Expensive? You obviously haven't lived in the Middle East. I do actually like Chang but even a draft IPA in BKK is cheaper than a can of Heineken (talk about crap beer) in Dubai.

Dubai airport, $12 for a small 330ml can of Hieneken. Scandalous.

Alcohol is cheap as shit out here if you avoid high end bars and over priced places. I can still get a big bottle of Leo for 75B in a couple of restaurants round where I live but most of the bars have pushed it up to 90-95B. Then local whisky / rum for under 500B a 70cl bottle...can't go wrong.

I think what a lot of people who say it's expensive think is in comparison to food / eating out. I mean you can eat a tasty meal for 50B but a beer costs nearly double that.

I did not expect to like it here (I expected to settle in South America) I came with a friend for a month visit

!3 years ago and never thought of moving anywhere else, I did not expect nothing and found everything I ever wanted in life.

I even found real friend behind that wonderful Thai smile!

Cheers:

That the monks believed in Bhuda