EXPATS & ALCOHOLISM Part One | Too Much Nightlife & Bars | Addiction | Solutions 

I must apologise for not mentioning AA for those who need assistance. Alcoholics Anonymous Thailand: www.aathailand.org/ Narcotics Anonymous Thailand: na-thailand.org/

For anyone who is thinking about quitting drinking and is ready to do it. Go for it. It's tough but it's worth it. 6 years for me. Literally the best thing I have ever done for myself. Wish I did it sooner. Vale those who didn't make it.

When a man learns how much pain he can endure, without using alcohol, it is truly a revelation to him. From then on, life just does not seem so scary.

I’m an alcoholic, and I’ve found the best way of getting off it is to ask yourself why are you drinking? And for me it was boredom and a feeling of emptiness in my life. I took up landscape photography, which I found completely filled the void of what my mind needed, which was stimulation. And gradually I stopped drinking over the course of a couple of years without even trying. I found that I didn’t crave it anymore. So in conclusion, just look for the route cause of the problem & then try & address it. I know it won’t be the Miracle cure for everyone, but it worked for me. 😊

I have been sober for 18 years and it’s the best decision I have made in my life :)

I've been here now going on 13 years. It's not just the alcohol, it's definitely the combination of it all. It's the escape from the mundane, the beautiful women that tell you everything you want to hear. Most guys that lose their way are the one's that try to reinvent themselves as someone they aren't. Definitely don't come to BKK if you're life is in shambles because as good as life can be here, it can go bad and you'll find yourself far from home in an unideal situation.

Many expats in Thailand wake up every morning and ask themselves, "What can I do today?" And the answer is nothing. But they can probably get a drink somewhere and try and find someone in the same boat. You hit the nail on the head at the start of the video Pat. Expats need some sort of steady occupation because the novelties soon wear off.

During my recent 3 month stint in Thailand there were a few times when I felt quite lonely and went to nearby bars just to be amongst other people. It would have been very easy for me to get carried away with socialising every night just to be with people but, after thinking about my sister who was an alcoholic (and who actually died on Christmas Day while I was in Bangkok), I promised myself I'd never go down that route having seen what it can do to people.

Giving up drinking made me have to face the trauma I was running away from. Therapy and friendships, true friendships not my drinking "friends", got me through it. Been about six years now.

My last drink of alcohol was back in 2016, Sexy Night Bar Nana Plaza, after 50 years of drinking one night I realised I just wasn't enjoying it anymore and saw no point in carrying on. Because I had lost the taste for it, quitting was easy, six years on I've never felt better and wished I had done it sooner.

If u give up drinking you need to fill that void with something special because let's face it, drinking can be a very enjoyable thing to do. Rehab and AA worked for me. Educated myself on understanding addiction and listened to those who knew what they were talking about. I'm 20 years sober and a heard of horses couldn't pull me back. I'm 53 today. Best wishes to all.

I was in Pattaya for 4 months in 2017 and by the third month I realized how easy it can be to drink yourself to death or become an alcoholic. I couldn’t live there permanently too much temptation.

The best advice I got when I first moved here was from a long time expat who told me to not act like a tourist anymore. And as I've seen since then too many guys move over who are naive due to lack of experience with this sort of place and perhaps also lacking in experience with women and they're vulnerable to the excesses of Thailand. Because, regardless of age, it can be the best times of your life or end up being soul crushing. Engage in quality activities like staying active with working out or leaning the language and it can be amazing. Spend it in the bars everyday and the outcome will be very different.

Gym, suntan, protein, fruit, work, purpose, friendships. That's all a man needs.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, self discipline is a must in Thailand.

Mate it’s quality to see this. I’ve finally come to the realisation that I have to quit drinking as it’s not serving me in my life, I’ve lived in Vietnam before and been thinking about the carefree life but it revolves around drink and partying and I’m led astray and fully absorbed by the lifestyle. Fuck that I need purpose in my life not a job I dislike to fund my drinking obsession. Honestly mate this couldn’t of come at a better time, thanks for your insight xoxo

I am an English born Australian citizen.I have lived in Thailand for eight years.I lost my British wife of 21 years to breast cancer and son of 21 to suicide.I moved to Thailand for a new life.I never drink alcohol during the day.I drink Chang beer at night.I think I deserve to be able to do what I do without condemnation or judgement.I do what helps me survive sad memories.What are my option ? Sober,sad and suicidal ? I was with my wife when she died and held my son until the paramedics told me to let go of him.So easy to judge people.Walk in my shoes.

I was a drink (drunk) at home alcoholic.. just drinking beer from 8am until I went to bed. I just about ran out of money, then coming back from a trip home I realised that the cabin crew were unlikely to give me another drink, and that I was missing my long suffering wife and daughter, very much. I stopped drinking on that flight, and strangely enough got it completely under control, after a few years I started drinking the occasional beer, nothing like before. It can be done but everyone's situation is different, some would rather die than give up drinking, some deny that they have a problem, etc.

I've never had a drink of alcohol in my life apparently that's a blessing I am 68

Really sad to see the consequences of alcoholism, it just robs a person of everything. If you are stressed, anxious, depressed or bored, alcohol isn't your answer. Get yourself well without alcohol and enjoy the social aspects of it if you wish.

Production quality and story telling off the charts You are rockin this RU-vid thing Pat. A big thanks..

I left BKK in 2019, after 19 years in Asia mostly Hong Kong and Singapore and 6 years living in BKK (2014 till 2019) i have to say by a very long mile BKK was my favourite city to go out and drink till the wee hours. You can go out solo (thats usually the best way) and guaranteed you will meet the most interesting assortment of misfits, burnouts, weirdos and just plain interesting people from all backgrounds. Ive had epic nights with investment bankers in from HK to English teachers and dodgy boiler room dudes. I miss it A LOT, however it was time to leave the city, no regrets at all. BKK is special its like no other city I’ve been to and I’ve been to a few. I’m living in South America now.

Going to be 44 years in June . Lucky once I stopped didn't miss it and took an aggressive stance against alcohol the enemy.

I ran a bar and restaurant in Koh Samui. Ended up in hospital as was burning the candle at both ends. Got a regular job and a normal life got married with 3 kids and moved back home. Would have died young if I continued that lifestyle. A lot of expats who had pensions end up drinking themselves to death through sheer boredom.

I've never really enjoyed drinking myself. But Ive seen a people in my vicinity succumb to alcohol, both friends and close family - so you are touching on a very real and important topic here.

I’m retired and living in Thailand. July 6 2023 I’ll hopefully Celebrate 26 years Sober. No matter what happens I will never use Alcohol or a Mind or Mood altering substance today. One day at a time! Pattaya and Bangkok have great AA Meetings. Chiang Mai Korat Buriram If you need us. We’re there. It’s very hard to see all the Alcohol Abuse in Pattaya. All the Traffic Accidents as a result of Alcohol and Drug abuse. I can’t intervene and I can’t stop it. I don’t have a Magic Wand. When your ready The hand of AA will be there to greet you! Safety and Blessings.

lived in thailand in the early 70s. saw the debauchery. never succumbed but witnessed the destruction. well done pat. great psa. thoughtful, straightforward and discerning.

Awesome video Pat, covering this sensitive topic. This video and the awareness it brings can help not only guys based in Thailand, but all over the world 100%.

Same thing happens in Japan. I experienced it. Still struggling with it. A failed marriage, but I function 15 years after I arrived. I don't even drink out anymore. I drink alone at home.

The AA community in Bangkok is very supportive. And trust me the people there are from all walks of life and they have seen it all. Another useful fact is some of them are the originals who helped build up AA in Bangkok. So it is definitely worth it for anyone struggling. 🙏🙏🙏

Off topic slightly here but relatable to alcohol and health, saw a sign on a café door once which read, 'Lung cancer cures smoking'.

Was blessed with this video in my recommendations Thank you for your down to earth tone, beautiful photography of the city, and most of all, respect. I've had periods of unrestrained hedonism in my earlier life, and still experience some issues from that. But your tone is understanding, focused on the problem and not the failings of the person. It's a refreshing voice to hear when caught between two sides of a dilemma

Wish there would be a discussion on alcohol abuse in the Philippines among expats. It is bad here.

I never understand a world where alcohol is legal but smoking marijuana is illegal (althought thailand is starting to move forward in this topic) I DJ'd 6 years 7 months on day in and day out and never once felt the need to get smashed. I've never understood it myself but I can imagine it is hard to control once you are in the cycle. Problem in thailand is drink means bars, bars generally mean girls....that means a very expensive and difficult to sustain life. Good vid as always mate.

🙏 for making this video. If possible make more with more interviews/ life experience for everybody to learn how alcohol affects themselves, their family and friends 🙏 Perhaps not just on alcohol but also other kinds of addiction. This topic is also a part of the Thailand “coin” that not many want to talk about or accept.

I have never been an alcoholic myself, only a so called social drinker. Nowadays I don't even do that anymore as this knowledge of what alcohol does to the liver and brain becomes more and more available. I wish the best luck to everyone who is trying to quit. You can do it! Many people before you have been successful!

Hi Pat. That was a really well done video. Those testimonials really bring it home. I’ve got my own testimonial of how alcohol affected my Thai family. I never met my father in law. He was a kind man they say. Wore his heart on his sleeve. Too kind perhaps and after being taken advantage of in a couple of failed business start ups, he turned to alcohol. He just couldn’t cope with the betrayal! His family suffered a lot growing up. When he worked often the money would go to drink and feeding the 3 children often relied upon the benevolence of other family members. They lived in traditional Thai living compounds in rural Thailand between Ayuthuya and Saraburi where families lived in traditional open teak homes on stilts. He was loved very much as a kind loving father but often family neighbours would yell at him to shut up when his drinking got him too noisy. This would create alot of embarrassment and during these times his poor wife would jokingly threaten to him across the head with a frying pan. 😂 As time went by his excessive drinking developed a serious diabetic condition so his drinking habits gradually become more and more risky. When my wife was about 17 he returned to his town of birth in Surin to meet up with friends and family. His childhood friends would naturally offer him drinks and one night after a heavy session he went into a coma and died. Luckily none of his children have any drug dependence issues and hold happy memories with him 🦋

Pat, you're not killing it with alcohol, but with these amazing videos!

Your coverage of videos on the topics of Bangkok history and expat life in Bangkok are a valuable resource. It's great this is available for folks to do some good research instead of learning on the ground.

I haven’t stopped drinking totally,but I decided to look after myself better,by only drinking 1 or twice a month,and eating more fruit and veggies,I go to the gym instead of going out drinking,people need to find other interests to keep themselves busy.

Well done Pat in talking about this serious issue.Addiction controls you and trying to turn it around takes time . One day at a time no matter where you are in the world it starts with you inside wanting to change and then having the right people around you to help you . It will always be there but eventually you can control it . It’s heartbreaking what drink has done to so many people like drugs, gambling and other vices that we need to try and keep in check

Powerful and very relevant video Pat. Well done. If I can add my two cents' worth it would be that for anyone whose alcoholism is driven primarily by anxiety or depression, speak to your GP about addressing that directly. I was an alcoholic for years. Nothing worked in terms of stopping or reducing until I found a medication that worked for helping that underlying cause. I know medication isn't a perfect solution and it won't work for everyone but it worked for me.

I grew up with an alcoholic parent. It never had a hold on me as a moderate drinker, and in the last four years as an almost completely non-drinker. Living in Thailand you see these guys drinking their lives away with various levels of self-destruction. I stay away from them.

A very important topic. Thanks for lifting this very important up. Expat lifestyle is generally mixed with a lot of alcohol, it is a social key. Not only in Bangkok or Asia but also in Southern Europe where retired people from the northern countries seem to have adopted a daily alcohol habit, from lunch and throughout the day as a new normal. A very dangerous habit.

A short stint as a bartender 3+ decades ago was an eye opener and a good teacher, as I got to see all types of people attempting to "manage" their relationship with alcohol. It was embarrassing and sad for some, but not all. I'm sure as a DJ you saw plenty as well.

I moved here 1995. Before the crash in 1997 you saw a lot more EX pats coming for one and two year contracts and many of them returned home as wrecks. Company setting them up in an apartment, fully furnished. So the only place to meet friends was in the bar. And it was never lets go have a cup of tea. When I moved here I decided to bring all my things from Europe so I had my "own" condo and I could have friends over. And I could spend night at home with my own furniture etc. You know what I mean. I have not been drinking for 6 or 7 years because of the hangovers. It was terrible. And also I did not got drunk any more, just tired. After 6 beers I went home as I got tired, before it was 25 beers and coming home when the sun was shining. I think the problem is that people don't have any interests. For me, my friends want to go have a beer and I say "SORRY! I HAVE TO WAKE UP AT 4 TO GO LOOK FOR BIRDS"

I'm an Alcoholic,a sober alcoholic, I have been sober for 27 years , I was a fall down drunk ! there is help as Pat mentioned if you want to get sober it is possible one day at a time admitting that you have a problem that you can't control is the first step. If I take one drink it takes over my life I have no control over the next and next. Getting sober and staying sober was the hardest but most rewarding and fulfilling time in my life.

Looking at the reasons you are drinking is important. Facing the depression, anxiety or whatever it is, is the key. I wasted 25 years as an alcoholic and am in my 6th year sober. It was actually my Thai partner (of 8 years now), who made me realize I needed to change, and how I could do it. Buddhism has really helped me to get a better perspective and prioritize things properly. It has also helped me with getting in touch with the inner sensations that we instinctively act on, before we have assessed where they are coming from. Often those sensations that I now analyze would have been an unconscious trigger to reach for a drink. Now I explore them, perhaps try to change them or use it as a signal to just go and do something else. It’s not easy, but it’s better than the endless hopeless cycle of booze.

I never drink in Thailand, I see too many elderly men sitting alone looking miserable. Dont miss it at all. Each to their own.

May 30th will be 19 years sober for me after 30 years of the never-ending party life. AA saved my life because I wanted to get sober more than anything else. Half-measures avail nothing.

I miss Soi Zero. When I first arrived here that was a great place to get a beer, shoot pool, and chat with friendly Thai people for an afternoon into the early evening. I take umbrage with you comment suggesting that teaching is a desperate man's path. I have met, taught and formed friendships with Admirals, CEOs , Government officials, Attaches, university students and small and large business owners. All of which can lead to another door opening. I don't believe in luck. I make my own luck.

That’s a great article Pat. I’ve never lived in Thailand but I have travelled quite a bit in a previous job. Similar traps could be found in Shanghai, KL, Hong Kong etc etc. Mental health is crucial to anyones well-being whether at work or play. Keep up the the great work & love your content.

Excellent episode which highlights a serious issue. I remember Soi 0 way back in the mid 1990’s. I really enjoyed this cautionary tale which was covered in a non-judgmental manner.

My friend has Alcoholic Dementia he was a big drinker in Australia but being able to drink all day made it worse he drinks at least 12 big Leo’s per day. Sad to see. Well done for making the video.

Totally sober for 4 months and haven’t drank heavily for over a year. After drinking to excess nearly every night my entire adult life. Lived in Asia many years and my drinking was out of control. Alcohol bought out the worst in me but I couldn’t stop. My alcoholism and illicit drug use was self medicating my ADHD. Getting on Ritalin solved the problem and now the thought of alcohol makes me feel sick.

I was drinking too much in Mexico, at least for me anyway. When I first came to Pattaya I didn't feel a need to drink. But, I later moved closer to the action with all the bars, massage parlors and noise. The need for a beer returned, and I was back to my Mexico consumption level. I just moved to a new place away from all that, now I don't feel the need anymore. At least for me it seems to be the vibration of a place. If you have bars filled with sullen old drunks, it has to be giving off a negative vibe.

Im on day 103 of not drinking. Its not easy but it's worth stopping. My plan is minimum of a year off to repair everything that I've ruined in my life. I've booked to climb Mount kilimanjaro in Tanzania just as my year off alcohol ends so I definitely won't be drinking until after I've conquered Africas biggest mountain. I might never drink again

I lived through alcoholism in my teens with my brother being an alcoholic, after many years he accepted he had a problem and because he wanted to he faced it straight on and quit. Mind you only for a couple of years, since then I believe has has probably drifted back and forth if his still alive as I lost contact with him decades ago through his drinking. Key advice, you have to do it for you and you only

Great video Pat and good to bring awareness of a subject that is rarely talked about but it is omnipresent in Thailand among the expat community. I particularly liked the way you interviewed people with real stories.

This great topic does reflect me, thanks Pat for sharing.

As a 34 year sober man I have some experience and understanding of alcoholism. If someone can drink, get into trouble/s, then stop or change the drinking habits and cease causing and having difficulties (other than normal daily life problems which we all experience) then I would suggest they are not alcoholics. Some say that there are types of alcoholics; e.g. control or functional alcoholics, binge drinkers - able to drink heavily for a while then go dry for a period e.g. weekend, and then there are primary alcoholics i.e. a person that once a drink has been taken simply cannot stop even unto death. The paradoxical primer about being an alcoholic rather than a heavy or problem drinker is that whether drunk or not the alcoholic is alcoholic in nature, attitudes, thinking and emotionally/spiritually an alcoholic whether they drink or not. The debate about genetics I will leave to others to discuss. The mention of "willpower" was made. For an alcoholic, paradoxically, the will is useless where alcohol is concerned, and yet once the alcoholic admits their addiction and surrenders to a process of a recovery (in whatever form/s that takes). If the alcoholic then takes a drink again then a re-beginning, almost immediately where one left off the last time one drank is highly probable. I was a world rated athlete, strong, disciplined beyond normal mortal belief, a willpower dynamo, hard working, intelligent, a focused man until I crossed the line into active alcoholism. At that threshold I found my own will utterly useless. I have known high court judges who drove a Bentley's and drank in the boardroom and hallowed sacred halls of ivy league institutions but were alcoholics nonetheless, incredibly successful business men and women with riches, families, to average-Joes, kind and gracious with loving families decent earning jobs with lots of people who like them who ended up dead or in institutions because of the thing called alcoholism. Oe of the core issues with a true alcoholic is a loathing of self far beyond the self esteem issues of other men. An alcoholic is not just the fella or woman living under a park-bench To be like me (I have changed a great deal in 34 sober years yet paradoxically I have not lol 🤣) The idea that ones own self-will is the best remedy for alcoholism is sadly false (and yes there is a paradox here also) for until one admits as wholly as one can that they are an alcoholic and cannot even under their best own steam conquer this inner malady then the changes needed deeply within will simply not take place. Only then and over time with a dedication only a dying person musters can the self-will be moulded, reborn if you will to assist the person to live. Until these changes take place an alcoholic alone with their own thoughts and person is in deadly company indeed. Oh further compensatory, half measure adaptions can be had yes but the deep changes to address the irritability, discontent, etc etc will not. It's sometimes called swapping the 'witch for the bitch' e.g. changing jobs, getting divorced, getting married, taking up strenuous exercise, have more sex, don't have sex, become vegetarian, or not, moving, taking up yoga, drinking only on a certain day of the week, changing from spirits to beer or whatever, smoking pot instead of drinking, or some other distraction from the inner work of alcoholism recovery. Now such things on face value aren't 'bad' at all of course, the point I make is that these are examples often used as a means of covering up or distracting from the inner maladies of being alcoholic. I am sure that there will be those who read this and say BS. That's your right to think and say. I in no way think I have the right to say who is and is not an alcoholic that is ultimately for each person confronted with themselves in such a predicament to decide. Good luck, and seek outside help from AA and professionals if anything I have written here sounds like you.

I am a oldtime expat and have known the Thai people since I was here during the war. I now have been here over 12 years and not leaving. I am old and sick. Now it has been determined by medicial experts what horrific damage alcohol does to your brain. It is just not good for you. I drank when I was younger later in the US even more. I don't judge be warned if you want to live longer then you choose. Alcohol is bad for you even one or two beers a day. God bless damn glad I quit since 1991 except for the occasional beer. NO MORE. I on a very personal note lost a very special person in my life. She drank I knew it but she was not here so I did not know. She fell in her new home and died, broke me heart drink did this.

I'm a year sober after 40 years on the booze so glad I'm free of it...I lost so many days and weeks to hangovers

There is help even when you're faced with desperation and hopelessness.

I quit drinking when I lived in Bangkok in my mid twenties after I fell from an overpass after a night of debauchery. Best decision I could have ever made lol. And I really was just drinking because I was living there for months but not working and there wasn't much else to do after a certain point. 10 years on and I'm wary of people my age that still prioritize drinking and partying.

I’ve never known an alcoholic in my work or social circle in America. I rarely went to bars. I was an occasional drinker at home. Here in Thailand I have a bar I go to every Friday. I am retired and happier in Thailand so I have no sorrows to drown. The drinkers are easier to see here because so many bars are outside in the open but there are drinkers everywhere.

Bless you Pat. Your videos are the best. Thoughts and prayers to everyone fighting addiction.

Thanks for this one. Well done. Take care of yourselves everyone!

Hmmm, I've been sober a number of years. I tried so many times to stop on my own. I heard about a family member who after getting arrested and hitting a terrible bottom went to AA and was sober a number of months. After several years trying to quit on my own I finally decided to give AA a try. A person has to hit a bottom before they really want to stop. Often this means hospitalization or jail. I had been partying in BKK and can easily see the allure. I also went to a lot of AA meetings in BKK after I got sober. Not everybody is the same but I still enjoy going out when sober. To see a band, watch some dancing girls or dine at a good restaurant. Met some of those folks that were mentioned in the video. The ones that disappear. Sometime miracles happen. They get sober, make amends and live an easier softer life without the booze. Sadly, many of those people that continue to drink get locked up (jails, institutions), covered up (dead) or sobered up. If a person is an alcoholic, these are the three ends to the illness of alcoholism. BKK is a perfect place to act out with booze or other intoxicants. Only you can decide if you're an alcoholic. There are a list of questions to help you determine if you are but most folks with a drinking problem know deep down inside they aren't drinking normally. Check it out online if you're interested. I'm not promoting here, I'm just sharing what worked for me. Bangkok Pat you may consider getting in touch with some AA expat folks there and interviewing them.

I have been coming to Thailand for almost 40 years (in less than a year) and have lived here now for 16 years. The main reasons to have a drink are no different from back home.....birthday or other party or special occasions, catching up with folks you haven't seen in a long time.....and weekend sports get to-gethers and barbies. Stick to these and you will be ok

A well presented and timely video on a serious subject. My experience in Thailand (1992...). Expats and drinking is more widespread, and an issue, then most might like to accept. Keep up you good videos and best of luck.

Just discovered your channel and I absolutely love it! It such an informative and professional style of vlogging. It reminds me of those old travel shows I used to watch in the early 2000's like "Lonely Planet" or "Don't Forget your Passport." Great stuff, I look forward to seeing and liking all your content.

I became a born again christian--and that set me free from Alcohol 35 years ago!!!!! what freedom!!!

Pat, Thanks for being brave and covering this topic. As they say the grass is always greener. I worked in advertising (1977 - 1990) Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll and it was true. i was exposed to a Very big Drinking Culture so had good grounding when i first went to Thailand in 1990 i saw how people got sucked in to that life style and had enough grounding to not get drawn in to that its an easy trap to fall in to... i was lucky. one of the saddest things i saw were Two down and outs walking around in tattered rags begging on the street one British and one German , i remember thinking theirs no hope for these guys what will become of them. Another example was a Guy from manchester who had a bar on one of the islands, he had thee best bar in the best soi and the best looking girls, i used to go and have a chat to him most afternoons and have a beer but there was never much trade. i used to wonder how he got the money to keep it going. i used to go sometimes Three times a year and the last time i saw him he had his mother who was 80 and his sister over,he was begging his mum to sell her house so he could finance the Bar it was very sad i had to live. the next time i went the bar had a new oner. Turned out he got so stressed and was drinking so much he had a heart attack and died.Aparantly he owed money every where.

Great channel. Love the delivery, it comes across more professional like your watching a documentary and obviously he exhibits the wisdom he's gained from many years in Thailand. Good sense of humor makes me laugh every video. And I like how he has chill music on his Videos. Well done.

Really appreciate you covering this topic. I also hope there are support groups (like AA) people might be able to utilize here in BKK.

I quit smoking with an Allen Carr - Easy Way course. I hear they have one for alcoholism too. The actual physical addiction is a bit longer (a week++) but i think the deconstruction of the desire to drink would follow the same method as quitting smoking. Might be worth investigating.

Fact is drinking on a tuesday afternoon in Thailand or most places in Asia can be exciting...in UK it just wouldnt be, even in summer

Enlightening video. Appreciate your candid honesty.

WOW, you just keep stepping up your game. Kudos B.P. You really put a lot of work into your videos. It shows.

I'm not a drinker anymore but I do have a serious weakness for umbrella type drinks like "dirty banana", sangria, pina colodas...Basically all lady drinks...but man do I love them...so if you see a older guy passed out near nana plaza surrounded by drink beach umbrellas that'll probably be me.

I think one of the problems that isn't addressed in this video is that for many expats who do have a serious problem with alcohol it is compounded by the fact that they are potentially far removed from the support networks that could actually help them overcome their addiction. I am alluding to family and also the help of Alcoholics Anonymous groups which, while they may exist in Thailand, might nevertheless be less accessible to foreigners for linguistic and social reasons. In many ways though, South East Asia with its (more or less) perennial tourist traffic might just be the 'perfect' place for an alcoholic to try to conceal their addiction to the world.

This is excellent . I love a good drink after a day’s fishing and then it’s sober all week for work . Can’t drink every day ..fantastic report you did ..

Good advice Pat. It can be a slippery slop when a person gets addicted to the Disneyland landscape of BKK and Pattaya. There is a reason the Pattaya High Flying club was so popular pre COVID. Addiction to a substance or behavior is so easy and damn hard to kick. I have just subscribed to your channel as you are a voice of reason.

I think I'm watching a friend heading in this direction Booze.. Girls... Less sense of right and wrong.... Thailand does this too many men... Yes... He is trying to be 30 again at 70. Booooom

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug to discontinue for Full on drunk.Do it in a medical environment

Pat. Another excellant video. Always with a real story. I am in the upcountry but love your videos about Bangkok and the history of its neighborhood. Bobby

Good video. I had a business partner who gave me my first look into severe alcoholism. Brutal stuff. He’s now dead. I’ve probably been borderline at times too and boredom is the biggest danger, coupled with stress and anxiety issues. Stay strong men!!

There's a TV series called The Embassy. The staff of the Australian embassy deals with Australian's in a bind in Thailand and their stories. Some stories are so ridiculous it's hard to believe a person could be so stupid, but there are people that stupid. There are probably episodes on RU-vid.

Stopping drinking, for me, had to be a gradual thing because I suffered from alcohol-related fits/seizures and hallucinations on the occasions I went "cold turkey". I've also given up heroin, crack and cocaine, but stopping drinking was, by far, the most difficult and dangerous of them all. Always good to see any kind of addiction being discussed, so thanks very much for the video.

Thank you so much for covering this. I've noticed propensity for this in Siem Reap as well. Cheers!

Fantastic video and fantastic blunt truth. Magnificent down to earth video and your subtle personality take on things are spot on. Loved this video. Min Buri, Phrao and now this one you are on a roll.... Thank-you for the truth as always Pat. 🇭🇲☮️☕B

I am so glad to have a personality where alcohol never overtook me; even while in places like Bangkok surrounded by cheap booze, I could easily stop myself when I knew I had enough. I feel so bad for people who can't do this, booze really can ruin one's life.

The 'Expats' that reside in and around Banchang Rayong are a great example of what you are presenting in this program. Well done! They are all around!!

I haven't had even one drink in over 20 years, and when I did drink I wasn't an "alcoholic", but I came to realize that "The Sauce" was not enhancing my life, and doing more harm than good, so I decided I'd had enough, and it was one of the best choices I've ever made.

I've seen this go bad for weekend drinkers when they retire. Weekdays was work, weekends are drinking days. But then they retire and every day is an alcohol day -- doesn't end well.

Good video. I wish everyone the best in their quest to overcome any addiction at all. Fortunately, I have never touched alcohol, drugs or cigarettes but I have seen what they can do to people.

Kudos to you for taking on such a sensitive topic.

I first visited Thailand when I was 30 years old, then made many subsequent trips always partying like a rock star. I later lived in Pattaya for three years when I was in my early 40's. I was working remotely but had to travel to the Middle East for a week every month. Those short trips kept me from spiraling into an early death from kidney/liver failure. When I left Thailand at the age of 45, I gave up booze completely (and I mean not a single drop) for nearly five years. I did that just to prove to myself that I'm not an alcoholic. It's now been six years since I drank my last beer, but I do have a very occasional Scotch and soda. I love Thailand and hope to live there again someday, but I definitely won't center my life around expat drinking binges four or five nights a week. ;-) They were some pretty damn good times though -- wouldn't trade the memories and stories for gold.

Great story telling and solid topic 🙏✊- keep up the great work