Not sure anyone lives totally alone, unless stranded on an uninhabited island. Think Robinson Crusoe or Cast Away. I actually met this guy Steve in Chiang Mai last year, through a mutual friend, before he settled in Turtle Beach. Had lunch with him. He had just returned to Thailand after 20 years. He was on his way up to Phrae to fulfill his Thai amulet mission, which be got from an Indian (Native American) woman in New Mexico. Nice guy and interesting fellow, but like most "loners"...they are not quite as alone as they claim. Sure it's okay for a stretch, but ultimately gets to almost everyone. While he certainly is isolated more than most down there, it's far from complete isolation and absolute solitude. That takes a psychological toll after a while. He's very interactive daily with the locals as well as with the other foreigners choosing to live there.