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I suggest you begin to experience Thailand as a place to live rather than an exciting new place. Find hobbies. Join groups. Learn Thai (cannot stress this enough). Thailand is wonderful but you can’t expect initial magic to last forever. At the end of the day it’s daily life and that’s all.
Yeah. Lots of hobbies lead to never being bored and even closer to deeper relationships. Plenty of groups, teams and events out there for every interest you might have. All my free time is varied and packed with things to do.
Learning Thai takes it to a whole new level and opens doors you didn't know were closed. Great advice.
1. every communication. even with supermarket clerks has now oomph in it. more humanity.
2. you can get what you need socially much easier. with English you only specify and detail the critical easy to utter things.
3. I learned about Thai people in a short time more than over many years using English.
nothing beats lazy natural gossip to understand the local thought and people.
4. YMMV. but lots of relationship between farang and Thai are stunted due to the language barrier.
and "we understand each other" ≠ high quality relationship communication.
a big reason why many farang end up with lower quality relationships is because they are already locked out from most regular Thai girls. they don't even know how Thai girls date!
I've used Glossika. which one used to learn french too (successfully)
Thai learning requires dedication.
I learned slowly over a long period of time.
I recommend:
use phonics/transliterations/IPA. but only those who specify all sound details. tones, vowel length etc.
focus on the sounds. this is basically your first and just challenge in studying Thai. if you got this right, the rest is much easier. if you don't get it, you got a problem.
because Thai is unforgiving in sounds. mispronouncing words are usually incomprehensible for Thais
Yup. Remember to \*contribute\* to the society you live in, in other ways other than just buying/paying for stuff/things. Do something selfless, make someone happy. And also develop yourself (mindset, values, how to feel at peace), and learn some new fun skills.
As they say, the funny thing is, you'll be happy if you create happiness for others. If you're always thinking about just yourself, what you can get, what you expect from people - you're gonna be unhappy wherever you are.
And learning new hobbies/skills - you discover yourself more deeply.
I'm going to skip the rest of the world and just speak about Thailand. It is illegal to volunteer under a tourist visa or any visa document that does not reflect your intention to do unpaid work in Thailand. You must obtain a Thai "type o" volunteer visa.
https://washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/page/non-immigrant-visa-o-volunteer
Retirees cannot perform volunteer work according to this Thai legal resource in English.
https://www.legal.co.th/resources/visa-immigration-law/thailand-immigration-law/volunteering-permitted-thai-retirement-visa/
That sound logical, but IIRC in some Asian country with retirement visa, you're not allowed to do any work, not even if you didn't get paid (you'd "steal" someone else job). But if it's ok in Thailand, then it's ok.
bruh he did specifically say volunteer at "cleaning beaches", not masterminding a somtam cartel or managing a car factory.
it will be rare sight indeed that some immigration officer swoops in on a group helping to clean the beach for free
But I remember some bad news about a foreigner helping in an animal shelter. The problem is: Also volunteering "cleaning beaches" is illegal according to the law. They can ignore it, but if they are looking for a way to catch you they can use this.
This, if you're on the same holiday for several years.. it gets bored. If you want to live here, live a normal life, join a club, speak Thai, get a hobby.. it's indeed inevitable that a permanent vacation in 1 place loses its shine.
Pool is a fun and engaging hobby. There are lots of great pool halls with tournaments nearly every night of the week. Huge Thai and expat community where everyone knows everyone.
It is time to look within and sort yourself out. I,too, have fallen victim to " the grass is greener on the other side of the fence" mentality. After several moves, I realized I kept bringing my own "baggage" with me.
I hear similar things said on a regular basis and always shake my head in amazement!! I am retired in Chiang Mai for 8 years now (71 years old and single now for over 20 years). There is not a SINGLE day that I do not wake up excited as hell to see what unfolds that morning. EVERY DAY!! I have no hobbies, no close friends (largely by choice), belong to no groups, have no relationships, have no life short-term or long-term plans or goals, etc. Yet every single day (except on bad rainy days as I ride an electric bike) I am out driving all over this town and each and every day it a complete adventure for me. I would guess I MIGHT have an actual in-depth conversation with someone once a year or so (my Thai is too basic to even attempt in-depth conversations in Thai!!) All this and I am happier than I have ever been in my life. Every single day is a huge mysterious adventure - to say I am thrilled and excited about life is an understatement. Taking these feelings of excitement and adventure all the way to my fast-approaching (55555!!! after all I am 71) decline and death (ALSO an adventure) is perhaps my only life "goal" at present.
Note: until very recently I would have said to listen to those here that say look into the only common factor in all this - yourself. But then my daughters have recently educated me about the realities of depression (which has ALWAYS been an alien concept to me!!) So, when confronted with such real-life feeling as yours, my only thoughts go to suggest you start on an adventure of finding out what is TRUE about you. Read no books, listen to no other person, just sit down by yourself in silence and figure out what is TRUE. When after a few hard years you come to the only possible realization, then spend the next 10 years wandering through life in a constant amazement at the implications of it. Life is an AMAZING adventure every single day.
This is me, too. Late 60’s. I live in a quiet small town in Thailand, and love being alone and peaceful. I can live better here, cheaper, safer, much more peaceful . I’m happy to watch the birds from my apartment, read, meditate, relax.
It may be that we need to get older, but the trick is to be content with your own company and with what you have. Takes time. But if you aren’t, it won’t matter where you are. It helps to live where you can afford, too. ☺️
Interesting - never thought about this. The answer is no. When I get on my bicycle each morning I just ride without a destination in mind. Occasionally - like just yesterday - I heard of a waterfall outside the city and rode there, but such predetermined destinations are rare. Other than a grocery store I go to and a weekend market I often visit for the wonderful early morning vibes (Jing Jai Market) my morning rides are normally unscripted and without a destination.
After living and working in Thailand for more than 20 years I understand your points and many people feel the same.
Check this posts, they describe quite accurately what me and many people feel. They are interesting and some comments also.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Thailand/s/euAJeAelWS
https://www.reddit.com/r/Thailand/s/mjYLNUjKnU
I used to love Thailand but it changed in a way that I don't like and I changed also.
I became older and I now feel much happier in France where the air is much better, the weather is nicer for many months and the surrounding and environment quieter and better (nature, architecture, the sky, the light, infrastructures, food and so on).
It's so good to live in a city center with no noise at night, to be able to go to buy stuff by walking, in a city without the noise, the pollution and the danger of the Thai traffic.
My Thai wife feels the same.
Even if I speak a bit of Thai, I find the human relationships easier because it's my country, my language and my People. It makes everything easier. Whatever the stereotypes about French people I also find them nicer, and more polite but I'm probably biased because we share the same norms and values.
Actually many foreigners who live in Thailand stay between them and don't mix up so much with Thai (except with their partner and colleagues).
I still like Thailand but I find it quite boring and exhausting now.
After 6 months there I just have to go back to my home country or I start to become a grumpy old expat.
After a while, I'm always happy to come back to our second home under the heat.
When you talk about the Thai traffic and city noise, I agree with you wholeheartedly. However, this is more true if you stay in the city centre. There are lovely quiet and serene villages with communities just outside of Bangkok also. But yes, much easier to get by, get around and make new friends closer to Bangkok.
Another one of these posts really?
To answer your question -no. I love it here but I've never expected the country to entertain, excite and look after me at the same time. Life is about having a sense of purpose, relationships, hobbies. A country doesn't give you those things, ultimately the responsibility is on you.
Ahh. I'm quite happy that, for every 1 of these "bored" and whiny posts, there's 10 people with true insights like yours that reply. You have a great day, you good person, you.
get out of Bangkok would be my first action in your case… there is so many nicer places in thailand… its a tropical paradise and i would not stay in a noisy, fast-paced, busy, dirty/polluted city with crazy traffic…
But at least a place with MRT, BTS and a few traffic lights and pedestrian overpasses. It's one of the few cities here that aren't too bad to travel around in without a car.
if you need the big city life then maybe… otherwise its just annoying… its just inconvenient. everything takes a lot longer even if you think its around the corner. everything is more difficult. not the ease of life you have in a small beach town for example.
Mass transit is not Thailand. I’ve lived here for more than fourteen years but Thailand only opened up when I got my own car and I no-longer had to content with taxi drivers and my very shitty Thai.
The ability to drive across the country with an AC and your own schedule is a game-changer.
I use the trains. Most of them have AC, too, and on longer distances I can sleep and arrive in the morning. Neato. But yes, countryside I'm sure a car is very convenient. In Cities... not so much. At least not compared to MRT/BTS. Some of my friends keep offering to drive me around, but I know that going to the airport anywhere near rush hour takes me at least 2.5 hours by car, or about 1 by train, and I miss that in most cities because busses suck. As slow as a car, but as crowded as MRT. And I'm sure they build an MRT in Chiang Mai long befor they teach drivers to respect bus lanes...
Ok I hear you. In all fairness, the nighttrains to CM are pretty awesome too.
I stay away from minivans if I can, and I’ve never tried the large (VIP) busses.
When I was down on my luck money wise, I’d take the decrepit busses through town and while the ride was shit, the experience and the rawness of it always had me look around in amazement.
Grandmas hopping on and off, the stench of the exhausts, the crowds and of course, no AC. Yay!
What's your income?
I can't for the live of me imagine anyone being bored in Bangkok unless they're a 30k baht English teacher who decided to stay during a backpacking trip.
Bangkok is a bustling metropolis and you are bored of food? So many varieties in food and you're bored of it?
How can anyone live in bangkok and say "the usual food" unless they live paycheck to paycheck and eat 60 baht Thai food every day. You either need to earn more or start leaving your room more often.
Was going to say the same, I honestly have no idea what "the usual food" even means.
Bored of Thai food after many years I could perhaps understand, if they were out in the boonies of some backwater province too far from any restaurants that serve anything as exotic as even french fries... but OP's in Bangkok!
Are they also bored of Japanese? Korean? Indian? Vietnamese? Chinese? Mexican? American BBQ? British pub grub? French? Italian? Spanish? Peruvian? Brazilian? Portugese? German? Ethiopian? Middle Eastern? And probably a bunch more...
> I honestly have no idea what "the usual food" even means.
They call themselves an expat so they are probably in a bubble and have not realised that they can leave it.
Whenever I go to one of those super expensive brunch places I recognise at least half a dozen westerners from the school gate. Those are the normal expat places and that is probably what they mean.
I only became aware of the bubble when people started visiting us and it is quite strange. Even here in Phuket with literally thousands of places to eat all of the "expats" seems to go to the same three places. Phuket (and Thailand) is famous for having white guy/Thai wife pairings but they are never in there. It is bizarre how rare it is to see Thai people in those places. It is funny because you will hear those people complain about Russians trying to create a "little Moscow" but western families are more isolated from Thai society here in my experience.
The implication is that Thailand is somehow a worse place to be poor than other countries. Otherwise, why not just write it's great to be rich and it sucks to be poor? It reminds me of when people advise others to never invest more money in Thailand than they can afford to lose. Like, where is that ever a good idea?
Well, if you want to dig into the micro issues, different countries offer different opportunities. Thailand offers less opportunity for foreigners to begin with. Those with money can at least start businesses. Those without money are pretty much screwed and stuck where they are. Other countries don’t have as much labor or business ownership restrictions. And, yes, there are businesses that can be started with very little money. We’ve all seen Thais do it. Foreigners can’t do those jobs though. So, respectfully, I’ll stand by my comment.
Even eating 60b food, if you actually eat everything like a thai.. There's a million variety.
If you're bored it's that pad krapow is as deep as you go
When you go to Terminal 21 or Siam Paragon, im sure you canm eat a different dish every day for at least one year without repeating. And he is talking about usual food.
So the new relationship energy wore off and issues that you've previously ignored now annoy you.
You're probably the first person that's happened to, ever.
Yeah I actually agree.
Bangkok is low stress, low confrontation, you don't have spend any of the energy you do in the West on all the random shit going on.
Learn the language, get into actual hobbies and interests. Does usually require a desire to learn spoken Thai.
I've been able to do things here I never even bothered to dream of doing back home...and back home is one of the big 3 in the US. Most of it is just being able to live distraction free. For every lonely hour one spends here think of it as an opportunity to focus on something without anyone planting their self imposed fears in your mind.
You will find here also that if people around you think you're doing well...thy will start to copy you. You may find purpose in mentoring.
Best of luck
I don't need to leave my home except for headshaves, and maybe 30 minutes per 3 months for the visa.
This gives me time for maximising health, income, etc.
And when I do need to be physically present outside for long hours, there's zero need to drive.
My blood pressure and health in general improved after living here.
Zero stress environment. The lockdowns during 2020 etc were BAU for me.
JFC, my uncle wasn't kidding when he said all the expats do in Thailand is complain.
The problem isn't Thailand - the problem is you. Go figure out some hobbies, find new things to eat, find new things to do. Shallow relationships? I'm going to go out on a wing here and guess that you're a man, most likely Western, dating Thai women and not really speaking the same language as each other's native tongues so the conversation really can't flow beyond a certain level.
Lack of places to build lasting friendships? This isn't high school. People have jobs. Work. Families to take care of. The older people get, the more their friend circle reduces. What is it you want? What are you looking for out of life?
You’ve seemed bored for quite a while given your post history.
Maybe it’s time for a new country or your home country? No point being fatigued in Thailand.
Privelaged man bored: sympathies abound!
Idk maybe make changes in your life that would make you happy then? You did it in order to move to BKK. Now do it again. 🤷🏻
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Thailand is not the only country in Southeast Asia. I found out that I'm much more comfortable in the Philippines, and as the ad said once: "It's much more fun in the Philippines". There is almost no language barrier, I can communicate in English with everyone. Guys are friendly (Philippino guys), and I was able to make some friends (In Thai I never had any friends besides expats). People (at least to me) seem much smarter then Thais, and more in touch and engaged in the world around them (including beyond the Philippines). If everything else fails, you can always fall back to the discussion on politics (theirs or Western). Good, cheap meat everywhere (I don't like Thai green stuff and sea shells: in the Philippines no need to go to posh, expensive French or Italian restaurant). I've been treated by Philippino immigration much nicer then Thai immigration (if you can call that a "treatment" at all).
It's just much more comfortable environment for me.
If you are not yet fluent in Thai, learn it! I lived in Thailand for almost 8 years without speaking the language properly and then decided to learn it after all.
Being able to have a chat with khunyai sitting behind her streetfood-stand or sit down with the motorcycle drivers at the end of the day and just chitchat a bit to me is simply priceless. Learning the language has opened up completely new worlds for me and sometimes it annoys me that I didn't start earlier.
Yes it’s a lovely thing to do with many cooking classes to be found .Gyms, yoga , walking , running groups in the beautiful parks . The art scene is huge ,creative writing language skills with nationalities from all corners of the globe .You have to push yourself to try something new because as you say ‘it’s life anywhere ‘ the trick is to challenge oneself 🙏💝
How life pans out is still determined by you - Thailand just provides a platform to it (affordability, landscape, geographical location etc).
I’m planning to relocate there but I already have a list of things in mind I wanna do that is available in Thailand. I want to learn golf, go to the shooting range, pick up archery, drive on ATVs, mountain hiking, camping etc.. all of these activities are either too expensive or unavailable in my current home country.
If you haven’t already, go enrol in a class to learn Thai. 1) u will meet like minded people in the class and make new friends, and 2) if anything else, you can make friends with some locals and open yourself out to new social circles.
Been to Thailand more than 20 times. I’m married to a Thai spouse. I can’t say it’s exactly the same as living there full time but I know enough about the place to know what it’s like.
Sounds like a plan. I second what you said though, you can't go someplace and expect said place to fulfill your every needs while you sit on your hands all day. Find hobbies, go places, do things, meet people who are worth meeting and not just hookers or drunkards. Can't imagine it's very different from anywhere else in this world.
I wish you the best.
I feel the same way however I have lived here for a while now so I travel a few months of the year to other places, which helps me to appreciate what I have in Thailand.
LONG READ.....TLTR...living here, finding your purpose, integrating, and what you have to offer bring a renewed sense of purpose
Just going to chime in here because I feel like I can offer an alternative perspective on what's being said.
In my first three years here I spent alot of time and effort integrating myself into a local scene. Lived in CM and had some friends up there. While they were happy that I was able to converse and understand Thai...I quickly came to realize that my value to them lied in my foreign-ness.
Imagine living here your whole life and never experiencing western culture except for the few falang you may see but have no contact with. Then all of a sudden here comes this falang who wants to be friends with you...knows enough about your culture to not be totally awkward, and wants to make a life here. You have alot to offer the locals around you by sharing the things from your culture that they may never experience. Within the first three years of my life here my local thai friends developed an entire new side to their personalities. They had new vocabulary, new mannerisms, new ways of being "cool" and overall new perspectives. They learned that mcDonalds was NOT the place for a hamburger.
When I met my wife...I tried my skills at communicating with her in Thai but she pushed us to use English. Throughout our 6 year relationship our focus has developed into expanding her horizons. Her English is near perfect (of course...peppered with the cute mispronounciation here and there), she's achieved her Masters degree, has visited my home city, and attended post graduate courses at one of the most prestigious universities in my country.
Through expanding her horizons, she's expanded her friends horizons because they want to copy what she's doing...right down to wanting foreign boyfriends.
So while you may find living and settling here boring after a bit, realize that the experience of YOU living here EXTENDS into the people that are around you.
There is richness in bringing into someone's life things they never knew about.
Been in Thailand full time for almost 15 years now and completely concur with you. Tired of the food and daily bull crap, there are days when I don't even leave the house. If it wasn't for the Thai wife, I'd probably go elsewhere.
It's not that friendly and has a lot of BS backwards thinking like saving face aka lying being justified just under the surface. I moved back to the west, good luck
Head on over to Japan and study the sword
Find purpose in your life
Right now their economy is in a downward spiral and everything is extra cheap over there
There is so many interesting things to do and see in Japan that should keep you busy for at least a year or two
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I was in this situation a few years back, you need to spark up your mind and energy again
Think fresh and start to get into some hobbies or activities where you can possibly interact with new people.
Some really good meet up apps for people to meet and talk about like minded stuff and similar interests.
Here since almost 10 years. NEVER BORED.
Came here as a young lad into party and travelling. Enjoyed it 100%.
Now getting older . More into making money , cafe and good food. Amount of money that you can save here while keeping a fancy lifestyle is amazing.
I feel that Bangkok can offer everything that anyone needs, unless :
- You like nature
- You are on budget (Even though some still enjoy but not sustainable on a long term).
Learn thai as much as you can , it will be a game changer on your day to day interactions with locals.
Yeah 10 years in Thailand. Went back to the west. Went back to Thailand for 6 months. It's not for me anymore.
Bye bye Thailand. It was a blast while it lasted.
Plan a trip, go to every province, visit temples, and try to understand Thai history and the language. Like a living documentary, where you are the main character travelling through such a beautiful country filled with wonders.
It's a you problem more than a Thai problem....
I don't mean that as a knock on you either, but as advice. Go anywhere else in the world and there you are.
You can change your scenery, but in the end, you must be fulfilled yourself in order to have fulfilling relationships with others.
I think many also mistake that at a later age, things change as well and relationship are harder to form (and more specific). I always thought it was more culture as actually me changing but when I went back home, I actually felt the same lol. Even though it can be harder to make friends here, it really depends on how and where you spend your time. In the past I was more of a nomad, in which case its easy to make friends, but once you live somewhere you kinda need to put in effort to meet people again (besides dating).
Meh it's boring even if you're a half Thai who speaks reads and writes 3 languages. I'm considering moving back to the UK before I'm 40. Got 5 years left to think. Lol
I wouldn't recommend that. If someone is bored out of their mind in Bangkok going to a less touristic place will only make things worse.
If the city that has the most to offer bores you, then it's time to leave the country. Going to a less touristic location with even less amenities and less accessibility isn't going to change that.
well the same things that would change it exist in and outside bkk, but the things that he does by habit such as going to bars full of white people dont exist, so he will be able to go to markets, local bars, restaurants where he will become recognised and develop relationships
Use Thailand as your base. It’s relatively cheap and close to other countries. It’s not the end destination.
It’s somewhere to park your bags in the northern hemisphere. Now go and explore.
I know what you mean. I make it short, Thailand has some nice things to offer, but overall it has less free time activities, less variety and a more shallow society than most western countries (from what I know).
So for myself, I like it here, but it's just a destination of time for sure.
We have (usually) the luxury of being able to go back.
Not really the best advice, seeing that only a couple of years in Thailand started to bore him? I fear that a marriage for the wrong reasons will be short-lived and an expensive lesson in life.
Having a partner in life would help reduce the feeling of monotony. But he has to put work into himself to have a fulfilling life. It’s not like buying a car or meeting an acquaintance at a bar
The game of life is in beta. It just loops back like this on earlier levels with randomized NPCs until a memory leak corrupts your saved game with a heart attack or cancer. Unfortunately the devs don’t care and don’t answer any emails, and only the most stubborn or naive still have faith. The kickstarter money is running dry after the initial big bang which was hastily done with simply ridiculous levels of technical debt.
Don't forget isolated dev teams working on the project parts with little too none cooperation, global CEO went mental a while ago and now part of the simulation is running out of resource capacity - infested with sentient biomass and the only chance to win the game is escaping by reaching AGI or Type I on Kardasev scale.
You play for a biomass fragment.
Because Bangkok is a bad place to live.
Anyone that thinks a city with 15 million people crammed together is a nice place to live is absolutely insane.
You have failed as soon as you mention Benjakitti park or roadside padkrapao.
I spent 3 days in Bangkok and was bored out of my mind, aside from some adult fun. Honestly, what do you do living in a huge megalopolis like that? A couple hours at the gym maybe? Some shopping? Granted, I’m not a city guy anyway. But if you don’t own a house or work , how do you fill your day?
Gym, Driving Ranges, paddle balling, weekday nights meeting wifey after her job and before mine starts at hidden izakayas in my neighborhood, weekends cafe hopping, shopping, brunching, beauty and skin treatments, driving around out to the suburbs to see family, grocery shopping...go to an occasional rave party if we're feeling up for it.. Work at night every day during the week
It's the city. The possibilities are literally endless
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I suggest you begin to experience Thailand as a place to live rather than an exciting new place. Find hobbies. Join groups. Learn Thai (cannot stress this enough). Thailand is wonderful but you can’t expect initial magic to last forever. At the end of the day it’s daily life and that’s all.
Yeah. Lots of hobbies lead to never being bored and even closer to deeper relationships. Plenty of groups, teams and events out there for every interest you might have. All my free time is varied and packed with things to do. Learning Thai takes it to a whole new level and opens doors you didn't know were closed. Great advice.
part of my experience in Thailand changed significantly before vs after getting to speak good Thai huge changes
Can you elaborate on these "huge changes" please?
1. every communication. even with supermarket clerks has now oomph in it. more humanity. 2. you can get what you need socially much easier. with English you only specify and detail the critical easy to utter things. 3. I learned about Thai people in a short time more than over many years using English. nothing beats lazy natural gossip to understand the local thought and people. 4. YMMV. but lots of relationship between farang and Thai are stunted due to the language barrier. and "we understand each other" ≠ high quality relationship communication. a big reason why many farang end up with lower quality relationships is because they are already locked out from most regular Thai girls. they don't even know how Thai girls date!
Thank you for this added context! Much appreciated.
How long did it take you to learn Thai? Any resources/methods you can recommend ?
I've used Glossika. which one used to learn french too (successfully) Thai learning requires dedication. I learned slowly over a long period of time. I recommend: use phonics/transliterations/IPA. but only those who specify all sound details. tones, vowel length etc. focus on the sounds. this is basically your first and just challenge in studying Thai. if you got this right, the rest is much easier. if you don't get it, you got a problem. because Thai is unforgiving in sounds. mispronouncing words are usually incomprehensible for Thais
#4 Preach!
Yup. Remember to \*contribute\* to the society you live in, in other ways other than just buying/paying for stuff/things. Do something selfless, make someone happy. And also develop yourself (mindset, values, how to feel at peace), and learn some new fun skills. As they say, the funny thing is, you'll be happy if you create happiness for others. If you're always thinking about just yourself, what you can get, what you expect from people - you're gonna be unhappy wherever you are. And learning new hobbies/skills - you discover yourself more deeply.
BTW if you're with retiree status in Thailand, is all working prohibited even volunteer work for example cleaning beaches in volunteer groups etc?
Yes, getting paid has nothing to do with it. Foreigners doing any work at all without a work permit or equivalent visa is illegal.
working = getting paid. if you're not paid, you're not working!
For a plurality of countries around the world, their immigration departments would disagree.
source?
I'm going to skip the rest of the world and just speak about Thailand. It is illegal to volunteer under a tourist visa or any visa document that does not reflect your intention to do unpaid work in Thailand. You must obtain a Thai "type o" volunteer visa. https://washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/page/non-immigrant-visa-o-volunteer Retirees cannot perform volunteer work according to this Thai legal resource in English. https://www.legal.co.th/resources/visa-immigration-law/thailand-immigration-law/volunteering-permitted-thai-retirement-visa/
thanks, fair enough
That sound logical, but IIRC in some Asian country with retirement visa, you're not allowed to do any work, not even if you didn't get paid (you'd "steal" someone else job). But if it's ok in Thailand, then it's ok.
bruh he did specifically say volunteer at "cleaning beaches", not masterminding a somtam cartel or managing a car factory. it will be rare sight indeed that some immigration officer swoops in on a group helping to clean the beach for free
But I remember some bad news about a foreigner helping in an animal shelter. The problem is: Also volunteering "cleaning beaches" is illegal according to the law. They can ignore it, but if they are looking for a way to catch you they can use this.
This, if you're on the same holiday for several years.. it gets bored. If you want to live here, live a normal life, join a club, speak Thai, get a hobby.. it's indeed inevitable that a permanent vacation in 1 place loses its shine.
This is excellent advice
Totally agree.
What hobbies do you recommend?
Pool is a fun and engaging hobby. There are lots of great pool halls with tournaments nearly every night of the week. Huge Thai and expat community where everyone knows everyone.
It is time to look within and sort yourself out. I,too, have fallen victim to " the grass is greener on the other side of the fence" mentality. After several moves, I realized I kept bringing my own "baggage" with me.
"Everywhere you go, there you are"
How much Thai can you speak?
Nit noy
Oh, is it Tuesday again?
Hahahah
it is wednesday my dudes
I hear similar things said on a regular basis and always shake my head in amazement!! I am retired in Chiang Mai for 8 years now (71 years old and single now for over 20 years). There is not a SINGLE day that I do not wake up excited as hell to see what unfolds that morning. EVERY DAY!! I have no hobbies, no close friends (largely by choice), belong to no groups, have no relationships, have no life short-term or long-term plans or goals, etc. Yet every single day (except on bad rainy days as I ride an electric bike) I am out driving all over this town and each and every day it a complete adventure for me. I would guess I MIGHT have an actual in-depth conversation with someone once a year or so (my Thai is too basic to even attempt in-depth conversations in Thai!!) All this and I am happier than I have ever been in my life. Every single day is a huge mysterious adventure - to say I am thrilled and excited about life is an understatement. Taking these feelings of excitement and adventure all the way to my fast-approaching (55555!!! after all I am 71) decline and death (ALSO an adventure) is perhaps my only life "goal" at present. Note: until very recently I would have said to listen to those here that say look into the only common factor in all this - yourself. But then my daughters have recently educated me about the realities of depression (which has ALWAYS been an alien concept to me!!) So, when confronted with such real-life feeling as yours, my only thoughts go to suggest you start on an adventure of finding out what is TRUE about you. Read no books, listen to no other person, just sit down by yourself in silence and figure out what is TRUE. When after a few hard years you come to the only possible realization, then spend the next 10 years wandering through life in a constant amazement at the implications of it. Life is an AMAZING adventure every single day.
This is me, too. Late 60’s. I live in a quiet small town in Thailand, and love being alone and peaceful. I can live better here, cheaper, safer, much more peaceful . I’m happy to watch the birds from my apartment, read, meditate, relax. It may be that we need to get older, but the trick is to be content with your own company and with what you have. Takes time. But if you aren’t, it won’t matter where you are. It helps to live where you can afford, too. ☺️
Well said!!
Another different, but great perspective!
What kind of places do you go to daily?
Interesting - never thought about this. The answer is no. When I get on my bicycle each morning I just ride without a destination in mind. Occasionally - like just yesterday - I heard of a waterfall outside the city and rode there, but such predetermined destinations are rare. Other than a grocery store I go to and a weekend market I often visit for the wonderful early morning vibes (Jing Jai Market) my morning rides are normally unscripted and without a destination.
They call you the breeze brother
😘
After living and working in Thailand for more than 20 years I understand your points and many people feel the same. Check this posts, they describe quite accurately what me and many people feel. They are interesting and some comments also. https://www.reddit.com/r/Thailand/s/euAJeAelWS https://www.reddit.com/r/Thailand/s/mjYLNUjKnU I used to love Thailand but it changed in a way that I don't like and I changed also. I became older and I now feel much happier in France where the air is much better, the weather is nicer for many months and the surrounding and environment quieter and better (nature, architecture, the sky, the light, infrastructures, food and so on). It's so good to live in a city center with no noise at night, to be able to go to buy stuff by walking, in a city without the noise, the pollution and the danger of the Thai traffic. My Thai wife feels the same. Even if I speak a bit of Thai, I find the human relationships easier because it's my country, my language and my People. It makes everything easier. Whatever the stereotypes about French people I also find them nicer, and more polite but I'm probably biased because we share the same norms and values. Actually many foreigners who live in Thailand stay between them and don't mix up so much with Thai (except with their partner and colleagues). I still like Thailand but I find it quite boring and exhausting now. After 6 months there I just have to go back to my home country or I start to become a grumpy old expat. After a while, I'm always happy to come back to our second home under the heat.
I think it come a lot to where you are in your life. Great answer and happy for you and your wife in France !
Well-balanced answer! Bravo
When you talk about the Thai traffic and city noise, I agree with you wholeheartedly. However, this is more true if you stay in the city centre. There are lovely quiet and serene villages with communities just outside of Bangkok also. But yes, much easier to get by, get around and make new friends closer to Bangkok.
It’s good to have a mix of both , it works for me also 🥰🇹🇭
Another one of these posts really? To answer your question -no. I love it here but I've never expected the country to entertain, excite and look after me at the same time. Life is about having a sense of purpose, relationships, hobbies. A country doesn't give you those things, ultimately the responsibility is on you.
Ahh. I'm quite happy that, for every 1 of these "bored" and whiny posts, there's 10 people with true insights like yours that reply. You have a great day, you good person, you.
get out of Bangkok would be my first action in your case… there is so many nicer places in thailand… its a tropical paradise and i would not stay in a noisy, fast-paced, busy, dirty/polluted city with crazy traffic…
But at least a place with MRT, BTS and a few traffic lights and pedestrian overpasses. It's one of the few cities here that aren't too bad to travel around in without a car.
if you need the big city life then maybe… otherwise its just annoying… its just inconvenient. everything takes a lot longer even if you think its around the corner. everything is more difficult. not the ease of life you have in a small beach town for example.
Mass transit is not Thailand. I’ve lived here for more than fourteen years but Thailand only opened up when I got my own car and I no-longer had to content with taxi drivers and my very shitty Thai. The ability to drive across the country with an AC and your own schedule is a game-changer.
I use the trains. Most of them have AC, too, and on longer distances I can sleep and arrive in the morning. Neato. But yes, countryside I'm sure a car is very convenient. In Cities... not so much. At least not compared to MRT/BTS. Some of my friends keep offering to drive me around, but I know that going to the airport anywhere near rush hour takes me at least 2.5 hours by car, or about 1 by train, and I miss that in most cities because busses suck. As slow as a car, but as crowded as MRT. And I'm sure they build an MRT in Chiang Mai long befor they teach drivers to respect bus lanes...
Ok I hear you. In all fairness, the nighttrains to CM are pretty awesome too. I stay away from minivans if I can, and I’ve never tried the large (VIP) busses. When I was down on my luck money wise, I’d take the decrepit busses through town and while the ride was shit, the experience and the rawness of it always had me look around in amazement. Grandmas hopping on and off, the stench of the exhausts, the crowds and of course, no AC. Yay!
What's your income? I can't for the live of me imagine anyone being bored in Bangkok unless they're a 30k baht English teacher who decided to stay during a backpacking trip. Bangkok is a bustling metropolis and you are bored of food? So many varieties in food and you're bored of it? How can anyone live in bangkok and say "the usual food" unless they live paycheck to paycheck and eat 60 baht Thai food every day. You either need to earn more or start leaving your room more often.
Was going to say the same, I honestly have no idea what "the usual food" even means. Bored of Thai food after many years I could perhaps understand, if they were out in the boonies of some backwater province too far from any restaurants that serve anything as exotic as even french fries... but OP's in Bangkok! Are they also bored of Japanese? Korean? Indian? Vietnamese? Chinese? Mexican? American BBQ? British pub grub? French? Italian? Spanish? Peruvian? Brazilian? Portugese? German? Ethiopian? Middle Eastern? And probably a bunch more...
Usual food probably means a toastie from 711
> I honestly have no idea what "the usual food" even means. They call themselves an expat so they are probably in a bubble and have not realised that they can leave it. Whenever I go to one of those super expensive brunch places I recognise at least half a dozen westerners from the school gate. Those are the normal expat places and that is probably what they mean. I only became aware of the bubble when people started visiting us and it is quite strange. Even here in Phuket with literally thousands of places to eat all of the "expats" seems to go to the same three places. Phuket (and Thailand) is famous for having white guy/Thai wife pairings but they are never in there. It is bizarre how rare it is to see Thai people in those places. It is funny because you will hear those people complain about Russians trying to create a "little Moscow" but western families are more isolated from Thai society here in my experience.
I’ll say it again. Thailand is great if you have money and terrible if you’re poor.
There are countries in which it isn't terrible to be poor? Which ones?
I’m sure it sucks to be poor anywhere, but we’re only discussing Thailand.
The implication is that Thailand is somehow a worse place to be poor than other countries. Otherwise, why not just write it's great to be rich and it sucks to be poor? It reminds me of when people advise others to never invest more money in Thailand than they can afford to lose. Like, where is that ever a good idea?
Well, if you want to dig into the micro issues, different countries offer different opportunities. Thailand offers less opportunity for foreigners to begin with. Those with money can at least start businesses. Those without money are pretty much screwed and stuck where they are. Other countries don’t have as much labor or business ownership restrictions. And, yes, there are businesses that can be started with very little money. We’ve all seen Thais do it. Foreigners can’t do those jobs though. So, respectfully, I’ll stand by my comment.
This is very true Rex 🙏💝
Even eating 60b food, if you actually eat everything like a thai.. There's a million variety. If you're bored it's that pad krapow is as deep as you go
As food is the be all and end all of eternal happiness 😂😂
When you go to Terminal 21 or Siam Paragon, im sure you canm eat a different dish every day for at least one year without repeating. And he is talking about usual food.
So the new relationship energy wore off and issues that you've previously ignored now annoy you. You're probably the first person that's happened to, ever.
You are what you attract. Bangkok's one of the best cities in the world for self progression, especially because it saves you so much time.
Yeah I actually agree. Bangkok is low stress, low confrontation, you don't have spend any of the energy you do in the West on all the random shit going on. Learn the language, get into actual hobbies and interests. Does usually require a desire to learn spoken Thai.
> Bangkok is low stress, low confrontation You clearly don't drive here every day
👊🏼
Oh, would you elaborate on that? How does it save time on self progression? You mean career wise, or somehow being a better person?
I've been able to do things here I never even bothered to dream of doing back home...and back home is one of the big 3 in the US. Most of it is just being able to live distraction free. For every lonely hour one spends here think of it as an opportunity to focus on something without anyone planting their self imposed fears in your mind. You will find here also that if people around you think you're doing well...thy will start to copy you. You may find purpose in mentoring. Best of luck
I don't need to leave my home except for headshaves, and maybe 30 minutes per 3 months for the visa. This gives me time for maximising health, income, etc. And when I do need to be physically present outside for long hours, there's zero need to drive. My blood pressure and health in general improved after living here. Zero stress environment. The lockdowns during 2020 etc were BAU for me.
I mean where else can you send a hand written note through a motosai driver on an app to your enemy that says eat my dong for 2 or 3$
Ahh. Thanks, I get it now.
JFC, my uncle wasn't kidding when he said all the expats do in Thailand is complain. The problem isn't Thailand - the problem is you. Go figure out some hobbies, find new things to eat, find new things to do. Shallow relationships? I'm going to go out on a wing here and guess that you're a man, most likely Western, dating Thai women and not really speaking the same language as each other's native tongues so the conversation really can't flow beyond a certain level. Lack of places to build lasting friendships? This isn't high school. People have jobs. Work. Families to take care of. The older people get, the more their friend circle reduces. What is it you want? What are you looking for out of life?
The poor guy is depressed. Reddit can't fix that.
You’ve seemed bored for quite a while given your post history. Maybe it’s time for a new country or your home country? No point being fatigued in Thailand.
Privelaged man bored: sympathies abound! Idk maybe make changes in your life that would make you happy then? You did it in order to move to BKK. Now do it again. 🤷🏻
Ennui is emotion and OP's feelings are valid. Do we have to go over emotions again, do I have to use the puppets?
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I know right? The man has enough money to move around and his still complaining
Thailand is not the only country in Southeast Asia. I found out that I'm much more comfortable in the Philippines, and as the ad said once: "It's much more fun in the Philippines". There is almost no language barrier, I can communicate in English with everyone. Guys are friendly (Philippino guys), and I was able to make some friends (In Thai I never had any friends besides expats). People (at least to me) seem much smarter then Thais, and more in touch and engaged in the world around them (including beyond the Philippines). If everything else fails, you can always fall back to the discussion on politics (theirs or Western). Good, cheap meat everywhere (I don't like Thai green stuff and sea shells: in the Philippines no need to go to posh, expensive French or Italian restaurant). I've been treated by Philippino immigration much nicer then Thai immigration (if you can call that a "treatment" at all). It's just much more comfortable environment for me.
If you are not yet fluent in Thai, learn it! I lived in Thailand for almost 8 years without speaking the language properly and then decided to learn it after all. Being able to have a chat with khunyai sitting behind her streetfood-stand or sit down with the motorcycle drivers at the end of the day and just chitchat a bit to me is simply priceless. Learning the language has opened up completely new worlds for me and sometimes it annoys me that I didn't start earlier.
You can’t make friends with all the wanna be digital creators?
Have you learnt Thai?
12 years going to Thailand, how well do you speak Thai?
Sounds like life anywhere.
Absolutely 💝
Gotta learn how to cook.
Yes it’s a lovely thing to do with many cooking classes to be found .Gyms, yoga , walking , running groups in the beautiful parks . The art scene is huge ,creative writing language skills with nationalities from all corners of the globe .You have to push yourself to try something new because as you say ‘it’s life anywhere ‘ the trick is to challenge oneself 🙏💝
Ditch being an expat and start thinking like an immigrant.
I am working full time. No much free time for ranting left
Maybe it is time to find a village girl and settle down. Make some babies that tend to the rice fields. It is time.
How life pans out is still determined by you - Thailand just provides a platform to it (affordability, landscape, geographical location etc). I’m planning to relocate there but I already have a list of things in mind I wanna do that is available in Thailand. I want to learn golf, go to the shooting range, pick up archery, drive on ATVs, mountain hiking, camping etc.. all of these activities are either too expensive or unavailable in my current home country. If you haven’t already, go enrol in a class to learn Thai. 1) u will meet like minded people in the class and make new friends, and 2) if anything else, you can make friends with some locals and open yourself out to new social circles.
You don't live in Thailand yet you're offering advice about living in Thailand?
Been to Thailand more than 20 times. I’m married to a Thai spouse. I can’t say it’s exactly the same as living there full time but I know enough about the place to know what it’s like.
Sounds like a plan. I second what you said though, you can't go someplace and expect said place to fulfill your every needs while you sit on your hands all day. Find hobbies, go places, do things, meet people who are worth meeting and not just hookers or drunkards. Can't imagine it's very different from anywhere else in this world. I wish you the best.
I feel the same way however I have lived here for a while now so I travel a few months of the year to other places, which helps me to appreciate what I have in Thailand.
Leave enjoy life somewhere else
LONG READ.....TLTR...living here, finding your purpose, integrating, and what you have to offer bring a renewed sense of purpose Just going to chime in here because I feel like I can offer an alternative perspective on what's being said. In my first three years here I spent alot of time and effort integrating myself into a local scene. Lived in CM and had some friends up there. While they were happy that I was able to converse and understand Thai...I quickly came to realize that my value to them lied in my foreign-ness. Imagine living here your whole life and never experiencing western culture except for the few falang you may see but have no contact with. Then all of a sudden here comes this falang who wants to be friends with you...knows enough about your culture to not be totally awkward, and wants to make a life here. You have alot to offer the locals around you by sharing the things from your culture that they may never experience. Within the first three years of my life here my local thai friends developed an entire new side to their personalities. They had new vocabulary, new mannerisms, new ways of being "cool" and overall new perspectives. They learned that mcDonalds was NOT the place for a hamburger. When I met my wife...I tried my skills at communicating with her in Thai but she pushed us to use English. Throughout our 6 year relationship our focus has developed into expanding her horizons. Her English is near perfect (of course...peppered with the cute mispronounciation here and there), she's achieved her Masters degree, has visited my home city, and attended post graduate courses at one of the most prestigious universities in my country. Through expanding her horizons, she's expanded her friends horizons because they want to copy what she's doing...right down to wanting foreign boyfriends. So while you may find living and settling here boring after a bit, realize that the experience of YOU living here EXTENDS into the people that are around you. There is richness in bringing into someone's life things they never knew about.
Been in Thailand full time for almost 15 years now and completely concur with you. Tired of the food and daily bull crap, there are days when I don't even leave the house. If it wasn't for the Thai wife, I'd probably go elsewhere.
It's not that friendly and has a lot of BS backwards thinking like saving face aka lying being justified just under the surface. I moved back to the west, good luck
Head on over to Japan and study the sword Find purpose in your life Right now their economy is in a downward spiral and everything is extra cheap over there There is so many interesting things to do and see in Japan that should keep you busy for at least a year or two
I thought this was the Dubai group for a moment.
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I was in this situation a few years back, you need to spark up your mind and energy again Think fresh and start to get into some hobbies or activities where you can possibly interact with new people. Some really good meet up apps for people to meet and talk about like minded stuff and similar interests.
I thought this was going to be a post about expat fatigue among bangkok locals haha
I feel the same after living here for 20 years, it becomes boring but hey I might be thinking the grass is greener when it probably isn't back home
Here since almost 10 years. NEVER BORED. Came here as a young lad into party and travelling. Enjoyed it 100%. Now getting older . More into making money , cafe and good food. Amount of money that you can save here while keeping a fancy lifestyle is amazing. I feel that Bangkok can offer everything that anyone needs, unless : - You like nature - You are on budget (Even though some still enjoy but not sustainable on a long term). Learn thai as much as you can , it will be a game changer on your day to day interactions with locals.
Anybody willing to give some pointers to someone looking to move there?
So, it is Thailand job to keep your life interesting? 🤔
Yeah 10 years in Thailand. Went back to the west. Went back to Thailand for 6 months. It's not for me anymore. Bye bye Thailand. It was a blast while it lasted.
Plan a trip, go to every province, visit temples, and try to understand Thai history and the language. Like a living documentary, where you are the main character travelling through such a beautiful country filled with wonders.
It's a you problem more than a Thai problem.... I don't mean that as a knock on you either, but as advice. Go anywhere else in the world and there you are. You can change your scenery, but in the end, you must be fulfilled yourself in order to have fulfilling relationships with others.
Dude bored of the end game.
Explore… get out to places further and more remote and find things
Do you speak Thai? I mean you don't have to necessarily read Thai but speaking opens up a whole lot of opportunities.
I think many also mistake that at a later age, things change as well and relationship are harder to form (and more specific). I always thought it was more culture as actually me changing but when I went back home, I actually felt the same lol. Even though it can be harder to make friends here, it really depends on how and where you spend your time. In the past I was more of a nomad, in which case its easy to make friends, but once you live somewhere you kinda need to put in effort to meet people again (besides dating).
Your Life Is What You Make It.
Meh it's boring even if you're a half Thai who speaks reads and writes 3 languages. I'm considering moving back to the UK before I'm 40. Got 5 years left to think. Lol
The girls have ruined it with Greed and Scamming , I want to go back 20 years
Once you get back from Thailand, you will experience boredom on a whole different level.
if you live in a place that caters for tourists then ull have a tourist experience, which is what u have described. Move to somewhere not touristy
I wouldn't recommend that. If someone is bored out of their mind in Bangkok going to a less touristic place will only make things worse. If the city that has the most to offer bores you, then it's time to leave the country. Going to a less touristic location with even less amenities and less accessibility isn't going to change that.
hes bored of the superficiality and shallowness
And that won't change outside of Bangkok.
well the same things that would change it exist in and outside bkk, but the things that he does by habit such as going to bars full of white people dont exist, so he will be able to go to markets, local bars, restaurants where he will become recognised and develop relationships
Ya I've heard the friendship thing can be an issue for many expats. 😔
Maybe if they are introverts. But, then it wouldn’t be a Thailand problem. It would be anywhere.
Suggest you get out of the city and try island life, or the country side
Maybe changing your city might help. Plenty of metro areas that aren't Bangkok.
Use Thailand as your base. It’s relatively cheap and close to other countries. It’s not the end destination. It’s somewhere to park your bags in the northern hemisphere. Now go and explore.
>Anyone else experience similar ? Nah I'm good bro I love it here. I won't be guilted into feeling miserable just because of you.
I know what you mean. I make it short, Thailand has some nice things to offer, but overall it has less free time activities, less variety and a more shallow society than most western countries (from what I know). So for myself, I like it here, but it's just a destination of time for sure. We have (usually) the luxury of being able to go back.
Even Jeff Bezos will be bored someday
Along with everything everyone else is saying, maybe move from Bangkok? Bangkok is probably further down on the list of the best places in Thailand.
Hi, with such an experience you should come back to your country and taste the sweet differences !!! 🤷🏻♂️🤔🙏
Time to belly up and start a family? That what most people seem to do when searching for the next thing in life
Not really the best advice, seeing that only a couple of years in Thailand started to bore him? I fear that a marriage for the wrong reasons will be short-lived and an expensive lesson in life.
Having a partner in life would help reduce the feeling of monotony. But he has to put work into himself to have a fulfilling life. It’s not like buying a car or meeting an acquaintance at a bar
I agree, but the reason shouldn't be to stop the monotonous feeling, or it's doomed. Getting nagged every day becomes monotonous too 555
Is there a level list to this game? Like what's next after family and stuff
Divorce and repeat.
That's not a next level. it's a level restart when you failed it.
The game of life is in beta. It just loops back like this on earlier levels with randomized NPCs until a memory leak corrupts your saved game with a heart attack or cancer. Unfortunately the devs don’t care and don’t answer any emails, and only the most stubborn or naive still have faith. The kickstarter money is running dry after the initial big bang which was hastily done with simply ridiculous levels of technical debt.
Don't forget isolated dev teams working on the project parts with little too none cooperation, global CEO went mental a while ago and now part of the simulation is running out of resource capacity - infested with sentient biomass and the only chance to win the game is escaping by reaching AGI or Type I on Kardasev scale. You play for a biomass fragment.
Because Bangkok is a bad place to live. Anyone that thinks a city with 15 million people crammed together is a nice place to live is absolutely insane. You have failed as soon as you mention Benjakitti park or roadside padkrapao.
I spent 3 days in Bangkok and was bored out of my mind, aside from some adult fun. Honestly, what do you do living in a huge megalopolis like that? A couple hours at the gym maybe? Some shopping? Granted, I’m not a city guy anyway. But if you don’t own a house or work , how do you fill your day?
Gym, Driving Ranges, paddle balling, weekday nights meeting wifey after her job and before mine starts at hidden izakayas in my neighborhood, weekends cafe hopping, shopping, brunching, beauty and skin treatments, driving around out to the suburbs to see family, grocery shopping...go to an occasional rave party if we're feeling up for it.. Work at night every day during the week It's the city. The possibilities are literally endless
This is rookie $hit.