I developed COPD after 2 years in Chiang Mai and a year in Bangkok. My lungs were clear before and I wasn't smoking. Consultants believed it was the pollution. I left. I visit my son occasionally who lives there but often feel exhausted when the air is bad. Can take 5-15 years off your life just living there a short time. Its much much worse than being a smoker. Ask any lung doctor in Thailand and they'll tell you they are pretty overwhelmed with cases.
I lived in the Philippines years ago I remember the people telling me for example a traffic cop in Manila would die 40's and 50's due to pollution and lung issues and that was freakin 15 years ago 🤯😱✌️
Hi Greg. 5 years ago I moved to Bangkok Bang Na district to begin a life in Thailand. After 3 days of the bad air and constant noise pollution I thought I don't need this! I booked a taxi and headed 1.5 hours to Jomtien, south of Pattaya. The lifestyle, traffic and air quality is totally different!
After living in Bangkok for 7 1/2 years, I’m considering a move also. The pollution is linked to dementia, Alzheimer’s and so many other diseases. Good video scary stuff.
I watched an interview a couple of years ago of a guy that had lived in Bangkok for a few years. He married a Thai lady and had a family. He established a good business with quite a few Thai workers and yet he was giving it all up and moving back to where he came from solely because of the pollution, it was just too much for him and his family’s health.
Recently looking at property's in Thailand, but BKK is crossed out due to the air quality. Its definitely something that needs to be addressed in Thailand.
I moved from San Francisco to Bangkok 2 years ago. It seems to only go above 100 AQI Jan - April. The rest of the year (especially rainy season), the air quality is in the Good - Moderate range, but I don't regularly check. I must say overall I prefer air quality in Bangkok over fire season in California though. Average AQI in India or China is much higher than Bangkok for comparison. During the extra smoggy times, you could always go to southern Thailand.
I am a local. I have to run away too. I cannot breathe. Thank you for not hiding his under the rug. I want to hear more about it. You are not negative. You are honest and transparent! I will help other people who have health issues.
I was in Bangkok the past 3 weeks and just flew back to the states, for the past 3 weeks I have had a slight sore throat and a cough, I hope it starts to clear up now that I'm gone.
Look at air currents over Thailand…. This can help you choose a good area… I’m about 30 minutes drive away from a city and it’s not bad here at all… the air currents push the pollution north and west of my location… most of the time…. And still have access to all the great things Thailand has to offer…
I just got back from a 3 week holiday (retirement exploration) in BKK. You are right about the air quality. What is 120, what is 150? Well, I wondered why the air often smelled like a campfire experience so while I was there I downloaded an AQI app and indeed I was seeing those numbers. Locals were reporting that it was higher than usual and I did get some readings in the 80's. Also, it seemed to vary depending upon where I was. Sukhumvit, where I was staying and playing the most, of course was busy with traffic and that seemed to make it worse being near that. Went over to SIAM by the river and it was noticeably better. I had a lot to do so I didn't venture down to Hua Hin or Pattaya, but I am interested in other areas of Thailand. I was just so drawn to this wonderful city and it being such a tourist destination I found english to be common and BTS an economic and convenient way to get about. I was wondering about a condo filtration unit (I run Rabbit Air here in TX) and then my outside time would be limited and not such a big deal? Like you, I don't have health issues per say, just very interested in staying in optimal shape so don't want my senior years to be smoky if it is going to have a real negative. Well, good luck with wherever you decide to go. So many options.
Bangkok is a great city, just too polluted for me to live here long term. I think we’re headed south to Krabi when the lease is up. Air is a lot better there.
You probably forget that most AC units filters in rented condos are old and not Hepa quality, so you are still getting the polluted air when home too. I used to wear a carbon filter mask when living there in 2014.
I came to Bangkok from the UK, with the thought of retiring there. It’s a fantastic place, absolutely love it, loads to do. But the air quality, ugh. I’m fit and healthy, but often get a sore throat there if I walk around without a mask (or maybe with it as well), such a shame, for me Bangkok ideal. Even with a N95 type mask, I can smell the “traffic”, so not really sure how effective it is. I was in Hua Hin for a couple of weeks as well, not sure if it’s much better there, especially in the centre, the traffic is a nightmare. Much less to do too. I hope there may be a solution or workaround. Mask all the time outside, purifier indoors, maybe vitamins/supplements, even water or drinks to clear the throat? 🤷♀
We just fled Bangkok, here in Chiang Mai, same air pollution problem, can’t stand it, we stayed indoors all the time. Bought another flight ticket Going to check out Malaysia .
That sucks. Well, I hope it’s better for you in Malaysia. We’re thinking about moving to the Krabi area, which has much better air quality than Bangkok, and mountains and sea views. Also cheaper to live.
I tried Krabi and Trang to escape the air quality--its better but not exactly great if you go by the guidelines--lots of days its 80 AQI like today down there--better than CM but not great
I first went to Bangkok in 2006 and briefly lived there in 2008-2010 and when I visited in 2019 and 2024 - it seems the air is worse now compared with the past.
I could only take 1 year in Bangkok. It's a hybrid trash can. Despite all its shopping malls and conveniences, it's just not worth it. It's Thailand, so many better places to live...
I came back from the South of Thailand and the air there was horrible too. Now I am back in Bangkok and it is even worse and it will never change. Peoples ignorance and greed in the kingdom unfortunately will never change. Farmers burn everywhere, incompetent police and corrupt gouvernment won´t do anything.
I can only take a few days there then it starts causing me problems. Same here. 65. Perfect health but got to get back to Hua Hin after a few days. Otherwise I’d consider at least having a place there if not living there.
I like Bangkok but after a few days I always feel a bit "off" - this was the same in 1980's and I just used to head to Korat or Hua Hin for the rest of my trips. Shame really.
I remember Bangkok in the early 90's. You have no idea of pollution, The only form of transport in the city was 2 stroke tuktuks and 2 stroke motorbikes by the hundreds of thousands. The blue oily smoke choked the air and covered everything in oily soot. That was on a good day. Then you got the burning season on top of it. I used to take binoculars to just read the street signs on the other side of the road. Best time of my life. Some times I wouldn't see another farang for days. Still can't roll back time, no matter how much you want.
It will get worse till May. I lived in Silom Bangkok for 9 months and the air kept me inside with an air filter. That and the humidly defeated me and I left. If you want to stay in Thailand look at Hua Hin.
Live and learn , I’m sure u miss beautiful farm lands of America 🇺🇸 just about now . Anyhow don’t feel too bad just move closer to the beach somewhere in east Asia , jog at the beach , swim. Get away from big city . Also keep in mind good hospitals near by . Btw I like the Toyota suv it’s sweet how much was it usd ? Thanks
Thailand is awsome but Bangkok is just a concrete jungle! Never understood why people are so into it. I come 3x a year and I always head to Pattaya and even there it gets smoggy . I love thailand
I enjoy big cities and the country life. I can adapt to either one. It’s very convenient to be able to walk a few minutes to get anything you need, as well as malls, cinemas, restaurants, etc
Was in Bangkok very recently and didn't feel any of that. Maybe inside of me I compare it to New Delhi I will never forget when I was there many years ago. Anyway both bkk , manila or KL are fine for me but of course each one reacts differently I guess , also due to allergies or else
@gregonthego if I was in your position I'd move to the coastal area,nice sea breezes and no industry in sight....which means excluding places like pattaya...the air pollution there is not good due to it's proximity to industry...Hua hin,the islands I'd be aiming for.I wish you good luck,life is too short to put up with air pollution
We’ve got the best air here in Switzerland. Still, we want to go to Thailand 🤣. We know Thailand and also lived in Asia before. Listen, we’re in our sixties too, but here it’s boring as can be. If you’re not into skiing and so on you’re face is falling asleep here. We’re too young to just sit around. And btw, here, people retired spend say 95-98% inside from November till April. That’s a fact. Take care
Try the Borneo half of Malaysia. Low population Density, clean air, fully modern infrastructure, lowest gas prices in the region from local production of oil and gas. All the other vloggers fixate solely on KL to the exclusion of everything else. KL is just as bad as BK on pollution though.
Don’t put too much faith in Western arbiters of taste, cultural critics, experts, or thought leaders. While there may be some truth in scientific studies, they often fail to fully understand the essence of 'life quality.' Take food as an example: America consumes some of the worst foods. The concoctions they create are beyond artificial imagination. They not only pioneered processed food but also filled it with artificial ingredients-especially the artificial colors, which are truly appalling. Look at wildfires as another example. They struggle to regulate building materials for fire hazard zones, which exacerbates the damage. In Thailand, farmers have historically burned crops annually to prepare for the next farming season. People have lived with this practice and endured the smoke-often labeled 'air pollution' by the West-for centuries. Yet, life goes on. For instance, my dad lived to be 92 years old, and my mom is now 88. My family, like many Thais, spends much of their time outside in the sun, on the streets, without facing the same health problems prevalent in the West. Thailand's life expectancy even surpasses that of the United States. Key Points: - Life Expectancy in Thailand: Around 77-79 years. - Life Expectancy in the US: Currently lower, with recent estimates around 77 years. How bad can Bangkok's air quality be to significantly impact life expectancy? It seems Thailand has found a balance, despite the challenges. Enjoy life!
I was in BK recently and also noticed the high level of smog. This was particularly surprising given the great number of electric vehicle that were being driven.
Been in Khon Kaen 20 years, just bought air purifiers, wife has chronic cough! Thinking of going too. 1 in 3 cars is spewing out shit and people are throwing plastic everywhere and burning it with the long grass. No education, frightening.
You’re not wrong, but I had a lot to worry about with selling my home and everything I owned to come here. It was quite an undertaking and consumed my thoughts. Hind sight is 20/20 I suppose.
Change is a natural part of life-it's never a straight line. Don't pay attention to the negativity; the air quality is genuinely bad, and no one can fully grasp the reality until they're living it. No amount of "homework" could have prepared for that.
You’re the only UA-camr who actually talks about the BKK pollution which is a real threat. Thanks for being transparent
Thailand depends on tourism.
The Narrow Gate Channel does, esp Chang Mai ..
@ UA-camrs depend on selling Paradise & Healthier Lifestyle ..
I developed COPD after 2 years in Chiang Mai and a year in Bangkok. My lungs were clear before and I wasn't smoking. Consultants believed it was the pollution. I left. I visit my son occasionally who lives there but often feel exhausted when the air is bad. Can take 5-15 years off your life just living there a short time. Its much much worse than being a smoker. Ask any lung doctor in Thailand and they'll tell you they are pretty overwhelmed with cases.
Wow, your story makes me even more alarmed! Sorry to hear about your health issues from the air pollution!
what about the 3 months of the year. the farmers burn their old ccrops trash plants ? is Chiang Mai polluted?
I lived in the Philippines years ago I remember the people telling me for example a traffic cop in Manila would die 40's and 50's due to pollution and lung issues and that was freakin 15 years ago 🤯😱✌️
Lots of cities in Europe and America also have bad air quality during parts of the year. In Chiang mai, it’s good about 9 months of the year.
Hi Greg. 5 years ago I moved to Bangkok Bang Na district to begin a life in Thailand.
After 3 days of the bad air and constant noise pollution I thought I don't need this!
I booked a taxi and headed 1.5 hours to Jomtien, south of Pattaya.
The lifestyle, traffic and air quality is totally different!
Probably a good idea.
I check the IQ App, AQ there in Pattaya Every Day and though "better" than Bangkok, Pattaya has "Bad AQ" ..
are there tons of apartments for rent in jomtien cheap to expensive 🤔 happy 2025 ✌️
After living in Bangkok for 7 1/2 years, I’m considering a move also. The pollution is linked to dementia, Alzheimer’s and so many other diseases. Good video scary stuff.
Thanks for watching, it scares me as well!
I watched an interview a couple of years ago of a guy that had lived in Bangkok for a few years. He married a Thai lady and had a family. He established a good business with quite a few Thai workers and yet he was giving it all up and moving back to where he came from solely because of the pollution, it was just too much for him and his family’s health.
I hope that isn’t my story.
เพื่อสุขภาพ ไม่ควรรอให้หมดสัญญาเช่า ควรรีบย้ายออกไป หาสถานที่ใหม่ ที่สภาพอากาศดี เพื่อตัวคุณ
เรายังไม่แน่ใจว่าเราอยากจะย้ายไปที่ไหน แต่เรากำลังมองหา
Bkk Smog season is between oct-may each yr. Govt do nothing.
Move south , Trang,Satun province or Malaysia
@@gregonthego Move anywhere the air is good, asap, Your and your family's health is worth more than a few $ ...
Recently looking at property's in Thailand, but BKK is crossed out due to the air quality. Its definitely something that needs to be addressed in Thailand.
They’re acting like they’re trying by testing emissions from city buses, but not sure how effective any of it will be.
I moved from San Francisco to Bangkok 2 years ago. It seems to only go above 100 AQI Jan - April. The rest of the year (especially rainy season), the air quality is in the Good - Moderate range, but I don't regularly check. I must say overall I prefer air quality in Bangkok over fire season in California though. Average AQI in India or China is much higher than Bangkok for comparison. During the extra smoggy times, you could always go to southern Thailand.
That’s where I plan on moving to, the Krabi area.
I am a local. I have to run away too. I cannot breathe. Thank you for not hiding his under the rug. I want to hear more about it. You are not negative. You are honest and transparent! I will help other people who have health issues.
Thank you
I was in Bangkok the past 3 weeks and just flew back to the states, for the past 3 weeks I have had a slight sore throat and a cough, I hope it starts to clear up now that I'm gone.
I hope it clears up for you, too.
The air quality def. sucks here !
Appreciate this video!
Thank you for watching!
Look at air currents over Thailand…. This can help you choose a good area… I’m about 30 minutes drive away from a city and it’s not bad here at all… the air currents push the pollution north and west of my location… most of the time…. And still have access to all the great things Thailand has to offer…
I’m headed south for cleaner air. Probably the Krabi area.
I just got back from a 3 week holiday (retirement exploration) in BKK. You are right about the air quality. What is 120, what is 150? Well, I wondered why the air often smelled like a campfire experience so while I was there I downloaded an AQI app and indeed I was seeing those numbers. Locals were reporting that it was higher than usual and I did get some readings in the 80's. Also, it seemed to vary depending upon where I was. Sukhumvit, where I was staying and playing the most, of course was busy with traffic and that seemed to make it worse being near that. Went over to SIAM by the river and it was noticeably better.
I had a lot to do so I didn't venture down to Hua Hin or Pattaya, but I am interested in other areas of Thailand. I was just so drawn to this wonderful city and it being such a tourist destination I found english to be common and BTS an economic and convenient way to get about. I was wondering about a condo filtration unit (I run Rabbit Air here in TX) and then my outside time would be limited and not such a big deal? Like you, I don't have health issues per say, just very interested in staying in optimal shape so don't want my senior years to be smoky if it is going to have a real negative.
Well, good luck with wherever you decide to go. So many options.
Bangkok is a great city, just too polluted for me to live here long term. I think we’re headed south to Krabi when the lease is up. Air is a lot better there.
You probably forget that most AC units filters in rented condos are old and not Hepa quality, so you are still getting the polluted air when home too. I used to wear a carbon filter mask when living there in 2014.
Yeah, not sure if there is any way to escape it, short of moving somewhere else.
I came to Bangkok from the UK, with the thought of retiring there. It’s a fantastic place, absolutely love it, loads to do. But the air quality, ugh. I’m fit and healthy, but often get a sore throat there if I walk around without a mask (or maybe with it as well), such a shame, for me Bangkok ideal. Even with a N95 type mask, I can smell the “traffic”, so not really sure how effective it is.
I was in Hua Hin for a couple of weeks as well, not sure if it’s much better there, especially in the centre, the traffic is a nightmare. Much less to do too.
I hope there may be a solution or workaround. Mask all the time outside, purifier indoors, maybe vitamins/supplements, even water or drinks to clear the throat? 🤷♀
I’m looking at the far south, namely Krabi. That may be my last hope.
its not even the burning season yet, it actually is going to get much worse over the coming weeks/months. This is why I left Thailand
I can’t blame you.
We just fled Bangkok, here in Chiang Mai, same air pollution problem, can’t stand it, we stayed indoors all the time. Bought another flight ticket Going to check out Malaysia .
That sucks. Well, I hope it’s better for you in Malaysia. We’re thinking about moving to the Krabi area, which has much better air quality than Bangkok, and mountains and sea views. Also cheaper to live.
What about hua hin?
@@gregonthego Still "Not Good" AQ (and that's now) ..
I tried Krabi and Trang to escape the air quality--its better but not exactly great if you go by the guidelines--lots of days its 80 AQI like today down there--better than CM but not great
@@richardattridge3182 Same problem.
You need to be back on the farm in Kansas.
It would be Michigan. But yeah, will probably move away from the big city when my lease is up here.
the bad air quality was really a dealbreaker for me
I first went to Bangkok in 2006 and briefly lived there in 2008-2010 and when I visited in 2019 and 2024 - it seems the air is worse now compared with the past.
Probably is. Things like air pollution don’t normally get better without massive change, and I don’t see that on the horizon.
I'm down in Pattaya now. Bad air as well. Early in the morning is ok
Seems to be happening everywhere in Thailand.
I could only take 1 year in Bangkok. It's a hybrid trash can. Despite all its shopping malls and conveniences, it's just not worth it. It's Thailand, so many better places to live...
I agree.
I came back from the South of Thailand and the air there was horrible too. Now I am back in Bangkok and it is even worse and it will never change. Peoples ignorance and greed in the kingdom unfortunately will never change. Farmers burn everywhere, incompetent police and corrupt gouvernment won´t do anything.
Where in the south was it bad?
I can only take a few days there then it starts causing me problems. Same here. 65. Perfect health but got to get back to Hua Hin after a few days. Otherwise I’d consider at least having a place there if not living there.
Bangkok always smells of pollution, fires, sewers and street food. It's terrible and kind of enticing at the same time.
Yes, you’re right.
I like Bangkok but after a few days I always feel a bit "off" - this was the same in 1980's and I just used to head to Korat or Hua Hin for the rest of my trips. Shame really.
Air quality is not so bad at the moment compared to how bad it can get
That’s looking on the bright side. I guess you’re right.
I remember Bangkok in the early 90's. You have no idea of pollution, The only form of transport in the city was 2 stroke tuktuks and 2 stroke motorbikes by the hundreds of thousands. The blue oily smoke choked the air and covered everything in oily soot. That was on a good day. Then you got the burning season on top of it. I used to take binoculars to just read the street signs on the other side of the road. Best time of my life. Some times I wouldn't see another farang for days. Still can't roll back time, no matter how much you want.
It will get worse till May. I lived in Silom Bangkok for 9 months and the air kept me inside with an air filter. That and the humidly defeated me and I left. If you want to stay in Thailand look at Hua Hin.
That is a nice area and on the top 5 list.
Not as bad as Bkk, but Hua Hin aslo had "Bad AQ" (along with the rest of Thai sorry) .. I check the IQ Air App every day ..
you are being honest.
Live and learn , I’m sure u miss beautiful farm lands of America 🇺🇸 just about now . Anyhow don’t feel too bad just move closer to the beach somewhere in east Asia , jog at the beach , swim. Get away from big city . Also keep in mind good hospitals near by . Btw I like the Toyota suv it’s sweet how much was it usd ? Thanks
The Fortuner was $53,000 USD out the door. Really nice SUV.
So where to move from Bangkok? Chiang Mai and many other places also have bad air.
We’re heading to southern Thailand in the Krabi area. The air is much better there.
its no different here in Nakhon Sawan. Its the same this time of year. They do nothing to change it.
We have a bit of haze here in Hua Hin but not bad.
I think it’s better down in the south. I’ll probably be moving that way.
Come to Koh Samui 🏝️ Air quality is fine here 👌
It’s on the possible list
AQ 70's - 80's this week "better but it's not good AQ" ..
Thailand is awsome but Bangkok is just a concrete jungle! Never understood why people are so into it.
I come 3x a year and I always head to Pattaya and even there it gets smoggy . I love thailand
I enjoy big cities and the country life. I can adapt to either one. It’s very convenient to be able to walk a few minutes to get anything you need, as well as malls, cinemas, restaurants, etc
Was in Bangkok very recently and didn't feel any of that. Maybe inside of me I compare it to New Delhi I will never forget when I was there many years ago. Anyway both bkk , manila or KL are fine for me but of course each one reacts differently I guess , also due to allergies or else
The burning of crops in the provinces of Thailand is deadly.
Too many people, too many trucks,busses,spewing out diesel....it's a concrete jungle,and too many people....TB is high amongst it's citizens.
I agree.
@gregonthego if I was in your position I'd move to the coastal area,nice sea breezes and no industry in sight....which means excluding places like pattaya...the air pollution there is not good due to it's proximity to industry...Hua hin,the islands I'd be aiming for.I wish you good luck,life is too short to put up with air pollution
We’ve got the best air here in Switzerland. Still, we want to go to Thailand 🤣. We know Thailand and also lived in Asia before. Listen, we’re in our sixties too, but here it’s boring as can be. If you’re not into skiing and so on you’re face is falling asleep here. We’re too young to just sit around. And btw, here, people retired spend say 95-98% inside from November till April. That’s a fact. Take care
Im retired i stay in if it's 100+ wind helps blow it out
Im 64 brother I'm with ya
Moderate is bad too
I agree, but I have to get out sometime.
Try the Borneo half of Malaysia. Low population Density, clean air, fully modern infrastructure, lowest gas prices in the region from local production of oil and gas. All the other vloggers fixate solely on KL to the exclusion of everything else. KL is just as bad as BK on pollution though.
Thanks for the advice.
Look at the the iq world map it's scary
What number is it 160?
wait until April and may 😉
All SE Asia gets this. Anywhere within a thousand miles of China gets their pollution. Note how long your cooling fans look clean for.
I like the air in Bangkok
It’s not bad some days.
Katabatic/anabatic wind
What about Phuket?
I’ve heard it’s getting too crowded these days and the prices are as high as Bangkok. Beautiful place, though.
Drycseason air quality is horrible
Don’t put too much faith in Western arbiters of taste, cultural critics, experts, or thought leaders. While there may be some truth in scientific studies, they often fail to fully understand the essence of 'life quality.'
Take food as an example: America consumes some of the worst foods. The concoctions they create are beyond artificial imagination. They not only pioneered processed food but also filled it with artificial ingredients-especially the artificial colors, which are truly appalling.
Look at wildfires as another example. They struggle to regulate building materials for fire hazard zones, which exacerbates the damage.
In Thailand, farmers have historically burned crops annually to prepare for the next farming season. People have lived with this practice and endured the smoke-often labeled 'air pollution' by the West-for centuries. Yet, life goes on.
For instance, my dad lived to be 92 years old, and my mom is now 88. My family, like many Thais, spends much of their time outside in the sun, on the streets, without facing the same health problems prevalent in the West. Thailand's life expectancy even surpasses that of the United States.
Key Points:
- Life Expectancy in Thailand: Around 77-79 years.
- Life Expectancy in the US: Currently lower, with recent estimates around 77 years.
How bad can Bangkok's air quality be to significantly impact life expectancy? It seems Thailand has found a balance, despite the challenges.
Enjoy life!
I am leaving Hua Hen from the air quality.
Where are you going?
@@gregonthego I am going back to the USA.
Good luck to you.
The air quality is bad all over Thailand.
Some places are better than others. Bangkok is one of the worst.
@@gregonthego I live in Jomtien, the air here is bad 95% of the time, especially in the morning.
It's much worse in the north.
True. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the worst I think.
I was in BK recently and also noticed the high level of smog. This was particularly surprising given the great number of electric vehicle that were being driven.
bro an air purifier is less than $100
I’m talking about the outside air quality in this video. Thanks for the reply.
So you're inside most of your life?
Mask up !
Look at Albania /costa Rica..I haveva thai wife.... Visa free
Easiest solution is to delete that damn app!
Sure fire way! (Not the best, though) lol
air is horrible there haha don’t stay too long
I think you’re right!
Been in Khon Kaen 20 years, just bought air purifiers, wife has chronic cough! Thinking of going too. 1 in 3 cars is spewing out shit and people are throwing plastic everywhere and burning it with the long grass. No education, frightening.
Yeah, long term I don’t think it’s worth it to stay.
it's not bangkok. it's asia in general.
Agreed, but some places are better than others.
should of done some homework before moving half way around the world. just saying.
You’re not wrong, but I had a lot to worry about with selling my home and everything I owned to come here. It was quite an undertaking and consumed my thoughts. Hind sight is 20/20 I suppose.
Change is a natural part of life-it's never a straight line. Don't pay attention to the negativity; the air quality is genuinely bad, and no one can fully grasp the reality until they're living it. No amount of "homework" could have prepared for that.
@@gregonthego let me know if there is anything you need help with. married 18 years to a thai. speak thai quite well.