Key insights

• 🌏 Seeking a simpler and calmer life abroad is a growing trend in China
• 🇹🇭 Thailand has become a popular destination for those seeking the 'Run philosophy'
• 💰 Restrictions, limitations, and higher costs in China make it harder to pursue alternative lifestyles
• 🌿 Living closer to nature and engaging in farming is a key motivation for those relocating from China to Thailand
• 📚 Changai provides a haven for those seeking freedom from China's authoritarianism
• 🎓 Chinese education system emphasizes natural abilities and the enjoyment of learning
• 🕊️ Thailand offers a sense of freedom and a reminder of close-knit community, attracting those from China
• 💼 Economic challenges and limited free expression in China are driving consideration of relocation to Thailand

Q&A

• How is living in Thailand viewed by those seeking alternative lifestyles?

  Living in Thailand feels liberating for those seeking alternative lifestyles, offering a sense of freedom and a reminder of the close-knit community from childhood.

• What kind of education does Paden International School offer?

  Paden International School offers alternative education based on Buddhist principles, providing an alternative to the traditional Chinese education system.

• What can be found at Diaspora the shop in Changai?

  Diaspora the shop stocks books on China's difficult topics, hosts events for like-minded people, and provides an escape for those seeking freedom from China's authoritarianism.

• Why is it harder to start a similar project in China?

  It is harder to start a similar project in China due to restrictions, limitations, and higher costs, which can hinder the pursuit of a simpler and calmer life.

• Why did Shong Edan leave her high-paying job in Beijing?

  Shong Edan left her high-paying job in Beijing to start a farm in a remote city, aiming to create a space for people who want to live closer to nature and engage in farming.

• What is the Run philosophy?

  The Run philosophy is a trend in China where people seek a simpler and calmer life, often by moving abroad to places like Thailand.

• 00:01 In China, the obsession with wealth and success is leading some people to seek a simpler life abroad. The trend of pursuing a calmer life has gained popularity and is known as the Run philosophy. A region in Thailand has become a haven for those seeking this new life.
• 01:12 Shong Edan left her high-paying job in Beijing to start a farm in a remote city, aiming to create a space for people who want to live closer to nature and engage in farming. She believes it would be harder to do a similar project in China due to restrictions, limitations, and higher costs. The dream of living in big cities is fading away due to overpopulation and intense competition.
• 02:04 A person discusses their family's reaction to their choices, the impact of living in Thailand, and a visit to a bookstore in Changai.
• 03:01 Diaspora the shop stocks books on China's difficult topics, hosts events for like-minded people, and provides an escape for those seeking freedom from China's authoritarianism. Changai is home to Chinese artists and Paden International School offers alternative education based on Buddhist principles.
• 06:33 The Chinese education system emphasizes a different approach to learning, focusing on the students' natural abilities and the appreciation of hard work. Education is viewed as a means to enjoy learning and connect with Asian culture.
• 07:53 Living in Thailand feels liberating for those seeking alternative lifestyles, as it offers a sense of freedom and a reminder of the close-knit community from childhood. Many in China are also considering relocating due to limited free expression and economic challenges.