The Truth About Racism in Thailand 

For those of you asking how to contact Jon, here is his RU-vid channel: www.youtube.com/@ZION2076

My experience in Thailand is that if your a respectful person you get more respect back. More about attitude and respect than nationality and race. Gentle souls will always love Thailand.

I was only in Thailand for about 30 days. I was in Bangkok and Pattaya. I'm a black male who never felt like a victim but very much aware of what being black in America is. Probably within a day or two. I had the weirdest feeling in the world...I felt like a human, not a black man. It was the most beautiful feeling in the world. I did not know I had this problem until I got there.

This is very true. As a Thai, i can assure you that the reason why the people was looking at you is because they are just curious, no hostility.

I'm Thai. Nice to hear that Jon understand the Thais don't mean to hurt his feeling about racism. We truly don't.

This is so beautiful to witness, thank you for making this video. I spent a month in Chiang Mai in February and when I reflected on my experience on reading the title of this video, I acknowledged that I didn't have a single experience of feeling any racism for the entire period. Neither did I feel vulnerable traveling solo as a black British female and I would do it again, it's a beautiful country. I saw a few other black folks too, always greeted with a smile and a quick conversation. The Thai people were generous, friendly, and extremely eager to assist me in any way. My heart goes out to Jon for sharing authentically and transparently, I hope he continues to receive healing and, guidance. 🙏🏿

I came to Thailand in 2006, as a 19-year-old black man in the military I'm aware that there are subtleties of racism, but nothing compared to what I faced in USA. Which is why I left the states and didn't go back.

I wish this man peace and happiness. I know the battle with depression.

Dear Brett: Roger here; I met you twice on Soi 1 back in July/August and in February/March. WOW! Dynamic interview with Jon. I can relate as I too have depression and anxiety. I was literally brought to tears and crying while typing this comment. I am very sensitive just like Jon. I recommend that he goes to Suanprung Psychiatric Hospital. They always take good care of me. Unlike America, you can have access to good medication. I was prescribed: Xanax, Lorazepam, Clonazepam, and Chlorpromazine. These are literally impossible to acquire in the U.S. Please don’t drink alcohol while on these very strong meds. After not coming to CM for three years due to Covid, I was having a good time and started drinking. I’m back in California and just was in the hospital last week due to alcohol and benzos abuse. I’m rehabbing right now. Good luck Jon; Chiang Mai is my spiritual home. Take care. -Papillon 🦋

การมองคนเป็นคนเป็นสิ่งสำคัญสุดสำหรับผม และ สำหรับชาวไทยส่วนใหญ่ในประเทศเรา เรารณรงค์ให้ทุกคนเท่าเทียมกันในสังคมนี้ ยินดีต้อนรับสู่บ้านหลังที่2ของคุณ ขอให้เจอแต่คนที่ดีเข้ามาในชีวิต

John spoke brilliantly what a great guest to the channel I couldn't stop watching and now I'm late for work 😂 good luck John it sounds like you've closed a chapter in your life and started the next

๋John speaks very clear, slow and easy to understand and spiritual person, as a Thai , I believe that you would be a a good teacher

Wow, I woke up in the morning, looked at my phone and checked my phone and saw this video (maybe it's God). I'm a black man that lived in Thailand too before the pandemic. And the plandemic is the reason I'm back in America. I was going to go back to Thailand. I had my money ready and everything and yet, they closed down the borders here in America. So, I couldn't go. Then I took a job as a bus driver to build my money back and just been working here. But, been wanting to go! In regards to racism, the Thai wasn't racist in the same way that people may be here in America (even though I personally get along with most people of every color here in America). But, in my experience it was a self-hate thing for Thai people. They hated their OWN dark skin and culturally dark skin was frowned upon. And it was why they put on the white cream, etc. But, I always told them that they looked great without stuff and some gradually stop using it ❤. The only time I felt negative discrimination was when I worked there as a teacher. There were 3 black teachers that worked with me. We were great teachers and the students loved our classes. Yet, we were not invited to certain meetings and certain places compared to white teachers. And it was like this throughout Asia because I lived in China too. But outside of teaching at the schools and job, I have been all around Thailand, and was treated very very very well. I was able to travel freely and do everything I wanted to do for WAYYY cheaper than here in America. And I met all kinds of people over there. It was a taste of what true freedom could be like. And with that you feel MUCH better spiritually and healed; especially in being around all of the nice people. And by the way, I had similar experience THROUGHOUT Asia whether I was in Malaysia, the Philippines and even China!! Our news media here in America be lying about China. My experience in China was beautiful too. It was nothing but nice people there and I understood their language a bit and they were very nice; especially once they got to know me. We went on trips together and all kind off stuff! I AM going back. I probably won't work there as a teacher anymore for obvious reasons. I'd like to do digital nomad, but it seems competitive. But, I will be going back somehow. I not having the fun and freeness that I had in Asia while living in America as a bus driver! So, I will think of something!!

tears sir....tears... that feeling is no joke in Thailand. i never had Thailand as a place i wanted to live until i was invited to go on a trip there. now its all i can think about. i have been all over America and Mexico and Jamaica and all over the place. never have i felt as free as i did in Thailand.

You can take your pets to Thailand. The fee is $13.57 per pet. Pet(s) must be at least 4 months old. Import permit. Health certificate issued by your accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. The requirements that your pet must meet are outlined in the provided health certificate.

Dont give up! To everyone out there❤ a lot of love from a Thai friend here

I think many men and now women will start to find their peace by moving out of the United States. The politics and the culture are so toxic. I never got married and never had children. I made this decision 20 years ago as thing were just starting to get bad in the United States. It turned out what was a developing problem is completely out of control today. Best decision I ever made. I plan to move out the United States.

9:40 it's very honorable for him to have such mindfulness and compassion toward his pets. I feel the same way. I'd like to visit next year to experience for myself what's possible, but then I think I'd have to wait until my cat dies (which hopefully won't be for many years). I feel sorry for the pain this man has gone through, but it inspires me to see him enjoying a new life.

Such a beautiful soul! I'm so glad he has healed and found freedom.

Wow! How clear-headed and inspiring Jon's story is. My hats off to you Jon for being vulnerable and sharing (You will do great), and Bret for sharing with the community.

Great interview; great story. I really like how as an interviewer you let your subject tell their story without interruption.

A beautiful story. Thanks to Jon for being so open about this. Thailand is a special place.

What an easy to like guy, I wish I would run into this chap and have a chat, he has so much life experience and comes accross as a kind soul. His personality is not so common in travelers to Thailand, Male or Female. This is the kind of person I personally seek for friendship: different life experiences than my own, from a different location than me, someone driven to succeed and demonstrating not just intent but results of consistent effort to drive ahead. You are awesome Jon, if I ever pass you by in Chiang Mai I will try not to scare you by saying "hey buddy, I saw you on youtube!". All the best good fella.

As Thais, I can sit and listen Jon speak or tell me story all day long. In Thai culture, we embrace moment, live at present. What was, was. Just accept it and adapt/adjust/change whatsoever since we can't go back in time. Don't worry about future too much. Prepare, NOT panic. Let say you weight it like 25/50/25 , pass/present/future - respectively. We have proverb about death "คนเป็นสำคัญกว่าคนตาย" ( Living one is more important than passing one). Overwhelming by grief wouldn't help anything in any situations. If you're feeling overwhelmed, It's like you've died too. It's time to get back on track. If you're the one who bring home bacon, then it's time to stay strong and lead family again. You've clearly explained about why people stare at you. That's what we want to tell foreigners. They don't against but just curious. If you response with good heart thru smile and good manners, those will understand and embrace you even more. Please take it easy and chill. Just goes with the flows. Don't be too hard on yourself. Wish you happy and healthy.

God bless this man being interviewed.. I too will make the jump to Thailand and face my fear.. My girlfriend will follow when she is able. Thank you for providing life changing and encouraging insights. Peace to everyone and this isn't the last you'll hear from me. Cheers everyone ❤

Powerful, personal, insightful, and relatable. Superb!

His energy vibrates with the spirits of the spiritual Thais. The compassion, positivity and consciousness of life. I hope he can find Buddhism as an additional guide in his daily life.

Thanks Brett for this interview. And to John: Honey you have a beautiful soul and you brightened my day with your lifestory and with yourself shining through your words, your eyes. You healed me a bit. Thank you!!! ❤❤❤

My goodness, I have goosebumps all over listening to it. THANK YOU.

I never heard of you until the YT algorithm kicked in. Love your videos and this video in particular, is absolutely amazing. Thank you to you and especially Jonathan. Such a lovely guy and good luck to him and you.

I’ve watched this video about four times and each time it makes me happier & happier. So happy John finally found a place that hugs him back ❤

This was the most uplifting and inspiring post I have viewed about moving to Thailand. Just wonderful. I will definitely tune into Jon's channel. And thanks so much for Chris talking about this channel. Brett, this was superb! New subbie here!

Loved this video Brett! I'm glad that you are still sending me e mails and I was able to see this. I am going back to Thailand in Jan and will be going to Chang Mai for the first time. I will keep tabs on your vids for more inspiration in to taking the leap!!! thanks again 🙂

Hey, Bret. Really cool way to move forward with your channel.... what an awesome guy this is! Incredibly interesting and an amazing pet lover like me. Met many guys this over the last 20 years living in Thailand and many lie and, well, you know the deal. But this guy is so, so genuine. You can tell. Anyway, love what you are doing... cheers, fella. Den.

Brett-that was awesome- John is amazing and a true inspiration 👏👏👏

Thank you for sharing! I needed to hear this

Incredibly powerful story! Thank you for sharing. The best to you, John 😊

God bless you, John. Enjoy the amazing life in Thailand, peace and happiness.

Thanks for an awesome interview. Jon did a very good job explaining about racism in Thailand. As a Thai, Jon is absolutely right about how Thais think about foreigners. Racial differences is not racism! Happy to hear that Thailand has healed him from the loss of his loved one.

What a great interview!!! Nice Man!!!

Thank you for sharing your stories. I’m glad to hear that you feel better here. Welcome to Thailand.

This was very interesting and enlightening. Excellent video!

Good for you young man... good for you! Our ass in our own hands. Our mind set (positive or negative ) guides us and our choices are the keys to life. Depression to me was at times like a big heavy blanket. Sometimes I chose to be wrapped around in it and through a lot of soul searching/work and support from a couple close friends now that blanket is the size of a wash rag. Everyday I choose to let that wash dry out and never wash my face with it again. Sure I'm using these things as metaphors sometimes that's the only way I can deal with stuff and it's worked for the most part. I'm making the choice to move to Thailand. I will visit in 6 months for about 3 weeks and then I plan on coming back within a year and staying 5 months. Thailand is going to save my life and extend it in so many good ways. My mind set is already Thia. Nothing but the best to you both. Peace 😎🤙

Jon sounds like an amazing person. Thank you for this interview. I'll be arriving in Chiang Mai this October and a lot of what he said rings true for me as well.

☺️☺️☺️🙏🙏🙏🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭 ตามชนบทสมัยก่อนหน้าบ้านคนไทยจะมีน้ำดื่มตั้งไว้หน้าบ้านเพื่อให้คนที่้ดินผ่านได้ดื่ม และเวลาเจอกันจะชวนให้มากินข้าวที่บ้าน ความใจดีของคนไทยใน bkk มีเพียง 20%ถ้าเทียบกับในชนบทของไทย อยากให้คุณได้ลองไปสัมผัสดู ชาวบ้านท้องถิ่นเค้าใจดีจริงๆ

Great vid, really insightful and nice to hear people's experience moving over to Thailand. Been over a few times now, and love Changmai, completely different to the hustle we go through in London. My wife and I are organising our move over this year, and have really found your videos insightful and realistic to what to expect from the whole process. I think more and more people are understanding that health is wealth, and there's more to life than chasing a never ending dream to financial riches. Personally a business owner and always being switched on to the point of falling asleep and waking up to work, we can't wait to start the new chapter in our journey.

Great interview and insight and inspiring ❤

The american justice system sounds fucked up! I wish Jon all the best in Thailand. And you too, Brett!

what a great testimony for fight against depression, racism, discrimination, he's got now a very positive point of view about life, this is precious, I'm half thai and living in France is going worse and worse like many other western countries, very good video and good job !

Great content. I really appreciate Jon's honesty.

What a great speaker Jon is. If he chooses to do it, my guess is that he'd be a very good teacher.

Awesome interview, totally inspiring. Thank you.

What a charming person. A lot of his life experiences resonated with my own. Wish Jonathan the best ❤

Very inspiring. Thank you!

คนไทยทุกคน มองว่า ชาวต่างชาติทุกคนคือ แขก ผู้มาเยี่ยมเยือนบ้านเมือง ประเทศของเรา แต่ถ้าผู้มาเยือนไม่ให้ความเคารพกันหรือสร้างความวุ่นวาย ก็จะโดนบริการ ด้วย มวยไทย

I am a black American woman. I too have had the same experience in Thailand and recently in Nepal. I was welcomed and treated beautiflly. Nothing like in America. It is just out of curiosity not hatred. He tells all truth. I prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok as I reside in the NYC. A bit less crowded. I appreciate his truth.

That’s exactly what I feel when I met with black people. You understand Thai nature very well.

Very powerful message, i will be in Thailand this December.

Jon nailed it all. Awesome story. We are many with those feelings, experiences and conclusions.

Damn this is rather emotional than I expected. ❤

I'm Thai myself and we've been teach to never judge people from how they look. Thai people do call people differently from where they come from and how they look but mostly to better treat them right rarely as an insult and even as an insult it nothing personal but to the country. Example : we called Muslim as "Bung" so we don't let them eat pig that kind of thing. We also look down on Laos ,Burma, Cambodia people for their underdevelop country but it's their government fault which make them pitiful and so we should be kind to them and help them. Thai people has empathetic nature because we avoid direct confrontation as much as possible and we keep our discomfort in our self and endure untill the line has been cross.

Thank you soooooooo much. I am thinking about Chiang Mai, I am soooooo thanful for this wonderful interview

No race, no gender, no classification. There is no difference in Thailand. Everyone is equal.❤

I always enjoy your presentation, Brett. This episode with Joanathan has something very heartfelt and insightful especially the way Jonathan shares his thought about racism in America and racial difference in Thailand. I wish you and Jon a great time living in Thailand despite challenges that we Thais also have to face in our ordinary lives. Thank you, Brett.

what an amazing and powerful story... Gods plan...

i soo needed to see this video. Im so inpressed Jon.

Watched this video and first and foremost sincere condolences to Travis! I have to say, Jonathon is a great guy and the video is really cool.

No matter what skin color you are Will you be transgender or not? We Thai people don't care. Everyone is human too. Has red blood like everyone else. Thai people are never disgusted. Even transgender people who are Muslim and Russian have to immigrate to Thailand. Because we are people We must respect each other. my buddhism will always teach that one should have mercy Whether it's people or animals, you must be kind. I'm glad you're happy in Thailand.

His story is really beautiful. I was born and raised here. After finish bachelor degree in Bangkok, I miss Chiang Mai so bad and came back right away. His story about spiritual purpose is similar and vibrates to my belief also. I like to listen to NDE and Past life regression stories.

Fantastic video

Love this ❤

"Staring is rude, you know, they don't seem to understand that." Generally speaking (according to scientific studies done on this topic), it is socially acceptable to look (stare) at a person for a longer time than generally accepted in western societies. What is still in the realm of just looking from their perspective, to our perspective can be considered uncomfortable and feel like staring. It is true some people are rude but generally speaking Thais as a whole are lovely people to each other as well as foreigners. When I moved here from America I faced similar situations that made me uncomfortable. People would look at me in a way (for a long time) that back home meant danger. They looked at me for too long and back home that meant instant violence. My mind was preparing for a fight. It took me years of being here to not have this as my default way of reacting in my mind. I think it is also important to know that since being here I have never had to use any sort of violence, any issues with racism (other than racial curiosity - and yes it happens to white people too so take comfort in that I guess), and feel safer here than I ever did in America (for the most part...driving is not included with that statement!!! LOL). I am not writing this to put down America (I will always have a special place in my heart for my homeland), I am just trying to be as open and honest as possible. One last thing, there are so many things here that are difficult to adjust to (Thais, and Asians in general have vastly different ways of thinking and doing things that westerners) but it can be so worth it if you are able to make a place for yourself here. I am living in a way that would have been impossible for me to do in America and I will always be grateful for that! If you want to be welcomed in Thailand be polite. Thais are very friendly if they feel comfortable with you. Smile, keep your voice down (if you see loud Asians here they are probably not Thais, they are probably rude tourists (or college students) from another country, who are known to be rude and arrogant), learn to wai (VERY IMPORTANT), simply put be a good and respectful person and Thais will embrace you. Almost without exception I have been accepted, looked after, and even protected by my neighbors and I still do not know the language (please try to learn the language if you are going to be here for any amount of time). I am definitely not saying that Thailand is perfect (far from it), but it is such a unique place. It gets under your skin (both the good and the bad), the chaos here starts to make a sense of its own. You start to feel a weight being lifted and just a sense of freedom takes its place. Be open, be humble, be willing to expand your perception of what a good life actually means and you will find happiness here (or anywhere for that matter). Thailand is a noisy, dirty (Bangkok especially), poor, rich, vibrant, confusing, chaotic, wonderful, beautiful and every single time I think I finally understand it, she changes on me. I have found my home here, I have found happiness here, I have changed and grown here. This video explores only a small fraction of the challenges you as a westerner will have living here if you really make the plunge. But having done so, I think it has been well worth it. I am living in a way I would never have been able to do in America and although life here is simpler (which I definitely consider a good thing), I have found it to be much fuller. As I write this a small bell is ringing as a food vendor pushes her small cart down my village's main road, some tropical bird is calling to another from a mango tree in my neighbors yard. A breeze is gently finding its way from one end of my room to the other. And one of the countless motorcycles rolls past the house on its way to the market just down the street a few minutes away. There is a rhythm here that is unlike other places and if you can find your place in it (which trust me can be very challenging) there is peace there. Thais love diversity and welcome you to become part of the tapestry that makes up this culture. Jon: I am sorry for your loss and the pain you had to endure. I am happy to see what you have created from that loss and dedication to Travis. I wish you the best, take care!

Inspirational, and happy that Jonathan found some intermediate redemption; hoping it grows long term into success and happiness.

Well come to Thailand 🇹🇭 kha ขอบคุณทุกท่านที่รักประเทศไทยนะคะ คนไทยทุกคนยินดีต้อนรับเสมอนะคะ ไม่ว่าจะชาติไหน ผิวสีอะไร พวกเราให้เกียรติทั้งหมดค่ะ และขอให้มีความสุขทุกวันในประเทศไทยนะคะ❤❤❤ ขอบคุณที่รักประเทศไทยค่ะ😊😊

What an amazing man. Godspeed, Jon.

Thank you for sharing your story and I hope Thailand will forever provide peace and comfort to you

Inspirational story thank you❤

What a great talker, a good person, I’m sorry for his loss

Wow, what a wonderful gift! This guy has a high level of communication in his ability to describe each of his life's experiences. I feel that this is the kind of person who can enrich your life just to know him. What an excellent interview.

Excellent interview

Very thoughtful interview

This is the best interesting interviews I have ever heard hope you all the best John

Powerful, interesting video. John you are going to be a success any place you go.

Nice one Brett. Great interview

Great interview ❤🇹🇭🙏

I have watched this video many times and I wonder why 😂. I know why! It is because I love how Jon clearly explained his insights. I would encourage him to pursue teaching career in Thailand since he mentioned it. Thai students will love him. I am lifetime learner and have a lot of great teachers all these years. Go for it, Jon 👍

Life is amazing but it's very short. Love your story.

Such a WONDERFUL MAN , Such a WONDERFUL VIDEO

Awesome Video Bro .... Im currentlu looking at gaining More skills to get me back to Asia, Not Sure about Thailand anymore because of the Mental Health System but I definitely Learned a lot while I was in CM , Thank you for all your Help Bro!

I take my hat off to Jon what a great human being.hope you have a happy life in Thailand❤

Hi Jon just want to say I found your story truly inspiring I am an aspiring digital nomad and I’m hoping to make the move to Thailand next year I found your story quite inspiring as I myself also had an experience with a spiritualist in helping me to discover Thailand I have done some work with Brett and I’m hoping to become a freelance voice actor 👍🇹🇭🙏

You are a unique, intelligent, strong man. Keep doing your research and you are going to excel here!! Best wishes!!

jon had such a positive energy about him, wish him all the best

Thank you.

I just want to let Jon know that, his dog is with you all this time in Thailand. You are never alone. Those who love you are always with you. Being a good person with a good attitude and respect for people around you in Thailand, you'll get more of that back. Thais are not racist. You're right. They are wondering if you need something or what help they might be able to offer you. Be sure to smile every day to get positive energy.

Best wishes to John. Sounds like a great guy and the sort of person that makes good communities.

Wow! I love his positive energy. 🙂 He is right about Thais; it is their curiosity not prejudice. Wishing you all the best thing in life

OMG, what a video thank you for sharing! I plan to move to Thailand next August 2024. Next, I have to say Joh answer all of my question about I would be treated in Thialand and he only confirmed it for me. Also, I have a good life here in Tampa, Florida I want for nothing, however, the racism, gun violence through out the country it feels that the country is in a dark place and has lost it's way! I was listening to an old song the other day the USO's use to play at the end of there shows it was performed by the Animals 1965 "we gotta get out of this place". I never thought in my life time that I would feel this way but YES. Finally, thank you, thank you John wow!

We see beyond race, nationality, and gender. Love is what binds us together, transcending all boundaries. Simply put, if you show us love, we'll return it tenfold. That's the essence of who we are.

One of the most decent man