money. I'm spending time on learning languages, I go to the gym, climbing, hiking, beach, meetups, boardgame club, meeting friends and more. I'm busy. If you're not busy and struggle to "kill" time you're doing something wrong and more likely to waste money.

Really like your video and your style. Also, look forward to your video on growth on You Tube.

Hi I’ve just come across your channel and love it! Sorry to hear you’re ending it but I wish you all the best moving forward… quick question, did you acquire the work permit/visa to live there for an extended time, I work remotely online and thinking about an extended trip to Thailand.. Thanks I really appreciate any advice..

Finally. A humble, honest and logical take on living there. Good take.

I decided to stay here at same time as you. I’m staying because it’s right for me although I’m in Bangkok. Good you made the hard decision to return.

Great video. Spot on.

what editing software are you using, been vlogging but my sub counts are so low.

Very good content, shame you are leaving. Hopefully you will be back, but go to Phuket next time.

Sorry my apologies I forgot to ask if you were able to send me link to the property rental you got in touch with. Many thanks

Your like a tiny version of Tyson Fury. 😂 Awesome video very well thought out. Traveling there very soon

I really enjoyed your insight.

Don't stay only in Pattaya. You've travel around Thailand, because it's an amazing country and transportation is very cheap. I've travelled for 1. 1/2 year through Thailand

Merry Christmas and all the best in 2024!!

ive been really seriously planning and investigating a 10 day trip and i think that with all the information ive acquired from yourself and a few other content creators; i would not only have an absolute blast but i think that i would be able to do it and really not have any problems or spend 10k lol! thanks for the information that has helped me quite a lot!

The dopamine effect is powerful and you explained it very well. It applies to both sexes. Glad you warned men about how it works on you and your budget.

I like that, you don't have to do nothing and it's okay, save money, nobody is hating im cool 😎, kool.

When you decide to live in Thailand you should be aiming to live exactly the same lifestyle as you lived in the west unless of course you were struggling. If you were failing back home chances are you'll end up failing here. I believe if you want to move here do it because you want to live in Thailand and not for wanting to live a high life.

Good evening to you. Hope you had a lovely Xmas and looking forward to 2024. I came across your other video showing around the apartment you stayed in for 6 months. This is a perfect spot for me, with the gym etc... I'm currently looking at staying other there for 6 months for a break from here. I work online so it is very convenient. Learning some thia language and how to get a work visa. Your help and advice would be appreciated indeed. I currently live in Cheshire at present.

Hi been watching your vlogs for a while and really enjoying them i am thinking of traveling to Thailand so i do a lot of research and your video’s help so much but there's one thing i can't find out about and this is i have sometimes a problem and have to take a blue pill if you know what i mean so my question is can you take some into the country or can you get some there and do the bar girls mind

Been to thailand 15 times, would never live there full time. Well done for being honest with yourself. What filter did you use on this video?

Im looking at possibly going to thailand next winter for about 6 weeks, im looking for some half decent accommodation not too far from a half decent beach, like a condo with facilities like gym/sauna/pool etc. good wifi so wife can work remotely and in a decent area for reasonably priced food and massages, clothes shopping. Ive tried airbnb but they seem quite expensive and that condo u showed seems right up my street do you have more info of ones like that not just in pattaya but other places too?

If you have budget apartment suggestions in patayya i would love to hear

Damn Ryan, You are tearing my heart, I just filled out my application for a Smart Startup Visa in Thailand, partly due to Your videos about Thailand - In Your early videos I really felt a sense of joy, energy and good vibes - something You missed in more recent ones, Your eyes just weren't that happy anymore. I guess You play it wrong by not trying more to find hobby clubs and similar-minded people who are not into the beer and bar scene. Somebody who You can travel with, have an evening jogging, talk about business etc. Anyway, I hope that, if You will visit Thailand again, I will still be there and we can go drink beer in a bar and judge people who cross by

I'm looking for a place like you lived in for a several month stay. Were you able to bring girls back to your place without any hassle in a mostly private fashion? That's the primary concern for me. If anyone has any thoughts please opine! :)

Thank you very much for sharing your experiences and your thoughts. 👍 Lots of people are chasing the dopamine rush. Sex, drugs, Rock'n'Roll and food give you a lot of dopamine. You are quite young, and made the best desicion for you. I'm old and will retire in two years, and so I'm thinking about moving to Pattaya. Vids like yours help me to be aware of the traps and dangers. Well done mate. Cheers.

Is it true that in Asian languages, the meaning of a word changes depending on its tone? If so, then if someone feels angry, sad or the like he would have another tonality while speaking and couldn't communicate properly? I am very new to asian languages so it's maybe an absolute beginners noob question.

All great advice.

Thank you for this honest summary of your experience in Pattaya, most of your content was very helpful for me right from the beginning. Good luck back in the UK.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 you speak true and right. Good man. Maybe next time we meet in Thailand . Great video. You are a great RU-vidr. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

The issue about cheap price things add up, this the same thing as shopping habits. I love cheap fashion clothes so I buy a lot. If I spend 1000THB on 1 dress I might buy 1 a month. But as it costs only 250 I tend to buy 6, ending up spending more.

I live in a busy town in Thailand and have been able to work in monk mode for 2.5 years. To stay motivated, you have to remember your goal, shut down distractions, and treat yourself once in a while.

Woah ..knew u were coming home for XMAS ..but thought u were definitely going back but not neccessarily to Pattaya - Thought u mite end up in Bangkok - Surprised u r stopping the vlogging your channel has hit 6k Subs in no time at all - U got a real natural prescence in front of the cam u mite want to reconsider continuing the channel - Travel Glitch - myabe shudnt limit itself to Thailand ...theres over 200 other countries out there - Regardless of wat u decide to do ...Good luck to u Im sure u will be successful - Really enjoyed your Live Streams - Merry Christmas Ryan

I really like to way how u made your videos and all what u talked about Thailand, info was correct, i respect that alot, because on some videos guys talking of things what they dont have any clue :) If you ever return to Thailand, i wish you drop a message and then at least you get 1 more friend who focus for business and not just a party life. Wish a good luck for your jorney! :) ... and btw. those books.. they are great, i readed almost all of them and those helped me aswell alot on my jorney when i still was a youngboy :) Now im 38 and still living my dream in my Thailand, thi`s not always been easy, but 100% worth it.

Grind brother and get back to Thailand.

excited to see the future!

Come and enjoy your time in Thailand when you feel enough with living in Thailand then design to move somewhere else you feel like to make your life satisfied , it ok to feeling boring some times in the same places, your life your choices you can manage where to go and don’t worry at all because Thai people always welcomes people around the world at any times . Thai people just wished you returned to Thailand again at any time ❤

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Yes it is ok to do nothing. Living within a budget is important. Ive spent a lot of time in Thailand, not Pattaya but BKK and Hau Hin. Stupid me, I was not aware of the sharing of the tips - I will tip the server directly next time. When I get a motorbike, taxi, check into a hotel and they carry my bags I always provide a small tip.

Can you please try to link the building / accommodation that you stayed in ? Intressted in staying there

Do you have an e-mailing list about that RU-vid channel?

Yeah winter is here and you can just put your head down too and grind!

I have never been to Thailand and now considering a holiday there. I am American and wanted to know how Thai’s feel about Americans, or if there is any culture that may not be as accepted?

It could be hard to stay focused on your goals and grind as much as required in a place like Thailand. Thanks for your video. Valuable content.

Fair enough, good luck to you.