teacherkentravels

Thailand is great, but no country is perfect. Annoyances like 90-day reporting and double prices can make us less than happy, but getting lung cancer is really serious and it headlines the news every year. At only 38, my body reached it's limit for Thailand's extreme concentrations of PM2.5. A year before I became a statistic, an expat YouTuber interviewed a Scandinavian, about same age as I, how moved back to EU after starting a successful (and lucrative) business in Thailand. Why? He too reached his limit for pollution. I want to know how much of an issue this is. Have you been affected by air pollution? It took me 9 years to reach my limit. Sucks. I'm going to miss it here. BTW - this picture of trash burning isn't some hillbilly village in Issan. It's in Phuket!

Yes! I’m Medically Forced to Return to the USA. After spending 12 years in Thailand (from age 30 to 42), I feel it’s time to share some hard truths. This isn't about criticizing—it's about informing others of the realities, especially as we get older and think about our long-term health and well-being. The Trade-Offs of Living in Thailand Thailand, with its natural beauty and culture, can often overshadow serious challenges. Many of us came here for the affordable lifestyle, but we overlooked one key truth: you get what you pay for. I came to Thailand as an NCAA athlete and Olympic hopeful, but the air quality in Bangkok and Southeast Asia has severely impacted my health. The high concentrations of PM2.5—fine particulate pollution—sent me to the hospital with near-fatal heart and respiratory issues. This isn't just an isolated case; many expats and locals face similar health risks, particularly during the dry and burning seasons. The Cost of Affordable Living Thailand’s lower cost of living often reflects its environmental and infrastructural challenges. The government, though making some improvements, remains hard to hold accountable, and the air and water quality can be hazardous. Additionally, the roads here are among the deadliest in the world. While there’s so much to love about Thailand—its food, culture, and people—if you're planning to spend your later years here, you must seriously consider whether the low cost of living is worth the health risks: pollution, under-educated doctors on environmental health, a lack of safety, and an overall disregard for public well-being. The Disconnect Between Us and Locals I get that many of us feel a sense of freedom here, free from the complexities of life in the U.S. But if you’ve been here long enough, you realize there’s a disconnect between how we experience Thailand and how locals do. Many Thai people are actively looking for ways to leave, dissatisfied with their own living conditions. Our experience is not universal. The Reality of Southeast Asia's Pollution Southeast Asia, including Thailand, has some of the worst air pollution in the world. About 90% of global air pollution deaths are linked to Asia, with one-third of those coming from Southeast Asia. For those of us in our 50s or older, the long-term effects of constant exposure to this toxic air can be life-threatening. I’m living proof of that. The truth is, during certain seasons, the PM2.5 levels here can be equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. I had a family member who smoked cigars his whole life and lived into his 90s, but not everyone has that kind of genetic luck. As we age, some of us simply can't afford the risk. The U.S. Has Its Challenges, But... Yes, life in the U.S. has its own issues—high living costs, political frustrations, etc. But there are some undeniable benefits: cleaner air, reliable (albeit expensive) healthcare, and a government that takes air pollution seriously. In the U.S., doctors are knowledgeable about how to test for and treat the health effects of pollution. Here in Thailand, many doctors are ignorant about these issues, and if you bring them up, they’ll often think you’re crazy. Living in a country where air quality is ignored, and big government forces you to breathe toxic air and drink water from microplastic-leaching bottles? That's your choice—but it’s not mine. Prioritizing Our Health and Peace of Mind As seniors, we deserve to spend our later years in an environment that supports both our health and peace of mind. I don’t want to spend my days wearing a mask to breathe or worrying about my heart condition getting worse because of pollution. If the U.S. didn’t meet your expectations, you can stay here, but remember—Thailand’s crematoriums are ready for you when the pollution takes its toll. Think About Your Future While you stubbornly stay here, think about what happens if your health deteriorates. Who will take care of you when you’re ill? Who will pay the hospital bills for preventable conditions caused by living in a toxic environment? I’m not telling anyone what to do, but just sharing my experience as food for thought. The Reality of Living Near Toxic Sites For those living in or near Pattaya, you’re literally in the "Ohio" of Thailand, surrounded by toxic chemical factories. Every year, SCG (a major company) has an explosion at one of its factories, releasing toxins into the air that you eventually breathe and consume. And don’t forget, Thailand is an open trash-burning country. In every Southeast Asian country, plastics and electronics are openly burned, releasing toxins that end up in the food we consume—meat, dairy, eggs, and more. Conclusion: The True Cost of Cheap Living Yes, Thailand can be beautiful, but the health costs—physical, emotional, and financial—can be significant. It’s a personal decision, but I’ve chosen to prioritize my health and future, even if it means a higher cost of living. As we age, we must consider how we’re spending our time and what we’re investing in. Our health should be our top priority, and there’s so much to enjoy in the U.S. that’s free—hiking, surfing, Frisbee golf, etc. When I lived in San Diego, I did all of that. But in Thailand, those activities cost money. The country is designed like an amusement park. Everywhere peaceful costs money; everywhere else is the mall, a dangerous road, or private property. Thailand may offer cheap living, but at what cost? I think it’s worth considering, especially for those of us in our senior years. It’s a personal choice, but I’ve made mine - to survive and try to figure out how to thrive in the USA from Americans who are currently successful. It's all about mindset 😉 If a Muslim can immigrate to the USA and then get elected as Mayor of New York City, then any of us can at least figure out a way to live a relaxing life stateside too. Being a privileged brat will only keep you in Thailand. You gotta be tough, have hope, and think productively. Below is an air pollution graph of air quality in Bangkok at Bangkok university. You can see that there's only been a few weeks of Clean Air within the past 5 years. Source: https://aqicn.org/city/thailand/pathum-thani/bangkok-university-rangsit-campus/