In this episode of Made It In Thailand, I sit down with Forrest Lee, an American expat who's been living in Thailand for four years. Forrest shares his journey from leaving the US Army to becoming a popular YouTuber in Thailand, discussing his motivations, experiences, and the unique cultural aspects of living in Thailand. We delve into his financial strategies, the challenges of visa arrangements, and his personal life, including dating and building a community. Forrest also reflects on his family's immigrant background and his father's remarkable escape from a communist labor camp. Join us as we explore Forrest's insights on thriving in Thailand and the lessons he's learned along the way.

00:00 Introduction

03:59 Childhood and Upbringing

10:17 Father Escaping the Cultural Revolution

17:57 Forrest's Military Experience

24:30 Discovering Thailand

32:50 Moving to Thailand

33:23 The Allure of Bangkok

37:16 Avoiding Common Mistakes

41:58 Visa Strategies

45:59 Cost of Living

48:10 Building a Network

50:21 Dating in Thailand

58:11 Family and Future Plans

01:06:43 Final Thoughts

thailand, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, travel, expatriate life, thai culture, thai society, high trust society, family-oriented culture, thai-chinese community, cultural diversity, bangkok, thai elite visa, long-term visa, personal finance, investment, delayed gratification, financial discipline, passive income, education, army transition, tech startup, content creation, fitness and discipline, dating dynamics, personal growth, catholic community, family planning, travel experiences, educational background, independence, personal improvement