In this interview-style article, Alex Vidotto — a content creator who spent the last 1.5 years living and creating in Chiang Mai — talks candidly about why he’s making the move back to Australia, what he learned as a digital nomad, and how he’s structuring the next phase of his creative career. If you’re a digital nomad, creator, or planning an extended stay in Southeast Asia, this conversation covers practical logistics, the emotional side of leaving, and real-world warnings about safety issues like scam thailand, scam bangkok, and fake police documents.
Tell us briefly why you’re leaving Thailand now — what changed?
Living in Chiang Mai for the past year and a half has been transformative. I came with no plan — just a camera, curiosity, and a desire to make better videos. Over that time I experienced the full spectrum: incredible mornings at a university lake, meaningful friendships, and the slow, steady growth of a creative life. But I also reached a point where I needed a reset. After 16 months of solo living and continuous creative hustle, I missed family, my dog, and the stability of home. So I’m going back to Australia to recharge, reconnect, and plan the next chapter.
Is this permanent? Will you return to Thailand?
It’s not permanent. The short answer is yes — I will come back. Thailand and its people feel like a second home. For now, I’m stepping away to reset and spend the holidays with loved ones. But I’ll continue creating in Australia while keeping an eye out for the right opportunity to return to Thailand. Think of this as a season change rather than a full stop.
How did living in Thailand shape you as a creator and a person?
Chiang Mai taught me routine, patience, and the value of simple rituals. Mornings walking around the university lake with a podcast in my ear became sacred creative time. The cost of living made experimentation low-risk — I could try new content formats, learn camera techniques, and meet other creators without massive pressure. Culturally, the warmth and subtle rhythms of Thai life changed how I approach storytelling: more attention to small moments, quieter details, and genuine human connection.
You mentioned burnout and “reset.” How do you recognize and manage creative burnout as a digital nomad?
Burnout often shows up as a creeping lack of enthusiasm for things that used to excite you. For me it was inconsistent uploads, half-finished ideas, and a background anxiety about the next move. Managing it started with permission: permission to slow down, permission to be offline for a while, and permission to reorganize how I work. Practically, I blocked time for family, set clearer boundaries around work hours, and planned a strategic break in Australia to intentionally step back from daily content pressure.
You’re launching a new channel and a community. Why split channels and build a community now?
Two changes solve two problems. First, the content split: I want this channel to remain travel-focused and authentic — the place I show Thailand, travel days, and the fun explorations I love. Meanwhile I created a new channel for educational, behind-the-scenes content about content creation. That gives viewers predictable value and helps me create without confusing the audience. Second, the community: I’m launching a content lab where creators at all levels can share work, feedback, thumbnails, hooks, and ideas. This helps people accelerate learning and builds a network that’s supportive and practical. It’s an attempt to give back the knowledge I’ve accumulated while also creating a space where creators can iterate together.
How should other digital nomads think about splitting personal and educational content?
Think of it as audience segmentation. Your travel audience wants immersive experiences; your creator-audience wants tactics and workflows. Separate channels when your content serves two genuinely different intents. If you keep everything on one channel, you risk alienating viewers who subscribed for a specific reason. A dedicated educational channel also frees you to dive deep without worrying about view counts dictating every upload.
What practical steps should a digital nomad take before leaving a long-term destination?
Practical prep matters. Here’s a checklist I recommend:
- Sort visas and immigration paperwork well ahead of time.
- Close or forward local utilities and memberships.
- Back up and archive content stored locally — don’t rely on one drive.
- Plan logistics for pets or family you’ll reunite with.
- Set up a financial buffer for travel and unexpected expenses.
- Inform your community and collaborators about timelines.
Thailand is a popular destination for nomads. Any safety or legal warnings you’d share?
Absolutely — and this is an important part of being a responsible nomad. Thailand is welcoming, but long-term travelers should be cautious about scams. I’ve heard and seen instances labeled scam thailand and scam bangkok, especially targeting newcomers. Common red flags include too-good-to-be-true work offers, overly persuasive visa agents, and predatory rental deals.
A specific risk to be aware of is fake police documents. There are documented cases where fraudsters fabricate police reports or official-looking paperwork to scam tourists out of money or to intimidate them. Always verify official communication through government or embassy channels. If you’re approached by someone claiming to be police, ask for identification and seek help from your embassy or local expat groups before handing over cash or sensitive information.
How do you vet services like rental agents, visa agents, and fixers in Thailand?
Vetting comes down to research and references. Use expat forums, Facebook groups, or local creator communities to get first-hand referrals. Visit offices in person and look for transparent pricing and contracts. Trust your instincts: if someone pressures you for immediate payment or refuses to provide a physical contract, walk away. Keep digital copies of all receipts and communication.
How did you balance exploring with the day-to-day demands of content creation?
Routine is the secret. Even in a nomad life, I set small fixed points: morning walks, one editing block, and one outreach block. The morning at the university lake became my non-negotiable creative warm-up — I’d listen to a podcast, jot ideas, and plan shoot lists. That structure gave me creative permission to explore during golden hours without sacrificing productivity.
What did you learn about community building while based in Chiang Mai?
Community is intentional. Chiang Mai has many creators, and once I started showing up consistently — at co-working spaces, meetups, and casual coffees — genuine connections followed. Real community isn’t about follower counts; it’s about mutual feedback, collaboration, and being available. That’s the principle behind the content lab: a low-ego place where people exchange work and help each other improve.
Any advice for creators who struggle with inconsistent content schedules while traveling?
Prioritize systems over motivation. When travel disrupts rhythm, systems keep you steady. Create templates for descriptions, thumbnails, and edit workflows. Batch tasks: shoot multiple short clips in one day, edit in blocks, and schedule. And be honest with your audience — transparency builds trust and reduces stress when you need to pause for rest.
How do you plan to measure success for your new community and channels?
Success metrics are both qualitative and quantitative. Quantitatively, I’ll track engagement, completion rates on educational videos, and community activity (posts, feedback loops, collaboration threads). Qualitatively, the better measure will be the stories: members who land new clients, creators who improve thumbnails and double views, or someone who finally finishes a course project because of feedback in the lab. Impact matters more than vanity metrics.
What are the emotional challenges of leaving a place that feels like home?
The hardest part is the small, everyday things — the morning ritual spots, favorite street food vendors, and the way people nod hello. Leaving those routines is like leaving a relationship. Embrace the grief; it’s normal. Plan rituals to keep the place alive — a playlist, a journal of favorite streets, or regular calls with friends you made while there. Knowing you’ll come back someday helps, too.
For someone planning a long-term stay in Thailand, what are your top three pieces of practical advice?
1) Sort your visa and financial paperwork early. Small oversights become big headaches.
2) Build a local network from day one — find one reliable coworking space or cafe and show up.
3) Stay informed about common local scams in the areas you visit; trust local expat channels for up-to-date warnings about scam Thailand, scam Bangkok, and fake police documents.
How are you handling the logistics of travel back to Australia during holiday seasons?
I booked flights and accommodation early, prioritized pet reunification plans, and staggered content so that the channel remains active without me being glued to the editor. Holiday seasons are busy, so flexibility and buffer funds are essential. Also, I left myself an open return window — not locking into a long one-way plan gives me the freedom to come back when it feels right.
What gear and workflow tips would you give creators who want to make travel content while minimizing baggage?
Travel light and focus on multipurpose gear. My essentials: a compact mirrorless camera, a versatile 24–70mm lens, a stabilizer or small gimbal, and a quality microphone. Keep one fast SSD drive and use cloud backups when possible. Simplify editing presets and maintain a minimal kit that supports your story goals rather than chasing specs.
What’s one story or memory from Chiang Mai you’ll always carry?
The quiet sunrises at the university lake with a podcast in my ears — it’s become a shorthand for how a good morning can shape a creative day. Those hours taught me that consistency beats inspiration; whether I felt creative or not, showing up often produced more meaningful work than waiting for a “perfect” moment.
Final thoughts for digital nomads thinking about long-term stays or moves?
Embrace the experiment. Living abroad will teach you more about process, yourself, and your craft than most short trips. But do it responsibly: understand local laws, remain vigilant about scams (from rental traps to fake police documents), and build community early. If you’re a content creator, consider separating your content streams so your audience knows what to expect. And remember — leaving doesn’t mean losing; it means carrying what mattered forward and coming back when the timing is right.
FAQ
How long did Alex live in Thailand and why is the move back to Australia happening now?
Alex lived in Thailand on and off for 1.5 years. He is returning to Australia for a reset, to reunite with family and his dog, and to plan the next creative chapter while avoiding burnout from continuous travel and content production.
Will Alex return to Thailand after this move?
Yes. Alex views this as a temporary season rather than a permanent goodbye. He plans to make videos in Australia and will return to Thailand when the timing feels right.
What practical scams should digital nomads be aware of in Thailand?
Common issues include rental scams, fake job or work offers, and fraudulent officials. Be vigilant about scam Thailand and scam Bangkok reports, verify agencies through expat networks, and never hand over money without a written contract and proper receipts.
How do you protect yourself from fake police documents or fraudulent official claims?
If approached by someone claiming to be police, ask for official ID, report the interaction to your embassy or consulate, and consult local expat communities for advice. Never transfer money or sign documents without verification from official channels.
What should creators consider when splitting content between channels?
Separate content streams when your audience intent differs (e.g., travel vs. education). A split keeps viewer expectations clear and allows each channel to grow on its own terms without confusing subscribers.
How can digital nomads avoid creative burnout while traveling?
Create routines, batch tasks, set boundaries, and schedule intentional breaks. Systems such as preset editing workflows and fixed morning rituals help maintain consistency even when inspiration dips.
What are the best steps to take before leaving a long-term host country?
Sort visas, back up content, close subscriptions, inform landlords, set a financial buffer, and notify collaborators. Preparing logistics prevents last-minute stress and protects your work and relationships.
Where can nomads find reliable local advice in Thailand?
Use expat forums, local Facebook groups, coworking spaces, and fellow creators for up-to-date information. First-hand recommendations are invaluable for avoiding scam Thailand and scam Bangkok pitfalls.
Parting note
Leaving a beloved place is rarely simple. For digital nomads, each move brings a chance to refine process, learn new habits, and craft better work. Whether your story includes Chiang Mai or another destination, approach your nomadic life with curiosity, caution, and a commitment to community. If you’re considering a move or a content pivot, the blend of practicality and honest self-reflection Alex describes is a useful blueprint.
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