I had only wanted to move to Thailand because I'm tired of the same old, same old of America. Police are terrifying in America - threatening bullies, often, Jack Kerouac mentioned it in his 1948 book, On the Road. Not much has changed. Also, proximity to other countries. The weather - good and bad. The value, which is sort of there. As expensive as America is, it can also be healthy and affordable as well. It's not all dollars and cents. Many things in Thailand impact that value.
I had been trying to get to Thailand for a decade, but my Thai wife is here and everything is okay. Thailand seems less desirable. And my wife can't stand the Thai heat. Ironic?
If people find $$$ value in Thailand, its diminished greatly by what developing countries like Thailand provide or don't provide.