First rule anywhere. There was story in the UK press recently about a couple being charged $500 for 6 oysters and a couple of drinks. They didn't ask the price !!
I think it's silly to have too many rules. The main one is DON'T SMOKE. Other than that try to exercise a bit, keep your weight down and limit sugar. For the rest i do what i like and take my chances. Still breathing at 69.
Thailand only has one city Bangkok, it's bigger than all the rest put together. Most of them look and feel exactly the same. Pattaya is best by far with so many western facilities. You can live there just as cheaply if you want.
I always told my tgf to leave as soon as she got paid without notice. If she gave notice there would be big reductions in her salary up to the leaving date. I am sure you wouldn't do that though.
If the Insurance companies are charging $36,000 then they know the average person will only cost them say $30,000. Unless you are unlucky it's a safe bet.
Typical thai approach. Issue some ambiguous law then they can either get big money for a "licence" or the Police can scam you for even more money for breaking the law.
Sure a risk, but if you are in good shape, not fat, a non smoker it's a good bet. 1.3 million buys a lot of health care. Would the insurance company even pay up? By the time you really need it 75 plus they will dump you.
My wife said the Police were going to take him away without a breath test (and no doubt receive some incentive not to take one). It was only the pressure from the thais there that forced the Police to take a breath test.