I live in Bangkok. I wouldn't want to live in Phuket, CM or Pattaya. Pass on rural lifestyle, I'd drink myself into a stupor.
The provs are like four pegs down. Any Thai with a brain long left for opportunity but there you all are...
I've spent loads of time in very rural, remote areas. It's not as though I can't hack it. I just don't see the appeal.
An island, southern Prachuap, Kanom, Phangnha, Krabi maybe.
Hey, don't choke on that pm2. 5 eh?