Black in Thailand: Smiles, Stereotypes… and the Ugly Truth

🌏 What does it really mean to be Black in Thailand? In this powerful episode of ‘How Did You Get Here?’, Kikombe shares the reality of being an African expat in Phuket – from racism and stereotypes to finding safety, family and a new sense of home. In this powerful conversation, Kikombe — an African teacher, storyteller, and father — opens up about his life in Phuket. From facing racism and stereotypes during his job search, to the culture shock of moving from Tanzania to Thailand, he shares the raw reality of being Black abroad. 🇹🇿 Growing up in Kenya and teaching in Tanzania ✈️ The challenges of getting work in Thailand as an African 🤝 Finding community, safety, and a new sense of home in Phuket ❤️ Identity, family, and raising mixed-race children abroad 🌍 How racism, culture, and belonging shaped his journey This is more than a travel story — it’s about resilience, identity, and what it truly means to find “home” far from where you were born. If you want to start join the parenting course: https://april-s-site-fcfd.thinkific.com/products/courses/ai-placeholder 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you want more inspiring real-life stories from around the world. 00:00 Intro - Who is The Kikombe 00:07:15 – Life in Tanzania: safety, culture & Kilimanjaro views 00:13:40 – First impressions of Thailand: kindness & cultural shock 00:18:55 – Racism & job struggles: “passport problems” in interviews 00:25:49 – First arrival in Thailand: a sea of yellow & food culture 00:31:39 – Heat, neighbors & small acts of kindness 00:35:16 – Homecoming tears: when Dad said “My son” 00:45:22 – Loneliness abroad & raising kids with mixed identities 00:49:51 – Leaving Bangkok: fast life vs. Phuket’s calmer path 00:57:33 – Football in Phuket: sandals to shin pads 01:03:53 – Cost of living: Phuket housing & the kitchen test 01:05:33 – Toilet culture shock: adapting to the Thai hose 01:09:39 – Raising kids in Phuket: beaches, sports & schools 01:22:06 – Racism & identity: defining the “Black tax” 01:40:54 – Does being a Black man change life in Thailand? 02:20:34 – Kenyan community in Thailand — 600 strong #BeingBlackInThailand #HowDidYouGetHere #AprilJackson #BlackInThailand #BlackAbroad #BlackExpat #ExpatLife #Thailand #Phuket #Racism #Stereotypes #AfricanDiaspora #RealStories #Podcast #LifeAbroad