I'm from Malaysia and Thailand is my favourite country in Southeast Asia. Like you said it has everything. I can live with the negatives since I face those things in KL too.
Unlike other nationals, Thailand doesn't place a limit on the number of times Malaysians can renew their tourist visa, so Malaysians can still do the border visa runs or just renew the visa at a local immigration office every 30 days and live in Thailand indefinitely. Thailand's way of saying thanks for being a good neighbour. We don't extend this deal to other neighbours like Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar.
I agree about the point on pollution, but want to add the noise from traffic. Stayed in Sukhumvit for 6 months and Bangkok is my favourite city to live in but the noise and pollution is pretty astounding. Walking on the footpaths or on the overhead pedestrian walkways, you literally have to yell when talking to people you're walking with (not exaggerating). Drivers don't really use their horns, it's pretty much exclusively the noise from engines. That plus trucks and sometimes diesel cars dumping fumes all over the footpaths because of the stop/start traffic make the experience of walking around seriously unpleasant. Smaller streets with less traffic are okay though, it's just the main roads in the center that are like that. I know it's easier said than done - especially given the cost for individuals - but I feel like if Thailand made a real push towards getting people into electric cars/bikes (at least in the city) - it would have a hugely positive impact on how it feels to walk about for pedestrians, cutting out noise and pollution. I have also found that getting a taxi in/out of the city is largely useless. I once had a taxi driver accept my fare then kick me out of the cab 15 minutes in because of the traffic. He dropped me at an MRT (subway) and apologised, saying he didn't want to wait in traffic. So, given the main roads to the city are useless anyway, replacing a lane with protected cycleways and firing up a rental bike program would be amazing. I'd certainly use it, especially for things within 10km, like going to the mall or supermarkets. In the end I left because of the visa situation. The immigration system really doesn't like people moving there. On a tourist visa you can't open a bank account, set up an internet connection, get a cheap mobile plan - that's only available to long term residents and they ask for your visa when signing up. Immigration company said they could help me get onto a student visa and maybe I'll take them up on that. However, you still need to exit and re-enter the country every 90 days on a student visa to renew the stamp. Anyway - I love Thailand and visit often. Would love to live there if they'd let me, haha
I think you hit the nail on the head there. I couldn't agree more and it seems like a lot of things are changing in recent months, for the better and worse. It'll be interesting to see what happens this year.
Thailand is good to visit for up to 3 months (not just Banger$, obviously), but it’s good to get back to the West to get some reality and get around people you can actually speak with and relate to …
Good on you bro instead of sticking around until way after the party is over vlogging the issue to death with food and condo vlogs like the chaing mai expat community tend to do.
This heat wave/ hot weather will be from April/May till September probably for the next 3-4 years due to El Nino. South East Asia especially ones near the equator or with less wind flow (still air) will be the hardest hit. It's more manageable (but wetter) during La Nina period. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Sounds about right. Well at least I am getting a taste of what the environment is like. It is definitely not for everyone or long-term. It's manageable short-term i'd say
But the price of living in NYC is not really comparable to BKK. The average price of transportation in Bangkok would be higher than $15. More like $25+ if you moving around a lot for work and outings
For newbies - how many times can you leave and return over 6 months considering the tourist visa limits? If you trip to Cambodia how long do you have to stay there before you can return to Thailand and renew your visa for another 60-days?
I am not 100% positive but I have heard that you are only allowed 2 land border crossings per year. Airport doesn't have a limit but is up to the immigration officials. The Thai Embassy states that you can enter up to 6 times as a tourist (exemption stamp) per year but then after that they will tell you to get a visa.
That's on a good week when i'm barely moving around the city. Taxis, Grab, and the other transportation can be expensive depending on frequency of usage. Transportation is convenient at times but also can be expensive (hence why there are so many motorbikes).
November to Feb is cool season in Thailand (roughly). Feb to say Apr (or May or June) is hot season (its really hot). The final season is Apr/May/Jun to say Nov which is the rainy season (which can be really hot especially when it builds up to a thunder storm). Thailand has three seaons. I find hot season is too hot; time to head to Vietnam in the hills or by the sea where its much cooler.I lived in Bangkok 10 years and I got fed up with getting black feet, the traffic and the general noise and hussle and bussel. I prefer the Thai countryside or beaches.
I know. I lived there during those first seasons. I agree! Hot season is too uncomfortable to be outdoors. ohh yes! That is why I never wore sandals in Bangkok. Feet would be black in less than an hour. Crazy! The Thai countryside is beautiful, and beaches of ourse!
Yeah I know. Thailand brings in the most tourists yearly of SEA. I believe there are other SEA countries that can compete with Thailand on many levels. Just depends on one's own preference. Unfortunately too many men flock to the country in hopes for a one night surprise, relationship and more.
You hv to understand, we hv "summer" too like western countries. Cause south east asia mainland is north of equator. We are northern countries. Archipelago is like indonesia and philippines.
Right! But mainland (considering Bangkok, Thailand) is having heatwaves and it isn't technically summer yet. It is the same situation for Southern US usually.
Hahaha or they run out of available days on their exemption/tourist visa. Can't leave Thailand if you ran out of money...costs money to traverse the Earth back to your home destination 🤡 🤠
For many, yes that is true. But financial freedom has its pros and cons. Money will push you through life easier but often many forget to slow down and be happy at the same time. To me, life in other countries is temporary happiness and financial alleviation.
Hahaha I am not like the other RU-vidrs who go to Thailand to seek woman and love. That's why my thumbnails aren't full of beautiful Thai women as clickbait. 😂
