Now 83, I retired to Thailand in1993 having lived and worked in Europe, the Middle East, West Africa and East Asia. Thailand, while far from perfect, is a good place to live by comparison with most other countries. Friendly people, good food and warm weather.
As to your reference to a lack of 'soul', you will generally not find it unless you form a close relationship with a Thai person. Thais are not habitually demonstrative in that regard.