There are a number of great things about Thailand. The people are wonderful. I can easily live without having to drive. There are places to live that while not shiny, are clean comfortable and safe as well as very affordable. Yes, they show a lot more wear, but I am okay with that. Even eating Western food here is much cheaper than in the west. The medical system is excellent. There are also some major downsides. The absurd overreach of the Thai definition of "work" that is very selectively enforced. The fact that one of my hobbies is completely illegal for me here in Thailand - wood turning. The bureaucracy and the ever increasing amounts of paperwork that look like Thailand is heading towards becoming a surveillance state. The ever increasing restrictions on banking. I want to live a hassle free life and Thailand isn't it. I can easily get a 12 month multi entry visa in Cambodia where the only thing I need to do is renew it every year and it's about $300. I was very interested in retiring in Thailand, but the changes over the last 18 months have made me change my mind from "okay, I can deal with it" to "too many headaches". Other people may come to different conclusions.
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