I understand what you are saying.
I first came here in 1964, then again in 1967 and twice more between 1973-4.
I too backpacked through Asia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan for 10 consecutive years for one month each year and you are right.
It was cheap. But it couldn't last.
I've now been living here in Thailand since 2005 and this is my 20th year living here. Even in the beginning, things were very cheap, but slightly more expensive than those occasions before living here.
Now, I see prices have rocketed and of course, Thailand is more expensive in many things, but inexpensive in others.
Time and tide doesn't stop for us. It's progress.
I'm just as happy here today as I was when my feet hit the ground in Bangkok way back in 1964.
I've never regretted it - moved with the times and I am still careful with my money.
It's the way things are.
Long may they last................!