From Philly to Bangkok: A DJ’s Journey of Transformation and Adventure
In this captivating interview “From Philly to Bangkok: A DJ’s Journey of Transformation and Adventure“, we sit down with Matthew, a globe-trotting DJ who traded the hustle of the American Northeast for the vibrant streets of Bangkok.
Raised in a military family with roots in both the U.S. and Thailand, Matthew’s life has been shaped by a unique blend of cultures and experiences.
From the challenges of growing up mixed-race in America to the profound life changes that led him to become a Buddhist monk and eventually a celebrated DJ in Thailand, Matthew shares his remarkable journey of transformation and discovery.
Hi Matthew, tell us a little bit about yourself, where were you born, what do you do and why did you decide to take up this lifestyle and move?
I was raised in a deep Military family with a father in the Army and a Thai mother. I was born in on an Army base in Anision Alabama called Ft. McClullen.
I was raised all over the United States in parts of the South, West and mostly East Coast mostly NE landing in the Philly, NY, NJ DC, area where I graduated from HS and attended Temple University before leaving the US.
What were the biggest difficulties you encountered in this life changing journey?
The death of my father in Saudi Arabia was my biggest life changing experience but being of a mixed race in general I was always different and difficult growing up.
Moving was natural to us. Me and my sister always dealt with being the new kids in school and racism was always a factor being raised Buddhist didn’t help.
The final factor in my deciding to become an expat was when 9/11 occurred and I had a gun pulled on me for the 3rd time in life as well as the loss of over a dozen friends had died in one year.
I became a Buddhist monk for a few months in Washington DC before coming to Thailand.
With language how did you do? How long did it take you to understand and be understood?
25 years in Thailand I’m still misunderstood still learning luckily I have made my way in working for and with many expats over the years.
Bangkok is truly an international city and English Language is widely used. Google Translate is also very handy.
How do you feel about Bangkok? What are the positive and negative aspects of living in this country?
I came here for quality of life not to get rich. I lived and was raised an all American boy. Obsessed with money, material things and social status…The New York state of mind.
I learned it’s a rat race and if you want to win that race you have to be a rat. I got tired of looking people in the eye and their response would be you got a problem? I’ll beat you senseless.
In Thailand I discovered people smile and offer you food or drink. Making money can be difficult living here but learning to navigate the city or country can be tougher.
There’s also Thais that want to try to charge you extra because the believe you are a tourist. Girls who are golddiggers or Police looking for a payday.
Overall it is a very welcoming country and people.
What do you deal with in life? How come you specifically chose Bangkok to be a DJ?
I’ve been in the music business before I became to Asia. I was DJng and working in radio in the US. When I did move here I looked to connect with like minded people.
Call it luck, chance, or destiny I ended up at Q Bar for over a decade became an onair personality on Wave FM 88 and have worked with some of the biggest acts in the world.
Music is a universal language.
Do you miss home and your family? Do you go back to visit them often?
Due to pandemic and the fact my family loves coming here I haven’t been back in 10 years at least.
My mother was here with me a year before covid shut the world but went back right before to see my sister who now lives in Portland Oregon and is too elderly to travel.
I hope to visit them this year but my sis her husband and their kids just spent 3 weeks here touring the country.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep rocking parties, having fun, finding peace, traveling the world.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to make this life change and move to another country?
Get a passport, a ticket on a plane, train, bus or drive a road trip, start small if you have to…Get off your couch, see something other than on a screen.
Don’t wait till you have kids or if you do take them to learn something new. Or at the least.
Find restaurants and eat your way around the world. Try something completely different and new. It changes you for the better. There is no better education than adventure.
And follow the #AdventuresOfTravelinMatt or hit me up with any questions I’m happy to help you on yours!
My FB: https://www.facebook.com/Travelin.Matt.Hammond
Thank you, Matthew!
Matthew’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adventure and the courage to embrace change.
From the bustling streets of New York to the warm, welcoming culture of Thailand, he has found peace, purpose and a new rhythm in life.
As he continues to rock parties and explore the world, his advice rings clear: step out of your comfort zone, embrace the unknown and let the journey transform you.
Whether you’re considering a move abroad or simply seeking a new perspective, Matthew’s experiences offer valuable insights and inspiration.
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