Long monologue, inane rant apologies offered. Visited Thailand many times when in the Merchant Navy, late 70's and early 80's, returned in 2004 when working offshore had a base (For tax reasons) in Phuket. Having always worked overseas with foreign crews since late 70's found slotting in (for me) in a foreign shore quite easy. After Tsunami, airlines had pulled out so moved to Pattaya. In 2011 being legally separated from the UK ex 6 years decided to retire here in Thailand so going the Thai company route bought land near where a work colleague lived with his Thai wife. So, built a house without a Thai GF anywhere near, this home used as a holiday home with during my onshore leave with a bar-fine and some of her friends. This were to make sure house were kept clean and pristine on leaving. House built out in the sticks surrounded by rice fields, later chap I worked with lost his job and split with his Thai wife, now..... I am the only Farang in the area. December 29th, 2014, stepped out a chopper in Damman, KSA after 4 weeks offshore, long story but had just turned 59, 4 months earlier and had enough of working in the Gulf, decided to retire. Early 2015 when in Korat shopping met the girl who 2 years later marry. This girl left her Korat shop to stay with me in Pattaya until lease on the rented villa expired. We move together to my retirement home. Since moving up to Issan the GF being a city girl had to adjust to village amenities and to be honest with a partner doing all the fetching and carrying it allowed me to go out on my bikes, later starting a dog rescue during Covid when many European breeds were abandoned. November 2017 the GF who had never put a foot wrong became my wife and I have never been happier. Had two hospital visits requiring ICU and one other to get control of an infection requiring an IV drip every 8 hours. Insurance cover bailed out on the first over the small print, since then been with WRLife and all taken care of without a problem. Cannot read Thai but, speak enough Thai to go out alone shopping, even conversing with police when stopped on my bike, have loads of Thai friends I can go and have a beer with once or twice a month, my wifes family have been brilliant to me, her ex husband parents when they seen me take care of their granddaughter are brilliant, coming to our wedding and speaking good about me. No Sin Sod asked for only a promise I would take care. Most of my lighting in garden/walls/perimeter are solar powered, my fishpond has solar pumps for circulation and filter with battery back-up. Never went through the stages listed in the starting post since 1977 onwards were happily spent at sea, a working life and lifestyle I enjoyed immensely. My motorbikes are unrecognisable from when purchased, all converted to single seat some with big-bore kits. Even aged 70+ still love swinging spanners. Living in a warm climate has kept aches and pains at bay, being able to eat Thai food same as wife cooks keeps culinary needs simple, being surrounded by a pack of loving mutts 4 of them being German Shepherd gives feelings of security and affection, seeing plants, fruits, flowers and trees we planted now large, some the height of the house gives a warm glow inside. Wife gets 75 to 80% of monthly income depending on exchange rates, she pays all bills, university fees and preparation of accounts and tax owed by my Thai 'land' holding company, she took my name on marriage to enable a widows pension from my private pension. Am I happy, yes, very much so, no stress or anxiety which my ex in the UK brought in container loads. If you like your own company, like going up ladders, drinking a beer sparingly, digging holes, swing spanners and making sure you stay healthy/occupied then Thailand is a great place. Go safely