Hi Pat, I just found your channel, great content, good to see you on here. I'm Neil who used to run an internet cafe next to Kanjana apartments with Saly, thanks for your mention just after 3 minutes in this video. We went on to run a guest house and bar for 5 years on Koh Chang. We got divorced in 2010 and I returned to live in the UK in 2011. Saly is still on Koh Chang running a guesthouse. In 2003 there were a number of Africans living in that area too, just across the road on Ekkamai soi 30 I think it was, and there was an African internet cafe a few doors down from my former internet cafe. Running that internet cafe was a very interesting chapter of my life and a good introduction into not only Thai culture, but also African culture. Since returning to live in the UK, I have worked with a number of people in the Afro-Caribbean community, including reggae artists and DJs, making websites and helping them online or with their business. I made my first trip to Africa in 2022, staying in Morocco where I was well looked after by Morrocan people - ua-cam.com/video/Iue6LSt3lzI/v-deo.html Nice to see you mentioned about the elephants in this video Pat. I have warm memories of feeding an elephant every week whilst running that internet cafe, a Thai family would often walk past with an elephant on their way to one of the tourist areas. I can vividly remember sitting around a table with a group of people drinking, smoking and chatting outside that internet cafe one evening, when all of a sudden an elephants trunk appeared and I look around to see a smiling elephant. I love elephants, we used to go swimming with them on Koh Chang. I published a book about my travelling days in 2017 called "The Travellers Guide To The Holograhpic Universe" its available on Amazon or a copy can be ordered from a major book store. Last month I had surgery to remove a very old injury and since my physical health is much better now, I'm embarking on a new venture as an energy healer, www.quantumhealer.uk Thanks again for bringing up some good memories Pat. I remember we shared some good moments and interesting conversations back in 2003. Keep up the good work !
Hi Neil, so glad you found the video, which I was hoping! Those days around Khlong Tan were a learning experience for me, just the simple things about adapting to Bangkok! And now I've seen your email, I'll continue from there....
I’m living in Rural Thailand, married to a Thai for 20 years , I watch many u tubers on Thailand and Cambodia Just got onto your channel , I’m impressed Peter
I have lived here for 7 years now and hail originally from London. The thing which I really cannot get used to is the continuous noise everywhere when walking although I have double glazed my house to UK standards so I live very well and cheaply (£500 PCM for a 3 bed detached, 2 bathroom, shared pool etc) in a Bangkok suburb so cannot really complain. I am an ex-British headteacher and now teach here in an International School, I would never return to GB as the students here work three times harder than the average ‘Brit’ back home plus, despite a lower salary, the stress levels in the work environment are almost non-existent. I recommend you move here; its great, no scum bags harassing you on the street, no normalisation of thievery and the people on the trains literally remind me of how is was on the District Line in the 70s, albeit without the bowler hats, before England changed to the Third World.
I learned to accept the noise to a certain extent, obviously it gets a bit ridiculous but it's fine where l live. The uneccesary noise is what can be really annoying though. The UK started going 3rd world after Blair got in
I got the same vibe travelling Thailand for 3 weeks. A vibrant can do place with low costs and generally well behaved people. Certainly not dominated by Teens and 'Karens' and self entitled people. A nation as one, with its flaws out in the open. So glad to hear I wasn't far wrong from an ex-pat.
For some of us older retirees, if you plan well and love living in a city, there is no more vibrant and exciting place to live in my opinion in the entire world. Bangkok has everything top shopping malls top restaurants food from every corner of the globe, great mass transit system and medical facilities . most of all friendly outstanding people and culture. I would not live anywhere else. Is it getting expensive? Absolutely but what world class city that has everything Bangkok has to offer isn’t getting expensive.👍
Made me think about when I left my home country many years ago to live in Japan. Never intended to stay so long, but still here. Been here so long, I’m a tourist in my native country.
Great shots, great edits, no shaky footage, music and audio balanced, and best of all you are a great storyteller. The content was informative and no fake hype. I moved to Bkk in April 2023 and I am enjoying it everyday. If you are up for some lunch and some conversation let me know. Cheers!
One of your most interesting videos. I remember being in BKK in that era, 2B bus rides, no google maps, internet cafes an absolute necessity . No nostalgia, but as you said "life wasn't too bad after all".
@@BangkokPat not knowing any better was a big factor for sure... Looking back, "almost clueless" sometimes. Much easier to explore cities like Bangkok nowadays, and that's a good thing.
Said it before Pat but you put these videos together so well. You must spend hours editing etc, looking for perfection, and bordering on OCD but the final result is top class. Cheers
Cheers!! It's not OCD, I just want it to look right! It's not that difficult. Just that editing is not really looked at as a view puller on YT so the algorithyms!!
You are a living history book, Pat, and not boring at all. Just when I think you have gone to every nooks and crannies of BKK, you surprise us with something else😮. Well done.😊
Another great video Pat!. Everytime I was leaving Thailand, I always regretted not spending more time in Bangkok. There was something about the place I couldnt articulate, The light, the noise, the smog, the energy, The people, There is no where else like it, it put a deep hook in me from the first 5 minutes I was there. I get that feeling from your videos loud and clear!. Keep up the great work!.
Now that I'm retired and living here myself instead of watching your videos from afar and wishing, I want to thank you Pat. Thanks for the care and thoughtfulness you put into each (most) of your videos, it has been an enjoyable education for me. Also appreciate the comments about certain restaurants or bars you like or don't. Heaven help anyone with pretentions that you may run into. I also find many of your viewers comments interesting, not the usual punter here, some have actually been to school.. As one Leeds born gezzer to another, cheers mate, ta ra see ye.
I have to admit that the mood of your video is very accurate and matched my mood when I lived there almost 20 years ago. Thanks for making this video! 🙂👍🏻
9:15 what a little gem of graffiti (Art). Thank you Pat. I've only watched a few of your video's on this channel so far, but this one really captured me. The story and history, your eye for urban glitter and grunge in equal measure, had me spellbound. How many people will now want to stay at the Nana Vegas and drink beer and watch the trains? Probably more than just me.
Lived in Klong Tan in 1988-1989 at Best House apartment - seen in this video but not identified - no Ekkami flyover in those days as Ekkami intersection was a T-junction as the Ram Inta Expressway had not been built and Rama 9 road did not open until the beginning of 1989.Foodland was there and next to it was quite a famous entertainment complex called Music Villa.. The Nasa Vagas apartments weren't built at this time but on the other side of Rankamhang road was the very the popular Nasa Disco from which these apartments got their name.
This must be your most personal video yet. And as such it has become an engrossing miniature masterpiece about ones life's hopes and struggles, about moods and emotions and about the impermanence of it all. With images in which these memories seem to still reverberate and with a choice of music that opens up the space for them in the first place. A video that has struck so many chords with me as if a grand piano's sustain pedal had been pressed throughout. Amazing.
Brilliant video really honest, nostalgic and explains your love for Bangkok. Its actually quite heroic to move to a new country and a new city to build a life for yourself. They dont make movies about it, but at least there is youtube right?
@@BangkokPat Nobody is ever satisfied, Pat. If human beings could be satisfied we'd still be living in trees. But what about my compliment indicated I was unsatisfied? It was pure praise.
Always an interesting slice of Thai life, well researched and a pleasure to watch. The variety of your offerings really does you credit and long may this continue. Cheers, stay safe and all the best :)
Enjoyed your story Pat. My son moved to Thailand almost “blind” with $3000 in his pocket in 2014. Managed to get a job eventually but not until he made many boarder runs and had to move into a super cheap local neighborhood.
I have been to Bangkok 7 times since 2009 and this is the first time I have stayed for a month and gotten an apartment. It's just a studio but it has a balcony with a nice city view (I am in Lat Phrao about a 5 minute walk from Phwarma station on the Yellow Line), wifi, air-conditioning, a TV with many international channels, fridge, hot water shower, security and motorbike parking with building entry via key fob and very friendly building staff. There are two 7-11's just around each corner and a Lotus Express directly adjacent. I think it is the cheapest one month airbnb in Bangkok at $210 usd plus electric/water! It's clean, basic and I think, a terrific bargain. I have spent that much to stay in hotels for just three days. I think this place is even cheaper than a hostel but it's my own apartment and it's quiet at night. I was thinking of extending my stay but it's sold out next month so obviously I am not gthe only person who thought it was an unbelievable bargain.
Nice. This is not that typical ‘tourist’ video we used to see in the media. You reveal many of the niches of Bangkok and it’s ordinary people that not many tourists know. Your personal experience living in Bk is an ‘eye opener’ to many. I am from Singapore and visited BK and especially Issan regularly for 30+ yrs now. Sponsoring my Thai godson thru’ his in education and he had just graduated from Rangsit University recently. Best wishes in your endeavours in Thailand. 🙏
«Thanks» probably the shortest shoutout out there! I must have sent it a bit too prematurely. Thank you for your excellent content, your content was a big contributor to my relocation to Bangkok and I am still following to learn about the histories about Bangkok and beyond. I love your knowledge and the way you convey it! Keep it up and merry Xmas!
I enjoyed this video so much, Pat. As I have mentioned to you on previous videos, you produce such professional documentaries of the scene around Bangkok, no matter the topic. I love your choice of relaxing incidental music providing a real feel-good factor, combined with your superb cinematography, your relaxed 'pieces to camera' and the genuine visualisation of your thoughts. One example of your skill is at 4:04 - your slow 'zoom out' while you walked towards the camera, and the zoom halting at precisely the right moment! I am a layman, but can I presume this was a post-production effect? I loved your story of the flattened coins at 18:53 - and I am also curious as to whether your local friends Sally and Neil (mentioned at 3:31 ) have been in touch! I myself also found the content of this video quite nostalgic... I first visited Bangkok in 1989 and have returned to Thailand many times since. At that time, of course, there was no BTS towering above the streets, and I certainly remember the road traffic even in those days! But all memories are good! I am a retired Brit and I live in Spain these days. Because of financial issues, I have hankered after looking at Thailand from the point of view of relocating there, and indeed I paid a three-week visit there with a friend in March this year, visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Phuket. Needless to say, I was taken aback by the prices everywhere, not just in everyday items, but in rental accommodation. I realise that everything is a balance - nice area to live but expensive, against acceptable prices but in not-so-nice areas. In a way I was shocked, but perhaps I shouldn't have been. I know the world is changing rapidly, and I realise I am not the only person who would love to live in a beautiful place at a reasonable cost. But I think those days are disappearing rapidly, unless we were able to take the plunge a few years ago, as you did. Anyway, all the best to you, Pat, and I look forward to more of your brilliant presentations!
It is fascinating to hear about your history of living and working in Bangkok. I've lived a parallel life in Japan. However, I've been traveling to Thailand since 1987, so I feel great nostalgia for hearing stories and seeing footage of places I have known or been to in Bangkok. It really reminds me of some extraordinary times I've enjoyed over the years. Cheers
Hi Pat, I loved Bangkok as a younger person . Came for fun in 1982 and it was really an experience. Now I live by the coast and enjoy the relative quiet and prevailing clean air winds! Only venture to Bangkok when I have to, as I don't enjoy the 'madness'. Good vlog thanks!
Nostalgia Pat, you’ve reached a certain age, which means you have fond memories, mixed, but with the future a little uncertain, maybe a change is on the horizon, I really enjoyed this one thank you so much 😊
I stayed in the Nasa Vegas hotel in 2014. A room in the front corner where you could see the Airport Link station. I could hear diesels thrrashing away but couldn't see them because of the qirport line! Even then, the SRT linre station wqs right in front of the hotel as a vid on my channel shows. But as we know from our last trip out, it has swappwd sides.......
Hey mate. Stumbled across your videos this evening as I research my first trip to Thailand in Dec./Jan. I really like them. I enjoy the reflection on the past and how you avoid all the hype. Not sure what you are doing now but I am sensing that it has all worked out well for you.
Thank you for this great and well researched video, full of interesting insights about the not so distant past of Bangkok. The city of Angels is always evolving...
Pat your face when the train pulled to the station your face lit up 😊😊 interesting vlog ahh remember when internet cafes were a must near where you stayed how times have changed. The pet shops boys you cracked me up . Great vlog Pat
It happens to us all, when you dare to be adventurous. Nowadays there's a well trodden sterile path to living in Bkk that involves no risk or adventure whatsoever!
totally charming vlog .. with a lot of the bangkok I recall from years ago ! I imagine if you walk 200m away from a main road or station, down a random soi, you'll discover something interesting - you really captured that.
Really interesting mate. It's good to see your history as part of the city. I think you made the right choice, as opposed to first moving to a touristy area. Also you know a train man when is eyes light up as the 15.53 train pulls in. Cheers Pat!
Lived in ngamwongwarn road area in 2003 for 3 years Taught at ECC Went to Thailand with £500 in my pocket. Ended staying over 10 years Love the channel.
My playground base back in the 2000s was Grand Hi-Tech Tower 🛝 Great food on Ekkamai Soi 20 and 23. Never lived in Thailand though, never dared to take the leap into the darkness and as I have been based in more convenient although dull places in Asia, I never saw the need. But having visited Thailand more than 400 times and counting, it almost feels like I have lived there. Totally trip down on memory lane for many of us. Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏼
@@BangkokPat It was always decadent and worn out, that was the attraction 😅 Right, the food area was in Soi 30, lots of Issam places. I don’t know what’s the situation there. Last time I was there was in 2015, lots of changes since then. Like Sukkunvit soi 38 is gone now! Really sad For me, Bangkok has become like HK, Singapore, Tokyo. Really boring actually. I call it the Starbucksation of the Planet ☕️😖 The temple on Soi 23 must still be there… Oh Youth… Where did you go? 😢
Thanks for this video about "my" area! I oftenuse the train from Khlongtan, the boats from Thonlo pier or the walk along the Khlong Saen Saep. And don't forget " Nom Rim Khong" restaurant in Ekkamai Soi 23 has become really popular. And special thanks as always goes to the cats. May be I know even some of them personally!
You are my favorite Bangkok Vlogger Pat, I used to live in the city and happy to be back from time to time. The way and stories you are showing the city is just other league. Thanks so much and keep up this beautiful work! Just the Best for You
Thanks for the tour of Khlong Tan Pat. Yes, not an area I will consider moving to. I think I had one night at the Vegas hotel, at the start of a trip. I tend to go to Huai Khwang for a couple of nights now, before heading to Hua Hin. I might take the train there next time, as travel times are improving.
Hey Pat! Just returned from my first ever trip to Bangkok and watching your videos the last couple of months really made a difference with making things more interesting! So, thanks and keep it up!
A really enjoyable vlog Pat. The point about the difference between living on a soi versus on a big road is instructive. BTW I recently took the 3rd Class Express from Bang Sue to Ubon. I thought it would kill me but the patience of the people in the carriage was so inspiring.
Watch out for the hanging electrical wires through the alley ways and the soi's. And at the same time making sure you don't twist your ankles on the broken and uneven pavements. 😅 lol But that's what Makes Bangkok so Good 😅 Ramkhemheng area is pretty cool. The night market by Rajamangala stadium is nice. Not to far from the Nasa Vegas. Good video Pat 🙏. Brings back memories of my good and once innocent times in Bangkok.
The L train in Chicago gets closer to buildings than that. I swear there is only 3 feet between the train and some buildings. And these buildings do look like apartments.
Hi Mark, nice to meet you and thanks for stopping to say Hi. Have a good trip back to UK for 2 wks, enjoy the cold weather, sounds odd but I often miss the winters!
Such a great video I used to stay in Onnut as well for several years, really love that area too with the markets, easy access, beautiful condos, probably one of the best places to live if you like the city buzz but want to stay relatively on low budget
Hi Pat,
I just found your channel, great content, good to see you on here.
I'm Neil who used to run an internet cafe next to Kanjana apartments with Saly, thanks for your mention just after 3 minutes in this video.
We went on to run a guest house and bar for 5 years on Koh Chang.
We got divorced in 2010 and I returned to live in the UK in 2011. Saly is still on Koh Chang running a guesthouse.
In 2003 there were a number of Africans living in that area too, just across the road on Ekkamai soi 30 I think it was, and there was an African internet cafe a few doors down from my former internet cafe.
Running that internet cafe was a very interesting chapter of my life and a good introduction into not only Thai culture, but also African culture.
Since returning to live in the UK, I have worked with a number of people in the Afro-Caribbean community, including reggae artists and DJs, making websites and helping them online or with their business.
I made my first trip to Africa in 2022, staying in Morocco where I was well looked after by Morrocan people - ua-cam.com/video/Iue6LSt3lzI/v-deo.html
Nice to see you mentioned about the elephants in this video Pat. I have warm memories of feeding an elephant every week whilst running that internet cafe, a Thai family would often walk past with an elephant on their way to one of the tourist areas. I can vividly remember sitting around a table with a group of people drinking, smoking and chatting outside that internet cafe one evening, when all of a sudden an elephants trunk appeared and I look around to see a smiling elephant. I love elephants, we used to go swimming with them on Koh Chang.
I published a book about my travelling days in 2017 called "The Travellers Guide To The Holograhpic Universe" its available on Amazon or a copy can be ordered from a major book store.
Last month I had surgery to remove a very old injury and since my physical health is much better now, I'm embarking on a new venture as an energy healer, www.quantumhealer.uk
Thanks again for bringing up some good memories Pat. I remember we shared some good moments and interesting conversations back in 2003.
Keep up the good work !
Hi Neil, so glad you found the video, which I was hoping! Those days around Khlong Tan were a learning experience for me, just the simple things about adapting to Bangkok! And now I've seen your email, I'll continue from there....
I’m living in Rural Thailand, married to a Thai for 20 years , I watch many u tubers on Thailand and Cambodia
Just got onto your channel , I’m impressed
Peter
Thanks Peter, glad you found the channel!
Brilliant vlog Pat. You really captured that feeling of being young, fairly skint and slightly clueless, but so happy to be there, in a new city.
Cheers, you describe me very well!!
I have lived here for 7 years now and hail originally from London. The thing which I really cannot get used to is the continuous noise everywhere when walking although I have double glazed my house to UK standards so I live very well and cheaply (£500 PCM for a 3 bed detached, 2 bathroom, shared pool etc) in a
Bangkok suburb so cannot really complain.
I am an ex-British headteacher and now teach here in an International School, I would never return to GB as the students here work three times harder than the average ‘Brit’ back home plus, despite a lower salary, the stress levels in the work environment are almost non-existent. I recommend you move here; its great, no scum bags harassing you on the street, no normalisation of thievery and the people on the trains literally remind me of how is was on the District Line in the 70s, albeit without the bowler hats, before England changed to the Third World.
I learned to accept the noise to a certain extent, obviously it gets a bit ridiculous but it's fine where l live. The uneccesary noise is what can be really annoying though. The UK started going 3rd world after Blair got in
Anyway it is good to live in the Third World if you are a wealthy farang.
Sadly the US big cities are also 3rd world now also
Agree, the noice can drive you nuts!
Wait until a Thai neighbour gets a rooster as a pet next to you…
🐓
I got the same vibe travelling Thailand for 3 weeks. A vibrant can do place with low costs and generally well behaved people. Certainly not dominated by Teens and 'Karens' and self entitled people. A nation as one, with its flaws out in the open. So glad to hear I wasn't far wrong from an ex-pat.
For some of us older retirees, if you plan well and love living in a city, there is no more vibrant and exciting place to live in my opinion in the entire world. Bangkok has everything top shopping malls top restaurants food from every corner of the globe, great mass transit system and medical facilities . most of all friendly outstanding people and culture. I would not live anywhere else. Is it getting expensive? Absolutely but what world class city that has everything Bangkok has to offer isn’t getting expensive.👍
Better than living in London , a city I lived in for 40 years.
Bangers is fun to visit, but living in the country is far better …
@@steveh222Name big cities that aren't like that.
For coffee and ice cream.😊
Thank you so much as always! Very nice of you to support the chennel!
Made me think about when I left my home country many years ago to live in Japan. Never intended to stay so long, but still here. Been here so long, I’m a tourist in my native country.
I think , you made en exellent decision.
Same for me. Forty years in Kansai.🙂
Great shots, great edits, no shaky footage, music and audio balanced, and best of all you are a great storyteller. The content was informative and no fake hype. I moved to Bkk in April 2023 and I am enjoying it everyday. If you are up for some lunch and some conversation let me know. Cheers!
One of your most interesting videos. I remember being in BKK in that era, 2B bus rides, no google maps, internet cafes an absolute necessity . No nostalgia, but as you said "life wasn't too bad after all".
I suppose it wasn't bad because we didn't know any better!! Cheers 😻
Without google maps, would be level 99 pro :)
@@BangkokPat the Pet Shop Boys nickname is absolutely genius!
@@BangkokPat not knowing any better was a big factor for sure... Looking back, "almost clueless" sometimes. Much easier to explore cities like Bangkok nowadays, and that's a good thing.
BEST CHANELL ABOUT DOC HISTORY OF BKK - CONGRATS PAT
Thanks a lot Renato, and hope you're well! Feliz Natal!!
Funny. The Nasa Vegas was the first hotel I stayed in when I first arrived in Bangkok. I too sat by the railway line and drank cold beer.
Not much else to do back then, best part of Nasa Vegas is the railway track
Said it before Pat but you put these videos together so well.
You must spend hours editing etc, looking for perfection, and bordering on OCD but the final result is top class. Cheers
Cheers!! It's not OCD, I just want it to look right! It's not that difficult. Just that editing is not really looked at as a view puller on YT so the algorithyms!!
You are a living history book, Pat, and not boring at all. Just when I think you have gone to every nooks and crannies of BKK, you surprise us with something else😮. Well done.😊
Glad you enjoyed it and as you know I love exploring!!
Another great video Pat!. Everytime I was leaving Thailand, I always regretted not spending more time in Bangkok. There was something about the place I couldnt articulate, The light, the noise, the smog, the energy, The people, There is no where else like it, it put a deep hook in me from the first 5 minutes I was there. I get that feeling from your videos loud and clear!. Keep up the great work!.
Great description, it's a city worth looking at a little closer for sure.😎
It's almost like you've created "smell-a-vision"! The gritty details come through on all levels!
Thanks Mark!
Brilliant as always ! Thank you Pat ! Keep going !!!
I like your content got immersed with the rawness and saying how it is.
The almost year round heavy smog pollution is a big bummer for Bangkok.
Now that I'm retired and living here myself instead of watching your videos from afar and wishing, I want to thank you Pat. Thanks for the care and thoughtfulness you put into each (most) of your videos, it has been an enjoyable education for me. Also appreciate the comments about certain restaurants or bars you like or don't. Heaven help anyone with pretentions that you may run into.
I also find many of your viewers comments interesting, not the usual punter here, some have actually been to school.. As one Leeds born gezzer to another, cheers mate, ta ra see ye.
I have to admit that the mood of your video is very accurate and matched my mood when I lived there almost 20 years ago. Thanks for making this video! 🙂👍🏻
Thank you and very nice to hear that, hope your time there was interesting!!
Even though i spend most of my early days in the north, Bangkok holds a special place in my heart. Your videos truly take us down memory lane.
9:15 what a little gem of graffiti (Art).
Thank you Pat. I've only watched a few of your video's on this channel so far, but this one really captured me. The story and history, your eye for urban glitter and grunge in equal measure, had me spellbound. How many people will now want to stay at the Nana Vegas and drink beer and watch the trains? Probably more than just me.
It's between a movie and documentary yet provides a lot of information. Well done and congratulations.
Lived in Klong Tan in 1988-1989 at Best House apartment - seen in this video but not identified - no Ekkami flyover in those days as Ekkami intersection was a T-junction as the Ram Inta Expressway had not been built and Rama 9 road did not open until the beginning of 1989.Foodland was there and next to it was quite a famous entertainment complex called Music Villa.. The Nasa Vagas apartments weren't built at this time but on the other side of Rankamhang road was the very the popular Nasa Disco from which these apartments got their name.
This must be your most personal video yet.
And as such it has become an engrossing miniature masterpiece about ones life's hopes and struggles, about moods and emotions and about the impermanence of it all.
With images in which these memories seem to still reverberate and with a choice of music that opens up the space for them in the first place.
A video that has struck so many chords with me as if a grand piano's sustain pedal had been pressed throughout.
Amazing.
Thank you so much for the kind words, it was a time that I think will stay in my mind as a big leap I took with very minimal preparation and finances.
Brilliant video really honest, nostalgic and explains your love for Bangkok. Its actually quite heroic to move to a new country and a new city to build a life for yourself. They dont make movies about it, but at least there is youtube right?
Thanks Ross, that's probably why l started the channel! The adventures we now have fond memories of, which at the time were quite testing!
I like all of your videos but I especially appreciate the ones (like this one) where you share about your personal experiences. Good on ya.
One of the best down to earth blogs Iv seen about thailand/BK
Cheers John, no illusions on this video, everyone got here sonehow, many would never tell you the real reason why or how much they arrived with!!
If I may be permitted to speak, that was great. Personal, revealing, honest. Maybe a little bit outside your comfort zone. Kudos.
You're never satisfied are you Steve, l was very comfortable filming that. Nice weather, canal, trains, cats, it was almost perfect.
@@BangkokPat Nobody is ever satisfied, Pat. If human beings could be satisfied we'd still be living in trees. But what about my compliment indicated I was unsatisfied? It was pure praise.
Always an interesting slice of Thai life, well researched and a pleasure to watch. The variety of your offerings really does you credit and long may this continue. Cheers, stay safe and all the best :)
Cheers😎😻
Enjoyed your story Pat. My son moved to Thailand almost “blind” with $3000 in his pocket in 2014. Managed to get a job eventually but not until he made many boarder runs and had to move into a super cheap local neighborhood.
DK TODAY! Been there so many times for material back in the day. Fond Memories. TY K.Pat.
Your channel really deserves 100s of thousands of subscribers.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
I have been to Bangkok 7 times since 2009 and this is the first time I have stayed for a month and gotten an apartment. It's just a studio but it has a balcony with a nice city view (I am in Lat Phrao about a 5 minute walk from Phwarma station on the Yellow Line), wifi, air-conditioning, a TV with many international channels, fridge, hot water shower, security and motorbike parking with building entry via key fob and very friendly building staff. There are two 7-11's just around each corner and a Lotus Express directly adjacent. I think it is the cheapest one month airbnb in Bangkok at $210 usd plus electric/water! It's clean, basic and I think, a terrific bargain. I have spent that much to stay in hotels for just three days. I think this place is even cheaper than a hostel but it's my own apartment and it's quiet at night. I was thinking of extending my stay but it's sold out next month so obviously I am not gthe only person who thought it was an unbelievable bargain.
They should employ you for marketing!!!
Haha, appreciate it - it really is a bargain!@@BangkokPat
I’ve been 85+ times……hmmm
Nice.
This is not that typical ‘tourist’ video we used to see in the media.
You reveal many of the niches of Bangkok and it’s ordinary people that not many tourists know.
Your personal experience living in Bk is an ‘eye opener’ to many.
I am from Singapore and visited BK and especially Issan regularly for 30+ yrs now.
Sponsoring my Thai godson thru’ his in education and he had just graduated from Rangsit University recently.
Best wishes in your endeavours in Thailand. 🙏
Thanks! Too many videos out there aimed at typical tourists, crowded market so l made my own niche!!
Wow. Rangsit u is a prominent private university thus quite expensive. You're very kind to your godson.
I lived on ekkamai Soi 30 back in 2009 and saw my building in this video cheers 😊
«Thanks» probably the shortest shoutout out there! I must have sent it a bit too prematurely.
Thank you for your excellent content, your content was a big contributor to my relocation to Bangkok and I am still following to learn about the histories about Bangkok and beyond. I love your knowledge and the way you convey it! Keep it up and merry Xmas!
Thanks for the support!!
I enjoyed this video so much, Pat. As I have mentioned to you on previous videos, you produce such professional documentaries of the scene around Bangkok, no matter the topic.
I love your choice of relaxing incidental music providing a real feel-good factor, combined with your superb cinematography, your relaxed 'pieces to camera' and the genuine visualisation of your thoughts. One example of your skill is at 4:04 - your slow 'zoom out' while you walked towards the camera, and the zoom halting at precisely the right moment! I am a layman, but can I presume this was a post-production effect?
I loved your story of the flattened coins at 18:53 - and I am also curious as to whether your local friends Sally and Neil (mentioned at 3:31 ) have been in touch!
I myself also found the content of this video quite nostalgic... I first visited Bangkok in 1989 and have returned to Thailand many times since.
At that time, of course, there was no BTS towering above the streets, and I certainly remember the road traffic even in those days! But all memories are good!
I am a retired Brit and I live in Spain these days. Because of financial issues, I have hankered after looking at Thailand from the point of view of relocating there, and indeed I paid a three-week visit there with a friend in March this year, visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Phuket.
Needless to say, I was taken aback by the prices everywhere, not just in everyday items, but in rental accommodation. I realise that everything is a balance - nice area to live but expensive, against acceptable prices but in not-so-nice areas. In a way I was shocked, but perhaps I shouldn't have been.
I know the world is changing rapidly, and I realise I am not the only person who would love to live in a beautiful place at a reasonable cost. But I think those days are disappearing rapidly, unless we were able to take the plunge a few years ago, as you did.
Anyway, all the best to you, Pat, and I look forward to more of your brilliant presentations!
Absolutely enjoy it. Thanks Pat.
You really got an outstanding vibe in this one! great shots, loved the roughness you show in them. Nicely done!
It is fascinating to hear about your history of living and working in Bangkok. I've lived a parallel life in Japan. However, I've been traveling to Thailand since 1987, so I feel great nostalgia for hearing stories and seeing footage of places I have known or been to in Bangkok. It really reminds me of some extraordinary times I've enjoyed over the years. Cheers
Thanks John. Hope Japan was equally as adventurous!
This video is pure gold!!! you are literally answering everything left I need to ask about moving there... nice one Pat!!!
Fantastic work with the soundtrack, Pat. Hits all the right spots that evokes nostalgia 👏 thanks for the personal history.
Hi Pat, I loved Bangkok as a younger person . Came for fun in 1982 and it was really an experience. Now I live by the coast and enjoy the relative quiet and prevailing clean air winds! Only venture to Bangkok when I have to, as I don't enjoy the 'madness'. Good vlog thanks!
Thank you 😻
Very enjoyable. Yes it is the same excitement looking back just over 2 years on arrival. Some excellent advice and a lovely story.
Nostalgia Pat, you’ve reached a certain age, which means you have fond memories, mixed, but with the future a little uncertain, maybe a change is on the horizon, I really enjoyed this one thank you so much 😊
Thanks for the update of neighbor hoods we would never seen how they where years ago. Time changes everything. Thanks Pat
I stayed in the Nasa Vegas hotel in 2014. A room in the front corner where you could see the Airport Link station. I could hear diesels thrrashing away but couldn't see them because of the qirport line! Even then, the SRT linre station wqs right in front of the hotel as a vid on my channel shows. But as we know from our last trip out, it has swappwd sides.......
Nasa hotel weren't too keen on the riff raff getting off trains in front of the hotel, maybe it cramped their style...
Hey mate. Stumbled across your videos this evening as I research my first trip to Thailand in Dec./Jan. I really like them. I enjoy the reflection on the past and how you avoid all the hype. Not sure what you are doing now but I am sensing that it has all worked out well for you.
good that one pat
Love your style mate. Romanticizing the daily urban ugliness. Many thanks!!
Someone's gotta do it!
Great to see you at the meet up on Saturday 😊.
I'm the one from Singapore
Great vlog. Real...truthful...modern up to date views
Brilliant life story Pat! Wish I had the balls to move to Bangkok and leave my hometown!
As usual great video🎉 Thank you❤
What a great video! You are a great story teller 🙏👍
Thank you for this great and well researched video, full of interesting insights about the not so distant past of Bangkok. The city of Angels is always evolving...
Glad you enjoyed it Paulo, cheers 😻
hi Pat, your visual story telling and excellent content is world class. Thanks for sharing your Khlong Tan chapter in life! A long time fan in Texas!
4:02 ... Pad 25 years ago with the same smile. Looks like taken in London. I need the adress of your hairsaloon there
That was on the skytrain!!
Pat your face when the train pulled to the station your face lit up 😊😊 interesting vlog ahh remember when internet cafes were a must near where you stayed how times have changed. The pet shops boys you cracked me up . Great vlog Pat
I knew the train was coming.... I wanted to keep the shot of me looking at it....
Great video. It brings back so many memories of when I first moved to Bangkok...the trepidation, nervous exploration, and poor residential choices.
It happens to us all, when you dare to be adventurous. Nowadays there's a well trodden sterile path to living in Bkk that involves no risk or adventure whatsoever!
5:29 Tiny little cow grazing by the canal.
That cow ran away from me 😻
totally charming vlog .. with a lot of the bangkok I recall from years ago ! I imagine if you walk 200m away from a main road or station, down a random soi, you'll discover something interesting - you really captured that.
Really interesting mate. It's good to see your history as part of the city. I think you made the right choice, as opposed to first moving to a touristy area. Also you know a train man when is eyes light up as the 15.53 train pulls in. Cheers Pat!
My surprise was more that the train was actually on time!
Yes, you can see Pat's eyes lighting up at 14:06 - such excellent timing in his commentary! Michael Portillo watch out!! 😀
Another great and interesting video Pat. Thanks for sharing.
So interesting, thank you Pat.
Lived in ngamwongwarn road area in 2003 for 3 years Taught at ECC
Went to Thailand with £500 in my pocket. Ended staying over 10 years
Love the channel.
Cheers Gary 😻😎
My playground base back in the 2000s was Grand Hi-Tech Tower 🛝 Great food on Ekkamai Soi 20 and 23. Never lived in Thailand though, never dared to take the leap into the darkness and as I have been based in more convenient although dull places in Asia, I never saw the need. But having visited Thailand more than 400 times and counting, it almost feels like I have lived there.
Totally trip down on memory lane for many of us. Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏼
Cheers. Hi Tech is looking a bit worn out & ragged nowadays but still survives in that spot down in the corner of Soi 23.
@@BangkokPat It was always decadent and worn out, that was the attraction 😅
Right, the food area was in Soi 30, lots of Issam places. I don’t know what’s the situation there. Last time I was there was in 2015, lots of changes since then. Like Sukkunvit soi 38 is gone now! Really sad
For me, Bangkok has become like HK, Singapore, Tokyo. Really boring actually. I call it the Starbucksation of the Planet ☕️😖
The temple on Soi 23 must still be there…
Oh Youth… Where did you go? 😢
Thanks for this video about "my" area! I oftenuse the train from Khlongtan, the boats from Thonlo pier or the walk along the Khlong Saen Saep.
And don't forget " Nom Rim Khong" restaurant in Ekkamai Soi 23 has become really popular.
And special thanks as always goes to the cats. May be I know even some of them personally!
Great video
Funny enough NASA vegas was the first hotel I stayed in Bangkok.
It wasn't too bad not sure what it's like these days though.
You are my favorite Bangkok Vlogger Pat, I used to live in the city and happy to be back from time to time. The way and stories you are showing the city is just other league. Thanks so much and keep up this beautiful work! Just the Best for You
Thanks Marc for the kind words, have a good Xmas!
Thanks for the tour of Khlong Tan Pat. Yes, not an area I will consider moving to. I think I had one night at the Vegas hotel, at the start of a trip. I tend to go to Huai Khwang for a couple of nights now, before heading to Hua Hin. I might take the train there next time, as travel times are improving.
solid video. probably the most informative here.
Hey Pat! Just returned from my first ever trip to Bangkok and watching your videos the last couple of months really made a difference with making things more interesting! So, thanks and keep it up!
You’re an interesting, fascinating guy Pat.
Thank you very much.
Enjoyed that one Pat. Well done mate.
great video, yes Neil has a small hotel in Ko Chang
Make sure he sees the old neighbourhood in this video!
A really enjoyable vlog Pat. The point about the difference between living on a soi versus on a big road is instructive. BTW I recently took the 3rd Class Express from Bang Sue to Ubon. I thought it would kill me but the patience of the people in the carriage was so inspiring.
Great video Pat, great video
Thanks Pat another great video
your soundtracks are still master class! 🙂
I really got the feel of your early experiences through your narrative, visuals and music, what a great vlog
Watch out for the hanging electrical wires through the alley ways and the soi's. And at the same time making sure you don't twist your ankles on the broken and uneven pavements. 😅 lol
But that's what Makes Bangkok so Good 😅
Ramkhemheng area is pretty cool.
The night market by Rajamangala stadium is nice. Not to far from the Nasa Vegas. Good video Pat 🙏. Brings back memories of my good and once innocent times in Bangkok.
Thanks for video Pat. Discovering Bangkok like you did will not happen to me. For you it was the hardest way...and unplanned.
The L train in Chicago gets closer to buildings than that. I swear there is only 3 feet between the train and some buildings. And these buildings do look like apartments.
Hey Pat nice to talk to you today! Hope you got the video you were trying to get. Forgot to mention I also like all the cats in the videos! haha :)
Hi Mark, nice to meet you and thanks for stopping to say Hi. Have a good trip back to UK for 2 wks, enjoy the cold weather, sounds odd but I often miss the winters!
Isn't it funny where life takes us Pat? Love your work mate. Please pass on my greetings to May as well! 🙏🙏👍👍
Cheers Bill 🐱
Hi kun Bill 🙏🥰🥰
Hello there May@@jurimay6579
great work, very interesting -
So much Bangkok lore in this. Many thanks!
A very nostalgic and interesting video Pat and very good to watch all the same 👍
Glad you enjoyed it, cheers 😎😎
Great advice , Pat !
Cheers Paul!!
Such a great video I used to stay in Onnut as well for several years, really love that area too with the markets, easy access, beautiful condos, probably one of the best places to live if you like the city buzz but want to stay relatively on low budget
Bangkok we always used the Train , or bus, the river boats is awesome for evening tour to see temples at night,
Good entry, love a look back
Excellent content. Thank You. Always wondered why you seemed to know so much about the NASA hotel area
love the content. LEGEND PAT
Great video! You are an excellent presenter!
Thank you! 😃
Missed taking a walk with you last trip, Pat. Will be sure to make time for it next trip … 🙏🏽
Awesome video