There are a ton of social media sources about Thailand.
Tons of Youtuber’s and tons of Facebook Groups, Bloggers and other websites.
There is also a ton of hate, sarcasm and just plain false information being spread.
Who can you really believe these days?
When expats have been in Thailand for a holiday, they immediately claim they are experts on all things Thai. Well, as a Thai, I cannot tell you how remotely far from the truth that can be.
My opinion is that expats that have retired to Thailand, married, kids, live normal lives, financially funded, are probably the most trustworthy. That is not to say all retired expats. Financially funded living a normal life meaning own a property, land, cars, etc. the same as they did in their home countries. Not living in a one room flat, getting drunk everyday.
One of the worst groups of expats is those that bash Thai women and Thailand in general, when in reality, their issues are all their own fault. If you hang around Go-Go Bars and prostitution and expect Miss Thailand, you are in for a rude awakening. These self-inflicted experiences have soured many expats on Thai woman and Thailand in general. They are very bitter even though they made their own personal choices and have no one to blame.
Young Youtuber’s who cannot financially qualify for any Visa to remain in Thailand long term. How many stories do we need to read about surviving in Thailand on $500/month? It is not realistic and 100% misleading. Somewhere along the road, these youngsters seem not to have learned that it takes saving money an entire lifetime, to be able to have money in retirement. Many Youtubers completely make up false sensational stories to try to grow their subscriber base.
The Blamer’s that constantly blame Thailand for everything that goes wrong in the country whether it affects them personally or not. Why would you move so far away from your homeland and be so bitter about the place you chose to live? As an expat, you can only control your own destiny, not the destiny of the nation.
The Changer’s are the ones that have moved to Thailand and want Thailand to change everything and operate exactly to the norms they are use to in the home countries. Thailand is Thailand, rich in culture and it is not going to change and adapt western methodologies because you want it to be the same. Accept and change is the only option here.
The bottom line is you never really hear from the educated, normal expats that have adapted to Thailand 100%, can speak Thai and enjoy all that Thailand has to offer.
It is a real shame because we could all learn a thing or two from those that have made a successful emigration to Thailand with no issues.