Hi Pat, I just found your channel, great content, good to see you on here. I'm Neil who used to run an internet cafe next to Kanjana apartments with Saly, thanks for your mention just after 3 minutes in this video. We went on to run a guest house and bar for 5 years on Koh Chang. We got divorced in 2010 and I returned to live in the UK in 2011. Saly is still on Koh Chang running a guesthouse. In 2003 there were a number of Africans living in that area too, just across the road on Ekkamai soi 30 I think it was, and there was an African internet cafe a few doors down from my former internet cafe. Running that internet cafe was a very interesting chapter of my life and a good introduction into not only Thai culture, but also African culture. Since returning to live in the UK, I have worked with a number of people in the Afro-Caribbean community, including reggae artists and DJs, making websites and helping them online or with their business. I made my first trip to Africa in 2022, staying in Morocco where I was well looked after by Morrocan people - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f9uVaa-E2ZnQqn0.html Nice to see you mentioned about the elephants in this video Pat. I have warm memories of feeding an elephant every week whilst running that internet cafe, a Thai family would often walk past with an elephant on their way to one of the tourist areas. I can vividly remember sitting around a table with a group of people drinking, smoking and chatting outside that internet cafe one evening, when all of a sudden an elephants trunk appeared and I look around to see a smiling elephant. I love elephants, we used to go swimming with them on Koh Chang. I published a book about my travelling days in 2017 called "The Travellers Guide To The Holograhpic Universe" its available on Amazon or a copy can be ordered from a major book store. Last month I had surgery to remove a very old injury and since my physical health is much better now, I'm embarking on a new venture as an energy healer, www.quantumhealer.uk Thanks again for bringing up some good memories Pat. I remember we shared some good moments and interesting conversations back in 2003. Keep up the good work !

For some of us older retirees, if you plan well and love living in a city, there is no more vibrant and exciting place to live in my opinion in the entire world. Bangkok has everything top shopping malls top restaurants food from every corner of the globe, great mass transit system and medical facilities . most of all friendly outstanding people and culture. I would not live anywhere else. Is it getting expensive? Absolutely but what world class city that has everything Bangkok has to offer isn’t getting expensive.👍

I have lived here for 7 years now and hail originally from London. The thing which I really cannot get used to is the continuous noise everywhere when walking although I have double glazed my house to UK standards so I live very well and cheaply (£500 PCM for a 3 bed detached, 2 bathroom, shared pool etc) in a Bangkok suburb so cannot really complain. I am an ex-British headteacher and now teach here in an International School, I would never return to GB as the students here work three times harder than the average ‘Brit’ back home plus, despite a lower salary, the stress levels in the work environment are almost non-existent. I recommend you move here; its great, no scum bags harassing you on the street, no normalisation of thievery and the people on the trains literally remind me of how is was on the District Line in the 70s, albeit without the bowler hats, before England changed to the Third World.

Brilliant vlog Pat. You really captured that feeling of being young, fairly skint and slightly clueless, but so happy to be there, in a new city.

I’m living in Rural Thailand, married to a Thai for 20 years , I watch many u tubers on Thailand and Cambodia Just got onto your channel , I’m impressed Peter

Made me think about when I left my home country many years ago to live in Japan. Never intended to stay so long, but still here. Been here so long, I’m a tourist in my native country.

I have been to Bangkok 7 times since 2009 and this is the first time I have stayed for a month and gotten an apartment. It's just a studio but it has a balcony with a nice city view (I am in Lat Phrao about a 5 minute walk from Phwarma station on the Yellow Line), wifi, air-conditioning, a TV with many international channels, fridge, hot water shower, security and motorbike parking with building entry via key fob and very friendly building staff. There are two 7-11's just around each corner and a Lotus Express directly adjacent. I think it is the cheapest one month airbnb in Bangkok at $210 usd plus electric/water! It's clean, basic and I think, a terrific bargain. I have spent that much to stay in hotels for just three days. I think this place is even cheaper than a hostel but it's my own apartment and it's quiet at night. I was thinking of extending my stay but it's sold out next month so obviously I am not gthe only person who thought it was an unbelievable bargain.

One of your most interesting videos. I remember being in BKK in that era, 2B bus rides, no google maps, internet cafes an absolute necessity . No nostalgia, but as you said "life wasn't too bad after all".

The almost year round heavy smog pollution is a big bummer for Bangkok.

BEST CHANELL ABOUT DOC HISTORY OF BKK - CONGRATS PAT

9:15 what a little gem of graffiti (Art). Thank you Pat. I've only watched a few of your video's on this channel so far, but this one really captured me. The story and history, your eye for urban glitter and grunge in equal measure, had me spellbound. How many people will now want to stay at the Nana Vegas and drink beer and watch the trains? Probably more than just me.

Great shots, great edits, no shaky footage, music and audio balanced, and best of all you are a great storyteller. The content was informative and no fake hype. I moved to Bkk in April 2023 and I am enjoying it everyday. If you are up for some lunch and some conversation let me know. Cheers!

Funny. The Nasa Vegas was the first hotel I stayed in when I first arrived in Bangkok. I too sat by the railway line and drank cold beer.

It's between a movie and documentary yet provides a lot of information. Well done and congratulations.

I like your content got immersed with the rawness and saying how it is.

You are a living history book, Pat, and not boring at all. Just when I think you have gone to every nooks and crannies of BKK, you surprise us with something else😮. Well done.😊

Lived in Klong Tan in 1988-1989 at Best House apartment - seen in this video but not identified - no Ekkami flyover in those days as Ekkami intersection was a T-junction as the Ram Inta Expressway had not been built and Rama 9 road did not open until the beginning of 1989.Foodland was there and next to it was quite a famous entertainment complex called Music Villa.. The Nasa Vagas apartments weren't built at this time but on the other side of Rankamhang road was the very the popular Nasa Disco from which these apartments got their name.

It's almost like you've created "smell-a-vision"! The gritty details come through on all levels!

Said it before Pat but you put these videos together so well. You must spend hours editing etc, looking for perfection, and bordering on OCD but the final result is top class. Cheers

Great vlog. Real...truthful...modern up to date views

If I may be permitted to speak, that was great. Personal, revealing, honest. Maybe a little bit outside your comfort zone. Kudos.

Another great video Pat!. Everytime I was leaving Thailand, I always regretted not spending more time in Bangkok. There was something about the place I couldnt articulate, The light, the noise, the smog, the energy, The people, There is no where else like it, it put a deep hook in me from the first 5 minutes I was there. I get that feeling from your videos loud and clear!. Keep up the great work!.

I like all of your videos but I especially appreciate the ones (like this one) where you share about your personal experiences. Good on ya.

I have to admit that the mood of your video is very accurate and matched my mood when I lived there almost 20 years ago. Thanks for making this video! 🙂👍🏻

One of the best down to earth blogs Iv seen about thailand/BK

Even though i spend most of my early days in the north, Bangkok holds a special place in my heart. Your videos truly take us down memory lane.

Brilliant as always ! Thank you Pat ! Keep going !!!

After 20 years of living between Silom and Sukhumvit I moved to Pattanakarn road 3 years ago (so further down Phetchaburi around 3 km). I like living in this local neighborhood and it is also quite convenient having cheaper restaurants and many grocery stores. I visit "Birdland" quiete often because I have a couple of doves (and 4 cats).

Now that I'm retired and living here myself instead of watching your videos from afar and wishing, I want to thank you Pat. Thanks for the care and thoughtfulness you put into each (most) of your videos, it has been an enjoyable education for me. Also appreciate the comments about certain restaurants or bars you like or don't. Heaven help anyone with pretentions that you may run into. I also find many of your viewers comments interesting, not the usual punter here, some have actually been to school.. As one Leeds born gezzer to another, cheers mate, ta ra see ye.

Nice. This is not that typical ‘tourist’ video we used to see in the media. You reveal many of the niches of Bangkok and it’s ordinary people that not many tourists know. Your personal experience living in Bk is an ‘eye opener’ to many. I am from Singapore and visited BK and especially Issan regularly for 30+ yrs now. Sponsoring my Thai godson thru’ his in education and he had just graduated from Rangsit University recently. Best wishes in your endeavours in Thailand. 🙏

Absolutely enjoy it. Thanks Pat.

Brilliant video really honest, nostalgic and explains your love for Bangkok. Its actually quite heroic to move to a new country and a new city to build a life for yourself. They dont make movies about it, but at least there is youtube right?

Thanks for sharing 🙏

This must be your most personal video yet. And as such it has become an engrossing miniature masterpiece about ones life's hopes and struggles, about moods and emotions and about the impermanence of it all. With images in which these memories seem to still reverberate and with a choice of music that opens up the space for them in the first place. A video that has struck so many chords with me as if a grand piano's sustain pedal had been pressed throughout. Amazing.

Lived in ngamwongwarn road area in 2003 for 3 years Taught at ECC Went to Thailand with £500 in my pocket. Ended staying over 10 years Love the channel.

Pat your face when the train pulled to the station your face lit up 😊😊 interesting vlog ahh remember when internet cafes were a must near where you stayed how times have changed. The pet shops boys you cracked me up . Great vlog Pat

Brilliant life story Pat! Wish I had the balls to move to Bangkok and leave my hometown!

It is fascinating to hear about your history of living and working in Bangkok. I've lived a parallel life in Japan. However, I've been traveling to Thailand since 1987, so I feel great nostalgia for hearing stories and seeing footage of places I have known or been to in Bangkok. It really reminds me of some extraordinary times I've enjoyed over the years. Cheers

good that one pat

Always an interesting slice of Thai life, well researched and a pleasure to watch. The variety of your offerings really does you credit and long may this continue. Cheers, stay safe and all the best :)

hi Pat, your visual story telling and excellent content is world class. Thanks for sharing your Khlong Tan chapter in life! A long time fan in Texas!

totally charming vlog .. with a lot of the bangkok I recall from years ago ! I imagine if you walk 200m away from a main road or station, down a random soi, you'll discover something interesting - you really captured that.

solid video. probably the most informative here.

Your channel really deserves 100s of thousands of subscribers.

You really got an outstanding vibe in this one! great shots, loved the roughness you show in them. Nicely done!

My playground base back in the 2000s was Grand Hi-Tech Tower 🛝 Great food on Ekkamai Soi 20 and 23. Never lived in Thailand though, never dared to take the leap into the darkness and as I have been based in more convenient although dull places in Asia, I never saw the need. But having visited Thailand more than 400 times and counting, it almost feels like I have lived there. Totally trip down on memory lane for many of us. Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏼

great work, very interesting -

For coffee and ice cream.😊

Thanks for the tour of Khlong Tan Pat. Yes, not an area I will consider moving to. I think I had one night at the Vegas hotel, at the start of a trip. I tend to go to Huai Khwang for a couple of nights now, before heading to Hua Hin. I might take the train there next time, as travel times are improving.

Hi Pat, I loved Bangkok as a younger person . Came for fun in 1982 and it was really an experience. Now I live by the coast and enjoy the relative quiet and prevailing clean air winds! Only venture to Bangkok when I have to, as I don't enjoy the 'madness'. Good vlog thanks!

Watch out for the hanging electrical wires through the alley ways and the soi's. And at the same time making sure you don't twist your ankles on the broken and uneven pavements. 😅 lol But that's what Makes Bangkok so Good 😅 Ramkhemheng area is pretty cool. The night market by Rajamangala stadium is nice. Not to far from the Nasa Vegas. Good video Pat 🙏. Brings back memories of my good and once innocent times in Bangkok.

Good video Pat.👍 All I can say everything in Bangkok is getting more and more expensive, not a paradise for a single person or retirees anymore.

Fantastic work with the soundtrack, Pat. Hits all the right spots that evokes nostalgia 👏 thanks for the personal history.

Very enjoyable. Yes it is the same excitement looking back just over 2 years on arrival. Some excellent advice and a lovely story.

I enjoyed this video so much, Pat. As I have mentioned to you on previous videos, you produce such professional documentaries of the scene around Bangkok, no matter the topic. I love your choice of relaxing incidental music providing a real feel-good factor, combined with your superb cinematography, your relaxed 'pieces to camera' and the genuine visualisation of your thoughts. One example of your skill is at 4:04 - your slow 'zoom out' while you walked towards the camera, and the zoom halting at precisely the right moment! I am a layman, but can I presume this was a post-production effect? I loved your story of the flattened coins at 18:53 - and I am also curious as to whether your local friends Sally and Neil (mentioned at 3:31 ) have been in touch! I myself also found the content of this video quite nostalgic... I first visited Bangkok in 1989 and have returned to Thailand many times since. At that time, of course, there was no BTS towering above the streets, and I certainly remember the road traffic even in those days! But all memories are good! I am a retired Brit and I live in Spain these days. Because of financial issues, I have hankered after looking at Thailand from the point of view of relocating there, and indeed I paid a three-week visit there with a friend in March this year, visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Phuket. Needless to say, I was taken aback by the prices everywhere, not just in everyday items, but in rental accommodation. I realise that everything is a balance - nice area to live but expensive, against acceptable prices but in not-so-nice areas. In a way I was shocked, but perhaps I shouldn't have been. I know the world is changing rapidly, and I realise I am not the only person who would love to live in a beautiful place at a reasonable cost. But I think those days are disappearing rapidly, unless we were able to take the plunge a few years ago, as you did. Anyway, all the best to you, Pat, and I look forward to more of your brilliant presentations!

Bangkok is amazing! The Pet Shop Boys would never play at Birdland in NYC.

Really interesting mate. It's good to see your history as part of the city. I think you made the right choice, as opposed to first moving to a touristy area. Also you know a train man when is eyes light up as the 15.53 train pulls in. Cheers Pat!

love the content. LEGEND PAT

Great to see you at the meet up on Saturday 😊. I'm the one from Singapore

Taking the ARL, I always wondered what that ugly industrial building just before Ramkamhaeng station was - and you've solved that mystery, the South block of the Nasa Vegas / Nesa BKK hotel! Its absolutely hideous!

Hey Pat nice to talk to you today! Hope you got the video you were trying to get. Forgot to mention I also like all the cats in the videos! haha :)

Awesome video

your soundtracks are still master class! 🙂

Nostalgia Pat, you’ve reached a certain age, which means you have fond memories, mixed, but with the future a little uncertain, maybe a change is on the horizon, I really enjoyed this one thank you so much 😊

"which I never did partake in.". I'm recycling it...👍. Great vid Pat.. 🙏

Thanks for the update of neighbor hoods we would never seen how they where years ago. Time changes everything. Thanks Pat

Bangkok we always used the Train , or bus, the river boats is awesome for evening tour to see temples at night,

Great video! You are an excellent presenter!

You’re an interesting, fascinating guy Pat.

As usual great video🎉 Thank you❤

Great video. It brings back so many memories of when I first moved to Bangkok...the trepidation, nervous exploration, and poor residential choices.

Isn't it funny where life takes us Pat? Love your work mate. Please pass on my greetings to May as well! 🙏🙏👍👍

No sugar coating, tells it how it is. I like that, subscribed thx. Ps, I still own about 500 old school 90s and 2000s vinyl from house legends like Tony Devit. ❤

Great stuff again Pat.

So interesting, thank you Pat.

This is one of your most interesting informative videos, Pat. I've often daydreamed about living in Bangkok in a small soi neighbourhood. It's not all that it's cracked up to be, I guess ... One of the drawbacks which you didn't specifically mention is loneliness. You don't speak the language and don't know anyone. The only way to meet people is in bars which isn't a good idea (not all the time). Was that your experience early on?

Glad U could make use of my flyer pic, Pat ;) @10.16 Gonna send U an email later.

i love that hotel! Nasa Vegas. u did awake some memories, thank u

Thank you for this great and well researched video, full of interesting insights about the not so distant past of Bangkok. The city of Angels is always evolving...

What a great video! You are a great story teller 🙏👍

I stayed in the Nasa Vegas hotel in 2014. A room in the front corner where you could see the Airport Link station. I could hear diesels thrrashing away but couldn't see them because of the qirport line! Even then, the SRT linre station wqs right in front of the hotel as a vid on my channel shows. But as we know from our last trip out, it has swappwd sides.......

Another great and interesting video Pat. Thanks for sharing.

Fascinating; I always wondered what was to the eastern part of Phetchaburi and Rama IX - now I know!

Great video Funny enough NASA vegas was the first hotel I stayed in Bangkok. It wasn't too bad not sure what it's like these days though.

I’m not sure what video of yours I saw the first time I viewed a video on your channel but I did not get you what you were about. But having seen more of your content I believe you have the best Thailand based channel on KZfaq. Thanks for your hard work!

So much Bangkok lore in this. Many thanks!

Great advice , Pat !

often we don’t see the value of something until it’s only just a memory…. 🌸🤙🏾 mahalos & aloha 👍🏾🌺

Bro that's so weird to see this. I was just living in that area for a few months on the south side of the canal. I loved it. Easy access to airport rail, BTS green line, MRT Blue. I've lived in Lat Phrao, Huay Khwang, Tha Phra, Watthana, and Bang Na, but Khlong Tan is my favorite. I'm back in Huay Khwang, and I love it (food is more affordable), but I hope to move back to Bang Kapi/Khlong Tan area!

Enjoyed that one Pat. Well done mate.

Thanks for this video about "my" area! I oftenuse the train from Khlongtan, the boats from Thonlo pier or the walk along the Khlong Saen Saep. And don't forget " Nom Rim Khong" restaurant in Ekkamai Soi 23 has become really popular. And special thanks as always goes to the cats. May be I know even some of them personally!

A really enjoyable vlog Pat. The point about the difference between living on a soi versus on a big road is instructive. BTW I recently took the 3rd Class Express from Bang Sue to Ubon. I thought it would kill me but the patience of the people in the carriage was so inspiring.

Hello Pat...I made it to Bangkok 3 days ago from the Philippines.I picked Klong Toei....via your vids....followed in your footsteps and love the old Area. Nice Hotel and across from a Hospital...it took them 3 hours to check me in and get an exam and complete my Surgery...fabulous Service.In Pain Today but recovering...and Yes i have found many Cats to Feed on the Street.Seems like a convoluted City...tbe Bangkok i remember is hanging on amongst the Traffic and Riches and Modernization. From the ultra modern Hospital to the old Klong Toei Market.I have been treated like a VIP...certainly the People retained their identity as have the Japanese. I understand why so many Westerners choose to Live here. My time would have been the 1960s..it seems every Country wants the American lifestyle...luxury Cars...and Condos...the new Expats are not as colorful as what i encountered in the 80s .the last of a Breed. Happy you can remind us of the 60s and 70s Bangkok.THANK YOU

Thanks Pat another great video

Thanks for doing videos for non-millionaires. I really like the content and tone of your videos. You provide some facts and include images that give the flavour. Plus, the way you frame images is very appealing Nasa Vegas (the hotel tower not the apartment tower) is my home base every visit to Bangkok. I don't really like the place but it is convenient location for my purposes (close to Rail Link and my storage locker). THB690 or 790 per night now depending on the room. There is always one to three things wrong with every room. I like taking the Saeng Sep canal boats despite the stench and the SRT train is a bargain. I do note that the SRT to Kanchanaburi does cost more for Farang than Thais, the only example I know of where there is dual pricing in civic rail transportation.

Hey Pat! Just returned from my first ever trip to Bangkok and watching your videos the last couple of months really made a difference with making things more interesting! So, thanks and keep it up!

great video, yes Neil has a small hotel in Ko Chang

“… have a pulse” 😂👏🏻👍🏻🙏🏻😄

You are my favorite Bangkok Vlogger Pat, I used to live in the city and happy to be back from time to time. The way and stories you are showing the city is just other league. Thanks so much and keep up this beautiful work! Just the Best for You

Just recently found your vlogs. Great quality and very informative. I stayed in a Thai neighbourhood in Ratchada soi 3 off Ratchadaphisek road about 20 years ago, great memories. Across the road in soi 4 there were many Thai bars and clubs, frequented by a lot of Thai uni students, where you would hardly ever see a westerner so I used to attract a bit of attention (of a good kind). I remember further down Ratchadaphisek road there were heaps of Thai massage complexes, huge they were but I never ventured in, I think they were for the richer Thais. Dont know if its the same now but I had a whale of a time for 6 months!