The REAL Reasons I left ASOKE?! 

Your advice to "stay in Asoke" while we're on holiday was the icing on the cake for us to choose this, but I can see that once you're a full time resident of Asoke, it's a completely different picture. I used to live in San Diego and, for the first year, lived right close to the beach, but after awhile all the tourists, surfers, homeless, etc; etc; got to be a bit much and (like everyone else that moved there) exited inland to a much quieter and more affordable place to live. And, if I ever wanted the "beach life experience", it only took me 15 minutes to drive there and enjoy it - totally get where you're coming from!

I recommend checking out Ari. Not a tourist area but still trendy enough to have some nightlife, BTS and cheaper rents

Really like your comment about being able to visit Asoke. It makes sense that you could become bored with the area after living in it all the time. What a great perspective! And, having night street food available would be great.

You were spot on with your reasons. I lived sukhumvit soi 6 for 2 years but moved out for all those reasons. I now live in Isaan and miss Bangkok for the same reasons ( sometimes) , but dip back in when I need a city fix away from the rice fields. Great vlog .cheers .

Cracking video!- thanks for being honest AND giving us the heads up to watch out for "hey bro".... cheers bud- great as always 👍

Thanks for for your awesome content. Better every video. Where to you get your background music? Excellent music. Cheers.

The top floor of Terminal 21 is good for cheap good food . Lots of choice too . I totally get you about the ' Hello Bro' men close to Soi 15. Very annoying.

This is why I am moving to the On Nut neighborhood this September.

Everything you said was correct.. Ashton is amazing, and the convenience of the local food, Terminal 21, Soi Cowboy, MRT, and BTS access.. But you will get bored.. the best is to try different neighborhoods, and if you don't need to be in Bangkok, try Pattaya or Phuket for long term stay.. Thailand is beautiful and fun everywhere..

Am in Asoke because of your videos and am pretty happy, I even appeared in this video was eating my lunch as you walked by classic!

Asoke is great to visit and it’s close to everything and so much see and do yeh but staying aslong as you did I understand you had to move . I normally do stay in Soi 11 but it’s just to busy at night time and noisy so now I’m not staying in that area anymore. Great Vlog as always . Peace ✌️

one thing about those dealers on Sukhumvit who say "hey bro" I've noticed is they mainly are foreigners and not Thai. do you agree?

When I'm walking around the Soi 21Soi 4 area I always have my earphones and sunglasses on and a good tune playing. No problem with touts. Cheers!

Even for returning visitors Asoke can get tiring. I use to stay there every time I visit Bangkok, now I tend to stay in Silom close to Lumpini Park. You are still close to the action at night if you want to visit the bars, but the area is much cleaner and you don't get bugged every second by street walkers, drug dealers and tuck tuck drivers with laminated copies of nude pictures.

SOI ARI has many excellent condos and great hamburger restaurants!❤ RATCHAYOTIN is great too. You have both MRT and BTS lines. Central Ladprao, Union malls and Major Cineplex theaters. IMAX too.

You Nailed it! I ended up not liking Bangkok as much because of the "Sup Bro"! I was only there for 3 days. I had to get the fk out of there.

I’m the same, bought a condo a few years ago just before Covid in the Asoke area. Loved it at first but now I’m looking at moving further up the BTS line out the way 😂

Rob I have been watching your condo feature videos and have decided to leave the Asoke area when my lease is up in Sept. I had to be realistic with myself about what is important and can I find those things somewhere cheaper . Thanks for showcasing various condos, I think I’m going to check out the Supalai Ekkamai/Thonglor soon. The opinions you give in this video needed to be shared so people can get a realistic idea of what to expect in looking for an area to live. 🦋

Really amazing and informative video! I 100% agree with everything. I recommend checking out Phaya Thai-Victory Monument-Sanam Pao areas. I grew up and lived in Victory Monument until 2012, went back recently for a visit and definitely would be a place I would want to stay again, a lot has changed and not a lot has changed if that makes any sense 😂

Huge appreciation for this video. In researching options for moving, this totally makes sense and is a game changer in my thought processes. * Am wondering though, where (part of town) did you move to from here?

Very hionest and feelings that I can relate to. I love the Asok/Soi 11 area of Bangkok - but I dont think I would want to live there - it is just too hectic. Great for a holiday or weekend in the city but not for long term living. Good video - thank you

Awesome video, "bro" ;-) I've just rented a condo in Asoke for a month from November to check out the neighbourhood, and now already know what to expect hehe. To be honest, I really empathise with the constant hassling and drug soliciting... I live next to the biggest drug dealing park in Berlin and not just inside there, but in all the surrounding streets, you're being constantly hassled just going to the supermarket or minding your own business. "Hey! Hey you!" etc, numerous times during a single short walk on literally every corner and every 10m. Which is draining and annoying since you give no signals of any interest whatsoever, quite the opposite. To be faced with aggression and demanding shout-outs daily you cannot avoid, is just mind-numbing. I'll see it for myself in November but this sounds like something to really avoid. Great insider info - the kind of content I haven't seen anywhere else! Keep it up, as always!

I'm so jealous!😃 Wish I were there. Regarding the rising prices, consider yourself lucky you are in Thailand right now. If you think Thailand is getting expensive, wait till you go back to your home country for a visit. 😥 Yesterday, I just paid $19.95 for a salad here in the US (Columbus, Ohio, to be exact. It's not even CA, FL, or NY). It's a big salad though. It used to cost $12.95 months ago. We paid $76 including a 20% tip for a chicken pasta, a salad, and 2 small beers. Oh man, everything is so freaking expensive here. I MISS Thailand.🥹😄

I can understand what you mean there, perfect as a holiday location. We've stayed at the continent in asoke for a couple of days on arrival and the ease of getting around to do things is ideal but, too full on for daily life. Revitalise your love of the area by making it a go to place again! 😊

Hi Rob! Great videos man, keep it coming. This channel should get way more views. It will come for sure🫡 Totally understand the reasons why you would not live in Asoke anymore. So where do you live now? I loved the Q-chidlom complex I saw in one of your videos a few months ago, you still live there? How is the pool there, is it cold? Hope to meet you someday in Bangkok when I live there as well! Cheers

You’re lucky to have got out of the Ashton asok ! it’s getting closed down due to not having the proper driveway width..if they can’t rectify the violation it might be torn down … Ruam sab market on asoke montri is epic ! But that area is a crossroads of offices and the tourist hot spot that is Sukumvit road ,not a place I’d ever want to live either.🇹🇭❤️

I agree it’s very expensive there for food options I live in Knightsbridge Sloane Square but I buy food outside the area onnut or other places Bangkok is a big place and sometimes it’s good to get 15 minutes train ride away

Live in a tourist area, expect to be treated as a tourist. Also be aware of the phrase 'popular with expats' which really means popular with greedy landlords.

Been living in Bangkok for 5 years now and I completely agree with you. Asok is my favorite spot but it’s just too expensive for long term if you’re on a budget. I live in Ladprao much cheaper and only 15 minutes away from Asok on the MRT so it’s right there.

Good video. Thanks for the info about Asoke.

1) Local Thais know that the rent cost in those areas in the middle of Bangkok is expensive while there are many other areas other than Asoke places for you to select such as Lad Prow Road, Phahonyothin Road, Sukhumvit Road including Ekamai, Onnut, or even Rachadapisek Road. Although these places do not locate in the middle of the city, there are many routes of mass transportation to commute into the city which are comfortable and time-saving / 2) Asoke has some places that sell the low price and I think you know why you don't mention in this clip such as food court in Terminal 21 and night market at Sri Nakarin Wirote University. These places are full of cheap price food shops with high-quality food but low price. Why don't you mention these two places in this clip I believe you know that they are in the Asoke area and you live here for a year.

So Rob, you prolly heard that discussion before between 'People living on the island' and 'People living in the city', you're in it Can't agree more with your points. I live 'outside' the city, 6,5KM from Asok, won't give away to much but people from the city shed tears when they come by. 😁 We have everything here and more. Move away from the 'island' and the joy will return when visiting it now and then 👍 Leave the island and inner-city to the tourists.

DEFINITELY agree, but I think the thing is as you probably found out too is that if you're moving to Bangkok to live, there isn't much information on the different areas and what are the pros and cons of them. I don't think ppl know how MASSIVE Bangkok is lol There's sooo much to choose from. Great video btw, keep it coming!

Where is the streefood market at the beginning of Your Video ? Which Soi ?

Great video...Coming to Ekkamai Bangkok for the first time ever. Coming in a week. DO you think i will like the area? Close to Bts and just want to have fun!!! Orig from NY

I love your content. Keep it up!

Lived in a small rural village for the last 14 yrs...it's not for everyone but it is for me.

I remember being in a bar and a tuk tuk driver stood outside shouted up "where you going" we said " no thanks, having a beer" . He walked away, then back and shouted up again. We looked at each other thinking we've just had this conversation and again politely declined. He went and guess what? Yep, he came back. We hadn't had half a pint during this episode. So annoying! Why the fck is a gang of people leaving when there's a full round of beers on the table

I quite like Ekkamai and Tonglor but far prefer Sukhumvit for the convenience and nightlife/bars. Sukhumvit has literally everything and enough farangs to make me feel like its home, but I suppose it's the most expensive part of BKK also. I went to Lat Phrao and Ramintra for a few days last year but they were just way too Thai for me to enjoy it if you get what I'm saying.

Too many other areas of Bangkok than to focus on Sukhumvit. When I lived there in 1983 and 1984, off of Soi 49, Sukhumvit and Asoke were pretty tame except for Soi Cowboy. I can't imagine what it is like now. I have not been there since 2004 but see how much it has changed via youtube.

You seem to be a real bangkok specialist. I have been there 3 times on vacation. I will go back there in the fall and I want to invest there in the purchase of an apartment. Maybe offer a day of consulting to help make the right choice without wasting too much time)

Yes, inflation has hiked Asoke's costs of living, except when you eat at the fully air-conditioned Terminal21's food court on the 5th floor at similar prices to those found in the hot, humid substreets/lanes of Asoke. I have paid almost the same price since its opening about 2 decades ago.

When I was there in November 2022, I had to exit maybe 75% of the taxis because they refuse the meter completely. And the deals aren’t that good. Cheaper than grab but I’ll still use grab because at least it’s my choice.

you can eat very cheap in asoke, such as term 21 food court, ruab suam, soi cowboy during the day, etc. maybe the temptation to eat at the better restaurants is a bit too much? but you can definitely eat on a budget in asoke.

Do you have any experiences and advice to share regarding the purchase of off-plan apartments?

Can you wear shirts that say things like "Don't solicit me" in Thai? When I was there, I wrote NO! on my chest in Sharpie and when approached, I would pull my shirt down and expose the text, not sure how well it worked.

I'd look @ the rents and amenities, but I doubt I could live in Asok or Siam- subway convenience notwithstanding. I'm a big walker, and Grab/Bolt f/ distances- so based on my recent visit, Jomtien and Hua Hin are more my speed. But to visit, 100%. I may hotel there when I come back in September

6:17 I was waiting for you to say 'hey bro' to him :)

I live on soi 22 between Asoke and Prompong . Soi 22 is a cheaper version of soi 24 . I recommend.

Great dodge of that ribbon on the tuk tuk 👍

Bro….. have you done a video on anything like visas? I’m curious how you stay here in Thailand. I ask for my other friends that are becoming profitable full time forex traders and they will want to come and live here for good amounts of time. For me I’m on a marriage visa but that’s not great for my friends. I’m sure they will be curious to find out about it from yourself and they will likely want to see the rest of your videos showing around Bangkok and the other places you been!

Name of market in Asok?

This is what happens eventually when we move to where we vacationed. It happened to me when I moved to Puerto Rico. Eventually reality hits. Unfortunately. Still love it, but reality of living there HITS!

I've lived 8 years in Asoke and I never knew the Hey Bro guys were drug seller... I never even looked back at them, I thougth was some gay stuff...

Just spent 4 nights in Asoke although I enjoyed the location the prices for beer and food were too much

hey bro 😁// i am 100% with you

How much do you think it's needed (per month) for a couple to live well in Asoke area?

Asoke area is great but can understand why you wanted to move to another area. I think it took me around 15 mins to cross the road once! haha. I'm guessing the area you're in now is less crowded?

I have a simple trick ... wear head phones (ear buds better) the noise cancelation is great for the traffic noise and I've noticed when you wear them people don't bother trying to speak to you... but agree it's a bit of pain in the ar*e

Got my flight booked for next week man...😎

How much does it cost monthly to stay at the Ashton asoke?

Can you do a video on the 3 month immigration procedure

come to Bang Kapi we will have Yellow line and an orange line soon

Where do you recommend now then Rob, where are you off to?

Asking if the cabbies have a meter straight away, rather than haggling price helps

There is cheap food in Asok. Terminal 21 food court , Took Lae Dee Soi 5 , Soi. Cowboy street vendors during the day ,various supermarkets.

Wsup bro 😎 Like I said, daytime Asoke is not so dirty but take a walk past 11pm and yeah, you’ll see what I mean 🤢

you didnt say where you moved too?

i liked bangkok........went there for my first time and stayed in ekkamai for a month. after a month and all the fun i realized that i need a beach and not city like where i live in south florida. beach makes everything so much better. besides the women in bangkok i got played out of the city life pretty quick. yes.....NANA did become frustrating. I wish i didnt have to travel half way around the world for the women but it was worth it. south florida plenty of beautiful women but when you live where there is MONEY you dont get a bangkok honey in south florida........555 keep up the videos Plus next time...........65 sq meters or bigger for me for an apartment. Everyone in bangkok were super nice to me and I just wish everyone lived comfortably but unfortunately no matter where you go people have tough lives..........i did my best to help people i met out!!!!!!!! pay it forward no matter where you go!!!!!!!!! Again great video

Good video❤

Waer headphones or airpods etc to block out advances. Just be careful when crossing the road!

Give us a tour of your new area?

Your points are very valid, not sure what you were expecting in living in Asoke ?You sound. Like a city boy complaining that there is too many birds singing in the rural village😂 Anyway maybe useful for some people to be aware of. Thailand is not Asoke! Hope you will tell us where you go?

When you refer to those behind you saying "hey bro" are you saying that about the 420 shops or legit hardcore street d*ugs? Never saw any street sellers of anything like that in my past memory.

The food market is only open during the day because it customers are office workers who do not live in area. They leave the area at the end of the work day. The people who work in the nightlife venues do not live in the area. The people who work in the hotels, malls and restaurants don't live in the area. As far as I know there are no government hospitals. schools, local government offices. There are no wats, there are no Big C or Lotus department stores, no wet markets or dry food markets. There is no accommodation built for average local families. There are no nightlife entertainment facilities for locals such as beer gardens, karaoke bars, night markets, nightclubs with Thai live bands, singers. As far as I know, there are only office buildings, hotels, a mall, restaurants, McDonald's, Starbucks, and condominium all pretty much designed, built and maintained for the international tourist market. The area was a lot better when Covid was a thing. With international tourists, the drug dealers have returned, the taxi drivers no longer use the meter. In short, the area is a tourist ghetto, that provides the authentic Thai holiday experience as envisioned by international tourists. 😂 It is a theme park for international tourists and the prices, as everyone knows, are always more expensive in theme parks than outside theme parks.

I left too after a year an change. Trust me I get it.

You did what all tourists do when they come to Thailand and decide to start living here Asoke and sukhumvit lol it’s ok mate try sutthisan or huai Kwang or suksuwat even lol 2 years living in Thailand is still tourist life

The Realtor Companies are trying to increase the rates like crazy. I hope the Government work to Stop the Madness in the Housing or Rent

I'm a backwards farang lol. Adopted from BKK by Swedish white parents and now residing in England and I don't speak Thai, only Swedish, English and German.

Maybe a naive question - but why are there drug dealers on the street when weed is legal and there are shops everywhere? Hard drugs still carry the death penalty don't they? Seems kinda strange......

Leks last stand had a beer in there

I heard that the Ashton Asok is named after some legend from Australia

I agree about the taxis and tuktuks, they make me 🤮, when I first came to Bangkok in 2015, all taxis seem to be on the meter but now if you say by the meter, most will just drive off without even saying a word, use the MRT all the time now, it’s about time the authorities done something about it and the African drug dealers offering you their flour, I thought the police were hot on drugs?

Secret words taught to me by a real thai " meow crap" works every time, 100%

I thought the pronunciation was A-sock, not A-soak. Not surprised you are moving, unless you have a well paying job and can speak the local language. Pertaining to taxis you just insist on meter, if you know the phrase. Only once did I pay a one-off price. Yes it's a problem at the moment, just know the phrase for how to report them (google the translate) and they back down. It is illegal not to use the meter. say "buy destination na krap" it works

Good video, didn’t think you were moaning.

People need to stop complaining if you're in a tourist area guess what, that's what happens no matter what county you're in. Learn to deal with it or go outside of the tourist area and you won't have a problem. Quit your whining.

Luckily Sukhumvit Road is more than just asok. Takes only a few bts stops to live cheaper. My thai isn’t good but good enough to pay less than tourist. Don’t ask for the taxi meter in English 😂

Hey bro, hey bro... what's up.... what's up..... I hate it too 🤣

You could just walk on the other side of the street, or the skywalk and avoid half the things you're complaining about. And theres plenty of cheap street food around Asoke, aswell as high quality restaurants

😍

Yes get out of the tourist area and you'll find its very cheep to live in Thailand

The area has some good points but basically its setupfor farang. I prefer other parts of Bangkok with less expats and tourists.

You are definitely NOT a "Cheap Charlie". Just trying to keep it reasonable.

The taxis are a pain in the arse there bro

asock not asoak

Visit the Philippines mate🙏

I live in asoke

The dudes on Sukhumvit are soooo annoying, Whats up bro?

Learn to say , I’m tourist police, I’m local and soon you’ll be left alone, of course in flawless Thai