Please share your thoughts on your experience on safety in Thailand. Do you agree with me? Disagree? I have amazing subscribers and viewers who post thoughtful comments that are helpful to others. I hope this video will be no exception. Thanks for watching! 🔴 SUBSCRIBE AND RING THE NOTIFICATION BELL 😊: www.youtube.com/@RetiredGlobalLife?sub_confirmation=1
I was kidnapped at gunpoint in downtown Atlanta in 1981 at the age of 19. The police said it was a miracle I survived. Needless to say my “spidey senses” have always been up since then. I’ve been to Thailand 30 times since 2005. Chiang Mai has been my primary base of operation but most of my time has been in remote mountain villages, refugee camps and orphanages. I’ve walk around alone at night all the time and have NEVER EVER felt in danger. I once spent the night in an ancient cemetery in my hammock in MawKlerKee. The orphans were terrified for me but even the spirits left me alone. 👻 😮 The blasted roosters did wake me up at 4:00am though.
Totally agree with you Randy, Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world, except for road accidents and smoke season induced respiratory illnesses. And when it comes to road casualties, the worst is for motorbikes riders and pedestrians. I rode a car for two weeks recently from Bangkok to Isaan, visiting the amazing Khmer temples, and never had any issue, even if Thai drive on the "wrong side" of the road. From a security point of view, one of the risks is also the box jelly fish that can be found in the Andaman Sea (Phuket, Koh Lipe, etc.). Its stinging sting can be fatal, but is fortunately rare.
When we lived there for 2 years, we went native right away. Old Thai house, bathroom, everything. Studied Thai 3 lessons a week for 2 hours each time and Learned how to speak, write and read. After the initial adjustment to new bacteria that kicked me at about 2 weeks, I was then fine. By the way, I had English students in America from China, Japan, South Korea and they all got sick here until they adjusted to new bacteria. After my adjustment, I got horribly sick exactly one time in two years (not counting my bout with the mosquito born Denge Fever! That was like a month long flu!!) I got hospitalized for it and was watching t.v. when I saw an airplane fly into the World Trade Center! I felt safe at Ram 1 hospital! Anyway, that time I got sick was not on street food, but at a nice indoor, Thai restaurant. That chicken was not right and I could kind of tell while eating it. After a foot massage, my wife drove me home on the motorcycle a few blocks away. I was sick as a dog for a couple of days. The street food was never a problem and always AROY MAAK! Even ate bugs that were mashed into a dipping paste up in Chiang Rai. That I did not care for.
Thanks so much for the comment. Wow, I admire your dedication to learning and admit I do not match that. I never had any adjustment period like you and have never been sick at all, but maybe I've been lucky. I meant to mention the mosquito issue but forgot. Hope you visit again.
I was in Thailand for 4 weeks in January this year. As for food safety, I agree: Eat what the locals eat and only warm food prepared before you. When traveling in Asia for 18 months, a long time ago I noticed that Americans are particularly susceptible. When you are only eating food that is processed beyond recognition it takes a while to get used to real food prepared from ingredients. The bum-gun is a great invention. I test the working, water pressure, and temperature before I let go!
I was infected by an amoeba in a remote mountain village; most likely eating food presented to me by locals. Fortunately, my symptoms didn’t hit until I was back in Chiang Mai. I missed my flight back to the USA the next day….BUT…there is a bright side to getting sick in Thailand…two days later I checked into a hospital frequented by farangs for a 3 day 2 night visit. The care received was phenomenal. Lab tests, IV medicine, doctor, nurses, private room with a mountain view totaled $657 (2010 prices) at check out. I will fly to Thailand for future medical needs.
I only recently found your channel and the few videos I have watched have been excellent. The content is concise, informative, and presented in a positive manner & tone. I enjoy the chapters, duration, and inserts of your videos as well, your format is very consumable. I have never felt unsafe in Thailand or across SEA during my travels, quite the opposite in my experience. My mood always improves and I have found that I smile and laugh easier and more often while there.
I totally agree with you Duke about smiling and laughing easier and more often while there. If there’s one thing mingling with Thai nationals has taught me. I’ve would rather live in a concrete block house with just the necessities than in a nice house with a many possessions that beg me to take care of them frequently. Additionally, after my 5th year of shopping in the night market in Chiang Mai, I noticed all the trinkets and souvenirs were tucked away in boxes in the garage. Their home is now at the Fayette County, Georgia Transfer Station (a.k.a. the dump). If only I had invested that money…🤣
As a western woman, I never felt unsafe whilst there. street food is amazing, dont overlook them, freshly cooked food is important, and you get this in thailand
I had a great time in Chiang Mai last year and absolutely never felt unsafe in any of the areas you mention. However, safety with the "bum gun" you mention is paramount! Nothing like having yer privates jet washed with near boiling water to really get yer attention and make you totally perplexed with "What now?" Another great video, clear, concise , and highly entertaining! Well done!
Two things I don't do when on hols, drive or cook. I think apart from the weather, culture, hospitality, excellent food & affordability, personal safety would be atop that list. I have just retired. Thanks for the vid, life is treating you well🙏👍
Thank you! Much about your country is great. It is why so many from the west come here. I am sure there are many Thais heading to America, Europe... so many great places in the world, and we often like what is different in life and culture than our own.
We would typically fly from europe, ride any tuktuk for a whole night until we find the guy we like, then pay him to show us around the countryside, thai people are so friendly! Not risking a lot, worth it no doubt!
Thailand is a very hot country and lately it's hotter than usual in April/May. We had a heatwave for 3 to 4 weeks with temperatures in the mid to high 40s . Definite risk of heat stroke/ dehydration, so plenty of water consumption and limiting your exposure. During the monsoon season beaches can be dangerous due to rips and there are daily reports of people drowning ignoring red flags . Also during that season flash floods occur and if you're exposed you may pick up a skin decease . Soi dogs(strays) are aplenty in some areas and if you get bitten you'll need a Rabies shot . If you're a visitor to nightspots and you overimbibe you're at risk. More at risk if you're a bad drunk . The risk is to your budget and overcharging. The consequences depends on your reaction to it . An altercation with Thais is not recommended . You're going to lose. And you got to use protection against STDs. Generally speaking the locals aren't aggressive. Quite the opposite . They're friendly and tolerant. I accept Randy's stats and my experience living here is anecdotal. I never felt threatened by any locals. I couldn't vouch for all Westerners .
Good point about the dogs. I recently lost my German Shepherd dog when I was in Thailand in February. But I learned not to approach the dogs here. Best to stay away. I'm sure I could make friends with them with food after a while, but the danger of rabies I think would be more than I would want to mess with. I remember in February when I was in Hua Hin there were people out swimming but there was no beach as the tide was really high in that area. I remember thinking there was no way I was going to go out in that water. The heat wave that happened earlier in Thailand seems to be happening in other parts of the world. Now. It's a real issue here but it's going to be a real issue everywhere soon. All good points.
Thanks, Tom. As always, a great source of knowledge. Another viewer pointed out the mosquito-carried diseases, and I had actually meant to touch on that and forgot And you bring up some great points. Many of your points we will address in our part 2 dating video. Great to hear from you as always.
@@RobFomenkoat least they don't eat the dogs like in the Philippines. 😱😳 Though normally raised for that reason, special occasions, but not normally. 😊
@@mauimixer6040 They do eat dogs in remote mountain villages. I visited a long-neck village in the Mae Hong Son region. I saw a group of men catch a dog and take him from barking to feeding hungry people. I was thankfully not a dinner guest that night.
I have been living in Thailand for over 20 years. This man is telling you the truth as far as I can tell. So many good things about living in Thailand and it is possible to just leave for the man made air pollution season.
Dear Mr. Hicks, I couldn’t agree with you more on the safety issues in this vdieo. Other than the traffic-related issues, I find my ChiangMai life very pleasant and safe after living here for over six months straight. I watched this video by myself and watched it again with my wife as it was so informative and good. I do appreciate it. Thanks. Will ask for your autograph if I run into youl. Jim SeungHo Woo
555, Joy and I meet many viewers around town and it is always nice. Never signed an autograph though. I would not feel worthy. (: Hope to see you around town.
An extremely well thought out vlog. I found your channel and subbed a couple of months ago, so haven't watched all of the available clips, yet!! Working my way through to learn what I can before I go off the deep end. i find your insights and suggestions very current and cogent. Thank you for your efforts and keep on keeping on.
As far as the street food, I think it's important to 1st check if it properly stored, refrigerated (actual ice in the cooler, it's ok to ask to open it and look,or just watch a few minutes 1st), especially the seafood and chicken. You covered the rest. And I never had a problem asking for something specially made.
I've never seen anyone ask to look in a cooler, if there is one, but I guess you could be patient and watch. Even so, that same food could have been sitting out a long time afterwards. But I like the idea...
@@RetiredGlobalLife or before, guess it's something I'm personally observant of, maybe having been a street vendor myself has naturally taught me things one wouldn't normally consider. And actually, I only asked once, but mainly to see my choices for a special ordered meal, and noticing the ice and temperature was comforting. Thanks for clarifying. Just take notice.
Great tips, Randy. We’re kind of lucky you have that analytical background. I hope to move to CM someday. Wondered about brushing your teeth, washing dishes, your eyes in the showers.. all good with the water I guess as long as you don’t drink it?
Don’t brush your teeth with tap water. I’ve never had issues with showers. Good point about dishes. I’ve never been in country long enough to cook for myself. If you do wash dishes with tap water, I would look up how to make sanitizer water so you can dip in sanitizer for about 60 seconds and allow dishes to air dry.
No issue with a shower at all. I admit I still brush my teeth bottled or filtered water. Joy as a local brushes her teeth with tap. I also use tap water for dishes but there is a filter on the faucet, though not good enough for drinking. I think as long as it dries, no problem.
I've been retired in Jomtien for 7 months and have rented a condo with a kitchen for 4 months. And I haven't had a problem yet with brushing my teeth or washing dishes using the tap water.
Hi Randy! Beginning Friday, I'm going to be in Chiang Mai for two weeks. If you can find the time, I'd enjoy meeting up with you. Just so you know, I'm from Santa Barbara, CA. I mention that because somewhere along the way, I got the impression you're from the San Diego area. Regards, Bill
Hi Bill, you can email me at retiredgloballife@gmail.com and maybe we can connect. Fair warning though, Joy and I each work besides YT, and so we are running around a lot and can't be as free to do thing as full retirees or vacationers. But let me know. Always nice to meet new people.
Thank you for the video, very informative! I have been sticking to your food safety tips since I arrived in Thailand two weeks ago, can't be too careful!
@@RetiredGlobalLife thank you! Hope you don't mind me asking this question, but you live in Chiang Mai so I value your opinion. My husband and I are looking to come from the 17th of August to the 8th of October, is it worth coming at this time of year? We were looking at Phuket but finding it very hard to find a condo for 7 weeks, we are heading to Vietnam around 8th of October so thought Chiang Mai might be a good option.
Randy, I totally agree. With everything you said. The traffic in Bangkok is crazy, but if you know how to navigate it. It's not so bad. Everything you said about motorcycles is true. However, I think most drivers in cars and a lot of the taxi drivers are actually pretty courteous here. 2 weeks ago in a grab ride the vehicle died, and that was interesting and then one night my girlfriend on her ride home, in a bolt taxi, at 4:00 a.m. The driver fell asleep. Luckily nobody was injured. Up to now. I've been cautious about introducing street food as is enough enough to eat everywhere. But street food is definitely cheaper. Tonight for dinner. I had some chicken on a stick and a bunch of watermelon and cantaloupe. 50 baht for the watermelon cantaloupe and 100 baht for the chicken. And I have leftover fruit. Can't beat that. The bum gun is interesting. Although in my RV I had had a hot water bidet. Installed, the other day in a mall north of Bangkok, I went into the bathroom. I was seriously impressed. Not only did they have urinals for men but they also had smaller ones for children and these are a real high-end ones. Same with toilets and sinks. In the toilet was a very expensive, hot and cold water bidet with a blow dryer and a light. I doubt you'll find that in anywhere in the usa. Is Thailand safe? I think it's as safe as you want it to be. The Thai people are courteous and friendly, but they will not tolerate unending pressure from farang. At some point they will strike back if you push them far enough. But why would you? It's such a friendly, safe, beautiful, spiritual place that why would you want to be ugly here? And yet we have all seen them. Thanks for the video.
Great comment as always, Rob. Thanks. Yes, Thai drivers are actually respectful of other drivers. You never hear honks or see rude gestures. Just no respect oddly for pedestrians. Kind of funny the disparity. On the road, if you are bigger, you rule.
@@RetiredGlobalLife I prefer Thailand over Mexico as far as drivers. at least in Thailand the motorcycles have headlights that work and in Mexico on the road at night not only will you see cattle but motorcycles with whole families one of them holding a flashlight because there is no light on the bike. I was told never to drive at night in Mexico and I think that's good advice although I didn't take it LOL once I was driving back to the US trying to make it before night. I did not but as I went to a toll booth I was flagged down by one of the workers as I stopped a huge steer ran in front of the car not more than 25 m in front of me. Don't want to think about what would have happened if he had hit me. horses on the median on the toll roads because the fencing was broken..... I have never seen that in Thailand. but riding motorcycles on the sidewalk the opposite way of traffic is frequent here. with a paying customer on the back that is not wearing a helmet. My girlfriend won't wear a helmet. she also doesn't have a driver's license... I'm going to work on that. 😀😂
Safety covers many topics which you seem to include. Walking at 3AM I've always felt totally safe. Boarding a van or managing scooter is another matter. As far as food, street markets, it is what you see. I know you from San Diego, and I questioned some food at the fair in Del Mar 10 days ago. That said, I only get the runs in Bangkok despite keeping my diet more western while there. Other than that, I've grown to liking street food.
Thank you for the videos. We are a senior mixed couple close to your ages planning on a trip to Chiang Mai from 10/26-11/23 and would like your advice on good economical places to stay. We want a pool and gym if possible but if you can just refer an area we can search for the specifics on Airbnb or another site you might recommend. Thanks
I highly recommend the Away ThaPphae Resort in Chiang Mai, right near the Tha Phae gate. A nice pool, no gym, but they have them locally. Great rates. And included breakfast. Try their direct website and compare to what you find on Tripadviser. Make sure getting breakfast is specified if you want that.
Thailand takes crime seriously. Thai law doesn't give liberty to criminals. Jails here are rough, no one wants to be in. I lived in the US for over 40 years, and I saw many things changed to the worst. Thailand is always a safe country, especially today, due to advanced technology, cellphones, police software, and police training, etc.
Great video! I really recommend Randy's channel. The info he provides can completely be relied upon. Been to Chiang Mai and the places he recommended were spot on. Great, friendly person as well who takes time to reply to you and everything. James from Japan
Common sense, which is sorely lacking in the USA. Pedestrians have the right of way mantra, you hit me I sue, neither work in Thailand and this is a great thing about Thailand! It is a safe country which requires, YOU, not the government to be responsible for your own health and safety. Thais are friendly generally honest because of their culture and beliefs. In chiang mai its not uncommon to leave keys in your vehicle or helmet on you cycle or even not lock your house. I dont recommend any of this but it happens and its rare to hear of any theft. Another thing westerners need to do is drop their expectations and standards from their home country. Thailand has its own ways of doing things which westerners may think odd or even crazy but it works for thais. So do enjoy one of the most beautiful kind peaceful serene countries in the world and try not to change it to your views! Cheers! Allen
As usual, a great video riddled with humor. The end bit of advice is certainly good for the novice... I live in mexico, new york, California(all over) and Thailand. I never feel uncomfortable in Thailand, nor do I feel the need to look over my shoulder. There is no westernized chaos just yet. In addition, unsafe places in general need to be avoided. Understand where you are and the risks you are willing to take personal responsibility for. I. Other words, no drugs, alcohol in moderation, and ladies as friends before bedding down... my 2 cents, but who cares
Excellent advice. I likely should have talked about increased risk in red light areas, but even there unless you are an unconscious drunk you will be fine, and likely even then.
@@RetiredGlobalLife your videos are great. The tempo and content are of great value to novices as well as those who have been in Thailand for a while. Your sense of humor(for a lawyer, and I have friends that are lawyers) is spot on and not controversial. I like Chang Mai. We purchased in Hua hin instead. My thai wife mentioned that the thai drivers up their are insane...spoken from a bangkok woman. Telling
@@chinesecrested9528 Thanks for another nice comment. Much appreciated. Joy and I really enjoyed out trip to Hua Hin last year and we did a video of it while there.
Very interesting and reassuring. I live in Cairns Australia and don’t go into the city at night due to the high crime rate. High levels of theft, especially car theft also…
@@RetiredGlobalLife Mr Randy, here’s a viewer suggestion for you - you should try to field test a portable personal fan (fan/cooler), try it & you might like it. Got one for my visit last March (2024) and it was like bring a cool breeze with you wherever you go… best one to bring around when you check the night markets in Bangkok. (Tell the companies you are interested & they might sponsor the video) Greetings from FL, USA 😊…
Hello Randy After visiting Thailand I installed a BUMGUN in my toilet in my apartment. Very happy to have discovered this intelligent way of cleaning myself. I always thought toilet paper was inefficient and messy and I never felt clean. Once you discover this you can never go back to toilet peper.
@@TimG... Haha, yes, and she would be quite bored in some of my technical ones on things like insurance... Thanks for visiting and hope to see you soon.
In Thailand, what you should be aware of is not robbery or crime, but the traffic. People here do not respect zebra crossings, and cars tend to speed as much as possible. In recent years, there have been many phone scammers. Please be aware that they often pretend to be police officers or online marketing representatives.
I was kidnapped at gunpoint in downtown Atlanta in 1981 at the age of 19. The police said it was a miracle I survived. Needless to say my “spidey senses” have always been up since then. I’ve been to Thailand 30 times since 2005. Chiang Mai has been my primary base of operation but most of my time has been in remote mountain villages, refugee camps and orphanages. I’ve walk around alone at night all the time and have NEVER EVER felt in danger. I once spent the night in an ancient cemetery in my hammock in MawKlerKee. The orphans were terrified for me but even the spirits left me alone. 👻 😮 The blasted roosters did wake me up at 4:00am though.
When you go to Thailand or other tropical country be very cautious about drinking cold water the first few days, although it is very nice to drink. Also watch the food at first. And take much rest too. And maybe next time you can tell us about the cop Joe Ferrari and also about Koh Tao (the island of death).
@@RetiredGlobalLife I make no vids and i live in the netherlands. I just heard from a friend his sun in law had to pay a lot of money because he was arrested by Joe Ferrari. And i saw a YT vid about Koh Tao.
I'm Thai and I got the food poisoning (not diarrhea ) in averaging every 3 years and it's higher rate to myself than when I was a kid. from analytic thought I suspect those were from ice in the drink, not the food. So avoid the ice from street drink as much as possible. Just get the cold bottle of water, it's available from the 7-11 in every corner.
I admit I am pretty trusting when it comes to restaurants only giving me good ice (water), but I only buy smoothies at street markets from places I go to on a regular basis for just that reason.
Hi Andy, i think the situation is variable based on the area. Orange county is close to SD which became unsafe the last couple of years. I fee very safe Malibu /calabasas highland .I can jogging in dark., only the coyotes are a problem.everything you say is agree with while Chiang Mai is relative safe. I still consider not safe because of how people driving. Looking forward to return in October..
My girlfriend Zoey always tells me not to eat any street food that I don't see being cooked. You don't know how long its been sitting out in the sun. The only time I ever got sick was when I didn't listen to her & ate some street chicken. I wasn't deathly ill or anything but didn't feel real good for a day & really cleaned myself out, if you know what I mean. I really scare her sometimes because I'll try anything & even ate grilled jellyfish, not that good!!
Hi Randy, I know you talked about the new tax law before.. I was just watching a video on it and the tax lawyer said if you withdraw money from an atm in Thailand from your home country it wouldn’t count as repratriated funds. Only if you transfer to your Thai bank. Surprised me hearing that. Figured you’d have to claim that if you were in Thailand over 180 days/tax citizen.
I think I agree with you... but I'm not a tax attorney. I'll try to do a video on the tax issue if I ever feel I can gather enough solid info to help clear up the confusion, not just add to it.
@@RetiredGlobalLife good reason for the part 2, with some Joy included. Maybe talk about not touching heads or wrong placement of feet, as well as the danger of confrontation with thais losing face. It's dangerous, just agree, buy them a treat and walk away if needed , After apologizing for whatevers. 😊
There is typically a lot of fat, sugar and salt in Thai food. Taste is more important than health for most people here. They also put MSG in almost every dish.
Yes. They use a lot of sodium. I no longer worry about cholesterol. For me it’s the food I used to eat that caused me problems. I completely changed my diet 2 1/2 years ago. When I return to Thailand. I will most likely purchase and prepare my own food or identify specific places who will prepare my food as I need it . Thais use a lot of sugar, consume a lot of carbohydrates, and cook food in highly processed oils. I now eat a low carb diet. No sugar, bread, pasta, rice, beans, etc. Only Meat, eggs, salmon and sardines and BIG A$$ multi-vegetable salads daily with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and balsamic vinegar. I also walk a lot. In 10 months, I lost 50 lbs, got off 7 medications I had been taking for 20+ years and had the best blood test results ever. Two and 1/2 years later, I still follow this lifestyle.
I don't really know. I think cholesterol depends on what you eat, And egg and a banana are about the same everywhere I think, just different oils to cook. I don't know about sodium. I don't find there is a salty taste but there is likely more to sodium than that. Some say there are more pesticides here, others say less, on fruit etc. So I'm not sure which is true. I buy certain things, like apples, only organic, as in my home country of the US, those are said to have the worst pesticides on them, so that carried with me. I will tell you Thais use a lot of sugar, but mainly at the table to add yourself, and fish oil, and chili sauce to add. Many foods come spicy even when requested "mi pet." Not spicy.
@@RetiredGlobalLife There are over 20 different kinds of bananas grown in Thailand, all with different size and taste and they are all prepared differently. Eggs also come in different forms. A lot of pesticides used here so cleaning before eating is important. Sometimes when you order not spicy all they can do is add a lot of sugar to try to tone it down.
Don't worry, you're not being offensive to Thai people when saying that some Thai drivers are on the coo coo side. We knows, oh we knows that our road accidents are extremely high and deadly. It's on the news on a daily basis. There's also another kind of road related danger that people should know. Road rage, although rare, but extremely deadly as well. There's a humorous, but dark sayings in Thailand that said "ไม่อยากขิดอย่าบีบแตร" = "don't wanna die? Don't honk". So, people don't honk much because of this, for some reason the sound of honking cause some extradimensional devils to descend into some people and they may cause havoc on the street. So, people avoid honking at all cause.
Forgpt to mention that the area in mexico where I lived is north of cabo san lucus about 90 clicks... it became a wild west shit show when property was put up for sale by the local farmers. In a nut shell, it was also became the interest of some "Cartel associates" who put up an elaborate complex on the beach 300 meters from my house. Dealing with that element meant knowing when and where it was safe to go out and who to talk to and / or avoid. There is not much of this to be concerned with in Thailand. Mexico was a nice ride until I figured it out. Thailand is safer than the US. Hard stop.
Yes. I lived in France as a young man, and even then you had to be careful where and when to go, and what to avoid. Same with parts of the US but we all know our home countries so well we instinctively know where to go and when. But in Thailand, it is just never an issue. I've been last many a time at night, walking back from a new place, and since I love to walk rather than drive or bike, I don't mind wrong turns. But I never worry about where I am. Even the lowest income parts of a city which equals crime elsewhere, means nothing dangerous here. At least so far, in my experience.
We have been told to get the typhoid vaccine to provide protection against the effects of any water issues while in Thailand. What is your thoughts on this vaccine?
I have not got one and it was never recommended to me. So I guess you need more information on why it would be advisable. I think it is pretty simple to not drink the water, and unlike Mexico where they adapt to their bad water, here in Thailand they don't drink the water either, so are generally careful with using it to cook, etc. I think some doctors think Thailand is some backwater village. But check it out further.
Keep it in mind, EVERY vaccine has its side effects, as the theory is to introduce poison in the 1st place , to get some reactions. Keeping your body healthy and trusting in it's created ability is important. 😊
Before visiting Thailand for the first time in 2005, I got Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, typhoid vaccine and anti-malaria pills because I spend a good bit of time on the Thai/Burma (Myanmar border) where the risk of malaria and typhoid are highest.
Lol speaking of driving, I think its most underdeveloped countries that have the crazy drivers. When I was in Bogota, Colombia, there were 3 lanes, the drivers somehow made it 5 lanes, trying to overtake each other
You finished the video by saying "sabai dii mai krap". This means "how are you?" I think that's not what you meant. You should have said "sawatdii krap"
555, did I say that? I don't even remember. Yes, sawatdee is both hello and goodbye. I thought I said sawatdee kap, kap khun kap. But hey, my Thai is a work in progress.
Crime Index by Country 2024 1. Venezuela 39. France 59. United States 62. United Kingdom 98. Thailand 144. Qatar 145. United Arab Emirates 146. Andorra
Correction on the toilet information in the video: If it's toilet papers you can flush them down the toilet just fine in Thailand (just like anywhere else in the world). The waste bins are for the facial tissue papers which are not made for the toilet. Please don't wipe your butt with toilet paper and throw them in the waste bin, it's disgusting and unhygienic, thank you.
No, you don't know what you are talking about. You have either never been to Thailand or don't bother reading the many signs that clearly tell you not to flush toilet paper down the toilet. And in Thailand the toilet paper is the same paper they use for napkins etc. It is not substantially different.
The one thing about motorbikes is experience. I've been riding motorcycles for 50 years. I see many tourists who have no experience renting "scooters" thinking they are just toys. They aren't. Don't try to learn to ride at the same time you're trying to learn Thai traffic! Recipe for disaster. Also, riding in thebLA area the last 25 years or so helped as I know how to split lanes. Bottom line, if you've never ridden a motorbike, don't start in Thailand. At least not in any metro area.
Great advice, Brian. I tell even experienced riders (I had an MC through high school and college) to live here a week at least to get familiar with road habits before getting on a bike here.
You can look at this another way where it is not so much about Thailand rather the kind of people who come here and whether they have any business being here to begin with. Thailand is safe for some and not for others. Back home there are guardrails in place in the form of social, legal, financial constraints and even pressure from family or friends. Freed from those constraints in Thailand some people fall victim to their own weaknesses, greed, lust, alcohol, drugs, violence and self-delusion. Living in Thailand can amplify who you are in a good way or a bad way. Life can be messy and you can’t always protect people from themselves but in the West they try harder to that end. Here in Thailand you have no one to blame but yourself if you come here and mess things up. Personally I saw a shift in the expat demographic and the amount of problems people had when they started selling Thailand as a cheap retirement destination. People who have not successfully navigated their own culture and society often fair even worse here in Thailand where everything is unfamiliar. It can be a second lease on life for some but for others it is a slippery slope, living here in Thailand. On a side note, Randy you look very different in this video, are you okay or is it perhaps a different lens or something else?
Very astute comments. Thank you. As far as me, do I not look okay? Do I need to go to the doctor, 555? I think the only thing different is the shooting angle. I had to put the camera below eye level so I was looking down. Take care.
Sounds like you need to watch the video again. Unlike evidently you, I don't touch dog poop. And if I did, I'd wash my hands, just like we wash our hands in the bathroom afterwards. The difference is Thai plumbing can't take toilet paper, so they clean themselves with a water gun, then dry with paper and throw away rather than flush the paper. Quite clean actually. Then we wash our hands. What do you do that is better?
Great comment, the king or the royal family. Even comments directed at businesses can be considered criminal if critical. That topic is for another video...
And remember that the picture of the king is on the money, so treat it with respect to. Yes, people are being jailed and tried even now. Even the x prime minister 😮
Fo Sho…that was the first thing my Thai friends reinforced to me on my first visit. Only share compliments/admiration for the royal family. I work with an International School in Chiang Mai. The school had a land lease issue that went to court. A leader in the school spoke disrespectfully about the judge. The judge lost face and judged against the school. They had to vacate the property and raise millions of dollars to rebuild the school outside of Chiang Mai.
Dont forget infrastructures safety - two people died in Bangkok falling down open manholes; components fell off the Bangkok skytrain on traffic below; person lost their leg on the travelator at Don Meuang airport
@@autumn_in_myheart Sorry I don't understand your meaning. Do you mean if I watch the news I will not think Thailand is safe? If so, I disagree. Yes, there is crime everywhere in the world, including crime. But statistics show Thailand is much safer against violent crime or sexual violence than virtually all other countries. And I can speak from my own feelings and eyes in my time in. Thailand.
Haha, good one. Yes, I've literally had toilet paper rolls on the table. And the little square "napkins" are the same as toilet paper. I tell myself it adds to the charm. (:
