Without a pension I could not afford medical insurance AND the 800,000 to extend the visa, so not really a choice. So, to avoid being penniless in home country I took the 800,000 and went back "home". Given the financials, it was the right decision.
I could have stayed on for some years had I really economised, but without medical insurance that would have not ended well
I have to agree that I'm not on the side of angels and bluebirds chirping nicely, but Thailand was my paradise, or as close to it as possible in this life.
Do you regret leaving?
Every day. It is like losing a much loved wife to some unfortunate event.