Dangerously Addicted in Thailand kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qM1xhKV3tsqoZKc.html

Moving from the US to Thailand was the greatest decision I ever made for my physical, mental, and emotional health. I have never felt more able, fulfilled, and free than I do here.

The novelty wears off... You can apply this to literally any country in the world. The problem is not Thailand or the country you live in, it's you.

One thing that I learned when living in China and Thailand is to try to be around the right kinds of people. Being around the wrong kinds of people WILL ruin your experience!! And what you experience from being around the wrong people, could build your impression of the entire country. One more thing is if you're in Thailand and you start to feel resentful of the place, then go back home ASAP. Take a break. After a while, you'll be reminded of the reasons you went to Thailand in the first place and it'll refresh your experience. In the meantime, simply stay home until you're ready to experience Thailand again.

My experience with Thailand is different. I came to Thailand at Utapao air base during Vietnam war. I had to leave after 6 months in March 1973. I knew at 18 years old that I wanted to live in Thailand. Thailand amazes me everyday after 7 years in Chiang Mai. I'm amazed with the colors in Thailand, the people, the food. I am very happy to live in Thailand, the most beautiful country in the world, Thailand.

I'm reminded of the saying "wherever you go, there you are". Life is what you make it, wherever you are. Everyone goes on (on KZfaq particularly) about Thailand being Paradise, when it clearly isn't. It's just another country with pros and cons. Eventually when the novelty wears off you are still you, just in different surroundings.

I live in a condo in central Bangkok Brett and what I do which makes me appreciate Bangkok (which is probably similar to you laying in your hammock) is swim late at night in the rooftop pool. There's a fantastic view of the city skyline which still amazes me to this day. Living in a condo can be a bit challenging but if you have a nice gym and pool you're sorted. Like you said the key to not taking Thailand for granted is staying mindful. Nowhere is perfect but life is too short to be constantly complaining

I moved to the Philippines a few years ago. Best decision I've made in a long time. You just have to set things up good where you live (comfortable bed, TV, air conditioning, kitchen items, etc). Once you have a solid base, everything else is just icing on the cake...

Hi Bret, lived in Thailand for 10 years now, I love every day living here. I live in a great part of the World. Retired at 50 and never want to retire from being retired. Lived in a Condo for 2 years different but I’m a house person not a condo. Just buying a house at 61 I stay away from negative people, when I go back to the U.K. I’m homesick for Thailand. I sit outside on my veranda with a Coffee every morning and watch the world go by. Good video Bret, telling it as it is. I have that same loud bird.

Great speech, Brett. Well worth listening to.

Nice balanced view. I’ve lived in Thailand over 20 years, worked in their petrochemical industry. I would never knock the place, for what it has given me. I’ve just spent the last few months on a coastal contract around the U.K. and it was a fantastic experience. The U.K. is really a beautiful place, especially up in Scotland. It has been great to get back to Thailand, however, and do…….nothing! Actually, just did a quick road trip up in the hills of Khao Kho - beautiful up there, and nice and cool overnight/mornings I totally agree about social media groups, in fact I would totally disconnect from it whilst in Thailand. It makes you realise just what a bubble people live in, over in the West. Switch it off, disconnect and all that nonsense melts away, it becomes irrelevant

I personally love living here for the peacefulness. Most people are polite. I live a normal life, I work online, have a GF, drink a little beer sometimes, enjoy the ability to travel around, go to the beaches and the mountains and so on. I'm not here live that party life like people on holiday are looking for. And yeah, I do love the chaos of BKK, great temples hidden in the heart of the city, all of the LOCAL markets, the great architecture and a huge city that heaves and ebbs daily. Visa issues are just a part of living here and are just a thing that has to be done, it's not a problem. I hope to live out the rest of my days here. And yeah, I've not forgotten all the reasons I left SFO for this life. Thanks, peace.

I'd add to this. I think what drives happiness is also "change". How regularly is up to the person, but change gets you out of the rut and forces you to experience the different. I think that's important 😊

What I particularly like about this channel - it's very relatable for all nomads/expats/longterm travellers and retirees like me. No matter what country you're living in/travelling through.

I will arrive in Phuket (to retire) on valentine.Day. One way ticket. I have reduced my belongings down to: two checked bags, one carry on bag and a small backpack. Just sold my Toyota Tacoma two days ago. And I must say, it’s the Most liberating, exhilarating feeling I’ve had in a long time! 😊👍

The bird is an Asian Koel. Yes, they are noisy!

I've been living in Thailand for the past 6 months. You're right, the novelty does wear out. But this is still a good place to live. Do I get bored? Yes!!! But like Brett said, you have to get out of your apartment, house, condo, whatever. I go to the gym, go for walks, ride my motorbike, sometimes I just chill in my condo. No matter how bored I get, I do not plan on ever returning to the U.S. Not even for a visit.

Hi Brett. We met whenI was in Chiang Mai during 2018. A lot of we talked about your experience living and advice provided the same as your giving now. All really good stuff. I appreciate that you are still there and still smiling. Good work

This video explodes with wisdom. And the Koel's calling... omg I love it! Sometimes I play it just to remind me of this great internal feeling which I have while being there. Counting weeks already to my next trip to Thailand.

One great way to rekindle your love for Thailand? Take a trip back home!!!! You'll be looking forward to that return flight back to Thailand.

Words of wisdom, Brett. Thanks for sharing your insights with many who need to hear this exact message. Glad you are enjoying life there in Thailand and keep your fresh style intact. Cheers !

Brett, that was such a brilliant and meaningful video, and I took a lot of heart from it. I am sure you are right that it all depends on the individual as to whether you enjoy living long-term in Thailand (or indeed any foreign country). I am of the older generation now and have been contemplating a move to South-East Asia, but of course the pandemic has put the brakes on that for the time being. My first visit to Thailand was in 1989. You are so right - that initial mind-blowing experience creates such a magical sensation, and it made the holiday totally intoxicating! So much so, that I went back again with the same friend six months later, which is unheard of in my life, and again we had a great time! And I've made further visits over the years. You highlighted the fact that living in a condo permanently (for example) may not be the best solution for those wanting to "get away from it all", and to be honest I hadn't really thought of that aspect before, but I am sure you are right. You live in beautiful private surroundings, and I am sure that many of us are envious of your lifestyle, but of course you have worked hard to achieve this, and all credit is due to you. Thank you so much for this thoughtful and uplifting video - I have learnt a lot about human psyche from it. Just an afterthought - you find that song-bird a mild irritant - I am sure that many viewers (like me) feel that it's such a brilliant contributor to living in the tropics - a sound that you would never hear in any typical "western" city!! But that's because we are hearing it and appreciating it as a temporary onlooker or holiday-maker. I can understand that if you hear it 'day in and day out' around your home, then it could become a little annoying! Take care mate, and thanks again.

Excellent commentary and perspective that you share Brett. Thanks for the words of widsom.

Young man you are wise beyond your years. Thank you for the very upbeat video on an extremely serious problem that faces many expats in almost every country they have decided move to.

Hey Brett, great video bro.. I’ve been in and out of Thailand for the past 45 years and I’m about to make it my home.. you either love Thailand for Thailand or you don’t. The ones that don’t usually go negative and the ones that do will love it forever. I think finding and settling in your favourite part of Thailand and learning to speak Thai is the key to appreciating Thailand.. Cheers Frank 😊

I loved the clips where we see you just chilling and living - such as the hammock scene, or you driving the roads to Pai. It almost makes me feel I’m there too. Would love to see you make videos with more of those shots please.

You are so right. I am born and raised in Chicago. I am looking to move to Thailand. It’s all about your attitude. You can’t take things for granted. You have to remember why you left your home country in the first place.

I have lived in Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala Puerto Rico and Brazil. Love that they do the laundry, I can eat out for every meal, bike anywhere! The slow pace and the natural gifts of each area. On and on….looking forward, should land late August for a long stay!

That advice about NOT joining those online forums and groups for Thailand is so true! There's so much negativity, it's really bizarre. Even some of the places where you'd expect really happy friendly comments you get the complete opposite.

Man I love your videos! Thanks for the info. Keep being authentic.

Nice video. I've been in Thailand for almost 4 years now and I much prefer it to being in the UK. I certainly didn't come here looking to gain any excitement, happiness or validation from the outside world as such spiritually bereft quests are ultimately doomed to fail. I just wanted a quiet place to be where I would be more or less left alone to study and reflect upon the things which interest me and, particularly since I was able to transition to online work, that is what I now have. It suits me perfectly well but as you say, it probably depends a lot on the personality of the individual concerned. If you can't find any wisdom, contentment or peace within, then changing the external circumstances is likely to act only as a temporary reprieve from deeper issues which have precious little to do with the surroundings. Wherever you go, there you are and so there really is no escaping yourself (some wise people here making similar points already).

Thanks for the heads up Brett✌️, solid advice buddy! Keep up the good work! 👌👌

Awesome video! Thanks for posting! Lots of wonderful insights about attitude, gratitude and quality of life!

Love the honesty and transparency of this vdo! Hope ur well and take care!

I really appreciate this video. It is one of the best videos. It is very insightful for everyone, not only for the expats, but someone like me who is Thai and has been away from the homeland for a long time. I am excited to return to Thailand but I have to be mindful that I can't expect everything from Thailand. There is no perfect place in this world. Happiness comes from within, not outside of ourselves. Thanks again!

Great video!! Excellent advice...thanks man

The expats you referred to that had been here for a decade or so and just complained about everything would have been exactly the same in their home countries. Miserable whinging old gits whose only pleasure in life is complaining about anything and everything. I've been here for almost 10 years and absolutely love it. BEST decision I ever made was moving here when I retired.

I’m in the US and my plan is to try retirement over there . I’ve visited Thailand 3 times years ago and had the buzz and I’m not really looking for that anymore. It’s strictly for a retirement and financial aspect . I’m also looking at Vietnam and Cambodia

Hi Brett, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! You seem like a very nice person! You really reminded me of the right way to change your mindset when down, and helped me appreciate what I have around me today! All the best and thanks again! Another expat from somewhere else; maybe visiting Thailand soon!

I like your attitude. Would love to see more videos on how-to move to Thailand, different areas, and more day in the life. Subscribed.

Good video thanks for sharing. Looking forward to visiting Thailand for the first time soon!

Totally agree, can never understand people who move to a new country and don't try to absorb the place they've moved to, don't learn the language don't learn the customs, then only hang out with other expats. I hope to be there soon, can't wait for the motorbike rides!!

Novelty wears off of everything. Most of us take being healthy and alive for granted. It’s normal and it’s a life challenge or skill to enrich the good and forget quickly about the bad.

This is by far your best video in terms of information for living in Thailand or any foreign country. Especially one that doesn't speak your native language. I personally live in Japan and found myself in a funk, wondering why it was so strange. After speaking to another American about the advantages of living in Japan, I realized how lucky I was. Just like you, Brett, I haven't had a car (or a motorized vehicle for that matter) since coming here in 1994. I travel everywhere by bicycle. I only use the trains when the distance is too great or on cold rainy days. I keep things simple by focusing on nature and my wellness through diet and exercise. I'll be 65 soon and the body and spirit are doing well. Keep the faith.

One thing I have notice, living in Australia all my life is that recent immigrants love the place way more than I do. I think you will find most of the people who moved to Thailand would bitch about things no matter where they live its just part of our DNA.

I really need such kind of video. Thank you

Great video. Same thing happens to most expats. Agree about not living in a condo. Lived in a condo for years and finally moved to a row house in Bkk - a huge difference being able to have a small yard

Chaingmai is my fav location in Thailand ,looking forward to a visit later in the year,nice video Bret cheers dude

Refarding complaining: please don't complain about the bird's sounds! I love this bird's sound, I am hopefully moving to Thailand soon and sounds of those exotic birds is one of the things I really miss after staying in Thailand for about a year. 😆 Can't wait to hear it again!

You just spoke to me man, thanks so much😊

I've been in Asia for 9 years now. I have seen a few of your videos now. It's amazing how on point you are! I agree with 95% of the things you discuss. Well done mate!

These videos are really helpful!! 😊

I used to live in Thailand, about 12 years in total. When there I never felt the need to go overseas. I was back there in March this year and most importantly I felt as if I was home. For me, living in Thailand has always been a blessing even if I never go to the tourist areas. I am moving back to live there permanently as soon as I have finished arranging my affairs in the UK. One word of advice: find a girlfriend who is NOT a bar girl.

Brett, your interview with Jason Fieber was amazing. Can you please, please do the same style video with 30 Day and a Wake Up? He’s in Chiang Mai and would love to see that man!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.. Good stuff.. I needed to hear this, as im moving to Philippines in 6 months.

One of the things I like about for videos is hearing nature in the background

Bloody great Brett!! Thank you mate.

Ahoy Mates from the free hot spring capital of Thailand named Ranong where it’s rare to ignore the beauty and now 7-11 has cafe lattes and cannabis shops, WoW❤!

Brett: I have been watching/following you for a few months. I appreciate your honesty. No place is perfect. Still trying to figure out how to make it work by next years end and being 65 y/o. Thanks for your insights.

Subscribed. Really balanced thoughts mate. I've also lived here for 7 years and I have had my ups and downs. It's all about having the right mindset.

Thanks for the heads up Brett.....I think it all depends on the person you are.... And more importantly the mindset you have......bless every day you wake up would be a great place to start.... love from London

I had one of those birds singing out my hotel window for 3 weeks solid

For my first visit my friend who had lived in Pattaya for two years told me I would either love it or hate it. My next trip next month is number 37 I believe! Any place is what you make it. Your points resonate totally. Can't wait to get there permanently...

I don't understand why someone would stay in a foreign country if it makes them unhappy? Maybe the cause of their unhappiness is internal and it wouldn't matter where they live.

😯 Don't make these MISTAKES when you come to Thailand... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nuBiY8Smms3coGw.html

I live in Phuket and love it. Yes after the party scene wears off you still have so many options during the day on an amazing island. Also I've lived many other places and people just complain and are living a simple basic life. So you have to find a place that has what you love and for me that's the food, beaches and beautiful scenery and animals as well as good people

Great insight thanks!.... ironically one of the things I miss about Thailand is that bird!

Great perspective....Thanks!

This applies to anything too much of a good thing can turn it sour. It's all about attitude. If your running away from something remember wherever you are you take yourself. What I hear and see is people lacking gratitude. Being in a position to become an ex-pat is a privilege that one should always be grateful for. If I am feeling down or off colour I write a gratitude list and by the time I have finished it I am in a better frame of mind. Helping others is always good. When we help others we help ourselves. Take care GOD Bless you and yours. M

Back to watch your channel again. Love it.

The novelty of living in the states has worn of. Honestly what are expats comparing their boredom to? At the very least, remember that they are living life comfortably 4 to 5 times cheaper than they could in their 1st world home country

I love your video! I've been travelling to Thailand since 1998, and now preparing to move permanently!

Home is where the heart is. I used to live in New York City and knew how it’s like to live in a big city. It’s always exciting to visit new places. Keep exploring like Christopher Columbus. ❤

Thanks mate. I love the U.S. but I love being abroad and my wife and I just feel the need to experience something like you and other western expats do.. this video was really valuable mate! cheers 🍻

Great vid, BTW I love that bird.

Best video ive seen on this topic. Invaluable information especially about staying away from the forums etc. Well done. As someone wjo has lived here 20 years find your Thailand not somebody elses and truthfullly for the most part give other expats a wide berth.

That bird is such a beautiful sound!!👍I'd love to wake up to that

Hi Brett, good to see your video today. Glad that all still well with you up there in CM after 7 years. Fair play. Anyone who can work same here as in the west but without all the western PC BS should seriously consider a move here. A lot to be said for living in Thailand IMO. No more freezing cold winters in the UK for sure.

this was helpful!

Excellent advice and way to look at the world. And I love the birdsong, but it takes some getting used to,

I love the sound of those birds! One of the things I love when I visit Thailand!

Excellent assessment 👍🏼

I have been living in the Bangkok metro area for close to 2 years now and I have surprisingly become somewhat used to living here, even though it is completely foreign to me in many aspects. You hit the nail on the head, the whole point of living here (Thailand in general) is to push yourself out of your comfort zone, be a little uncomfortable, and be adventurous. I force myself to get out and see new things at least once a week. You need to try new foods, go to that part of the city or country that can't be reached by the BTS or a 10-minute taxi ride. Go visit an area where you have to hop on a motorcycle taxi...or rent one yourself. That said, the novelty is still alive with me. I went to Chinatown a couple months ago (I had been there many times before) and I felt a rush when I got to the main strip; it was like I was there again for the first time. Thailand really is an amazing place.

Dude I'm an old moaner and I'm only 35 ☹️ good words here from u and working on myself to get rid of that lack of complacency...back to appreciation

very sensible points - great vid!

Very good info. I plan to move to Chang Mai myself. Thank you very much.

When I lived in Thailand I loved the idea of creating a completely different kind of life as I had in the west. Actually, before I came to Thailand, I lived in the Himalayas in India for 7 years. I am in Europe now for 12 years. Time to create a new life somewhere else.

Great opinion and a balanced view Brett. Agree with Condo vs House can affect your state of mind.

been living in the Philippines for nearly nine years, I can say that the novelty has certainly worn off. The life here remains interesting, though, and pleasant enough in more ways than I anticipated. New challenges, it's all good. My wife and I will be staying in Chiang Mai for a month later this year (hopefully) while she attends an art residency? Me? I'll enjoy walking and biking around, sketching, taking cooking classes and cooking in our little free homestay apartment in the middle of the old town. Really looking forward to it. Either way...no interest in ever returning to the States.

The best channel on youtube by far!!! When are you coming to Bangkok for a pint or 2 dozen????

After Brexit I decided to move with my wife from UK to Australia. The first 3 years were amazing and then in 2020 the novelty started to dwindle, although I think 18 months lockdown was a factor. Decided in 2022 to relocate back to England so our two children (twins born in pandemic) would be closer to family. Within a week, I knew he had made a terrible mistake in going backwards to try and find happiness and was quite depressed back in the UK. The economy, weather, negative culture and feeling of being trapped in your house for 9 months a year because of bad weather. Fear and panic set in and we came back to Oz last month. Although I miss that buzz you get visiitng a new place, I now understand that cant last forever and there is something becautiful about the community in OZ. My plan in 10 years is to buy a house for retirement in Asia.

Thank you. I enjoyed this a lot ;)

Great informative video!!

Good word. Thanks! 😊

Great video Brett. I lived there for 6 months and found that the novelty wears off (for some) because they are so eager to be there that they convince themselves that they can live on a very tight pension/retirement budget. Like going to a carnival but can't ride the rides 🤣

26 when I first arrived in Thailand, 6 years in and out spending most my time there. Still LOVE it and find new things every trip.

That was fantastic Brett

9:15 "Some of them bring all their shit over here as well" had me rolling, great vid Brett. Maybe some day all of us "Unclean" will be able to come out that way again. Until then, I have your videos.

Very insightful. Very wise.

Ive lived in Japan 20 years, im still here. I 100% agree with 2 points you made: steer clear of online forums, and try to avoid apartments if possible . I am in an apartment right now (condo, as you called it). It got some nature outside but for sure I would like to buy or rent a house where i can sit outside near the elements. Being British, the sun ☀ , well i will never get tired of it.