A very interesting video JC I Like the way you put things together. I travelled from New Zealand to Australia and lived there for 33 years but now in Chiang Rai with my Indian partner and retired really enjoying our time together here.Made some friends and trying my best to learn the Thai language I have never met a kinder friendlier people in my life. Love it here. Like you video Cheers Allan
Great video as always, JC! And those very few things that I don't really like, are so few and so minor that they don't destroy the positive parts of being in Thailand at all. To second another comment, the only thing that bothers me now, is that I had to get back to the cold last Sunday since my retirement (in Thailand) is a few years ahead in time. And thanks for the chat and for meeting up with so many great members! :-)
Glad you mentioned about people not interacting because of their phones and tablets. I was on 2 hour ferry trip coming back to the UK from France, a family of four sat at the table opposite me , they all got out their tablets and hardly spoke to each other for the whole time. I thought just like you , no one will hardly know any one soon.
Just got back from Thailand and the thing that bothers me the most: - No garbage cans anywhere on the streets. - It can be too hot at times (like 95 degrees during the day) - Dodging traffic/No lights for foot traffic But along with some of the things that you mentioned aren't really big problems considering all that is good about Thailand.
Good one JC. In Pattaya it's the hundreds of tour busses clogging the small sois, and bringing traffic to a complete halt. Five Chinese tourists or fifty...need a giant bus at all times.
People from the west constantly look at things from their western perspective... You aren't in Kansas anymore if you move to Thailand... If you want western culture, stay in the west... Even the most uptight, anal, American will sooner or later adopt the mai pen rai attitude after living in Thailand for a while... If not, you won;t last long... The only thing that gets to me is burning season in the north which is just beginning now... Heading to Hua Hin to play golf and go to the beach for a month...
Thanks for all of your videos!!! Been watching them before and after moving to Chiang Mai. It's been 2 years now and it is a new adventure everyday just have to slow down and be flexible. Learn the customs. Be a Thai. Thanks again for the good information.
This is a good topic JC always good to show both positives and negatives - The loud music and loudspeaker trucks etc are they found more so in the larger developed cities ? The smart phone/tablet issue you mention is a global phenomenon - technology is driving people further apart and devices are used as a vetting tool
Hi JC. Always great to see another of your updates. Thanks for that. Thai behavior changed for the better in Chiang Mai in my experience. Thais walking ahead of me going through a door would just let it swing in my face as I followed a few steps behind. A few years later Thais began holding the doors ajar if I was close behind. Big improvement! It disturbs me that you found so many young Thais staring at their smart phone/tablet screens at a table. Here in Melbourne pedestrians are hypnotized by their smart phone screens. Really pisses me off. Not as bad in Asia I might add.
As an European who is connected to Thailand for 37 years already I am a half retiree living in Hua Hin now for some years. I value your reports as the best nowadays for people who want to learn about Thailand. Thank you very much for these. Lets hope that it brings enlightenment to some grumpy farangs...
JC, of all the videos you ever done (not that I have seen every single one, but some). This is one of the best and very informative. You make me laugh/smile about all the things that bothers you there.... because it's exactly how/what I feel to whenever I come to Thailand. You're funny :).... in a good way I mean. Well done and said. AGREE with everything you said. Two thumbs up! and thanks for all your videos.
JC i have always when viewing your channel have respected your views not always mine but all an all you are current and informative.with that being said thank you for your work and insight.i like that," learn to be your best friend" wisdom.Happy new year to you and yours health and safety in 2018 prosper my friend
I rode my bicycle all over Chiang mai for 5 months in 2014. Even out to the crossfit gym on the super highway. The Thai cars usually gave space when I signaled. I am 70 years old, really wasn't too bothered by the April air. In 2011 I walked all over the city. Only bad habit was looking left instead of right when stepping off a curb. Annoyances: loud announcements in the speaker near my room, loud pigeons at my window, uppity tourists...and myself for still carrying that Western baggage. I will return soon with a smaller bag. Robert Burnett.
The phone thing is going on all over the US now and when I travel to Europe it is the same .Everybody is on their smartphone or other device .I like to sit in the airport before my flights and just drink coffee and people watch and stay away from my phone it is very relaxing .
I've never been to Thailand but for the past year or so i found myself being obsess with Thailand and Thai culture. it's my dream to visit. in 2018 I am finally coming to Thailand. yes it's a long ways away but I need time to do research. I also did not want to travel by myself so I convince a few of my co-workers to come along for the vacation of a lifetime. we're planning ten days in Thailand splitting our time between Bangkok and Cheng mai. I can't wait to get there.
One thing I dislike here is the massive advertising billboards, some buildings are completely hidden behind huge billboards, however the good far outweighs the not so good, retired 20 months now in Chiang mai, and loving it, wont be leaving in a hurry. Thanks for you tips and advice over the last few years JC
+Rob Aitken You like Chiang Mai ? went there for a week a couple of months ago. Dirty and boring. Try Pattaya - I have lived there for 5 years and I haven't been bored yet !
you went to CM for 5 minutes, and say its boring, ha ha, please stay in Pattaya, with all the crime and misfits, drunks, sex tourists and Russians, you would fit right in
Pleased to say that most of the Russians have gone. You are obviously easily pleased. I live about 6 km outside Pattaya, Jomtien. It's a bit like living in Frinton and going into Clacton for a change.
+Roy Porter Trust me you will get bored of the stimulation. And for older people all that "stimulation of the senses" is why it is on my "no-fly zones" list for retirees. Stay there and have fun but please don't come back to tell us when that bad thing happens because I HATE to say "I told you so".
There is always something going on in Pattaya such as Music Festivals, Trad Jazz, Fireworks, Regattas, plus loads of good restuarants and shopping Malls. Pattay is not just Walking Street. I'm 80 now but when I get old I might reconsider but I doubt it.
Frustration is a real factor in life and a result of the discord between reality and one's expectations. One can't always effect reality, but you Can modify your expectations. Now I am not suggesting eliminating all standards, but one Can decide which issues are critical versus merely being preferences. Work on deciding what is critical and what is truly important - and distinguish between those and what is merely an annoyance. We can all make choices and we have control over our expectations. Be good to yourself and make good choices. As always, Thanks JC!
I just got back from Thailand last month and I really was annoyed by the pickup trucks blaring music in Pattaya in Jomtien. Don't get that. Thanks for the vid!
+VikingPreparedness How old are you? Wait until you're my age! And sitdown toilets are hygienic as well because we still use water to clean ourselves as opposed to just smearing stuff all over with toilet paper.
+retirecheapjc Using toilet paper is barbaric. I even have a spray installed in my flat in London - I'm not there in winter so don't have cold water on my bum !
Yes it was great to meet you. And I hope you got contact info from my members you saw there and you originally met at immigration. I think you all have a lot in common.
Right on JC. The motor noises and the blaring loud speakers were a pain when I lived in TL 40 years,ago, and they continue to annoy me every time I go there, which is any chance I get. And I imagine those things will annoy for me for the rest of life in a few years when I finally quit working and retire to TL. . And you know what? I'll put up with those annoyances and a whole of others, because the rest of it, the warm weather and warm smiles and kind people, the great food and low prices and so much more make the hassles of living there worth it. I can't wait to be annoyed again. See ya.
I spent 2 months in CM 4 years ago. As a non driver/moto cyclist, I found getting from A to B a real chore, as no proper public transport. The worst aspect was, as a pedestrian, they simply wont let you cross the road. Some times I had to wait 15 mins., before I could cross, in parallel with a thai person... who knew the ropes.
+MrBazza55 Proper? Wow! Nothing is "proper" in Thailand compared to the organized West. So if that is expected better not stay here. Actually Chiang Mai has more options for public transportation than anywhere in Thailand other than Bangkok. Yes Thais will ALWAYS let you cross the road. You just don't know what they are expecting from you. Always cross slowly and deliberately and make sure to have eye contact with drivers to know that they see you and aren't texting or something. No sudden stops on your part or abrupt moves. They vehicles will flow around you as you pass stopping at what given point you are at. It is like swimming through a school of fish. You will get close but not ever touch the fish. Decrease your tolerances and Thailand will fit. If not you will get squeezed and will be miserable.
Great Video JC. I always liked the saying "No matter where you go, there you are." I just returned from a New Year's trip to China. I can certainly say I hated being that close to Thailand, yet so far away. I always feel good when I am in Thailand. Election years seem to bring out the worst of the insanity in the US and this year is putting an exclamation point on insanity. 6 Months and then it's time to travel the world. Traveling and getting out of my "comfort" zone is the greatest thing I know. Can't wait to get back to SE Asia in the late Fall. I'm very much looking forward to experiencing Loy Krathong for the first time.
I enjoy Bangkok; in visit in 2009 and 2013. I really like living in a city and Bangkok will be the place for me. I stayed 21 days in March 2013 which is the summer season and in 2009 I stayed 12 day in Nov-Dec which is their spring season. I am thinking about just living in Bangkok for 3 months-November-end of January each year. I love the culture, food, shopping, art and theater. I read Thai newspapers everyday to get a feel of the culture, however, Thailand country just want everyone to be very happy and get along with everyone. I always stay near a metro if I need to live the country in a hurry when the red shirts start burning and blocking the major roads. Great video
Good video. Good information. By the sound of the complaints you have a lot of short sighted viewers. One time a friend was thinking about buying a boat, another friend started to point out things and saying that having a boat was fun but, the idea of washing the boat every time you went out, the launching of the boat, the cost of gas, the upkeep and so on; friend who wanted to buy the boat said, you know what, "If those things are an issue to you, You don't like boats". So the advice that people stay where they are instead of going to another country they know nothing about or wanting to change their way of looking at things, is a good advice. Boring, Miserable, ignorant, people are going to be the same way anywhere they go, best thing is to send them a rope and guide them to the nearest tree branch.
I found it interesting that the first two things you complained about in Thailand (the loud music and motorbike exhaust noise) are two of the things that drive me absolutely bonkers here.
Greetings from Austin, Tx. A little something you might find amusing, I know I did. Recently I went to the barber shop and sat down to wait. There were seats along the opposite wall and a counter top with magazines on it. Seated were five pre-teens with a couple of parents. The first four kids all had their heads buried in their smart phones. The last kid was asian and was reading a Popular Science magazine.
Great re-boot JC! People are people, and there is crap everywhere! Happiness is a personal decision, not a happenstance. If you got personal problems, they won't disappear when you land at the airport in Bangkok. However, if you want adventure, a gracious culture, interesting expats, low cost of living, high quality of food, Thailand still beckons you. I will return there as soon as I can get my personal plan together. Keep making the videos JC, we need them. Thank you for all your effort. Peace!
Hi J.C. Sorry if this comment is a little unrelated to the video. I'm the ice skating coach who contacted you a year or so ago. Because I was seriously thinking of moving to Thailand at the end of the year, I went over to Bangkok recently (Feb 9 - 19th). There was one disaster after another, but I'll cut to the chase. I spent my last two days in Pattaya, and two weeks ago I rented a lightweight Honda to go and see some condos in Naklua, on the north side of Pattaya. I was wearing a crash helmet and cruising down a quiet road, but that's the last thing I remember. I woke up in Banglamung Hospital, and had been unconscious for 2 to 3 hrs. I am certain I didn't lose control of the bike, or crash into a building. I would have remembered that. I am sure that a car or truck came out of a side street and crashed into me, maybe 'hit and run'. I have multiple facial fractures, a sprained right wrist, a very sore left leg, and my rib cage hurts like crazy probably from my chest hitting hard on the handlebars and speedometer. My hearing is also muffled in my left ear. The hospital said I'm lucky to be alive. Nothing was stolen from me, but I still have no recollection of what happened. I've been on Google Earth and tried to re-trace my steps, but nothing looks familiar. I have nothing but praise for Banglamung Hospital. Six hrs later I told them I wanted to go back to my hotel, because my flight home to L.A. was the next day, even though the prospect of the journey horrified me (two flights, and lots of waiting in airport lines). They explained all my injuries, and gave me two CD's of my X-rays, along with a detailed report of my condition, in perfect English. They also gave me antibiotics and pain-killer meds. I can't understand why the police never came to the hospital or my hotel to talk to me, and why the motorbike rental place has never contacted me, because the rental contract says I only had third party insurance. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to ask the ambulance driver if there were any witnesses, but I'm going to get some help on this. In the past few days I've contacted the Banglamung Police Dept, but they told me to call the hospital. I did this, but they had very little information for me. I then contacted the tourism branch of the Royal Thai Consulate here in L.A., and they told me to send all the details to them, which they will forward to their office in Pattaya for investigation. So I may yet find out what happened. Bottom line is: Tell all your people that if they rent a motorbike, to keep their eyes open! I'm feeling better each day, and I still love Thailand, but I can see why the statistics show that there are 70,000 motorcycle accidents a year.
+talladale I say just let it go and be thankful that it wasn't worse than it was. Wake up every day thinking whatever you believe in that you are in is good a shape as you are. The kinds of places that you seem to be going I what I call my "no-fly zones". I stay away from him for just these types of reasons. I took a spill a couple years ago on my bike and even the person on the back doesn't know why the bike went down. I have no recollection and it's okay. Again I just am thankful every day that I'm in as good a shape as I am. And I think as we get older we should rely more on public transportation here.
+retirecheapjc I quite see your point, but I'm very glad that the tourism dept of the Thai Consulate are willing to investigate the situation, because I really would like to know what happened. I don't want to always be wondering. Someone must have called for an ambulance, and they may be witness to what happened. The whole thing is such a pity, because one of the things I would have looked forward to if I moved to Thailand would have been enjoying going round on a Honda Wave or Yamaha. Now, I don't think I could face it! I AM very grateful that my injuries are only facial fractures, and a temporarily painful chest, because my life as a skating coach may have been finished. I, too, count my blessings every day. Take care, and keep up the great work!
A recent newspaper article in Bangkok addressed the problem of either no sidewalks or being forced to walk in the street because the sidewalks were being used by vendors or as a bypass by motorscooters. Walking with a family of 4 little children from the house to the bus stop is a dangerous undertaking. But since the children are all little blondies the drivers usually notice and slow down a bit. :) However, I have never noticed taking up parking places by neighboring businesses, but I'll look for that - maybe it's more of a Northern problem? Having people over to our home, whether in Thailand or the USA is the best way to keep them engaged. We have a rule when international students (or anyone) comes over - NO CELL PHONES AT THE TABLE !!! Yep, this is a problem wherever you go in the rule and it is up to the host to set the guidelines. Of course the problem in the past were the people who always left the TV on - we simply would not visit these homes. Our Daughter's family is still in Thailand with our 4 Little Grandchildren. None of us has rented a car because the driving is crazy!!!!!!!!!!, but they are talking about buying one now that they are moving to the Northern Thammasat University Campus which is quite a ways North of Bangkok. OH - and they are installing in their townhouse what our 8 year old Granddaughter calls the "Happy Tourist Toilet". But they are leaving a squatty potty by the washing machine - just for practice. :) Thank you JC - I enjoyed this.
Excellant JC as always. Also I have traveled many places and the cell phones with texting go on almost everywhere. I have noticed it so much in the last few years. Of course, North Korea does not have it but is that really an option?
First those two things happen in the US. Loud bikes, cars with modification mufflers and load music. Can't change it. Deal with it Parking same in the US. Restricted, no parking zone, or for employees only. Easy to live, no matter where you are at. Yoga, relaxation, your right. Live with it. The smart phone and texting is a global problem. Your right. I don't get on my phone during dinner or talking. It's rude. GO JC
Jianzhi Sengcan was good, but I like Huineng better - "To meditate means to realize inwardly the imperturbability of the Essence of Mind. The reason why we are perturbed is because we allow ourselves to be carried away by the circumstances we are in. Those who are able to keep their mind unperturbed, irrespective of circumstances, have attained Inner Peace."
I am living in Asia since 20 years, I did not get used to (and don't wish to get used to): - The noise levels, not only in Thailand but in Asia everywhere, outside, in restaurants, in shops. OMG! - The lack of public space in general. If there is a little bit of pavement it is blocked by private business either for parking, to display the shops goods, or for use as a storage area - The lack of proper pavement, walking is a core almost everywhere, even in comparaby better Singapore - The way they bring up the children mostly in front of Ipads. A generation of cripples is coming up. - The complete absence of consideration and anticipation for others, and looking ahead when driving. Albeit that is still not "aaas" bad in Thailand, there is much worse around here. And btw. Thais are not as gentle as they see themselves. But overall I think it is one of the more live-able options in Asia.
I hear you about the squat toilet .... I hated it and I was born and raised in Bangkok ..,., and those loud music bothered me too lol ..., I was just in Thailand after not having been back in years and let me tell you I could not wait to get out off Bangkok !! But I do LOVES Ban Krut ☺️ so did you just moved there by yourself ?
Hey JC- Could you make a first timers visit to Thailand video for people who will only be there for a first visit but want to get an idea of where they might like to live long term? How do you get a feel for a country- North, South, and middle in such a short time?
+Charles Jacques Charles of actually gone into quite a bit of detail on that exact subject in my member site. And I'm not sure but I think I've even talked about it in RU-vid videos. But maybe it's a subject to revisit. Thanks for your comment.
I was really going to rip you a new one for your things that bother you. Then you talked about not trying to change another counties values and culture but see if Americans can live in that culture. Well done and great advice. My fiancee is Thai and we are planning on retiring to Thailand. The story about the guy with the student loan actually had a bench warrant out on him that was related to the student loan. Granted it was a bit overkill with SWAT! LOL Technology has disconnected us as human beings. This is world wide.
as a big fan of your videos i just want to contribute a small tip, I would suggest getting a GoPro or a Canon T2i for your recordings, it can really improve the production value. I find color and contrast a little bit dated compared to other people's videos from South East asia. It's a shame because your content is so much better then what other people post... Thank you
So we finally know what grinds JC's gears. One of those advertising trucks snuck up on me in Cha Am and almost blasted me off the side walk...lol Fred H
its actually very enlightening and entertaining and thought provoking to hear about dislikes and irritations and complaints just because its such an antidote to all the ballyhoo about having to have a great time all the time going on about so cheap and so fresh and so friendly and so tasty and so warm and so exotic and everything when you know theres always stuff that bugs too - like bugs, mosquitos, snakes, dogs, spiders, rats, mice, and so on
JC, it is definitely like that in the states. People talk much less face to face anymore because so many have their face buried in their smart phone of Ipad.
The student loan story isn't entirely correct. He was being picked up for failure to appear in federal court. Had he appeared for his federal summons about his student loans, the US Marshals would not of picked him up.
+ceemichael1 Yes because it seems to only happen to certain people and it isn't a generality except now at parks. We do the same in the States. S for me it is a non-issue.
+retirecheapjc JC: If it's a non-issue for you it seems to me you pay it and not avoid it, but it's OK if you accept the rule and choose to avoid the unfair treatment. ;-) Seriously, I see your point but it is not exactly the same in the USA. For example, if you live in NV you get a discount entering some Las Vegas discos/clubs. The lack of a discount applies to everyone else whether they live in other US or not. The rule is applied similarly @ Disney World: if you live in FL, you get a discount but anyone outside FL pays the full price. Perhaps that is splitting hairs to you; I see it differently. Especially when "Farang" can pay 2, 3 or even 5 times more to enter some places, even if they're long time/permanent residents of The Kingdom. This has been know to apply even when they have Thai wives and children they have raised in Thailand too... Cheers, MB
+Michelangelo Buonarroti Same to me. Yes splitting hairs whether you distinguish a difference by a region, a country or a race it's all the same to me. We are human beings wanting the same things and just trying to get them through different behaviors. Interesting how I get replies from people comparing Thailand's approach to another country with the perception that their country somehow does it better. I personally look around and think how screwed up these other countries have become and hope Thailand's way is a better outcome in the long run. I try not to judge these trivial things as good or bad, just different. My philosophy is to have preferences but don't be too attached to getting them. That is what I mean by non-issue. Or as Thais say, "mai bhen rai".
All I did was point out the rules and the way they are applied differently in Thailand and the USA. I did not mean you to infer I saw the USA way as better or worse; that was YOUR choice. Your behavior/choice to avoid paying that extra fee tells the true story of how you feel about the rule. And that's OK. And if you decide at some point to pay it, that's cool too. Chok Dee, Mai Bpen Rai, M
The one MAIN thing everyone likes to skip over is the incredibly complicated visa situation of staying in Thailand without having to do constant border runs and continuing to pay for visas. Very expensive, time-consuming and very stressful. The retirement option has you reporting in to immigration every 90 days for the rest of your stay (but only IF you qualify). Expensive and super-complicated. Any ideas on how to get around that? Thanks.
Hey Steve. Unless you under 50 years old it is very easy to comply with the long-term visa based on retirement. In fact as I say, "there's always an option". For citizens of some countries they don't even need to have the 800,000 Thai baht sitting in a Thai bank account. Also you can do the 90 day reporting online. Some not sure where you're getting your information from that says it's complicated to stay long-term in Thailand. All the options are covered in detail in the member site.
JC, are you still living in Chiang Mai, or have you moved to another part of Thailand? Love your videos. I want to come to Thailand for a month or two this year to get my feet wet. I am in Tampa. Steve
+dr love Go to Ybor city for me and have a great big bowl of Spanish bean soup and some delicious Cuban bread at the Columbia restaurant there for me okay?
JC, I use to go to Ybor very often. Take the Selman expressway from southeast Tampa and be there in 15 minutes from home. The Columbia restaurant is still there and a great place to eat and be entertained on the weekends by live Spanish bands. But if you haven't been there is a few years, then you would probably not recognize Ybor today. Most all the old cigar factories have been renovated into yupy condos and everything is catered to the young crowd. All around Ybor is now built up with many apartment and condo buildings for the younger crowd that work downtown Tampa. It is not really a place to go for 59 year old me, today. I am hoping to come check out some parts of Thailand soon. I was leaning toward concentrating my efforts on Chiang Mai, but not so sure anymore. Am hoping to get more info on other areas in Thailand now.
Do you have any vids on raising a family in Thailand? I'm sure you do. Could you refer me to them if so, maybe make an updated one? I'm American, we have a house in Surin. I Have 3 young boys and want them to spend a considerable amount of time there at some point in their life. My biggest concern is the education level. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
+Meanredmachine8 Actually I don't have videos on this topic because a very small percentage of my demographics have younger children. I do have some resources for education in Chiang Mai for them though in the member site.
Walking down the street in NYC, often have to dodge around someone with their nose buried in a smartphone. Suspect it is a dirty trick to get you to move for them rather than them move for anybody (at least some of the time). Thought it was just a passing fad... a few years ago but now it is as if here to stay.
As a female, I HATE squat toilets. You have to 1.carry toilet paper, baby wipes and antiseptic everywhere with you 2. make sure the door locks properly 3.completely remove pants and underwear without them getting in contact with urine-soaked floor or dirty shoes (almost impossible). You might have to remove your shoes too if your pants wont come off ... which means standing in urine with bare feet 4. find a CLEAN place to hang your clothes (yeah good luck with that) 5. use toilet without getting your feet wet 6. get dressed without pants getting in contact with dirty floor/shoes (or else helloooo UT infection) 7.clean up the whole mess. And OMG the smell!
+Lilly nan Well then. How about telling us how you REALLY feel!! :) Thais seem to not have any of those challenges so I suggest a bit more practice and to choose your bathrooms a little more carefully.
+retirecheapjc Don't get me wrong, I love Thailand. That's why I'm going back next month.I just wanted to point out that it's much more difficult for women than men. My comment was meant to be funny, not angry :)
+Fidelity Quester How many decades since they wore the traditional clothes? Slow evolution I guess. Actually they are moving towards a more Western society in general and the toilets are just part of that transformation. If you peruse through Home Mart, Thai Watsadu, Global or Home Pro which are like Home Depot or Lowes in the USA you will see everything from paints to appliances are now "western" standards. And I am sure the older Thais appreciate the new "upgraded" toilets!
My #1 here are the high import taxes. I like my wine and cheese, but they are stupidly expensive here. Wish we would tax Thai products the same until Thailand decided to change.
+frankv42 So let me get this straight Frankie. So you think that the price of imported goods should be the same price as Thai brands? Wouldn't this decrease the amount of sales of their domestic products? Remember anything that the average Thai person doesn't use is going to be inordinately expensive. When the types of things you mentioned become average for Thai people guess what? I'm moving! Because then we would be living in an upper-middle-class society with all the problems that Western countries have. For me I'll take the simplicity of the average Thai people and when I want foreign products all pay extra. It's a small price to pay.
+retirecheapjc JC, you completely misunderstood my opinion. Why is it right for Thais and foreigners to pay 100+% duties on imported goods (in my case wine or cheese), yet the USA has no duty on Thai goods? It seems you're for protecting the business elites and their monopolies here, and harming the Thai middle class consumer (along with me!).
+retirecheapjc I somewhat jokingly complained only about wine and cheese, but if you read this you'll see the dismal way Thailand treats all foreign products imported into Thailand. Even essential medicines are taxed...how is that helping the normal Thai? After importing and exporting while living in China for 13 yrs, I see that Thailand is even worse in many regards (didn't think that would be possible!). This will be my last reply on this topic, so feel free to wrap up. ustr.gov/sites/default/files/Thailand.pdf Taxation: The complexity of Thailand’s tax system also has raised concerns. Excise taxes are high on some items, such as unleaded gasoline, beer, wine, and distilled spirits. For example, when import duties, excise taxes, and other surcharges are calculated, the cumulative duty and tax burden on most imported spirits is approximately 400 percent. I don't see info on total duties from Thailand, but surely shrimp must be one of the largest exports at least of food from Thailand to USA. Duty is 1.1% for now, and looking at increasing to a whopping 1.36%. Some Thai exporters get 0% for some reason. www.undercurrentnews.com/2016/03/07/us-govt-proposes-upping-import-duties-on-india-vietnam-thailand-shrimp/ BOSTON, US -- The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has proposed upping import duties on shrimp from India, Vietnam and Thailand in its tenth annual review, which covers shrimp imported into the country between Feb. 1, 2014 and Jan. 31, 2015....For Thailand, the average preliminary rate is 1.36%, compared to 1.10%. Thai Union Group and Pakfood, its subsidiary, got a 0% preliminary rate.
+frankv42 It helps the average Thai because it creates the incentive for our Thai drug companies to create exactly the same "essential medicines" for a fraction of the cost of what they even NORMALLY sell for where they are manufactured without any import duties. BTW why do you think that we have no manufacturing left in the USA? BECAUSE we let in all the cheap products from other countries to be sold to Americans AND this also allows the US manufacturers to take their business offshore where they can employ cheap labor without employing Americans and then have no or very low import duty fees so they can reap hugs profits.... YEP sounds great to me! All countries should adopt such a great strategy that helps out their citizens!! But if Thailand is sooo bad in your eyes I think if I were you I'd just stay away from this place.
Nice rant. Noise doesnt bother me like it does you, but I do marvel that the sound trucks are allowed in this highly ordered and harmonious society. To be fair though, they intruded into residential areas far worse in Mexico. Anyways, your comments from 6:40 about the US marshalls arresting a guy for debt, etc, at 8:40 were sobering. I have been out of the US swamp for 3 1/2 years, also off FaceBook, and so had missed that. Thanks for reminding me that the worst abuses of the Thai junta do not rise to the level of what has become the norm in the US. Regarding the electronic devices, O do agree. Maybe when I give a lechon roast in the Philippines, where I am headed next, I will invite all neighbors but no cellphones. No point having young cuties around if they arent taking to you right?
I loved the toilet situation in while in Thailand. I'm trying to incorporate the hose system here in FL. For some of my stay in BKK, I stayed next to Terminal 21. On a few occasions, I decided to walk across the street to 21 to get my arse Simonized and squeaky clean . 555 ...... What I didn't like was the image of the king splattered all over the place. It conjured images of Castro, Gaddafi, Chavez and Arafat. I wonder what the budget is to plaster the king's image all over Thailand. It's got to be steep ...... and monies that could have been put to better use. JC, I see you're comfortable in those fishing shirts. How's Sport Fishing there in Thailand ?
Wow not such a good comparison. People gladly and voluntarily put images of the King everywhere out of their genuine live and devotion. Most westerners have never experienced this type of love and respect so it'd be a foreign concept to understand.
I don't want to dwell too much on this disagreement, as it's not major or a deal breaker if you want to retire in Thailand. Under your jurisdiction, you have lèse majesté to deal with. I trashed my Thai SIM card in Beijing as it was linked to my passport. I was a well behaved tourist. No lèse majesté infractions. 555 ! Being frank, I was impervious to the Royals. Only exception was being awed as I toured the Grand Palace. As I mentioned, the images of the king all over the place was a bad rub. I believe you referenced the late king. He was exceptional for three generations of Thai's. I hope his son ( current king) "reigns" like his father did. ....... and that democratic representation soon becomes a reality for the Thai people. ...... I've traveled to many countries under military rule. That is the current fact in Thailand. I honestly felt liberated during my stay in Thailand.No restrictions other than not bashing the king. Better days are forthcoming for the kingdom. I feel it .....
Never seen the loud advertising cars, must be in some rural towns? Loud music? On the contrary, I found Thailand to be becoming very limited in this aspect. People not daring to switch on their audio systems for fear of complaints. Thailand needs to seriously lighten up when it comes to nightlife and entertainment. The police keep harassing clubs that don't close very early.
It's a global problem. The other day, I saw a young mother pushing a very young infant in a stroller - with one hand. Phone in the other, and ALL her attention was on the phone. That is not healthy.
I love your informative buddies. I have looked into retirement in Thailand for years. Today I decided against it. Why? Dealing with the Thai Embassy in Washington D.C. Just talking with them on the phone told me everything I needed to know about dealing with Thai officials. Extremely rude, and I'm not the only one who thinks so, there are plenty of negative reviews on line. I asked a simple question and they behaved as though I was stupid to not have all my questions answered by their threadbare web site. My question was, that I have a misdemeanor, and does that disqualify me me an OA visa. She said that she can't answer that. That this is up to immigration in Thailand. I would have to call Thailand. Apparently the Thai Embassy is just a processing office. They don't say that on their great web site (great according to them). Well if this is Thailand's idea of customer service, then I fire them from my list of retirement. I know a thing or two about Asia and how to get under their skin once they are rude. Told them I am considering Korea, too, and Korean officials are much more polite than her office is. Yep, the convoy took a hit on that one. I don't intend to deal with that sort of thing half way across the world when I am on my own. Screw that. I still hold a great opinion of the Thai people as a whole. But dealing with these sort of people is not on my bucket list. Give me Korea over Thailand, the Koreans are worlds ahead of the ignorant Thai officials here in America.
+retirecheapjc Well, I have lived in Korea twice. The part you are not getting JC is that Thai people who live in America DON'T GET TO ACT LIKE THEY ARE IN THAILAND. I get that once in Thailand I get with the program there. I have the right to feel the same way about them here. You may well think Thai people have a special dispensation, I dont. As it turns out, some folks in Chiang Mai have shown me "a different option" (heard that before?). So, I am coming over. My issue was with Thai Embassy personnel. Don't turn this into an issue that I don't get on with Thai people in general. I lived in Korea long before you ever hit Asia. So PLEASE realize you don't know it all. I will get on famously with the Thai.
People tell me to get real all the time. They tell me that its not real that I can live without debt, that I am not interested in material things, that I drive a small Fiat 500 and that I have aspirations to experience new cultures because I live in the "best culture". They can keep their empty reality.
Here in the west all the kids and young folks do is stare at them screens - even crossing the street - the other day I had to give way because a young women was staring at her screen so hard while crossing a pedistrian that she didn't even see me - she never looked up, just expecting everyone else to move over - it's gone haywire JC - I seen couples at lunch and brunch starin g at their phones instead of at each other - even LOVE has lost this battle JC - I am so glad I aint young t'day, tellin' ya......it's a mess - at some point - when the devices get so small you can't see em and the screens are invisible or whatever, they'll be talking and staring like zombies into thin air, like crazy people, when we were younger JC - it's pitiful is what it is - and what are they staring at anyway - NUTHIN but crap - lawd sakes JC.....just glad I am a nature dude myself, never get into that hellhole, knock on wood........you forgot about trashdumping btw - or is that getting better? - hate loud music and mopeds myself, JC - shoukd be a law.......:-)
+Space Hobo There is a law but up to now just not enforced as with many laws. In some ways this is good for it allows flexibility but it comes at a price.
Looks like Cha-am beach. Is that your current residence? Hey, you should hook up with "8 Miles from Home" and do a co-production sometime! J and Sasha are not far away.
Yes, lots of noise pollution. Overall, there is a general lack of personal boundaries...noise and other things. There is no concept of queuing in line unless there is a number system but even then, people will still just walk up to a counter, ignoring the numbering. That is a big adjustment for Westerners.
+seekout123 Yes most foreigners have to have organization and certainty. People that have those rules and needs would have challenges in places that you need to have flexibility to live.
hI jc i can relate to the bike noise every night some twat would go past at about 100 with a muffler with holes in i god it pissed me off,what are they advertizing ? the guy driving must be deaf by the end of the day. i wemt to a toilet at a servo and it was at the back but that was it at the back no cubical or anything just flop it out and pee i love the way you explain things mate hahaha take care
Thanks JC I like this video a lot, there are certainly problems everywhere just like you point out. Of course Thailand has it's challenges, for example one thing that "bothers" me is the lack of traffic safety. But just recently they passed the law for making it mandatory to use seat belt in cars.. what do you know! Everybody can change. Keep up the good work. Also like your vids about renting a house in Thailand as I am thinking of doing just that some time. Ok, over and out. Have a nice one! Peace
+James Stone I can dislike anything I want. Even your petty comment! Isn't life AWESOME when the only things that get under somebody's skin are just a couple "petty" things. Wow! What a great life I have!
+JADEMAN Too many things then I can remember. Life is like weather and that is why I just let these things roll off. Just wait and it will change. When we can do this in life it takes all the stress away.
The main thing that I would say is the worst about living in Thailand is the crazy driving. I've been driving here for few years now and just about every time I'm on the road I have to some sort of evasive action to avoid an accident. I've had one reasonably bad prang in a brand new car and I wasn't even moving at the time.!! Yes also those pickups with their Loudspeakers are a bit annoying, specially at 6am. But all in all it's a great place, the country and the people. As anywhere you live you just to learn to take the good with the bad....,..
