Reverse Culture Shock - Thailand Back to USA

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  • Опубліковано 22 кві 2024
  • Yes, it is possible to have reverse culture shock. We visited the USA after living in Thailand for three years. Hear what the differences are in this quick video.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 103

  • @user-ps4fs6ts4t
    @user-ps4fs6ts4t 27 днів тому +23

    Its not just the prices. Been here for 3 years. Great people, no yelling and screaming. Police are great, there polite and dont hassle you. Wonderful way of life here. You really dont need Medical insurance. I was in hospital for two weeks and me bill was 100,000 baht. Thats about 3k in America. In U.S. that would have been over 50k. Its a very happy and peaceful life, stress free.

  • @danporath536
    @danporath536 28 днів тому +20

    Been gone from the U.S. for thirteen years, I could not handle the adjustment going back.

  • @jnsa9454
    @jnsa9454 27 днів тому +12

    "Sickened by prices..." Tony, that's spot on.

  • @itisus18
    @itisus18 28 днів тому +23

    I can't wait to visit Thailand someday and experience all of the differences that you mentioned! Retirement is only 4 years away!

  • @Rowestah
    @Rowestah 27 днів тому +16

    My biggest culture shock was coming back to the US and seeing pad krapao for $25USD and not 20-40thb. I'm trying to do all I can to get back to Thailand, but finding a sustainable income anything close to the US seems impossible.

    • @KTT_-vw2ur
      @KTT_-vw2ur 25 днів тому

      There are a lot of digital nomad groups in Chiang Mai that you could get in touch with to get advice on how to go about it.

    • @Rowestah
      @Rowestah 25 днів тому

      @@KTT_-vw2ur Of course. I just think I don’t have the skills or experience of a typical digital nomad so it wouldn’t be as feasible

    • @KTT_-vw2ur
      @KTT_-vw2ur 25 днів тому

      @@Rowestah 6-7 years ago, I was searching for online opportunities and stumbled upon microstock - selling photos and videos online. Now, I earn a decent income by traveling around Thailand, capturing photos and videos to sell on microstock sites.

  • @Mark-yo5ue
    @Mark-yo5ue 27 днів тому +6

    Your observations about price of food is 100% correct. I recently moved back to the US from Europe and was shocked to see that prices of goods, especially food had doubled or tripled since I was last living in the US. It’s absolutely disgusting. Thailand prices are comparatively much more attractive than in the past! Go Thailand!

  • @Techfanatic73
    @Techfanatic73 28 днів тому +6

    Despite smokey season I am leaning more and more to Chang Mai as a place to settler. The cost of living and just the amount of stuff there.

  • @jeremyoliviervoice
    @jeremyoliviervoice 27 днів тому +4

    You are right on with a lot of these points. I have been living in Korea for 11 years now and I'm originally from Minnesota. Here are some of my reverse culture shocks. 1. After living around Korea with such an active culture, I was taken-back by all the really overweight people back home. 2. The food portions were too much and ridiculously salty. 3. Wifi is EVERYWHERE in Korea. I kinda found that annoying to find any wifi areas. 4. Compared to Korea, people back in America are so super-serious. Did you find that a difference from Thailand? 5. A positive was all the space. It's always nice to visit family and friends and have room to move around.
    I know there are a lot more things I'm forgetting, but your list is "spot on"!
    My wife and I visited Chiang Mai for a week back in February and I can't wait to visit again. There is a charm to that place!
    Have you considered doing any collaboration videos with fellow expats in Chiang Mai?
    I'd love to see a video with you and "Jon in Chiang Mai"!
    I also feel that reverse culture shock the same as you, but living abroad is so much better!!!

  • @actionator
    @actionator 28 днів тому +7

    Prices in Michigan grocery stores are up 200-300% in the past few years. If you went to Austin, that’s the fastest growing city around.

    • @DreamofThailand19000
      @DreamofThailand19000 27 днів тому

      Same in Chicago. I pay double or triple for groceries for the past 2 years. Painful! 😣

    • @actionator
      @actionator 27 днів тому +2

      @@DreamofThailand19000 make your nest egg here & spend it elsewhere. When I can get 30 days on the ocean in a resort in SE Asia for cheaper than 1 night on the ocean in FL…sign me up!

  • @woodyexplorer
    @woodyexplorer 27 днів тому +2

    You made all good points. Thx for sharing.

  • @nanwithabackpack
    @nanwithabackpack 27 днів тому +4

    Oh wow yes the driving speed, I noticed that when I went back to uk. I was so worried about the speed. Also cold 🥶 and food portions!!! 😂

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  27 днів тому

      When ya coming back???

    • @nanwithabackpack
      @nanwithabackpack 27 днів тому

      After Vietnam and Cambodia 😁 I can’t wait to get back 🥰

  • @CKology
    @CKology 27 днів тому +2

    Nice insights ! I hv never seen lawyer sign ✍🏾 in south east Asia

  • @mancello
    @mancello 28 днів тому +6

    They do everything big in Texas. I was recently in Thailand for a month, mostly in Bangkok and south of Bangkok. Every day the temperature was 100° f with high humidity. When I came back to the states it was actually quite refreshing having cooler air and not sweating within 5 minutes of walking outside.

    • @dapro2524
      @dapro2524 28 днів тому +2

      Go to Chang Mai in November and December

  • @marco1324661
    @marco1324661 26 днів тому +4

    Every time I come back to northern Europe from South-East Asia (usually i stay in Indonesia, but Thailand also fantastic), I get sick of the weather, people cold like ice, noone looks at you in the eyes and smiles, 10€ for a bunch of tomatoes or two pepperoni, crazy. Can't wait to be back in one month and eat like king for less than 2€, and besides! Paying less does not equal to less quality in SEA, the food quality is so much better than in northern Europe, fresh ingredients if you eat local, excellent taste and to be honest experience too. I am not going out in northern europe to eat, i don't like the experience. Paying 25€ for a good meal , with cold and grey skies outside is not quite the same. I am sure USA is the tropics compared to north europe , but still can understand that if you compare it to Thailand it is pretty bad, at least from my personal tastes. There is many reasons to stay in Thailand, when I retire I definitely will not want to live in north europe , move there forever once arrange the visa. Probably back to Indonesia, but this year stay in Thailand

    • @imonmywaybyoreo
      @imonmywaybyoreo 24 дні тому +2

      ประเทศ​ไทย​ยินดี​ต้อนรับ​ค่ะ​ เชียงใหม่​และทางตอนเหนือ​อากาศมันแย่จริงๆ​ ฉันแนะนำ​ทางตอนใต้​ หัวหิน​ ชุมพร​ สุราษฎร์ธานี​ กระบี่​ ที่มีอากาศดีกว่า​ แต่ต้องแลกมากับมรสุม​หน้าฝนที่มากขึ้น😂

  • @bkkfarang4749
    @bkkfarang4749 25 днів тому +2

    Well detailed with good explanations. I've been living in BKK for 18 years. When I occasionally return to California to visit family the sticker shock is worse each time. 😮

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  25 днів тому

      Thanks for watching! Yes, the sticker shock is real!!! 😫

    • @Coolerzebra
      @Coolerzebra 21 день тому

      Mr bkkfarang..do you mind to explain me more about the sticker shock please? I really don't know about it. Kob Khun Krub

    • @MagicDragon
      @MagicDragon 20 днів тому

      @@Coolerzebra sticker shock > shock or dismay experienced by the potential buyers of a particular product on discovering its high or increased price.

    • @Coolerzebra
      @Coolerzebra 20 днів тому

      @@MagicDragon Thank you so much MagicDragon 🙏

  • @raens9256
    @raens9256 24 дні тому

    Welcome back!

  • @wxmath
    @wxmath 28 днів тому +9

    Did you notice the physical size of Americans vs being in Thailand?

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  28 днів тому +5

      I debated on mentioning that. Oh, I noticed!!!

    • @bijanbayne3259
      @bijanbayne3259 27 днів тому +5

      I lost 16 pounds the last month or so living in Thailand, and I was only 71 kg (157 pounds) before I lost it

  • @sharbymj
    @sharbymj 20 днів тому

    For the last three years we have been seriously contemplating moving to Thailand or the Philippines. I've lived in Florida for the last 60 years. Rent for a small 2br apartment is around $2,200 per month and sometime much, much more. And that's if you can even find one. I'm retired and my wife works. Her son is 26 and lives with us and helps with the rent. It takes our three incomes to survive. My wife is from the Philippines and we have been to Thailand in 2022 and 2023. We loved it. But between the complicated visa process, the smokey season, and possible tax law changes, we are looking more towards the Philippines. My wife has dual citizenship and even a small house there. The plus side is we could come to Thailand for three or four months during the year. We loved Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Bangkok and Pattaya were wild and we would visit both places again, but at our age we prefer living somewhere a little more laid back.

  • @michelleprather2803
    @michelleprather2803 27 днів тому +4

    The lawyer signs always made me laugh about spending time in the southern states. I noticed once you got north of Utah or Arizona you never saw those signs. But then again what we didn’t have in Oregon was a Cracker Barrel or a Waffle House! Now those I miss since being here in Thailand, but man we do not miss the rat race that is America.

  • @SmartStyleTH
    @SmartStyleTH 20 днів тому

    Welcome to Thailand
    From Thailand 🥰🥰

  • @user-nl9me3er7w
    @user-nl9me3er7w 28 днів тому +1

    glad you just enjoyed your trip

  • @seemenstains
    @seemenstains 27 днів тому +2

    Thanks

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  27 днів тому +1

      Thank you very much! We really appreciate it! 🙏🙏🙏

  • @ParinandVarnasavang
    @ParinandVarnasavang 26 днів тому +3

    The reason for Thai gas stations to have someone pump the gas for you is low wage. The minimum wage in Thailand is low enough for gas stations to hire someone to do this job.

    • @gettingslim186
      @gettingslim186 25 днів тому

      Someone pumping your gas was common 60+yrs ago

  • @coryjackson3131
    @coryjackson3131 27 днів тому +1

    I couldn’t agree more about the shock .

  • @1gx619
    @1gx619 27 днів тому +4

    Too bad there isn’t a best of both world. A place in Thailand with cool weather but still has the lower cost of living

    • @anirujarbharasiri8907
      @anirujarbharasiri8907 26 днів тому +1

      If Thailand have cool weather , We will not have the opportunity to eat delicious fruit.

  • @Mike-du1dc
    @Mike-du1dc 27 днів тому +2

    Thanks for the video & of course we agree. We visit our Thai home 3 months a year & every year when we get back we say...hmmm maybe we should move back permanently to Thailand . The smog you showed is one of the main reasons we have not but we still might! You know what you say about home prices is a tough one for us. Last time we lived there we rented our home here out. Now 8 years later it is 3x the price if we sell. So we wonder sell like you or hold if we move back to Thailand. What made you decide to sell rather than rent? I know it is easier for sure but as you saw it went up what 5-6 million baht in 3 years?

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  25 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching. We've done the rental house thing in the past and decided that is definitely not for us.🤣

    • @Mike-du1dc
      @Mike-du1dc 24 дні тому

      @@TheNarrowGate hahah I know right? I have had renters from hell & renters from heaven. It is not easy from a distance so the last time I rented to my brother who is kind of in the middle of heaven and hell as far as renters go🤣

  • @mangostickyrice555
    @mangostickyrice555 27 днів тому +2

    Thumbs up 👍 Tony

  • @DreamofThailand19000
    @DreamofThailand19000 27 днів тому

    Thanks for your honesty about differences between US and Thailand. I am Thai who has been living in US for 30+ years. Although I occasionally visit Thailand for vacations, I will definitely have culture shock when I am back to Thailand after retirement. Happy and nervous 😁

    • @kevinp8108
      @kevinp8108 27 днів тому +1

      I am Thai-American too and I feel nervous about retiring in Thailand after being away for 54 years since the age of 2. I am planning to retire there in 3-5 years. I have visited Thailand seven times since I left as a toddler. The longest stay was two times in 2023, each visit was only one month.

    • @DreamofThailand19000
      @DreamofThailand19000 27 днів тому +1

      @@kevinp8108 I left Thailand after college. I am always surprised with the changes I see every time I visit Thailand. But few things never change are the warmth and kindness of my Thai people, and sense of community. 💕

  • @Ned88Man
    @Ned88Man 28 днів тому +1

    I have been in Thailand 13 years and go back to the US every few years, there is nothing "shocking" that I encounter upon my return.

  • @trustnuffin9121
    @trustnuffin9121 27 днів тому +1

    Hi, we are looking to retire to Thailand this year but may I ask is it best to get a tourist visa first and then sort it all out over there or simply apply for a retirement visa straight off the bat?
    Many thanks

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  27 днів тому

      Message these guys and ask them. Thats what I did. facebook.com/p/Assist-Thai-Visa-Services-Group-CoLtd-100054298250888/

    • @trustnuffin9121
      @trustnuffin9121 27 днів тому

      @@TheNarrowGate Brilliant, many thanks

  • @ijustlike0010
    @ijustlike0010 28 днів тому +2

    Oh man, 50-60's°f in Texas? That sounds like Wisconsin Spring to me. I'm in Ratchaburi now. Please tell me it gets a bit cooler eventuality? Im dying with the heat. I decided to first visit and move at the hottest time of year

    • @Singular121
      @Singular121 26 днів тому

      From middle of May onwards the rainy season will be commencing. But at present stay in an air conditioned room is a good idea.

  • @ubiquitousdiabolus
    @ubiquitousdiabolus 27 днів тому

    Does travel insurance ever actually pay out when you need it? Seems like they always find some small print to avoid paying.

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  27 днів тому

      Definitely read the policy before signing. Even if it takes you a week to read through it.

  • @martypoll
    @martypoll 28 днів тому

    Last June I returned to the US for a visit after a 3 year, 8 month absence. The reverse culture shock was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be.

  • @peterking3186
    @peterking3186 27 днів тому

    Same in Denmark taxes and 25% wat

  • @natk426
    @natk426 21 день тому

    it's expensive. I love Dr.Pepper and it costs me $2.50-$3.50 from vending machine in California (100 baht versus 16 baht soda in Thailand). It's 13 C (or 55 F) in southern CA in early April. Pump price $5.49/gallon (self-served and cash). You pay 10 cents more using card.

    • @orawancarlile6192
      @orawancarlile6192 20 днів тому

      I paid gasoline here in Chiangmai almost the same as in CA. It is 50. something baths per liter.

  • @kentmemories
    @kentmemories 27 днів тому +1

    Difference are everywhere.
    $5 here in Thailand you have nice food and excellent friendly serive.
    $15 there in US you have junk food and no service plus 20% service charge on top.
    Here you can walk around everywhere.
    There even you are in the car, you have to watch out who will come to break your windows and steal your bag.
    Thailand streets are still dangerous.
    But in US, you can be killed in streets, malls, parks, schools, subways etc.

  • @jonathanharman9147
    @jonathanharman9147 25 днів тому

    Yeah going back just reminds you of why to stay. 😊

  • @markreid7
    @markreid7 22 дні тому

    The only year prices went down in the last 70 years was 2009 when we hit a deep recession. Prices are still going up here 2.5-3% every year. The goal is 2% or less. It’s going to take another year for that imo. Also, my house has gone from $520k in 17 when I bought it to $955k today. I could never afford to buy this house now.

  • @Techfanatic73
    @Techfanatic73 28 днів тому

    None of your business here..... I agree totally. Unfortunately I am on the other end in U.S. Just got my Birth certificate after 2 months of issues. Soon. Hopefully in the next 3-4 months I will be there. In Oregon they still pump your gas. Lol. I love it.

  • @owlscoffeecats
    @owlscoffeecats 26 днів тому

    Lawyer signs everywhere! 😂

  • @s.porter8646
    @s.porter8646 27 днів тому

    We had to go back for family, driving on the right, obnoxiously priced goods, decline...glad to be back in CM

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  25 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching. Yes, CM is a wonderful place, we are glad to be back!

  • @Felm998
    @Felm998 26 днів тому

    I remember many years ago one japanese can not speak English visiting a friend of him in USA but he went in the wrong house, guess what was happening

  • @r-p6278
    @r-p6278 23 дні тому

    I watched from Thai youtuber ,in USA no bum gun is culture shock.

  • @ParinandVarnasavang
    @ParinandVarnasavang 26 днів тому

    I think policing in the United States is better than here in Thailand.

  • @hojatesema6408
    @hojatesema6408 25 днів тому

    this are cultural shock?, I must not understand what it means

  • @STK23
    @STK23 25 днів тому

    😂😂 fun fact

  • @worwatepunk7882
    @worwatepunk7882 24 дні тому

    คุณรู้ใช่ไหมว่าเรื่องมลพิษทางอากาศที่เชียงใหม่เป็นเรื่องของการเมืองและผลประโยชน์ของคนบางกลุ่ม ซึ่งมันแย่มาก😢

  • @ParinandVarnasavang
    @ParinandVarnasavang 26 днів тому

    I don’t think the Thai legal system is better than that of the States.

  • @dammeedee
    @dammeedee 26 днів тому

    น้ำมันตอนนี้ที่ไทยแพงมาก

    • @Singular121
      @Singular121 26 днів тому

      อพยพไปซาอุได้เลย น้ำมันแสนจะถูก ไทยนำเข้าน้ำมันวันละเก้าแสนบาร์เรล แค่นี้ก็แทบจะไม่มีปัญญาจะหาเงินมาจ่ายแล้ว ส่งออก สินค้าเกษตรทั้งหมด ยังนำเข้าน้ำมันได้ไม่ถึงสามแสนบาร์เรลเลย

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  25 днів тому

      Yes it is.

  • @CoFGillesdeRais
    @CoFGillesdeRais 27 днів тому

    It’s the worst. Take me back

  • @TNKeith
    @TNKeith 25 днів тому

    Portion sizes seem big here in Thailand. Maybe they know I'm fat and give ne more 🤣

  • @prestonphelps1649
    @prestonphelps1649 25 днів тому

    Chaing mai air quality is very dangerous 4 months a year. How can you....why would you....live there

    • @TheNarrowGate
      @TheNarrowGate  25 днів тому

      It is, the really bad months we mainly stay inside with air purifiers. But Chiang Mai is still a great place to live. 🇹🇭😊

    • @sugarcane9425
      @sugarcane9425 24 дні тому

      It too hot to be outside anyway. Or traveling around away from the heat for a while.

  • @acrpthailand3843
    @acrpthailand3843 23 дні тому

    US is too pricey. Can't stay there.

  • @beerman204
    @beerman204 17 днів тому

    Not sure how Thailand can have such low cost of living compared to USA. I have quoted hotel prices in Thailand and people think the rooms must be bare bones..No. Nicely furnished and great room service in most cases for less than half usa prices...

  • @Pulpit68
    @Pulpit68 28 днів тому

    Did you see any gun toting?

  • @DrJohnPollard
    @DrJohnPollard 27 днів тому +1

    The average Joe who arrives in Thailand, pretty much becomes a millionaire the minute he lands in the country.

  • @hsheuw
    @hsheuw 23 дні тому

    I doubt any countries (rich or poor for that matter) can top this sort of crime where
    1. a shop was burglarized the night before and
    2. its boss also got robbed and beaten at gunpoint at the following day
    like this
    ua-cam.com/video/w49JPOsfkkw/v-deo.htmlsi=Nixx6Dz5CjB2PzLr
    He is an Indonesian btw and that happened in downtown LA 😢…

  • @user-magkonlaows
    @user-magkonlaows 25 днів тому +2

    ยินดีและขอบคุณครับที่คุณเปรียบเทียบให้เห็นชัดเจน.ผมหนึ่งในคนไทยจะปรับปรุงทัศนคติครับ...