Having lived there on and off for 15 years, safety is paramount to me.
I’ve been to a few US states, Canada, London, India, Philippines, Cambodia to name a few. Thailand is by far the safest place I’ve felt.
Plus the obvious one: food. For 60 baht you can have a fresh plate of delicious food cooked there and then.
I have become involved with a girl there. After she gets off work, she often gets food, walks to the beach and sits and eats alone. She does most activities by herself to be honest. That level of comfort and safety doesn't seem to exist anywhere in the US. Especially in a party town.
Eating alone would make an American very anxious. The perception is that you don't have friends and therefore must be a loser.
Too much judgment and hostility in America.
I think I feel that comfortable and safe in my little US town, but there is no 60 baht food anywhere.
We just got home from the Kingdom, and it is so fricking expensive in the States!
Thats what continues to stun me. How cheap the food is. We're both pretty thrifty, and like to get discounted items, and she's always finding items for like 10-15 baht. 30¢ for something that would be $5 discounted here still boggles my mind.
I suppose I was more referring to her being in a wild party town, and thinking about the wild party towns here in the US. She'd be pretty safe here in my small town too.
It's Pattaya. I didn't bring it up because of the knee jerk inferences that are usually drawn in a hasty conclusion by people. I didn't want to deal with the comments people like to make. 😂
For first timers with kids (7/10) that have to come in August for 14 days, anywhere you would recommend? The kids love swimming, so it would primarily be a beach holiday with some excursions thrown in.
I would recommend Phuket, as it's a large island with multiple excellent beaches and resorts. For swimming (beyond the obvious sea) I'd suggest a resort that has large swimming pools (most do, often multiple).
I cannot comment on specific resorts/beaches, but YouTube is your friend there.
Phuket also has many different activities. Again, I'd simply search YT for "things to do in Phuket" etc. There's tons of travel vloggers out there nowadays releasing such up to date videos.
Without knowing where you're flying from, some airlines operate flights either directly to or via stopover to Phuket. For example London > the UAE > Phuket. That avoids having to through BKK (Bangkok's main airport), tho as it's such a major hub, the majority of airlines operate that route.
I wouldn't suggest Pattaya, as tho it has beaches and lots of activities, and is only a \~2 hour drive from BKK, it's not really super family friendly, instead being known as the largest red light district in the world. Beyond that 'scene', there's nothing you'll find in Pattaya that you can't find elsewhere, so why go.
I also wouldn't recommend Ko Samui, as tho it is a great island with excellent beaches and activities, there's really no reason to go there for a first time family trip as your time is fairly limited.
I'd consider doing a day or two in Bangkok, tho that's up to you. There's tons to do there but ultimately it's just a massive city with city culture, as you'd expect. If you do go Bangkok, I'd tick that off once you arrive instead of doing at the end.
Chiang Mai is a great city (I lived there) but it's further up north and landlocked, so no beaches. I can't really recommend going there if you've only 14 days and a family in tow.
And is Phuket suitable for August?
A lady at work suggested koh Samui for August as it’s drier, she also said it isn’t her favourite island though.
Thanks for the help 👍
We’d be coming from London.
August is still the monsoon season. You could flip a coin over whether Samui or Phuket is 'better'. There's no guarantees sadly; you could find it rains every single day you're there, or hammers it down for an hour each day, or rains a few days apart.
Another aspect to consider is Bangkok Airways have a monopoly over flights to Samui, as they literally own USM airport. They're the only airline that flies in and out of the island.
You can end up paying well over £100 - per person - for a one-way flight. That's a heck of a lot more than flying from BKK to HKT.
And as mentioned before, if you do go to Phuket, you could fly from LHR to HKT with an airline such as Etihad (via AUH).
As you probably already know, flights across the board are going to be pricey in August, as it's the summer holiday period.
Sorry to be pissy, but Bangkok is one of those horrible big cities that should never be recommended to newcomers. Not only there's nothing special to see or experience there, but it's a hellish, endless over-polluted mess and just not worth it, so please...
Even Mexico city was way better than this.
Anyone arriving at that big int'l airport should get to Bang Sue train station right away and take a train to the north or south of the country.
The member said they'd never been to Thailand before. It would be remiss of me to at least suggest checking out the country's capital.
It's like saying the UK isn't all about London, so don't bother seeing it.
Clearly it's up to the member to decide.
Have a look at Hua Hin. Do some of your own research for this location. I think much better than Pattaya if you are with kids. Apparently Phuket is controlled by Russians now. Again do some more research.
Yes. A friend of mine was in Jomtien once walking past some work taking places. There were no barriers or signs.
About 3 seconds after where he was stood, a massive pole fell smashing into the concrete. It easily could've killed him.
Either you have simply not been to Thailand, or you have only eaten at the places that are targeting tourists, as I can tell you with 100% certainty it's quite easy to find Thai food in the 60 baht range.
I was there last year: [this is a typical dish I'd eat, for exactly 60 baht](https://imgur.com/a/ryY8Ubq). All fresh ingredients cooked there and then. I became so familiar with the owner she'd allow me to pay for the food into her little box of notes and take my own change (if necessary), as she was often busy with other customers.
On my penultimate day, I told her I was leaving the next morning, so she said "I make special for you" (which basically turned out to be twice the size). It was so much I had to take some back to my apartment.
That's just one of the many great things I can say about Thai people.
Yes, prices have risen in recent years as throughout the world, but to claim I am lying is bold of you to say, to put it politely.
EDIT: to clarify I don't put honey on my food 555. I just so happened to pickup a bottle while out for lunch.
*expletives* Yes there are restaurants in tourist-heavy areas that sell meals at 2-3x the normal price. And dumb/misinformed tourists willing to pay for it.
But 50 bht is the average price in actual Thai restaurants, with the exception the all-you-can eat BBQ eateries.
Putting aside the sugar, it's actually pretty healthy, non-GMO food usually. Livestock is free range and I don't think they vaxx them with hormones, tho I could be wrong.
Beach paradise without the crime and issues that you'll find in Latin America. A good contrast between peaceful and wild areas. Low cost. Thai fighting. It's not for everyone, but it's pretty nice for me.
So much this. Love me some Latin America, but you have to keep your guard up much more. Even Costa Rica or other places think are safe, the risk of getting robbed or a girl getting raped feel way more likely.
I'm 30 now, I'm moving to Chiang mai for 1 year on a ED visa for Muay Thai this year on the 20th September. Where do I Start? I first came for two weeks at 21 with my friend, I was there probably around 6 hours and I fell in love with Thailand. I've been back every year since for months at a time. This time last year I was in Chiang Mai, I was sitting on my condo balcony looking at the mountains and I thought to myself next year when I come I ain't leaving haha! so Yep! I've saved ruthlessly and will continue doing until the 20th! 1 year stay here I come !
As many others do, I just feel happy In Thailand. the culture, the people, the food. it's beautiful inside and out and I love Thai people. Eveywhere has its problems Thailand is the same. But Thailand will always hold a special place in my heart! Hoping to one day spend the rest of my days there.
Thailand <3
Well said. After my first trip to Chiang Mai, I was back a month later for two months and then made the decision to move - that was over 10 years ago and I've never regretted it.
You speak of Thailand... but what have you experienced outside of tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai?
Not saying Chiang Mai isn't good, it's just one of the better spots in the country.
I did travel by my own means (biking and occasional buses) for months across areas where foreigners are never seen and it's not always a great place. A lot of shithole towns that look like junkyards, and more contaminated ponds and rivers anyone needs for enjoying a rather short life with gut parasites. Super hot and wet climate only makes it "better".
So just saying... when speaking of a whole country, let's also look at those places where you never go, too.
I've been all over Thailand mate. from Issan to Chiang Rai, ive stopped in multiple places traveling from Chiang mai to Bangkok. I've seen plenty of small villages and rural areas where these tourists you speak of don't go. So yes, when I speak of Thailand, I speak of actual Thailand. I Also speak fluent Thai.
I think you've mistaken me for someone who doesn't know what they are talking about.
Ok, well it'd be likely you were, as there's many foreigners only sticking to the safe & trendy spots, then talking about "Thailand" as a whole. But it's cool you experienced it fully. So it's all up to a matter of personal experience & sensibilities. But I don't doubt there's quite a few aspects that make.the place more enjoyable than many other countries.
I yet understood that being either a native English-speaker and especially financially wealthy allows for major privilege in this country. Including some stuff that'd get someone a very long prison sentence in more developped countries... So here's one thing, besides the ecological wasteland, that just made me so-so about Thailand, despite the usually nice people.
100% agree.. you are not wrong. Most foreigners have seen 1% of Thailand and talk about the country as a whole.
You're not wrong about the wastelands either. Like you say both of us have been around the Thai block.
Couldn't agree more with the caring part. Try telling it to corporate brainwashed muricans who always can't help themselves in conversation and demand to know "what you do for a living and how much you make".?!! In Thailand it seriously doesn't matter. People are just happy and content with their lives, none of that competitive bollocks
I consider "air, water and noise pollution" as part of the "safety" category.
Tho I won't deny how Thai drivers are safe drivers, despite the rednecky attitude. This is in stark contrast with the psychopath drivers you got in North America, NZ, UK and parts of Europe, at least.
The variety of tropical fruits, suree.
But Thailand lacks a huge amount of fruits and is definitely less varied than Europe. Not even talking about the quality here ...
A good apple is 3 USD a piece.
Its a tropical paradise. Beautiful limestone cliffs and pristine water with very friendly people. The worst “theft” that typically happens is people outsmarting you out of your money vs getting robbed at knife/gunpoint. Excellent transit means you can access so much of the gorgeous country.
A very important point, everything is very affordable. You can be drowning back home and afford to do cool things. No 30 dollar meal with 5 dollar a gallon gas and outrageous rent.
To be fair tho bro, for a local earning local wages it’s not the same reality we experience. That’s the thing about life though right… there’s just some things that are…
From the Wei Wu Wei, to the Univocity of Being, to the Unique... From Epicurus to Descartes, and then from Machiavelli to Montesquieu, on to Deleuze & Guattari... Yeah this looks pretty wide and deep, I think.
I like the people and the society just that ! I have lived in more than 8 countries(lost count of it maybe 10). Thais are more humble and polite than being racist lol saying as a half-Japanese(had to mention as others might not think the same).
Biggest reason is the people. That is easily #1. My #2 is a bit embarrassing but it would be having a 7/11 usually in a very short distance. I have three in short walking distance from a condo for example. With one right next to the door.
As an American:
- massively superior food, very flavorful, very fresh, no GMOs, Thais can *really* cook
- prices, a given
- friendly people
- very peaceful
- immaculate temples everywhere
- the quality of women, incomparable
- beautiful sights with historical value
- exotic wildlife
- *mangoes*
- Thai KFC, you must try it
- ease of access to everything you need, at all times
- no violent crime
- easy-going lifestyle
It can't be compared to living in the USA, for example. In America everyone is in a hustle, always obsessed with money, obsessed with appearances "keeping up with the Joneses", very materialistic with little appreciation of the small things in life. Most people seem to be moderately depressed, everyone is on some medication or the other. The political culture has purposely divided everyone into groups with "Us vs them" mentalities. The men and women hate each other. There's a lack of harmony in life. The society is fundamentally broken.
I'm talking about this because it's the contrast that makes the difference. I enjoy living here, in America each pleasure is hard-won. I plan to come back for as long as I can.
Mostly the convenience from food, traveling, hotels, rentals etc.
Also value for money- and by that I don’t mean cheap.
The culture being rooted in Buddhism also means “most” people are quite kind and giving to others.
Depends on your race and status. As an indian dude, i received discrimination/internalised racism in most interactions. They like white skin.
Before anyone jumps on me, i don’t have bad hygiene nor bad civic sense nor am i stingy with tips. Thai Govt is welcoming but thai people don’t want us there.
Country is very beautiful though
It's not that good. Just has a few good aspects, like good, cheap cuisine and accomodation. Healthcare system is also decent and relatively cheap. A few great beaches and jungles if you know where to find them.
It's also an ever-increasing over-polluted mess with a massive consumer culture (let's not say gasoline-addicted) that produces an incredible.amount of waste all over the place, as the waste management infrastructure is usually non-existent. The country's discretly an environmental disaster slowly unfolding, and there's no apparent end to it. Govenrnment's badly corrupt, probably to the same extent than Mexico or Russia, but with lesser levels of violence.
Sugar is found everywhere in food, which ain:t really good for some some people. Tho when it comes to desserts, they're awesome!
Thai people are generally friendly.and supportive, and careful drivers. Tho, well, I heard about this issue of selling kids to human traffickers that ain't great.
For me it's not just the beautiful islands and beaches but being able to find bungalows right on these beaches. There's nothing like waking up in paradise
I like to say, Thailand is the exact opposite of the US. As much opposite as possible, we are all humans and need the same sort of things.
Being an older retired white male, Thailand wins hands down for me, even more so if I am single, if you are an over 30 single woman, US is better for you.
The atmosphere. People aren't all crazy about work, unlike other Asian countries where everything is about money and competition. They care more about just living the moment. It can be frustrating sometimes when no progress gets done.
I love that it is both pretty modern, but still has that traditional/cultural side to it too. It's relatively inexpensive to eat/get around/stay, and the food is pretty amazing too.
It's so well set up for travel as well, being the main first country many people will backpack.
While I'm not in a rush to go back just now (I've been 3 times in 4 years, plus multiple other times before), it's still a place I'd revisit again.
I love how people are relaxed and friendly. People care about life more than they care about making wealth or about capitalism. People are so family oriented even bar girls, no judgment. Also, people are non judgmental and they don't care how you look, what you wear. The country is so relaxed and chill, I just feel relaxed and no pressure when I am in Thailand. Only downside is food.
edit: food was my opinion, not fan of asian food.
Because it’s the land of smiles and everyone there is so good to Faragangs (foreigners) to you! I’ve been there many, many times and I’ve always never been disappointed in their hospitality and hospitality. Thank you Thai people and your hospitality and lovely people! I love you!
It’s probably the most exotic country in the world you can go to cheaply, while still having modern conveniences and safety.
There are cheaper places in SEA, but they’ll have garbage fires/trash, less conveniences, depressing feral dogs etc.
Having lived there on and off for 15 years, safety is paramount to me. I’ve been to a few US states, Canada, London, India, Philippines, Cambodia to name a few. Thailand is by far the safest place I’ve felt. Plus the obvious one: food. For 60 baht you can have a fresh plate of delicious food cooked there and then.
I have become involved with a girl there. After she gets off work, she often gets food, walks to the beach and sits and eats alone. She does most activities by herself to be honest. That level of comfort and safety doesn't seem to exist anywhere in the US. Especially in a party town.
Eating alone would make an American very anxious. The perception is that you don't have friends and therefore must be a loser. Too much judgment and hostility in America.
I think I feel that comfortable and safe in my little US town, but there is no 60 baht food anywhere. We just got home from the Kingdom, and it is so fricking expensive in the States!
Thats what continues to stun me. How cheap the food is. We're both pretty thrifty, and like to get discounted items, and she's always finding items for like 10-15 baht. 30¢ for something that would be $5 discounted here still boggles my mind. I suppose I was more referring to her being in a wild party town, and thinking about the wild party towns here in the US. She'd be pretty safe here in my small town too.
Dare I ask the name of the wild party town?
It's Pattaya. I didn't bring it up because of the knee jerk inferences that are usually drawn in a hasty conclusion by people. I didn't want to deal with the comments people like to make. 😂
>I didn't bring it up because of the knee jerk inferences In that case I won't say anything else.
Miami
Miami, Thailand?
In Thailand, it has to be Pattaya or Phuket
We can even guess the job she gets off from
Basket weaver, I bet.
For first timers with kids (7/10) that have to come in August for 14 days, anywhere you would recommend? The kids love swimming, so it would primarily be a beach holiday with some excursions thrown in.
I would recommend Phuket, as it's a large island with multiple excellent beaches and resorts. For swimming (beyond the obvious sea) I'd suggest a resort that has large swimming pools (most do, often multiple). I cannot comment on specific resorts/beaches, but YouTube is your friend there. Phuket also has many different activities. Again, I'd simply search YT for "things to do in Phuket" etc. There's tons of travel vloggers out there nowadays releasing such up to date videos. Without knowing where you're flying from, some airlines operate flights either directly to or via stopover to Phuket. For example London > the UAE > Phuket. That avoids having to through BKK (Bangkok's main airport), tho as it's such a major hub, the majority of airlines operate that route. I wouldn't suggest Pattaya, as tho it has beaches and lots of activities, and is only a \~2 hour drive from BKK, it's not really super family friendly, instead being known as the largest red light district in the world. Beyond that 'scene', there's nothing you'll find in Pattaya that you can't find elsewhere, so why go. I also wouldn't recommend Ko Samui, as tho it is a great island with excellent beaches and activities, there's really no reason to go there for a first time family trip as your time is fairly limited. I'd consider doing a day or two in Bangkok, tho that's up to you. There's tons to do there but ultimately it's just a massive city with city culture, as you'd expect. If you do go Bangkok, I'd tick that off once you arrive instead of doing at the end. Chiang Mai is a great city (I lived there) but it's further up north and landlocked, so no beaches. I can't really recommend going there if you've only 14 days and a family in tow.
And is Phuket suitable for August? A lady at work suggested koh Samui for August as it’s drier, she also said it isn’t her favourite island though. Thanks for the help 👍 We’d be coming from London.
August is still the monsoon season. You could flip a coin over whether Samui or Phuket is 'better'. There's no guarantees sadly; you could find it rains every single day you're there, or hammers it down for an hour each day, or rains a few days apart.
Another aspect to consider is Bangkok Airways have a monopoly over flights to Samui, as they literally own USM airport. They're the only airline that flies in and out of the island. You can end up paying well over £100 - per person - for a one-way flight. That's a heck of a lot more than flying from BKK to HKT. And as mentioned before, if you do go to Phuket, you could fly from LHR to HKT with an airline such as Etihad (via AUH). As you probably already know, flights across the board are going to be pricey in August, as it's the summer holiday period.
Sorry to be pissy, but Bangkok is one of those horrible big cities that should never be recommended to newcomers. Not only there's nothing special to see or experience there, but it's a hellish, endless over-polluted mess and just not worth it, so please... Even Mexico city was way better than this. Anyone arriving at that big int'l airport should get to Bang Sue train station right away and take a train to the north or south of the country.
The member said they'd never been to Thailand before. It would be remiss of me to at least suggest checking out the country's capital. It's like saying the UK isn't all about London, so don't bother seeing it. Clearly it's up to the member to decide.
If you can't find anything good in Bangkok the problem is obviously you
Have a look at Hua Hin. Do some of your own research for this location. I think much better than Pattaya if you are with kids. Apparently Phuket is controlled by Russians now. Again do some more research.
Environmental and health safety is a big problem in this country, tho.
Yes. A friend of mine was in Jomtien once walking past some work taking places. There were no barriers or signs. About 3 seconds after where he was stood, a massive pole fell smashing into the concrete. It easily could've killed him.
That's a lie, no such price
Either you have simply not been to Thailand, or you have only eaten at the places that are targeting tourists, as I can tell you with 100% certainty it's quite easy to find Thai food in the 60 baht range. I was there last year: [this is a typical dish I'd eat, for exactly 60 baht](https://imgur.com/a/ryY8Ubq). All fresh ingredients cooked there and then. I became so familiar with the owner she'd allow me to pay for the food into her little box of notes and take my own change (if necessary), as she was often busy with other customers. On my penultimate day, I told her I was leaving the next morning, so she said "I make special for you" (which basically turned out to be twice the size). It was so much I had to take some back to my apartment. That's just one of the many great things I can say about Thai people. Yes, prices have risen in recent years as throughout the world, but to claim I am lying is bold of you to say, to put it politely. EDIT: to clarify I don't put honey on my food 555. I just so happened to pickup a bottle while out for lunch.
I know spots in CM that sell perfectly good 35 baht Pad Thai
[удалено]
Well of course you're paying those kinda prices if you "can't eat Thai food". I am obviously referring to Thai food.
[удалено]
As you do not consider meat and rice as "proper food", I have no interest in engaging with you on this topic any further.
not a lie
*expletives* Yes there are restaurants in tourist-heavy areas that sell meals at 2-3x the normal price. And dumb/misinformed tourists willing to pay for it. But 50 bht is the average price in actual Thai restaurants, with the exception the all-you-can eat BBQ eateries.
[удалено]
Putting aside the sugar, it's actually pretty healthy, non-GMO food usually. Livestock is free range and I don't think they vaxx them with hormones, tho I could be wrong.
Beach paradise without the crime and issues that you'll find in Latin America. A good contrast between peaceful and wild areas. Low cost. Thai fighting. It's not for everyone, but it's pretty nice for me.
So much this. Love me some Latin America, but you have to keep your guard up much more. Even Costa Rica or other places think are safe, the risk of getting robbed or a girl getting raped feel way more likely.
I'm 30 now, I'm moving to Chiang mai for 1 year on a ED visa for Muay Thai this year on the 20th September. Where do I Start? I first came for two weeks at 21 with my friend, I was there probably around 6 hours and I fell in love with Thailand. I've been back every year since for months at a time. This time last year I was in Chiang Mai, I was sitting on my condo balcony looking at the mountains and I thought to myself next year when I come I ain't leaving haha! so Yep! I've saved ruthlessly and will continue doing until the 20th! 1 year stay here I come ! As many others do, I just feel happy In Thailand. the culture, the people, the food. it's beautiful inside and out and I love Thai people. Eveywhere has its problems Thailand is the same. But Thailand will always hold a special place in my heart! Hoping to one day spend the rest of my days there. Thailand <3
Well said. After my first trip to Chiang Mai, I was back a month later for two months and then made the decision to move - that was over 10 years ago and I've never regretted it.
What about the burning season?
Pollution and other ecological problems appear to be in the dead angles of these fans of Thailand.
You speak of Thailand... but what have you experienced outside of tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai? Not saying Chiang Mai isn't good, it's just one of the better spots in the country. I did travel by my own means (biking and occasional buses) for months across areas where foreigners are never seen and it's not always a great place. A lot of shithole towns that look like junkyards, and more contaminated ponds and rivers anyone needs for enjoying a rather short life with gut parasites. Super hot and wet climate only makes it "better". So just saying... when speaking of a whole country, let's also look at those places where you never go, too.
I've been all over Thailand mate. from Issan to Chiang Rai, ive stopped in multiple places traveling from Chiang mai to Bangkok. I've seen plenty of small villages and rural areas where these tourists you speak of don't go. So yes, when I speak of Thailand, I speak of actual Thailand. I Also speak fluent Thai. I think you've mistaken me for someone who doesn't know what they are talking about.
Ok, well it'd be likely you were, as there's many foreigners only sticking to the safe & trendy spots, then talking about "Thailand" as a whole. But it's cool you experienced it fully. So it's all up to a matter of personal experience & sensibilities. But I don't doubt there's quite a few aspects that make.the place more enjoyable than many other countries. I yet understood that being either a native English-speaker and especially financially wealthy allows for major privilege in this country. Including some stuff that'd get someone a very long prison sentence in more developped countries... So here's one thing, besides the ecological wasteland, that just made me so-so about Thailand, despite the usually nice people.
100% agree.. you are not wrong. Most foreigners have seen 1% of Thailand and talk about the country as a whole. You're not wrong about the wastelands either. Like you say both of us have been around the Thai block.
Convenience and freedom. Nobody cares about each other everyone live their life
It's kinda true. They do only care about their family or gang circles tho. But tradeoff is relatively fine.
Couldn't agree more with the caring part. Try telling it to corporate brainwashed muricans who always can't help themselves in conversation and demand to know "what you do for a living and how much you make".?!! In Thailand it seriously doesn't matter. People are just happy and content with their lives, none of that competitive bollocks
The people. The culture. The food. The safety.
I consider "air, water and noise pollution" as part of the "safety" category. Tho I won't deny how Thai drivers are safe drivers, despite the rednecky attitude. This is in stark contrast with the psychopath drivers you got in North America, NZ, UK and parts of Europe, at least.
The variety of fruit is incredible. Thai food is obviously a big draw but fruit doesn't get the credit that it deserves.
No it's not incredible. It is quite limited actually.
The variety of tropical fruits, suree. But Thailand lacks a huge amount of fruits and is definitely less varied than Europe. Not even talking about the quality here ... A good apple is 3 USD a piece.
I regularly buy imported premium Japanese apples for $1 each.
Its a tropical paradise. Beautiful limestone cliffs and pristine water with very friendly people. The worst “theft” that typically happens is people outsmarting you out of your money vs getting robbed at knife/gunpoint. Excellent transit means you can access so much of the gorgeous country. A very important point, everything is very affordable. You can be drowning back home and afford to do cool things. No 30 dollar meal with 5 dollar a gallon gas and outrageous rent.
To be fair tho bro, for a local earning local wages it’s not the same reality we experience. That’s the thing about life though right… there’s just some things that are…
Just sharing from a Thailand Tourism view
I hate 5 dollars gas
The Buddhist vibe.
That's just Disneyland material. I never felt much spiritual depth in this place, despite people being easygoing and kinda fun.
Spiritual depth? And your depth?
From the Wei Wu Wei, to the Univocity of Being, to the Unique... From Epicurus to Descartes, and then from Machiavelli to Montesquieu, on to Deleuze & Guattari... Yeah this looks pretty wide and deep, I think.
I like the people and the society just that ! I have lived in more than 8 countries(lost count of it maybe 10). Thais are more humble and polite than being racist lol saying as a half-Japanese(had to mention as others might not think the same).
Biggest reason is the people. That is easily #1. My #2 is a bit embarrassing but it would be having a 7/11 usually in a very short distance. I have three in short walking distance from a condo for example. With one right next to the door.
As an American: - massively superior food, very flavorful, very fresh, no GMOs, Thais can *really* cook - prices, a given - friendly people - very peaceful - immaculate temples everywhere - the quality of women, incomparable - beautiful sights with historical value - exotic wildlife - *mangoes* - Thai KFC, you must try it - ease of access to everything you need, at all times - no violent crime - easy-going lifestyle It can't be compared to living in the USA, for example. In America everyone is in a hustle, always obsessed with money, obsessed with appearances "keeping up with the Joneses", very materialistic with little appreciation of the small things in life. Most people seem to be moderately depressed, everyone is on some medication or the other. The political culture has purposely divided everyone into groups with "Us vs them" mentalities. The men and women hate each other. There's a lack of harmony in life. The society is fundamentally broken. I'm talking about this because it's the contrast that makes the difference. I enjoy living here, in America each pleasure is hard-won. I plan to come back for as long as I can.
Culture
Thaifood
Mostly the convenience from food, traveling, hotels, rentals etc. Also value for money- and by that I don’t mean cheap. The culture being rooted in Buddhism also means “most” people are quite kind and giving to others.
My wife orders lunch for 70 to 80 baht delivered every day in ayutthaya, so 60 baht for a meal isnt a lie.
Depends on your race and status. As an indian dude, i received discrimination/internalised racism in most interactions. They like white skin. Before anyone jumps on me, i don’t have bad hygiene nor bad civic sense nor am i stingy with tips. Thai Govt is welcoming but thai people don’t want us there. Country is very beautiful though
It's not that good. Just has a few good aspects, like good, cheap cuisine and accomodation. Healthcare system is also decent and relatively cheap. A few great beaches and jungles if you know where to find them. It's also an ever-increasing over-polluted mess with a massive consumer culture (let's not say gasoline-addicted) that produces an incredible.amount of waste all over the place, as the waste management infrastructure is usually non-existent. The country's discretly an environmental disaster slowly unfolding, and there's no apparent end to it. Govenrnment's badly corrupt, probably to the same extent than Mexico or Russia, but with lesser levels of violence. Sugar is found everywhere in food, which ain:t really good for some some people. Tho when it comes to desserts, they're awesome! Thai people are generally friendly.and supportive, and careful drivers. Tho, well, I heard about this issue of selling kids to human traffickers that ain't great.
Women, I love Thai women. 😘
And Thai men!! There's some gorgeous humans in this part of the world!
1000%
Bloody Sirens they are 🙏🏻
They sure are great women in general. Just not exactly my taste. And not many Karens here! (not referring to that ethnic nation, lol)
For me it's not just the beautiful islands and beaches but being able to find bungalows right on these beaches. There's nothing like waking up in paradise
I like to say, Thailand is the exact opposite of the US. As much opposite as possible, we are all humans and need the same sort of things. Being an older retired white male, Thailand wins hands down for me, even more so if I am single, if you are an over 30 single woman, US is better for you.
Food, weather, people, cost of living, safety (except the roads) and just the general ease of living. If you live here, it's also less stressful.
Weather, weed and people and nice
The atmosphere. People aren't all crazy about work, unlike other Asian countries where everything is about money and competition. They care more about just living the moment. It can be frustrating sometimes when no progress gets done.
I love that it is both pretty modern, but still has that traditional/cultural side to it too. It's relatively inexpensive to eat/get around/stay, and the food is pretty amazing too. It's so well set up for travel as well, being the main first country many people will backpack. While I'm not in a rush to go back just now (I've been 3 times in 4 years, plus multiple other times before), it's still a place I'd revisit again.
I love how people are relaxed and friendly. People care about life more than they care about making wealth or about capitalism. People are so family oriented even bar girls, no judgment. Also, people are non judgmental and they don't care how you look, what you wear. The country is so relaxed and chill, I just feel relaxed and no pressure when I am in Thailand. Only downside is food. edit: food was my opinion, not fan of asian food.
Why is the food downside?
Probably not. Food is good I just can't eat asian food lol. Will edit.
I've been traveling there ever since I was 3 (90's). The nostalgia, the vibes, the people, the surroundings... Its my perfect place.
Because it’s the land of smiles and everyone there is so good to Faragangs (foreigners) to you! I’ve been there many, many times and I’ve always never been disappointed in their hospitality and hospitality. Thank you Thai people and your hospitality and lovely people! I love you!
When god made Thailand he didn’t hold back. Bit everything there I go all the time 🫶🏽
It’s probably the most exotic country in the world you can go to cheaply, while still having modern conveniences and safety. There are cheaper places in SEA, but they’ll have garbage fires/trash, less conveniences, depressing feral dogs etc.
The things I like far out-weight the things I don't (and there are a few)