Maha Sarakham

Thailand initially attracted a lot of people due to the 'value' of living there, your dollar simply went further.  Many do not have an option of 'going back home' with the skint budgets, pensions, or social security nets awaiting them.  I would assume many will stay due to that fact alone, there is simply no better option on the table.

Judging by the rate at which expats are leaving Pattaya (and for good reason), I would say a rebound is getting more and more unlikely by the day.

All the Thais on Facebook (according to my wife) are talking about how tourists are starting to come back to Phuket and realizing that nothing is open.  They are surprised anyone wants to come at all with the current state of business affairs there.  I think it will primarily be a launchpad to other parts of Thailand after the 14 days elapses.

Maenam is a good residential area.  I'm sure KhunPer will be here shortly to provide some additional insights.

Every situation in regards to a dowry will be unique.  I will try to keep it simple just in the interest of saving time.

Generally if she has been married before or has kids, there will not be a dowry.  If there is a divorce, you're not getting your money back.  Think of it as a gift to her family and just be willing to walk away from it.

If she is younger and/or has a University education with a decent job, the expectation for the dowry will likely be higher. 

The subject of a dowry is a very sensitive topic to many foreigners who simply don't agree with it.  However, it is a very real practice in Thailand where even the Thai men will typically procure a loan to pay for the dowry and associated wedding ceremony.

My wife's friends from University have been getting married to the tune of 500,000 to 1,000,000 THB to Thai men.  These are just average looking girls with an education and a decent job.  You may be asked for more if the family gets greedy and see's you as a farang with a lot of money, it's very typical in the villages of Isaan.  However, if the family see's their daughter is happy and she is on your side, they may be willing to work with you on that.  It really depends, so many variables to this.

When the worst thing to complain about is the relocation of products within a Makro, you know life is pretty good ????

Waiting on the news article... "Phuket sandbox variant detected, full island lockdown just two weeks after tourist trials open."

32 minutes ago, GrahamJ said:

I agree everything you said except for food. Thailands cuisine is far superior to Vietnam but that's my opinion.

My wife and I go back and forth on this, too.  I think Vietnamese food for me inches out Thai food due to the French influence of the fresh breads, spices, and varied use of herbs.  Thai food seems more focused on the use of chilis and heat to really amp up the meal, which is great in its own right too.  Definitely a close one!

22 minutes ago, madmen said:

Better than Thailand in what way?

Food.

Customer Service.

Hospitality.

Variety of natural landscapes (and taken care of far better).

Honesty & no dual pricing.

I'd even go as far to say they may even be nicer/friendlier than most of the Thais these days.

My wife is Thai but neither she nor I are blind to the benefits of Vietnam.  We both would like to go back after covid is 'over', we both immensely enjoyed it.

14 minutes ago, kingofthemountain said:

i totally agree, finaly someone not being in the deny

 

the main thailand's attraction is the pu...y power

if it wasn't for his girls and women, the country will

be as attractive to live in than Sri Lanka or Kuwait

after all there are also a hot climate and beaches in both

Basically.  Always funny to hear people's responses about why they came to Thailand, trying to avoid answering "for the girls" as if it is the more politically correct answer that will somehow make them more respectable in the eyes of those asking.  Thailand is pooying, without it, plenty of better countries around with less hassle.