ballpoint

Nothing wrong here. I always get a pack of condoms and a jar of Vaseline whenever I buy a cucumber. I'd hate for people to think I'm a vegetarian.

There may well be people living in villages with no electricity, no phone or internet service, and relying on public transport to get them to the nearest hospital, over 100 km away, in an emergency. That covers five of my seven points. Of the other two, I like the convenience of being able to order, and have delivered, items that I would need to travel to Bangkok to buy. It's not a game changer, but the service exists, so I use it. And, as I said, I couldn't care about meeting other Westerners, but included it as many seem to need this. These are just points to consider for anyone thinking of moving to a village, and ones which would be harder to find in the three countries mentioned by the OP. Take them or leave them. However, if you can do without all these items, then well done to you. Though if you are living remotely then the fact that you managed to read and reply to my post rather makes my point for me.

I wrapped my car round a tree and was trapped inside for hours until two cars came along, one driven by Mr and Mrs Smith and one by Mr and Mrs Balls. Fortunately, I was dragged out by the Smiths. Kenny Everett