About Us – Retiring in Thailand with Chanya & Wazza

Hi there! Welcome to our little corner of the internet. My name is Warren Gerdes, and I’m a retired Aussie expat living in Thailand with my amazing fiancée, Chanya Khamjeen. Chanya, a proud Thai post-op ladyboy, and I have been building our life together since 2009. Together, we document our everyday adventures and unique perspective on retiring in Thailand through our video blog, showing both the calm and the chaos of daily life in the vibrant suburbs of Bangkok.
Our Journey from Australia to Thailand
Our story began long before we picked up a camera. Between countless flights from Australia to Thailand during our early years, we eventually took the plunge in 2016 and made the move full-time. It’s been a wild, rewarding ride filled with cultural lessons, laughter, and a few bumps along the way. From navigating visas and Thai language quirks to finding the best street food stalls, our life here is equal parts discovery and adaptation.
Life Before Retirement
Before taking the leap into retirement in Thailand, I worked in IT for a company with a satellite office in Bangkok. That role first introduced me to Thailand — and probably set the stage for what would become the next big chapter of my life. After years of corporate restructuring and endless airport lounges, I realized it was time for something more meaningful: to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle.
Life Now – Real Thailand, Unfiltered
These days, Chanya and I focus on creating honest, entertaining content that highlights expat life in Thailand — from daily markets and delicious food to temples, festivals, and the social rhythms that make this country so unique. We call our style “Thailand Life Unscripted,” because, well… plans are optional here. 😉
Our goal is simple: to share the real Thailand experience with humor, heart, and authenticity. Whether it’s a quick noodle lunch, a road trip to a floating market, or reflections on life after retirement, we aim to show that living in Thailand isn’t about luxury — it’s about freedom, community, and balance.
Join Our Thailand Journey
We’d love for you to join us on this adventure! Subscribe to our email list below to get updates on new videos and stories from our life in Thailand. (Because let’s be honest, YouTube notifications have a mind of their own.)
To explore more of what we do, check out some of our recent posts:
- Thailand Life Unscripted – Mall Day with Chanya
- Bangkok Halloween 2025 – Witches, Bars & Nightlife Chaos
- Family Lunch at Ton Khao Terrace – Surrounded by Rice Fields
Where to Find Us
You can follow our ongoing adventures across platforms:
- 🎥 YouTube – Weekly vlogs from Thailand
- 💖 Patreon – Early access, behind-the-scenes, and supporter exclusives
- 💬 Discord – Chat with our community and share stories
So, grab a drink, relax, and dive into our stories. Whether you’re curious about retiring in Thailand, looking for some expat advice, or just here for lighthearted laughs, we’re thrilled to have you. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to follow our journey in real time!
Here’s to life, love, and laughter in the Land of Smiles. 💛
Chanya & Wazza's Adventures in Thailand Set your dreams into action and retire early.
