Made it in Thailand

Event Details & Registration https://www.scottpressimone.com/freedom-bkk/ Steven McGinnes lives in Phuket, works from a sailboat, and has built the kind of life that looks effortless on LinkedIn. He's also one of the most honest people I've spoken with about what it actually costs to get there. That gap between the 4pm on the water and the 4am worrying about whether the invoice lands is exactl...

The most common question in every family-focused Thailand expat group is "what's the best school?" and it's the wrong place to start. I sat down with Donnah Ciempka, who spent five years as Head of School at Ascot International Bangkok, to work through what parents actually need to be thinking about, partly because I'm raising my own children here and I wanted the honest version. We covered a lot...

What started as a conversation about Thailand's shifting tax environment with Bobby Casey turned into a full operational teardown of the most expensive structural mistakes location-independent entrepreneurs make. We cover the collapse of Hong Kong and Singapore as go-to nomad jurisdictions, why a Wyoming LLC is the correct default structure for non-US founders doing business in Thailand (and why m...

High-level operators are burning out because they have lost the ability to switch off their nervous systems, and most of them do not even know it is happening. I wanted to understand the mechanics behind this, so I invited Stuart Wilson to break it down. Stuart left a high-stress financial career in Dubai, went through an ayahuasca reset in the Amazon, and eventually became Bangkok's leading certi...

As foreign founders and corporate operators, we often assume that our successful global playbooks will seamlessly translate to the Thai market. The reality is that scaling operations here requires a deep, structural localization of our systems, our products, and our leadership style. In this episode, I sit down with Khun Chokdee Wisansing, former Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer fo...

As foreign founders and corporate operators, we often underestimate the administrative friction of entering and scaling a team in the Thai market. The reality is that a competitive salary is just the baseline. The true cost of talent is hidden in the compliance. In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I sit down with Benjamin Hart, Managing Director at Integrity Legal, to discuss the operational r...

Most business owners underestimate the operational complexity of scaling a digital brand. This interview with Thai entrepreneur Wasinee "New" Phonsri, founder of Thai Lessons by New, breaks down exactly how she grew her following to 150K and built an education platform with multiple revenue streams. She transitioned from a solo creator to a highly leveraged, lean business. 👉 If you are a founder...

In this episode of Made It In Thailand, we sit down with a young founder who built a premium service business in Thailand during COVID. He shares what it really takes to build trust, deliver accountability, and grow a business in the Thai market as an entrepreneur. Kei Sekiguchi, founder of Butler Garage, explains how he went from struggling to pay staff to running one of Thailand’s most trusted s...

I sat down with Karsten Aichholz to talk about how he built a business in Thailand that still runs without him. We get into what he learned about hiring in Bangkok, why he hires for challenge and fit instead of shiny resumes, how he adds a team sit‑in during interviews, and the simple Elvis Test he uses to check written English. He also shares why he moved his team fully remote in 2016 and how tha...

In this episode, I sat down with Jake Mooney, a marketing agency founder in Chiang Mai whose unique strategy combines calm marketing principles with the power of video content and live events. Jake shares how moving to Thailand with no safety net led him to embrace authentic networking and leverage workshops and video marketing for meaningful growth. If you’re curious about building trust and busi...

In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Cunningham, the Regional Business Development Director for ASW Consulting, to discuss the intricacies of starting and running a business in Thailand. Brendan shares his journey from Australia to Thailand, the critical importance of hiring the right people, and the challenges of retaining talent in a competitive market. We dive into effective strategies for...

In this episode, I speak with Jimmy Bernberg from Iglu to discuss the nuances of starting and running a business in Thailand. Jimmy, a Swedish citizen living in Thailand since 2016, shares his journey from landing his first job in Thailand to becoming a Senior Sales Manager at Iglu. We dive into the benefits of the BOI and outsourcing models, the lifestyle and community perks of living in Thailand...

Discover insider strategies for navigating Thailand's booming e-commerce landscape with expert Kelly Hezemans, who reveals the hidden challenges and opportunities for both new sellers and established businesses looking to succeed on Thailand's major online marketplaces. Whether you're starting an online business in Thailand, expanding from physical retail to digital commerce, or optimizing your ex...

In this episode, I chat with Tom Pryor, co-founder of Baht Gold, about why high karat gold, such as 23k gold, is not commonly sold in jewelry stores in the US. Tom shares his extensive experience with Thai gold, his journey into the gold business, and the unique advantages of high karat gold. We discuss the purity and durability of 96.5% gold, the cultural and market differences between Thai and W...

In this episode, I discuss the common pitfall that many experience: overconfidence, especially when starting a business in Thailand. By recognizing this psychology, expats can improve their personal growth and thrive in a dynamic work environment. I explain how the cultural differences between direct Western communication and indirect Thai communication can inflate your ego and lead to frustration...

In this video, I debunk three common myths that expat business owners and leaders in Thailand often fall for, which can cost them time, money, and sanity. I've learned from my own experiences since arriving in 2012, and I'm here to help you avoid similar mistakes. We'll cover why Thailand doesn't need saving, the misconception that a few years of experience equals understanding, and the myth of ne...

In this episode about Thailand's hidden crisis, I interview Friso Poldervaart, who transformed a simple pandemic response into Bangkok's leading homeless support organization. Discover the alarming reality of Bangkok's homelessness epidemic—where 60% are elderly surviving on just 600 baht monthly—and how Bangkok Community Help has distributed nearly 4.5 million meals to Thailand's hungry. From cre...

Are you an expat starting a business or working in Thailand? This video highlights common mistakes expats make. Learn from these mistakes expats make to thrive. In this video, I share essential tips to help you navigate Thai work culture effectively. Learn about respecting hierarchy, building personal relationships, understanding indirect communication, providing constructive criticism, adapting t...

In this video, I debunk the myth that teaching English is the only job available for expats in Thailand. Whether you're new to the country or an existing teacher looking to pivot, I'll guide you through the process of securing a non-teaching job. Many people think teaching is the only option, but there are other jobs for expats in Thailand. It may be challenging, but it's possible to find non teac...

Thinking about living and working in Thailand? In this video, I share the real challenges and realities of relocating, including low salaries and potential financial traps. I'll walk you through my personal experience, from earning significantly less than my US salary to eventually navigating my way to financial stability. Learn the five crucial steps to carve out a sustainable career in Thailand,...

Are you an expat struggling to network effectively in Bangkok? In this video, I share the one game-changing shift that transformed my consultancy: stop chasing quick deals and focus on genuine relationships. Discover why networking isn’t optional in Thailand’s tight-knit business community—it’s how you unlock partnerships, referrals, and opportunities. I’ll walk you through 4 simple steps to netwo...

Considering moving to the suburbs of Bangkok, Thailand? I moved to Pathum Thani with my family four and a half years ago and here are my experiences. Learn about the pros like increased living space, shared community areas, good security, friendly neighbors, nearby markets, and the slower pace of life. However, there are also some cons including maintenance responsibilities, limited hospital optio...

Discover the step-by-step process of buying Bitcoin with Thai Baht in Thailand as a foreigner! This beginner-friendly tutorial guides you through setting up an account on the Thai exchange Orbix, completing KYC verification, depositing funds, purchasing Bitcoin, and securely withdrawing it to your wallet. Plus, explore the best Bitcoin wallet options for safe storage. 📌 What You'll Learn: • How t...

Curious about the real cost of living in Thailand with a family?  Is Thailand a good place to raise a family? This video explores the reality of the cost of living in Thailand when you have children. I break down the expenses and share insights on the realities of expat life in Thailand versus the perception of it being a cheap place to live. I break down my 150,000 Thai Baht ($4,619) monthly budg...

Do you live in Thailand? Are you thinking of buying gold here? Discover why Thai gold is more affordable and how to navigate the gold buying process in Thailand. Learn about the pricing system, types of gold (bars, coins, jewelry), and the best places to buy in Bangkok. With 10 years of experience, avoid common mistakes and make informed purchases with confidence. Discover top shops like Hua Seng...