The type of traveler I hate are the one's who don't respect the local people, culture and laws. Learn a few friendly phrases in Thai at least and don't get mad when there is a communication issue. Pack some patience and enjoy what the country has to offer. This is their country and you are a guest. We are all human and some tourists need to learn to treat everyone with respect.
Glad you mentioned the traveling UA-camrs In Thailand. There seems to be hundreds of them all carrying selfie sticks covering the same subjects ( tourist attractions, the best food vendor food, and the peculiarities of the culture).
I think it's interesting and helpful to have people like this around not only thailand but different countries as well. Some not all just cover basic life and provide some good information on what's there to do in cities like Bangkok and other places and they also give good tips on what to do and what not to do. Where to shop etc and majority of the information is quite accurate. So i think yeah, it's kinda cliche to have them around as people are probably so bored with seeing them and at the same time they're trying to make a living but also they're providing the world with an insiders first look into these countries without having to go by one of those lonely planet tourist pamphlets lol
They need to stop filming people without their consent and getting in their faces! I certainly would be pissed if someone filmed me without asking for their dumb channel
Foreign exchange students. They wear Thai school uniforms, attend Thai high schools and live with Thai families. Different from international students. I was an AFS student in Bangkok and it changed my life so much for the better.
Another one here! Although I did not nor did any other of my group, live with Thai families. Exchange in Thailand was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Great vid Paddy, but you forgot about us the FOODIE Lovers!! the first thing i think of when i land in thailand is food.!! just can't get enough. keep up the great work.
actually, most of the Thai street food is low quality. Peasant food. Made by northerners from Issan. Cheap ingredients like water instead of coconut milk. The higher quality is more expensive and in Bangkok or Chang Mai's better restaurants.
Not sure which category I fit into. I’m just grateful to be there with the most beautiful and friendly people, culture, food and scenery in the world. As for all the stereotypes, they make for fun people watching. The obnoxious Aussies are always a hoot. And you can look down on the grungy 65 year old Brit with a lady on one arm and a cold Leo in the other, but you won’t find a happier person on planet Earth😊.
I came as a backpacker in 2016, returned to be a TEFL teacher in 2019, left because of the pandemic and recently returned as an international student. I love Bangkok! I feel I could fit into several of these categories. The thing I love most is taking long walks in the humidity around the city. I average 20,000+ steps a day, often around Chatuchak, Bang Krachao, and Riverside. It's amazing that such a large and developed city can be so walkable and delightful, with amazing green spaces. The new Benjakitti renovations are lovely! I have certain types I try to avoid, but won't name names. Everyone has the right to enjoy Thailand in their own way as long as they aren't hurting anyone.
Hi Paddy, I am currently teaching at XLC and find your videos so helpful to teach the students cross cultural communications. The students and I both love your videos!!!!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Hey Will! So great to hear from you! Hope you are having an absolutely awesome time up there. Pass on a big hello to everyone up there and hopefully our paths cross later this year. Thanks a heap for watching and enjoying - glad the videos are useful 🙏
I’m mixed and My dad goes into the village dweller since my mom comes from a small thai village from Phayao and I have to say my dad always helps out with my grandma at her shop the weird thing is that I probably attract more attention from the locals then him 😂
Another great video paddy! Number 13 made me laugh because I experience it every time I go to Thailand, sit there moaning about anything and everything about Thailand but then almost have a heart attack when you mention to them about going back home🤷♂️😂
I think you nailed all of them there Paddy. I am a Thai born Australian who considers himself Australian with some Thai knowledge (albeit not as much as you), but whenever I go back to the mother land, I don't feel like a tourist so to speak even though my Thai vocabulary is limited. It's a weird feeling as I view both Australia and Thailand as home, just that the cultures are vastly different.
I'm Australian and both my daughters were born in Thailand. Neither has lived in Australia but the eldest (19) spent a year and half in the Middle East as a toddler, The younger is about to turn 16. I think both both don't really consider themselves Australian because they have had such limited exposure to Australia. But I hope that as they move into their own lives that they will embrace Australia and come to view both countries as home, just as you have.
@@saniman-fz2mePaddy's UA-cam content is quite different from the rest. He speaks to actual thai people about their experiences rather than another UA-camr showing us a hotel or street food.
I'll add in the motorcycle touring rider. People like me who ride all the way from Singapore through Malaysia and to everywhere in Thailand. I guess it's quite hard for you to meet people like me. We're not in one place too long and generally don't stay in the touristy areas. There are always groups of Malaysian or Singaporean riders that ride around Thailand. We don't really look that different from Thais so it's quite hard to differentiate us sometimes. The southern parts of Thailand are quite different in culture too. Which goes to show how diverse Thailand really is.
Nice summary Paddy and I agree with them all but there are a couple of types you have missed which are actually quite large categories. One is the Medical Tourist, coming here for dental, cosmetic or other surgery and the other type is the Remote Business Managers who are often here on long stay visas like the Elite visa and they essentially live in Thailand but have businesses in other countries that they partially manage or have their team manage for them. Some of them even live here with their families too and they are quite a different type to the Digital Nomads.
You forgot 2 other types: 1. the violent antisocial drunk/ drug addict who attacks random people in a restaurant or on the street or destroys property and 2. The balcony jumpers of Pattaya and Bangkok.
Luv this video. I never would have came up with so many categories....and yet each one is legit! I am probably in several and may have been in a couple more way back when!!!! I always learn something new from your videos. Today was the pronunciation of Pai. Even though I first came to Thailand in the early 80's and started learning Thai in the mid 80's AND have been to Pai several times, I had always pronounced it with a 'P' sound. And then Thai talk Paddy throws a spanner in and pronounces it with the Bp Bor Bpoo sound and I was like "Best I look up the Thai spelling"......30 seconds later "ปาย".....and I've learnt something new....thx Paddy, you are a legend.
How about military? I personally discovered Thailand as part of a joint military exercise, and almost everyone I know is in the same boat. Operations like Cobra Gold have allowed military members from many countries to work along side Thai Soldiers, experience the culture, and assist in the construction of some infrastructure projects that benefit local communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside so many great people and been able to experience such a rich culture. I would not have been able to discover this if not for the military. I know I am not the only one.
@@Tamplier12345 I visited Sattahip for Cobra Gold in 1998. I did go back to Sattahip in 2021 to visit as a tourist, but not as a Soldier involved in Cobra Gold.
You missed out the "imported boyfriend/husband" Thai girl studies at university abroad, meets boyfriend and brings them back to Thailand. To which I am one and I know 3 others.
@@ma3stro681I would say that's racist but having seen these tourist groups... I mean.... It's sort of the equivalent to American groups that wear those pointy white hats (more ski masks these days) carrying around ARs harassing people. Some groups of people are so garbage they make their entire ethnicity look bad. And they make humanity look bad by proxy.
I’ve met a few of these types and one of the joys of Thailand is meeting other foreigners. This has exposed me to all sorts of interesting people I would never have met before. I’ve met the rich, poor, corporate, working, the nomad, the retired, UA-camrs, and a few of the US Embassy personnel. I would much rather though sit and have a beer with a sexpat than a Christian missionary. Please keep Thailand Buddhist (says the atheist).
@@davidpark2509 I lived 60 years in the US and I am not a Christian. It was a surprise to me the relief I feel being in a Buddhist culture (I’m not a Buddhist either). I find the Christian culture in the US tiresome particularly since it became more and more politicized. I find the temples here in Thailand fascinating and upbeat. The holidays are new and interesting still after living here 7+ years. American culture in general has become negative and depressing and religion in America is a part of that. I’m not against Christianity but I’m happy to be away from it.
I consider myself third culture kid, cause my father was an attache (diplomatic services related to military). Studied in two countries when i was a kid. This left a big impact on me: while my former friends grew and bonded strong relationships, i never had unbroken ties and friendships that could stand the test of time. I got superb education, good lifestile, saw a broader world, but sacrificed on friendships and sense of stability in my personal world.
There was another kind for a while: those stranded by COVID related travel difficulties. I was one of them. Wasn't my favourite Thai holiday, but 2.5 years was definitely the longest.
SLC native, my buddy went to Thailand on his mission said the LDS church is doing well there. Last time I went to Thailand there was a new Mormon temple right next to the Makkasan station. So it seems it's growing there.
I met up with a friend in Bangkok who was a dental tourist. He had all of his fillings replaced the first time and a few years later had four titanium posts fitted within a week. Was meant to come back six months later to receive permanent crowns but Covid intervened meaning he had to find a dentist in Brisbane.
As Thai, I have no problem with any types of tourist expect "The Negative Asshole". They always say bad things about Thailand such as people, culture, attitude, etc, but they are still in Thailand and take advantages of Sabuy Sabuy Thai culture.
I guess you could call this a sub culture of farang visitors, but cyclist come from all over the world to ride in Thailand, Chiang Mai in particular. Many regularly come in the cool season and I've had the opportunity to make friends from many places. In my 11 years of living in Thailand many of those descriptions fit at one time or another! 😂 Personally I enjoy your videos interacting with Thai's and Thai speaking farangs, this video sorta drops back into the lowest common denominator of Thailand experience videos. Really enjoy your videos and find much encouragement in plodding along with my Thai.
The "Real Thailand" types remind me of the foreigners who tell me that New York is not the real America. No one city, town, or village will be the "real" anything. In our case, New York is as real as any other part of America, but it's just another aspect of the country, offering its own experiences. Bangkok is just as much the "real" Thailand, but it's one facet of a diverse country.
ah yes , and dont forget the Real India Ones. well , over in India. they dwell in slums , travel unreserved class on trains and if you tell them your hotel room aint got bugs galore you havent seen the Real India. and of course they eat food with the hands. good gracious.
I feel like there’s a #23 type of foreigner that briefly gets mentioned at 0:13. Farang that have made a lot of money in their homeland through “dodgy” methods and have then fled from their homeland to Thailand permanently in order to avoid either their enemies or the police. These guys tend to be the owners of a lot of businesses like bars (especially Gogo Bars) and hotels. Ironically they’re rarely involved in anything dodgy in Thailand though, you don’t shit where you eat
The "Know it all's" favourite past time is quizzing other foreigners on how long they've been in Thailand, just so they can explain to you that they've been there longer. Either that, or they start every conversation with "I've been here for XX years now, and..." As an expat living in Laos, these the ones I avoid.
Well, if the topic is just "foreigner in Thailand" and includes every possible types whether long or short period. May I suggest to add the "military" particularly American. Almost annually joint exercise takes place between Thai military and other friends especially the big sponsor ,American. The "spy" or "special agent" types of people may already included in your "Diplomat" category.
Type 23: the normal guy who wasn't looking for a Thai wife but met someone overseas who happened to be Thai, and then happens to find life in Thailand to be pleasant and relaxing in comparison with the home country. That was what happened to me. I didn't really know anything about Thailand when I met my wife, and when I first came here I fell in love with the place. I've been welcomed into her family. I guess I could fit into the "Digital Nomad" slot because I do have a tech-based business, but I'm not really nomadic. We live in a normal city house in the deep South away from the tourist areas and we do normal stuff for our everyday life. I find here in the South, there are a handful of guys like me but not many. I am friends with some people in the Russian community in Phuket and I find that most of them are normal family people like myself. The semi-permanent British foreigners on Phuket often come across as a bit questionable to me while the Russians live in an expensive enclave (Cherng Thalay) away from the main tourist beaches. I have been to Hua Hin, which is where you find the 'normal retiree' type. It's a nice place for retired foreigners who are not into weird stuff. I'll always be a foreigner, I'll never be Thai, and I think Thai people feel a bit weirded out by people who try too hard to fit in. I learned a bit of Southern Thai because at first I thought it would be a good thing to do to be welcomed by locals but from the reactions I had, they seemed weirded out by it. I feel like a double-foreigner because most of my non-Thai social contacts are in the Russian community, so sometimes I do feel a bit lonely and culture-shocked, but my wife's family are so incredibly welcoming and loving that it doesn't last long. I think a lot of the 'types' you talked about (and they are definitely real) come here because of something missing in their life in their home countries ... they think they can find it here but I'm not sure that they do find it, or perhaps they find a fake version of it that can be paid for.
No doubt you found the 'true version' and are not a sex tourist or normal bachelor guy looking for a wife or girlfriend from another country. Ou wait, you are. You can't really say your experience is more pure than someone else's. You are not special and there's a reason why you ended up in Thailand and not Vietnam or any other country with similar or better lifestyle.
Many people travel to different countries searching for something. It's not out of the ordinary. I always say whatever makes you happy stick with it. And I think there is a thai saying what makes you happy, keep doing it. People can find happiness wherever they want. We're all human being at the end of the day.
Yes.I have the characteristics of1,2,5,10,17, and 19. But I would describe myself as an aspiring South East Asia Polyglot.I’m also pursuing Nepali and Hindi.I may never achieve fluency but I love the interaction with the people and writing in the script. I’m am an American slow ,solo,economic and old traveler.I seek mentally stimulating and low cost pastimes.
Great video as usual Paddy. I'll be the retiree soon. Met my Thai partner here in Sydney. She's from Bangkok and keen to return to Thailand. We'll be splitting our time between a rural property near Phitsanulok and an apartment in Bangkok. Best of both worlds. Looking forward to it. The language though. If i only had to read it, I'd be fine, but speaking it is another story.
I think you could've expanded the English Teacher category. There are definitely farang who started as ESL Teachers and then moved on into Language School Administration, or moved on to a more prestigious teaching jobs (often in other subjects) at an International School or University in Thailand. As someone who has interviewed for a Communications/Marketing Specialist/Coordinator positions at various Int''l Schools throughout SEA there are definitely Admin jobs beyond just teaching as well..
Hi Shawn, this is great to hear as I was an Economics teacher who became a Director of Advancement (specialising in philanthropy and alumni) then CEO of School Foundations. My husband (ex Deputy Headmaster) and I travel to Thailand every year for 1-3 months, we did a basic Thai speaking course and have started volunteer English teaching. I’m 52 so am keen to work for a few more years but living in Thailand if the opportunity presents. Any advice greatly appreciated. Regards, Lea Walker-Franks 🙏
Mate, I am so glad you did this one. I’ve met them all. I live on a remote island “not saying where” I get into trouble calling them what they are “the hippies & the lost ones” get offended the most. One you missed is the “peasant tourist” barters everything, sleeps anywhere, begs food, to save money to prolong their painful holiday. “Painful for everyone else”. 😂.
There seems to be another type of foreigners who come to Thailand to live out the atmosphere or visit the locations the actors/actresses used to exist in the movies or series they love.
As for your aversion to the phrase "the real Thailand", some of us use it to emphasize the fact that the bars and go-gos of Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok are not typical of the country in general. I've been living in Thailand nearly 16 years, I speak, read and write the language pretty well and have seen a lot of the country, and have encountered many expats who think Thailand is typified by the tourist traps.
The guy blurred out at 2:21 looks a bit like you mate 555 Seriously, thanks so much for always bringing amazing videos that show the real side of Thailand and its down to earth people and potential. It’s because of your channel that I am now seriously studying Thai and can’t wait to go back again next month.
We are firmly in the #2 camp. My wife and I moved to Thailand for all the reasons you mentioned. We love exploring but we’re pretty quiet and don’t go out partying.
You forgot us adopted Thais, who were adopted by white or black parents, and who go to Thailand to try and get to know our native country and language, feeling a bit like a backwards farang lol 😂
i worked for a small aid organisation in Northern Thailand/Laos a long time ago in the early 1990s. At that time Laos was slightly opening up to international travel. Most of the foreigners I encountered were pretty decent, given the fact that at the time it took a lot of time/effort/expense to visit the country. The only people who bugged me were foreign embassy staff expecting an easy ride and religious groups attempting to foist their beliefs on the local people. I suppose I'm guilty of the Muay Thai experience, but in the area in which I lived our 'ring' was a courtyard and we just all went at it, followed by kao neow, lao-lao, papaya salad and recovery.
I fit into a few of your categories.😅 I'm retired, have a Thai wife, live quietly in an Isaan village and the only foreigner here. It's a nice life for me.
The BS Artist - Someone who exploits the fact that no one else knows their real past when beginning a new life in Thailand and fabricate all sorts of elaborate stories about their previous life and careers etc. They are easily spotted as their stories are way too extravagant. They are generally harmless and guaranteed to give you a good laugh. The sad thing about them is that they tend to start believing their own stories after telling enough people who are too polite to challenge them. There is a much higher concentration of these characters in Thailand than abroad so you are guaranteed to encounter them if spending enough time there.
We call them "Special Forces" because for some reason they all were the best of the best in some SF branch. Even though they mostly are overweight and socially awkward
The Village Dweller is who I am then, haha. I've got a name. Number 21, I thought for a moment I'd been left out then Paddy. I've tried to contact you before for a good chat mate but you keep swerving me haha.
I like your classification of foreigners. However, the UA-camrs in Thailand come from everywhere, not just the West. The other type that I want to add is the escapers like South Korean or Japanese who escape from stressful lifes in their countries.
Worth mentioning that most westerners that are not expats sent by their company or exchange students, are more or less misfits in their home country with sometimes hilarious stories.
Paddy often jokes about being terrible with women....7:53 Here's a classic example of Paddy's brain freezing up and him going into robot mode when he encounters a pretty girl. 555
Great video idea! As an exchange student who has lived in Singapore for a year, I can confirm that many of these types also exist there, especially execs, diplomats and their children. However, I am glad there were no sex tourists in SG, which are unfortunately very numerous in Thailand
The Buddha never comdemned prostitution in his teaching. There were even a few of "beautiful women" who attained enlightenment after meeting the Buddha. Something to think about :-)
@@VintageThaiLadyBoy Should probably also think about the fact that a huge part of the prostitution in thailand is unregulated and thus full of underage and forced women.
@@robby3499 Absolutely and thank you for your concern. The Thai govt should get off their high horses and legalise this legit profession for a better regulation. Meanwhile, there should be no judgement from anyone against those who are not forced and whose parents are okay with their choices. Back in the Buddha's days, girls would seek their parents' permisson first.
@@robby3499 It's not "full" of underage and forced women. That's hype from pressure groups trying to stamp out prostitution by associating it with paedophilia. As for Singapore, it must have sex tourists, as it's one of the few places in the world where I've had a pimp come up to me in the street. In Thailand, the "freelancers" work for themselves, which is much better. (And, no, I've never used their services.)
love the guide and love the big hair in the photo too. I'm not quite fitting into any catagory, but maybe a tennis version of 16, a third 17 and a third of a travel for food in Chiang Mai haha.
Number #22: “Blogger and UA-camr: you can see them walking and speaking alone with their camera. Filming you without asking your permission. Some making good money for leaving in Thailand when others only survive »😂😉
Most are just on a few weeks holiday then go home, not many make a living from it, I know a few people that do it full-time here with alot of followers but they all still do other work to live here like marketing online or have other small businesses
Did you mention foreign alcoholics? There has to be thousands here. I was just in a small town and did not see a single foreigner for two days until I went to check on another guest house. Outside one small cabin had to be a pile of over a hundred large beer bottles outside the door. I immediately knew there was a foreigner staying there. Sure enough the door opens and a drunk German staggers out of the room. Typical!
wow.. had no idea there were so many types of foreigners.. But makes sense when you goto thailand and see so many. I agree with you on the russians are really becoming a presence. Esp within the last 5 years. You FORGOT to mention that with all the influx of foreigners and foreigner now making up 30% of the population (Not confirmed yet), the ECONOMY has boomed and prices are really going up since 4-5 years ago...This is the sad part because Bangkok is no longer the cheap place to live anymore for westerners..
One of your more (if not the most) interesting, attention-keeping videos from start to finish.. great job 👏 I tried to place myself into one of your many categories, but couldn't.. may I humbly suggest "the too-broke-to-stay-long tourist" 😅
Maybe the traveler, who regularly visits their Thai partner from a long distance relationship, learns Thai every day but is too shy to speak it. That would be me, oops. I am really trying though, but most of the times my boyfriend takes pity on me and communicates for me. Anyways, I really love your videos. Thank you! :)
I think I fall somewhere between the "retiree" and "digital nomad". Watching this makes me not want to talk to anyone lest I be judged and my motives misinterpreted. TBH I keep myself pretty much to myself most of the time and i prefer to stay under the radar and not attract too much attention to myself.
Speaking of Mormons, I know a bargirl who was raised as one. Despite not exactly living a squeaky clean lifestyle, she does seem to believe in it. And she has 2 kids by 2 different blokes.
Interesting and honest assessment of the different "types" of foreigners in Thailand. You missed the biggest group of all, though ... the conventional tourists who go to the famous temples and beaches. This would also include the tour groups from China that dominated the Thai tourism industry before the pandemic and surely will do so again. You also demonstrate a real prejudice and ageism in your video. Why are "older" men who go to Pattaya and Phuket looking for company "sleazy sexpats" while younger tourists who go to Thailand to party and hook up with multiple partners are simply "backpackers"? By that token you should refer to the men who travel to Phuket, etc., "hotel dwellers" or "short-term condo dwellers".
It's difficult not to cringe a bit whenever you see other Australians overseas. Because flights to South East Asia are so cheap, a lot of young Aussies go there to party. I have never been to Bali because I'd cringe so much I'd die. Even when you're in Europe you still experience it. Every Aussie who has lived in London has a story about hearing an Australian speaking on the Underground and thinking "holy crap, is that what we sound like? Our accent is awful!"
Ahh now that makes sense why I've always seen aussies in thailand more then any other Caucasian countries. For us Americans depending on where you live in the states a flight to Thailand can become very to extremely expensive. Idk about anyone else but 1500 a flight is alot of money. Considering hotel costs travel costs etc. Those aussies are lucky.
Did I miss any 'Types'? Comment below ⬇️
You missed medical tourists.
You only target foreign men in these 22 types. It's because you come from Australia.
You missed the most common travellers in Thailand.
Chinese and Indian as well as ppl. finding a tax opportunity in Thailand,..
lol how could you possibly miss anything when you include 22 differen types! i could divide the whole human population into 5 types of people!
@@kevinreily2529 I wonder how many types of females are in Thailand, not to mention all the other genders we seem to have these days.
The type of traveler I hate are the one's who don't respect the local people, culture and laws. Learn a few friendly phrases in Thai at least and don't get mad when there is a communication issue. Pack some patience and enjoy what the country has to offer. This is their country and you are a guest. We are all human and some tourists need to learn to treat everyone with respect.
facts
Well said!
So u mean Americans
Well said brother
Great advice - I use to see people get angry at customs staff - big mistake - they are letting you into their country - show some respect.
Glad you mentioned the traveling UA-camrs In Thailand. There seems to be hundreds of them all carrying selfie sticks covering the same subjects ( tourist attractions, the best food vendor food, and the peculiarities of the culture).
Not all the channels just most of them. The same old recycled garbage and awful advice. My policy is if the host can not speak Thai I won,t watch.
Its funny watching them travel from place to place after each other - often wonder if they encounter each other.
Let's not forget "How much does it cost to live in Thailand"? and "A condo tour"!!!
I think it's interesting and helpful to have people like this around not only thailand but different countries as well. Some not all just cover basic life and provide some good information on what's there to do in cities like Bangkok and other places and they also give good tips on what to do and what not to do. Where to shop etc and majority of the information is quite accurate. So i think yeah, it's kinda cliche to have them around as people are probably so bored with seeing them and at the same time they're trying to make a living but also they're providing the world with an insiders first look into these countries without having to go by one of those lonely planet tourist pamphlets lol
They need to stop filming people without their consent and getting in their faces! I certainly would be pissed if someone filmed me without asking for their dumb channel
Foreign exchange students. They wear Thai school uniforms, attend Thai high schools and live with Thai families. Different from international students. I was an AFS student in Bangkok and it changed my life so much for the better.
Another one here! Although I did not nor did any other of my group, live with Thai families. Exchange in Thailand was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Great vid Paddy, but you forgot about us the FOODIE Lovers!! the first thing i think of when i land in thailand is food.!! just can't get enough. keep up the great work.
Same.. I travel once a year alone and just eat eat eat !! If not for the food I wouldn’t go
actually, most of the Thai street food is low quality. Peasant food. Made by northerners from Issan. Cheap ingredients like water instead of coconut milk. The higher quality is more expensive and in Bangkok or Chang Mai's better restaurants.
Not sure which category I fit into. I’m just grateful to be there with the most beautiful and friendly people, culture, food and scenery in the world. As for all the stereotypes, they make for fun people watching. The obnoxious Aussies are always a hoot. And you can look down on the grungy 65 year old Brit with a lady on one arm and a cold Leo in the other, but you won’t find a happier person on planet Earth😊.
I came as a backpacker in 2016, returned to be a TEFL teacher in 2019, left because of the pandemic and recently returned as an international student. I love Bangkok! I feel I could fit into several of these categories.
The thing I love most is taking long walks in the humidity around the city. I average 20,000+ steps a day, often around Chatuchak, Bang Krachao, and Riverside. It's amazing that such a large and developed city can be so walkable and delightful, with amazing green spaces. The new Benjakitti renovations are lovely!
I have certain types I try to avoid, but won't name names. Everyone has the right to enjoy Thailand in their own way as long as they aren't hurting anyone.
Hi Paddy, I am currently teaching at XLC and find your videos so helpful to teach the students cross cultural communications. The students and I both love your videos!!!!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Hey Will! So great to hear from you! Hope you are having an absolutely awesome time up there. Pass on a big hello to everyone up there and hopefully our paths cross later this year. Thanks a heap for watching and enjoying - glad the videos are useful 🙏
THANKS Paddy for enabling "CC"! Great to be able to enjoy one of your vids again! 👍 (l'm nearly deaf & cannot follow along without them).
So glad to hear that! 🙏
I’m mixed and My dad goes into the village dweller since my mom comes from a small thai village from Phayao and I have to say my dad always helps out with my grandma at her shop the weird thing is that I probably attract more attention from the locals then him 😂
Another great video paddy! Number 13 made me laugh because I experience it every time I go to Thailand, sit there moaning about anything and everything about Thailand but then almost have a heart attack when you mention to them about going back home🤷♂️😂
I think you nailed all of them there Paddy. I am a Thai born Australian who considers himself Australian with some Thai knowledge (albeit not as much as you), but whenever I go back to the mother land, I don't feel like a tourist so to speak even though my Thai vocabulary is limited. It's a weird feeling as I view both Australia and Thailand as home, just that the cultures are vastly different.
I think viewing both as home is the best attitude to have! Thanks a lot for watching 🙏
I'm Australian and both my daughters were born in Thailand. Neither has lived in Australia but the eldest (19) spent a year and half in the Middle East as a toddler, The younger is about to turn 16. I think both both don't really consider themselves Australian because they have had such limited exposure to Australia. But I hope that as they move into their own lives that they will embrace Australia and come to view both countries as home, just as you have.
UA-camrs..
So aren't you one?
If not what are you then?
@@saniman-fz2mePaddy's UA-cam content is quite different from the rest. He speaks to actual thai people about their experiences rather than another UA-camr showing us a hotel or street food.
I'll add in the motorcycle touring rider. People like me who ride all the way from Singapore through Malaysia and to everywhere in Thailand. I guess it's quite hard for you to meet people like me. We're not in one place too long and generally don't stay in the touristy areas. There are always groups of Malaysian or Singaporean riders that ride around Thailand. We don't really look that different from Thais so it's quite hard to differentiate us sometimes. The southern parts of Thailand are quite different in culture too. Which goes to show how diverse Thailand really is.
Chewing Gum
@@jurgschupbach3059 you understand nothing about chewing gum issue in singapore
me too
best channel about thailand ❤️
Thanks so much for watching 🙏
Nice summary Paddy and I agree with them all but there are a couple of types you have missed which are actually quite large categories. One is the Medical Tourist, coming here for dental, cosmetic or other surgery and the other type is the Remote Business Managers who are often here on long stay visas like the Elite visa and they essentially live in Thailand but have businesses in other countries that they partially manage or have their team manage for them. Some of them even live here with their families too and they are quite a different type to the Digital Nomads.
You forgot 2 other types: 1. the violent antisocial drunk/ drug addict who attacks random people in a restaurant or on the street or destroys property and 2. The balcony jumpers of Pattaya and Bangkok.
Thats my plan 🙋🏻♂️
Luv this video.
I never would have came up with so many categories....and yet each one is legit!
I am probably in several and may have been in a couple more way back when!!!!
I always learn something new from your videos. Today was the pronunciation of Pai. Even though I first came to Thailand in the early 80's and started learning Thai in the mid 80's AND have been to Pai several times, I had always pronounced it with a 'P' sound. And then Thai talk Paddy throws a spanner in and pronounces it with the Bp Bor Bpoo sound and I was like "Best I look up the Thai spelling"......30 seconds later "ปาย".....and I've learnt something new....thx Paddy, you are a legend.
How about military? I personally discovered Thailand as part of a joint military exercise, and almost everyone I know is in the same boat. Operations like Cobra Gold have allowed military members from many countries to work along side Thai Soldiers, experience the culture, and assist in the construction of some infrastructure projects that benefit local communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside so many great people and been able to experience such a rich culture. I would not have been able to discover this if not for the military. I know I am not the only one.
Have you visited sattahip Marines Corps base for Cobra Gold this year?
@@Tamplier12345 I visited Sattahip for Cobra Gold in 1998. I did go back to Sattahip in 2021 to visit as a tourist, but not as a Soldier involved in Cobra Gold.
You missed out the "imported boyfriend/husband" Thai girl studies at university abroad, meets boyfriend and brings them back to Thailand. To which I am one and I know 3 others.
my close friend was this type. now they’re back in the UK and divorced
This guy is a weirdo
Me too! Married 15years in December
@@nickgorman7951 Is it true you are taking care of her family in Isan too?
Great video. I’ve been a “#21 The Village Dweller” for four years and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What do you do all day...?
You missed the biggest type of all: the Chinese package-tour tourist! They disappeared during "the situation" but they are coming back!
A blight on humanity … 😅
@@ma3stro681I would say that's racist but having seen these tourist groups... I mean....
It's sort of the equivalent to American groups that wear those pointy white hats (more ski masks these days) carrying around ARs harassing people.
Some groups of people are so garbage they make their entire ethnicity look bad. And they make humanity look bad by proxy.
I’ve met a few of these types and one of the joys of Thailand is meeting other foreigners. This has exposed me to all sorts of interesting people I would never have met before. I’ve met the rich, poor, corporate, working, the nomad, the retired, UA-camrs, and a few of the US Embassy personnel. I would much rather though sit and have a beer with a sexpat than a Christian missionary. Please keep Thailand Buddhist (says the atheist).
😂😂😂
Why are you against christians tho?
@@davidpark2509 I lived 60 years in the US and I am not a Christian. It was a surprise to me the relief I feel being in a Buddhist culture (I’m not a Buddhist either). I find the Christian culture in the US tiresome particularly since it became more and more politicized. I find the temples here in Thailand fascinating and upbeat. The holidays are new and interesting still after living here 7+ years. American culture in general has become negative and depressing and religion in America is a part of that. I’m not against Christianity but I’m happy to be away from it.
I consider myself third culture kid, cause my father was an attache (diplomatic services related to military). Studied in two countries when i was a kid. This left a big impact on me: while my former friends grew and bonded strong relationships, i never had unbroken ties and friendships that could stand the test of time. I got superb education, good lifestile, saw a broader world, but sacrificed on friendships and sense of stability in my personal world.
There was another kind for a while: those stranded by COVID related travel difficulties. I was one of them.
Wasn't my favourite Thai holiday, but 2.5 years was definitely the longest.
Great to see a new video Paddy. Love your work
💯
im an english teacher here! love thailand so much
This make me miss Thailand so much. Moved to Australia for a year now and i miss the humble and kindness of thai people. 😢
SLC native, my buddy went to Thailand on his mission said the LDS church is doing well there. Last time I went to Thailand there was a new Mormon temple right next to the Makkasan station. So it seems it's growing there.
I met up with a friend in Bangkok who was a dental tourist. He had all of his fillings replaced the first time and a few years later had four titanium posts fitted within a week. Was meant to come back six months later to receive permanent crowns but Covid intervened meaning he had to find a dentist in Brisbane.
As Thai, I have no problem with any types of tourist expect "The Negative Asshole". They always say bad things about Thailand such as people, culture, attitude, etc, but they are still in Thailand and take advantages of Sabuy Sabuy Thai culture.
I guess you could call this a sub culture of farang visitors, but cyclist come from all over the world to ride in Thailand, Chiang Mai in particular. Many regularly come in the cool season and I've had the opportunity to make friends from many places.
In my 11 years of living in Thailand many of those descriptions fit at one time or another! 😂
Personally I enjoy your videos interacting with Thai's and Thai speaking farangs, this video sorta drops back into the lowest common denominator of Thailand experience videos.
Really enjoy your videos and find much encouragement in plodding along with my Thai.
The "Real Thailand" types remind me of the foreigners who tell me that New York is not the real America. No one city, town, or village will be the "real" anything. In our case, New York is as real as any other part of America, but it's just another aspect of the country, offering its own experiences. Bangkok is just as much the "real" Thailand, but it's one facet of a diverse country.
ah yes , and dont forget the Real India Ones. well , over in India. they dwell in slums , travel unreserved class on trains and if you tell them your hotel room aint got bugs galore you havent seen the Real India. and of course they eat food with the hands. good gracious.
Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness to human trafficking in the fishing industry in Thailand
Great job Paddy ! Very realistic vision. What about diving instructors ? 😂😂
I feel like there’s a #23 type of foreigner that briefly gets mentioned at 0:13. Farang that have made a lot of money in their homeland through “dodgy” methods and have then fled from their homeland to Thailand permanently in order to avoid either their enemies or the police. These guys tend to be the owners of a lot of businesses like bars (especially Gogo Bars) and hotels. Ironically they’re rarely involved in anything dodgy in Thailand though, you don’t shit where you eat
Top stuff Paddy, keep em coming!
The "Know it all's" favourite past time is quizzing other foreigners on how long they've been in Thailand, just so they can explain to you that they've been there longer. Either that, or they start every conversation with "I've been here for XX years now, and..."
As an expat living in Laos, these the ones I avoid.
Well, if the topic is just "foreigner in Thailand" and includes every possible types whether long or short period. May I suggest to add the "military" particularly American. Almost annually joint exercise takes place between Thai military and other friends especially the big sponsor ,American. The "spy" or "special agent" types of people may already included in your "Diplomat" category.
Type 23: the normal guy who wasn't looking for a Thai wife but met someone overseas who happened to be Thai, and then happens to find life in Thailand to be pleasant and relaxing in comparison with the home country. That was what happened to me. I didn't really know anything about Thailand when I met my wife, and when I first came here I fell in love with the place. I've been welcomed into her family. I guess I could fit into the "Digital Nomad" slot because I do have a tech-based business, but I'm not really nomadic. We live in a normal city house in the deep South away from the tourist areas and we do normal stuff for our everyday life. I find here in the South, there are a handful of guys like me but not many. I am friends with some people in the Russian community in Phuket and I find that most of them are normal family people like myself. The semi-permanent British foreigners on Phuket often come across as a bit questionable to me while the Russians live in an expensive enclave (Cherng Thalay) away from the main tourist beaches. I have been to Hua Hin, which is where you find the 'normal retiree' type. It's a nice place for retired foreigners who are not into weird stuff. I'll always be a foreigner, I'll never be Thai, and I think Thai people feel a bit weirded out by people who try too hard to fit in. I learned a bit of Southern Thai because at first I thought it would be a good thing to do to be welcomed by locals but from the reactions I had, they seemed weirded out by it. I feel like a double-foreigner because most of my non-Thai social contacts are in the Russian community, so sometimes I do feel a bit lonely and culture-shocked, but my wife's family are so incredibly welcoming and loving that it doesn't last long. I think a lot of the 'types' you talked about (and they are definitely real) come here because of something missing in their life in their home countries ... they think they can find it here but I'm not sure that they do find it, or perhaps they find a fake version of it that can be paid for.
Type 23 👍🏼
good work - sounds like you're having a great time :-)
Tell us the long version
No doubt you found the 'true version' and are not a sex tourist or normal bachelor guy looking for a wife or girlfriend from another country. Ou wait, you are. You can't really say your experience is more pure than someone else's. You are not special and there's a reason why you ended up in Thailand and not Vietnam or any other country with similar or better lifestyle.
Many people travel to different countries searching for something. It's not out of the ordinary. I always say whatever makes you happy stick with it. And I think there is a thai saying what makes you happy, keep doing it. People can find happiness wherever they want. We're all human being at the end of the day.
Yes.I have the characteristics of1,2,5,10,17, and 19. But I would describe myself as an aspiring South East Asia Polyglot.I’m also pursuing Nepali and Hindi.I may never achieve fluency but I love the interaction with the people and writing in the script.
I’m am an American slow ,solo,economic and old traveler.I seek mentally stimulating and low cost pastimes.
Great video as usual Paddy. I'll be the retiree soon. Met my Thai partner here in Sydney. She's from Bangkok and keen to return to Thailand. We'll be splitting our time between a rural property near Phitsanulok and an apartment in Bangkok. Best of both worlds. Looking forward to it.
The language though.
If i only had to read it, I'd be fine, but speaking it is another story.
You got most of them right but missed one. How about the farang that has Thai relatives and friends in Thailand and loves the people there?
❤ awesome krub
Very interesting video. Thank!
That was an awesome video Mate.
Great content as usual, Paddy. Keep up the good work.❤
I think you could've expanded the English Teacher category. There are definitely farang who started as ESL Teachers and then moved on into Language School Administration, or moved on to a more prestigious teaching jobs (often in other subjects) at an International School or University in Thailand. As someone who has interviewed for a Communications/Marketing Specialist/Coordinator positions at various Int''l Schools throughout SEA there are definitely Admin jobs beyond just teaching as well..
Hi Shawn, this is great to hear as I was an Economics teacher who became a Director of Advancement (specialising in philanthropy and alumni) then CEO of School Foundations. My husband (ex Deputy Headmaster) and I travel to Thailand every year for 1-3 months, we did a basic Thai speaking course and have started volunteer English teaching. I’m 52 so am keen to work for a few more years but living in Thailand if the opportunity presents. Any advice greatly appreciated. Regards, Lea Walker-Franks 🙏
I don't think most foerigners in Thailand would be shouting the first round of beers unless they were one of the execs. Lol.
Mate, I am so glad you did this one. I’ve met them all. I live on a remote island “not saying where” I get into trouble calling them what they are “the hippies & the lost ones” get offended the most. One you missed is the “peasant tourist” barters everything, sleeps anywhere, begs food, to save money to prolong their painful holiday. “Painful for everyone else”. 😂.
Interesting perspective.. enjoyed this! Thanks Paddy!
Nice to see you have a copy of Mary Beard's SPQR on your shelf!
Hello, i wish to learn thai on my own but i cant find the perfect books. What do you suggest?
There seems to be another type of foreigners who come to Thailand to live out the atmosphere or visit the locations the actors/actresses used to exist in the movies or series they love.
NICE JOB I LIKE TO WATCH ALL YOUR VIDEOS I STRUGGLE WITH YOUR AUSSIE ACCENT I UNDERSTAND YOUR THAI BETTER KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CHOK DEE
Lol, I guess it’ll be hard to avoid being included in one of these categories at one time or another. 😂
You forgot to mention about the import footballers that play in the Thai League.
As for your aversion to the phrase "the real Thailand", some of us use it to emphasize the fact that the bars and go-gos of Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok are not typical of the country in general. I've been living in Thailand nearly 16 years, I speak, read and write the language pretty well and have seen a lot of the country, and have encountered many expats who think Thailand is typified by the tourist traps.
It's the first time you've offended me Paddy, with your dislike of some of us referring to "the real thailand" 😂
Supremely witty well done and thankyou.🍀
Where do people go for monk training? Can you provide some information please
Great videos and explains ways I never know before
Number 23 : The international criminal on the run. Often waiting for arrest and extradition or just being clipped.
👌
The guy blurred out at 2:21 looks a bit like you mate 555
Seriously, thanks so much for always bringing amazing videos that show the real side of Thailand and its down to earth people and potential. It’s because of your channel that I am now seriously studying Thai and can’t wait to go back again next month.
Thanks so much for watching James! Glad to hear it. Good luck with the studies
We are firmly in the #2 camp. My wife and I moved to Thailand for all the reasons you mentioned. We love exploring but we’re pretty quiet and don’t go out partying.
You forgot us adopted Thais, who were adopted by white or black parents, and who go to Thailand to try and get to know our native country and language, feeling a bit like a backwards farang lol 😂
this type of content is very fun! would love to see more of this
Dont forget the confident thai speaker ,they are turning up all over utube.
i worked for a small aid organisation in Northern Thailand/Laos a long time ago in the early 1990s. At that time Laos was slightly opening up to international travel. Most of the foreigners I encountered were pretty decent, given the fact that at the time it took a lot of time/effort/expense to visit the country. The only people who bugged me were foreign embassy staff expecting an easy ride and religious groups attempting to foist their beliefs on the local people. I suppose I'm guilty of the Muay Thai experience, but in the area in which I lived our 'ring' was a courtyard and we just all went at it, followed by kao neow, lao-lao, papaya salad and recovery.
U havent met me yet bud. Really like ur videos. U have touched upon a few types but there are many more positive types.
You missed humanitarian/aid workers / UN workers . I recognized the shot of Father Vinai and Arupee students!
Thanks for the showing us positive image. I think you're the only one who can talk about it 😉
I fit into a few of your categories.😅
I'm retired, have a Thai wife, live quietly in an Isaan village and the only foreigner here. It's a nice life for me.
Nice video! You’ve it all covered I believe. 😊
Thailand was ok. I stayed for 6 months but it wore on my nerves. The heat, the language barrier and the traffic got to me.
Over 30 years, I've been 6 of these! now I am neither, as I'm Thai.
The BS Artist - Someone who exploits the fact that no one else knows their real past when beginning a new life in Thailand and fabricate all sorts of elaborate stories about their previous life and careers etc. They are easily spotted as their stories are way too extravagant. They are generally harmless and guaranteed to give you a good laugh. The sad thing about them is that they tend to start believing their own stories after telling enough people who are too polite to challenge them. There is a much higher concentration of these characters in Thailand than abroad so you are guaranteed to encounter them if spending enough time there.
Yes, but these types also live in New York, LA, London, and all kinds of other places.
We call them "Special Forces" because for some reason they all were the best of the best in some SF branch. Even though they mostly are overweight and socially awkward
The Village Dweller is who I am then, haha. I've got a name. Number 21, I thought for a moment I'd been left out then Paddy.
I've tried to contact you before for a good chat mate but you keep swerving me haha.
You should add wildlife traveler and scuba diving traveler
Gold! There's a bit of me in some of those, i have to say. Great sum up, Paddy.
I think I'm several different of these types depending on the day and area I'm in. I should probably pick one and embrace it. Good video.
All good descriptions, but knowing how many there are [of each type] makes a big difference.
I like your classification of foreigners. However, the UA-camrs in Thailand come from everywhere, not just the West. The other type that I want to add is the escapers like South Korean or Japanese who escape from stressful lifes in their countries.
Worth mentioning that most westerners that are not expats sent by their company or exchange students, are more or less misfits in their home country with sometimes hilarious stories.
good work Paddy...........................
No 22 was me too at one point years ago... lolol... Vietnam is catching up very quickly in this regard. Well done and very good insights as always!
Paddy often jokes about being terrible with women....7:53 Here's a classic example of Paddy's brain freezing up and him going into robot mode when he encounters a pretty girl. 555
Great video idea! As an exchange student who has lived in Singapore for a year, I can confirm that many of these types also exist there, especially execs, diplomats and their children. However, I am glad there were no sex tourists in SG, which are unfortunately very numerous in Thailand
The Buddha never comdemned prostitution in his teaching. There were even a few of "beautiful women" who attained enlightenment after meeting the Buddha. Something to think about :-)
@@VintageThaiLadyBoy Should probably also think about the fact that a huge part of the prostitution in thailand is unregulated and thus full of underage and forced women.
@@robby3499 Absolutely and thank you for your concern. The Thai govt should get off their high horses and legalise this legit profession for a better regulation. Meanwhile, there should be no judgement from anyone against those who are not forced and whose parents are okay with their choices. Back in the Buddha's days, girls would seek their parents' permisson first.
@@robby3499 It's not "full" of underage and forced women. That's hype from pressure groups trying to stamp out prostitution by associating it with paedophilia. As for Singapore, it must have sex tourists, as it's one of the few places in the world where I've had a pimp come up to me in the street. In Thailand, the "freelancers" work for themselves, which is much better. (And, no, I've never used their services.)
Some countries where prostitution is rare, it's because people get or give it for free.
love the guide and love the big hair in the photo too. I'm not quite fitting into any catagory, but maybe a tennis version of 16, a third 17 and a third of a travel for food in Chiang Mai haha.
Interesting when scrolling thru the 'most played' part of the video is 6:08 - The Lost Traveler
2:38 Great use of sound effect! 🤣🤣🤣
Number #22: “Blogger and UA-camr: you can see them walking and speaking alone with their camera. Filming you without asking your permission. Some making good money for leaving in Thailand when others only survive »😂😉
Most are just on a few weeks holiday then go home, not many make a living from it, I know a few people that do it full-time here with alot of followers but they all still do other work to live here like marketing online or have other small businesses
Did you mention foreign alcoholics? There has to be thousands here. I was just in a small town and did not see a single foreigner for two days until I went to check on another guest house. Outside one small cabin had to be a pile of over a hundred large beer bottles outside the door. I immediately knew there was a foreigner staying there. Sure enough the door opens and a drunk German staggers out of the room. Typical!
wow.. had no idea there were so many types of foreigners.. But makes sense when you goto thailand and see so many. I agree with you on the russians are really becoming a presence. Esp within the last 5 years. You FORGOT to mention that with all the influx of foreigners and foreigner now making up 30% of the population (Not confirmed yet), the ECONOMY has boomed and prices are really going up since 4-5 years ago...This is the sad part because Bangkok is no longer the cheap place to live anymore for westerners..
One of your more (if not the most) interesting, attention-keeping videos from start to finish.. great job 👏
I tried to place myself into one of your many categories, but couldn't.. may I humbly suggest "the too-broke-to-stay-long tourist" 😅
Thanks a heap for watching! Not a bad idea for #23
Maybe the traveler, who regularly visits their Thai partner from a long distance relationship, learns Thai every day but is too shy to speak it. That would be me, oops. I am really trying though, but most of the times my boyfriend takes pity on me and communicates for me. Anyways, I really love your videos. Thank you! :)
I think I fall somewhere between the "retiree" and "digital nomad". Watching this makes me not want to talk to anyone lest I be judged and my motives misinterpreted. TBH I keep myself pretty much to myself most of the time and i prefer to stay under the radar and not attract too much attention to myself.
Very wise
Maybe this is a tick list to feel you have been all 22 as fast as you can 😂
good job, Paddy
Speaking of Mormons, I know a bargirl who was raised as one. Despite not exactly living a squeaky clean lifestyle, she does seem to believe in it. And she has 2 kids by 2 different blokes.
Pretty spot on there Paddy
Super spot on 😀
Interesting and honest assessment of the different "types" of foreigners in Thailand. You missed the biggest group of all, though ... the conventional tourists who go to the famous temples and beaches. This would also include the tour groups from China that dominated the Thai tourism industry before the pandemic and surely will do so again.
You also demonstrate a real prejudice and ageism in your video. Why are "older" men who go to Pattaya and Phuket looking for company "sleazy sexpats" while younger tourists who go to Thailand to party and hook up with multiple partners are simply "backpackers"? By that token you should refer to the men who travel to Phuket, etc., "hotel dwellers" or "short-term condo dwellers".
It's difficult not to cringe a bit whenever you see other Australians overseas. Because flights to South East Asia are so cheap, a lot of young Aussies go there to party. I have never been to Bali because I'd cringe so much I'd die. Even when you're in Europe you still experience it. Every Aussie who has lived in London has a story about hearing an Australian speaking on the Underground and thinking "holy crap, is that what we sound like? Our accent is awful!"
Ahh now that makes sense why I've always seen aussies in thailand more then any other Caucasian countries. For us Americans depending on where you live in the states a flight to Thailand can become very to extremely expensive. Idk about anyone else but 1500 a flight is alot of money. Considering hotel costs travel costs etc. Those aussies are lucky.
Most Europeans think Bali is a country 💀💀
It's part of Indonesia