Leaving Thailand for good

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here, better quality of life, and:

People smile without hoping for anything other than a smile back;

Haven't heard a single dog bark in three months, let alone been attacked by a pack of them;

No burning of plastic;

No loud music, caterwauling as the moon sets, or unbridled exhaust;

Haven't seen one person pick their nose. Nope, not even the person preparing my food ...

Were there good things about my time in Thailand? Sure, but no where near enough to consider living there any longer, let alone dying there.

My wife is joining me in April. We have a bucket list in the first month that includes:

The Grand Canyon- camping and rafting;

Las Vegas- attending a Cirque de Sol show, and, in the casinos, losing money;

Driving north from San Diego through Malibu, sailing to and about Catalina, then taking Hwy 1 up the coast into Washington State and eventually Victoria, B.C. We'll stop at wineries and cheese farms along the way, detouring for camping in Sequoia National Park, and Redwood National Forest. Then Yosemite and back over to the coast ….

Absolutely no way I would consider wasting another precious day of life in LOS.

So you are able to live in the US for $ 1500 per month ? I can show you loud music, pollution, barking dogs etc etc in the US the same as Thailand. I appreciate that you wanted to go home but don't put Thailand down and say untruths (cheaper living and the smiles story) to justify your move.

[HeijoshinCool]

Looks like you are rich..and you do not qualify to compare Thailand life with USA life...at all....and that's the problem with many expats here, not only from the US.

Move to Thailand expecting to have the same "amenities" like in the US, it is plain ignorance of the reality, and the world cultures.

Believe it or not, the best of Thailand is the QUALITY of most of its people, and its way of see life in its BIG picture, something that NEVER will happens in the US. Unfortunately...because the US still thinking that can imposes its way of life around the world, and may be successful.

.

Not rich, but I am comfortable.

I did not move to Thailand expecting to have the same amenities, I moved there because I could, not because I had to. I enjoyed it for a while, accomplished what I went for, and would have left happy sooner than I did, except I met my wife. She made staying bearable.

You seem to fall in that large category of folk who confuse a country's wonderful people, with its crappy government. Now that's real ignorance.

[sanuk711]

It is for me, to live a Western lifestyle. I don't want to live "like a Thai."---Neversure

--

Absolutely no way I would consider wasting another precious day of life in LOS.----HeijoshinCool

Oh No, we don't want to live here----we don't like it---we just want to live on the Thai Forum's, (wasting the very precious days of my life)....writing Thousands of post telling people on what you should---should not do in Thailand..............

[SoiBiker]

You seem to fall in that large category of folk who confuse a country's wonderful people, with its crappy government. Now that's real ignorance.

You want to talk about crappy governments?

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

[Gecko123]

HeijoshinCool:

Has your wife ever been to Salt Lake City? That's got to be quite an adjustment for a Thai person. I don't envy her; in fact I can think of few US cities where it would be more difficult for a Thai person to adjust. I hope her cultural adjustment skills are better than yours seem to be.

Do Mormons even believe Thais go to heaven? Aren't you going to run into former missionaries who are going to automatically assume your wife is a former prostitute/mail order bride? I don't know, HeijoshinCool, most of your complaints about Thailand seem to fall into the "Wahhh...it's not like back home!" category. It would be rather ironic if your Thai wife starts singing the same tune when she arrives in Utah. I hope things work out for you, if only for your wife's sake.

[laislica]

Socialized medicine? Isnt that part of the reason spain is such a basket case? Free shit causes so many of societies ills.

Although you have gone off topic, I will answer your rather unpleasant post.

In our case, I earned my social security fund during a lifetime of work in the UK.

After retirement to Spain, I transferred those resources to Spain - where I lived full time.

It was the right thing to do.

I still pay my taxes in the UK but since my pension fund was built on untaxed earnings, I think that is fair too.

[HeijoshinCool]

For the reading impaired who have commented I live in California, I don't. I never said I did. Try reading my post again if you still don't believe me.

I did have my career there, but like most Californians with a brain, upon earning my vested pension, left for less expensive places where my retirement check went further, and wasn't taxed.

I now live in SLC, and am building my retirement home in the woods of Idaho, where land is far cheaper than in Thailand.

[HeijoshinCool]

You seem to fall in that large category of folk who confuse a country's wonderful people, with its crappy government. Now that's real ignorance.

You want to talk about crappy governments?

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

.

I was referring to the American people, and the American government.

[Guest]

Absolutely not...

Im leaving on the 23rd of this month, and im not looking back.

The only thing i will miss here is...my gf for 5 years...i love her so much...

but this country has not been what i remembered it to be back in 1989.

I'll still take care of my gf....but this place can kiss my a**

Racist, watching and wanting your every move...piss off.

I'll move on to much better places, where they respect and consider firiegners who help contribute to their economy.

The Philippines and Vietnam, are now on my list.

I understand you are not happy, and wish you all the best...however ... your reasoning is flawed and if you truly do love that girlfriend, will miss her more than the slight annoyances in your world.

To me, the fundamental error in your reasoning is that it is not like you recall in 1989.

What is? That was 26 years ago, and you were also a much different person.

Let's see, let's say you came here when you were 30 and had the time of your life.

You are now 56 years old ... perhaps it is not Thailand who has become old and stale.

Buy a mirror, look into it, find the source of your problems ... because ... wherever you go ... there YOU are!

If you truly have found your one true love ... you will regret letting her go.

or, if you are just tired of her, Thailand and the rest ... sure ... move on ...

If you think Vietnam is really much different ... think again.

And wait until you get back to a Catholic culture (Philippines) ... that is a culture shock. You may be surprised how much you will miss "Mai Pen Rai" and a smile.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Guest

[AnotherOneAmerican]

We're all here for the same thing...

Oh please. Not this crap again.

Don't tar us all with the same brush.

Op has already admitted to taking one home.

Yep, USA cheaper for almost everything but women.

And if you're buying by the pound, cheaper for that too.

[Naam]

I can't even get what I have in the US in Thailand because Thailand is a rotten, smelly rathole. It's great for a vacation and then I need to get back to a first world environment.

As for health care, a lot of guys in LOS are retired and eligible for Medicare in the States. It's not expensive.

People who dive into a $1,500 a month lifestyle in Thailand are living as one would live in a slum in the US. I have never seen a middle class apartment, condo or house in Thailand that has the amenities that my US house has. Not even close with central aircon, full Western kitchen, Western bathrooms, garage with opener, and on we go. It's paid for so all I have is reasonable taxes, insurance and utilities. That's at most $500 per month all in and I couldn't rent that in Thailand for that much money.

A lot of guys go to Thailand to retire because they can't afford their home country. Then they live like a pauper in a cheap apartment and eat noodles and tell me it's cheaper.

No thanks.

interesting financial maths "it's paid for... in Thailand i couldn't rent for that much money" thus comparing potatoes with strawberries.

al what i read is pure bias and contradictions. why would anyone have a "great vacation in a rotten and smelly rathole"?

give me a break NS!

[HeijoshinCool]

This summer I'm out to buy a piece of land and build a vacation home. It's mine when I'm done, though my wife's name will also be on it.

One thing that the USA does have is a legal/court system that protects the rights of women in the case of divorce. You should make sure your wife is aware of her rights in case, you know, things don't work out. Come to think of it, nevermind, she will figure it out soon enough.

.

Yes, you are right.

The other thing the USA has, are prenuptial agreements.

[Suradit69]

HC.... That is a thorough post. My wife joined me for a while when I was working in the USA last year and she pointed out that meats and seafood were cheaper in the markets there than in Thailand. Plus, the seafood tasted better, likely as it was not preserved with nasty stuff. Vegetables and fruits are definitely more expensive in the USA, about 3-4 times what they are in LOS. Most off the shelf items in the grocery stores were cheaper. Medical care is the big hitter in the USA, but if you can avoid that, it is indeed cheaper in the USA these days if you can find inexpensive housing.

.

Yep. The beef has gone up recently, but the quality is far superior and still cheaper than LOS. Some veggies are cheaper in Thailand, but not much of a variety. Ever buy a spaghetti squash or Brussels Sprouts in LOS?

The key in America is to work hard at that job that pays so well, long enough to be debt free and have your house free and clear. Then stay in good health, and life is far less expensive, with far more variety and benefits, than in SE Asia.

"The key in America is to work hard at that job that pays so well, long enough to be debt free and have your house free and clear. Then stay in good health, and life is far less expensive, with far more variety and benefits, than in SE Asia."

I can understand why you have a signature "bored member."

Work most of your life to buy a house that had it's resale value slashed in half during the last Republican admin and devote yourself to keeping the lawn weed-free and congratulating yourself because you can find Brussels sprouts in the market. Most of what you blathered on about had to do with prices for trivial things. If you planned for your retirement so well, why would you be so worried how much a cheap bottle of wine cost?

One of the reasons things are cheap in Port Charlotte or anywhere else in Florida is that so much property was abandoned and/or repossessed by the banks that lent ridiculous amounts for over-priced property.

If you live in all but a small part of the US you spend much of the year under gray skies and knee deep in snow.

Service repair men and UPS drivers. Expeditiously. Seriously?

I'm sure we've all met your type here or while travelling. You corner unsuspecting people and drone on and on about your possessions, your houses, your road trips and how much of a bargain they were. You give extensive reports on the merits of spaghetti squash or drive everyone up the wall explaining what supplements you take to keep your prostate healthy. Your signature should be "Bored and Boring Member."

If you're happy there, that's nice for you. There are enough whiners and moaners here. You don't need to do it long-distance.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Suradit69

[rethaier]

Being married, no choice. If I took her home she would have to work as we could not live on my pension. If she works I lose my pension and we could not live on one income and I am too old and medically unfit to get a job.

[Guest]

For the reading impaired who have commented I live in California, I don't. I never said I did. Try reading my post again if you still don't believe me.

I did have my career there, but like most Californians with a brain, upon earning my vested pension, left for less expensive places where my retirement check went further, and wasn't taxed.

I now live in SLC, and am building my retirement home in the woods of Idaho, where land is far cheaper than in Thailand.

Your posting was California specific, so we focused on that.

Salt Lake city is the world's largest hole above ground and I pity your wife. OMG, what a wasteland both in terms of culture and aesthetics. get some photos of her for memories ... for she will flee before August of 2015.

You see, dear friend, there is a REASON some places are dirt cheap (like the middle of a desert) ... They suck.

OMG, I really am laughing out loud. This entire thread is pivoting on a comparison of one of the world's most beautiful countries and people ... with SALT LAKE CITY.

I am laughing so hard ... OMG ... I think i just pee'd ,myself a little

F ing HYSTERICAL !!

Salt Lake City! If someone offered me $150,000 a year, and the only stipulation was I could not cross the city line of SLC, i would reply "Not for twice that amount."

(And YES ... i have been there. Really a ring of hell. Just awful)

Edited February 16, 2015 by Guest

[laislica]

This summer I'm out to buy a piece of land and build a vacation home. It's mine when I'm done, though my wife's name will also be on it.

One thing that the USA does have is a legal/court system that protects the rights of women in the case of divorce. You should make sure your wife is aware of her rights in case, you know, things don't work out. Come to think of it, nevermind, she will figure it out soon enough.

.

Yes, you are right.

The other thing the USA has, are prenuptial agreements.

Actually, so does Thailand, look at the written part of your marriage lines.

There is a specific question everyone is asked when they marry in an Amphor.

Is there any pre-existing property that you wish to be noted (or something like that)

[HeijoshinCool]

HeijoshinCool:

Has your wife ever been to Salt Lake City? That's got to be quite an adjustment for a Thai person. I don't envy her; in fact I can think of few US cities where it would be more difficult for a Thai person to adjust. I hope her cultural adjustment skills are better than yours seem to be.

Do Mormons even believe Thais go to heaven? Aren't you going to run into former missionaries who are going to automatically assume your wife is a former prostitute/mail order bride? I don't know, HeijoshinCool, most of your complaints about Thailand seem to fall into the "Wahhh...it's not like back home!" category. It would be rather ironic if your Thai wife starts singing the same tune when she arrives in Utah. I hope things work out for you, if only for your wife's sake.

.

Are you dim? Do you know that less than 40% of residents in SLC proper are Mormons? Less and less each year.

I am not Mormon. My wife is highly intelligent and can adjust to pretty much any adversity, just as I adjusted well to life in Thailand, but we are discussing where it is cheaper to live, aren't we?

I could not care less what "former (Mormon) missionaries" think about.

If my wife wants to return to Thailand, I will move back and enjoy life with her to the fullest.

[Guest]

HC.... That is a thorough post. My wife joined me for a while when I was working in the USA last year and she pointed out that meats and seafood were cheaper in the markets there than in Thailand. Plus, the seafood tasted better, likely as it was not preserved with nasty stuff. Vegetables and fruits are definitely more expensive in the USA, about 3-4 times what they are in LOS. Most off the shelf items in the grocery stores were cheaper. Medical care is the big hitter in the USA, but if you can avoid that, it is indeed cheaper in the USA these days if you can find inexpensive housing.

.

Yep. The beef has gone up recently, but the quality is far superior and still cheaper than LOS. Some veggies are cheaper in Thailand, but not much of a variety. Ever buy a spaghetti squash or Brussels Sprouts in LOS?

The key in America is to work hard at that job that pays so well, long enough to be debt free and have your house free and clear. Then stay in good health, and life is far less expensive, with far more variety and benefits, than in SE Asia.

"The key in America is to work hard at that job that pays so well, long enough to be debt free and have your house free and clear. Then stay in good health, and life is far less expensive, with far more variety and benefits, than in SE Asia."

I can understand why you have a signature "bored member."

Work most of your life to buy a house that had it's resale value slashed in half during the last Republican admin and devote yourself to keeping the lawn weed-free and congratulating yourself because you can find Brussels sprouts in the market. Most of what you blathered on about had to do with prices for trivial things. If you planned for your retirement so well, why would you be so worried how much a cheap bottle of wine cost?

One of the reasons things are cheap in Port Charlotte or anywhere else in Florida is that so much property was abandoned and/or repossessed by the banks that lent ridiculous amounts for over-priced property.

If you live in all but a small part of the US you spend much of the year under gray skies and knee deep in snow.

Service repair men and UPS drivers. Expeditiously. Seriously?

I'm sure we've all met your type here or while travelling. You corner unsuspecting people and drone on and on about your possessions, your houses, your road trips and how much of a bargain they were. You give extensive reports on the merits of spaghetti squash or drive everyone up the wall explaining what supplements you take to keep your prostate healthy. Your signature should be "Bored and Boring Member."

If you're happy there, that's nice for you. There are enough whiners and moaners here. You don't need to do it long-distance.

Perfect reply ... spot on.

[NeverSure]

I can't even get what I have in the US in Thailand because Thailand is a rotten, smelly rathole. It's great for a vacation and then I need to get back to a first world environment.

As for health care, a lot of guys in LOS are retired and eligible for Medicare in the States. It's not expensive.

People who dive into a $1,500 a month lifestyle in Thailand are living as one would live in a slum in the US. I have never seen a middle class apartment, condo or house in Thailand that has the amenities that my US house has. Not even close with central aircon, full Western kitchen, Western bathrooms, garage with opener, and on we go. It's paid for so all I have is reasonable taxes, insurance and utilities. That's at most $500 per month all in and I couldn't rent that in Thailand for that much money.

A lot of guys go to Thailand to retire because they can't afford their home country. Then they live like a pauper in a cheap apartment and eat noodles and tell me it's cheaper.

No thanks.

interesting financial maths "it's paid for... in Thailand i couldn't rent for that much money" thus comparing potatoes with strawberries.

al what i read is pure bias and contradictions. why would anyone have a "great vacation in a rotten and smelly rathole"?

give me a break NS!

I'm not allowed to own a home and land in Thailand and I wouldn't buy or live in a condo so it has to be potatoes and strawberries. I'm describing what my life is like and what it costs in the US vs Thailand, considering what is possible.

Thailand is a smelly rathole. If you can't see that, up to you.

Cheers.

[Rajhulmaheesh]

Absolutely not...

Im leaving on the 23rd of this month, and im not looking back.

The only thing i will miss here is...my gf for 5 years...i love her so much...

but this country has not been what i remembered it to be back in 1989.

I'll still take care of my gf....but this place can kiss my a**

Racist, watching and wanting your every move...piss off.

I'll move on to much better places, where they respect and consider firiegners who help contribute to their economy.

The Philippines and Vietnam, are now on my list.

So you still gonna TAKE CARE of your gf. Why not let another man take care of her...............................hahahaha.

[smotherb]

if you can point me to exactly where good is on google maps i'd be happy to leave,

That may be your problem. Why are you asking someone else to show you where to go?

[quandow]

The honest truth, those of us who stay are listening to our little head. When "Mr. Friendly" can no longer salute, THEN I will consider it the right time to extricate myself from this situation.

[Rajhulmaheesh]

Socialized medicine? Isnt that part of the reason spain is such a basket case? Free shit causes so many of societies ills.

Although you have gone off topic, I will answer your rather unpleasant post.

In our case, I earned my social security fund during a lifetime of work in the UK.

After retirement to Spain, I transferred those resources to Spain - where I lived full time.

It was the right thing to do.

I still pay my taxes in the UK but since my pension fund was built on untaxed earnings, I think that is fair too.

Socialism is very unpleasent topic-especially for those who have to live under it.

[HeijoshinCool]

Absolutely not...

Im leaving on the 23rd of this month, and im not looking back.

The only thing i will miss here is...my gf for 5 years...i love her so much...

but this country has not been what i remembered it to be back in 1989.

I'll still take care of my gf....but this place can kiss my a**

Racist, watching and wanting your every move...piss off.

I'll move on to much better places, where they respect and consider firiegners who help contribute to their economy.

The Philippines and Vietnam, are now on my list.

So you still gonna TAKE CARE of your gf. Why not let another man take care of her...............................hahahaha.

.

And with that childish, unthoughtful comment, we all now know what kind of "man" you are.

[SoiBiker]

The honest truth, those of us who stay are listening to our little head. When "Mr. Friendly" can no longer salute, THEN I will consider it the right time to extricate myself from this situation.

That might be your truth. It's certainly not mine.

[NeverSure]

HC.... That is a thorough post. My wife joined me for a while when I was working in the USA last year and she pointed out that meats and seafood were cheaper in the markets there than in Thailand. Plus, the seafood tasted better, likely as it was not preserved with nasty stuff. Vegetables and fruits are definitely more expensive in the USA, about 3-4 times what they are in LOS. Most off the shelf items in the grocery stores were cheaper. Medical care is the big hitter in the USA, but if you can avoid that, it is indeed cheaper in the USA these days if you can find inexpensive housing.

.

Yep. The beef has gone up recently, but the quality is far superior and still cheaper than LOS. Some veggies are cheaper in Thailand, but not much of a variety. Ever buy a spaghetti squash or Brussels Sprouts in LOS?

The key in America is to work hard at that job that pays so well, long enough to be debt free and have your house free and clear. Then stay in good health, and life is far less expensive, with far more variety and benefits, than in SE Asia.

"The key in America is to work hard at that job that pays so well, long enough to be debt free and have your house free and clear. Then stay in good health, and life is far less expensive, with far more variety and benefits, than in SE Asia."

I can understand why you have a signature "bored member."

Work most of your life to buy a house that had it's resale value slashed in half during the last Republican admin and devote yourself to keeping the lawn weed-free and congratulating yourself because you can find Brussels sprouts in the market. Most of what you blathered on about had to do with prices for trivial things. If you planned for your retirement so well, why would you be so worried how much a cheap bottle of wine cost?

One of the reasons things are cheap in Port Charlotte or anywhere else in Florida is that so much property was abandoned and/or repossessed by the banks that lent ridiculous amounts for over-priced property.

If you live in all but a small part of the US you spend much of the year under gray skies and knee deep in snow.

Service repair men and UPS drivers. Expeditiously. Seriously?

I'm sure we've all met your type here or while travelling. You corner unsuspecting people and drone on and on about your possessions, your houses, your road trips and how much of a bargain they were. You give extensive reports on the merits of spaghetti squash or drive everyone up the wall explaining what supplements you take to keep your prostate healthy. Your signature should be "Bored and Boring Member."

If you're happy there, that's nice for you. There are enough whiners and moaners here. You don't need to do it long-distance.

Have some rough patches in life did you? I can see you are bitter. I'm sure you're an absolute joy no matter where you are.

[Rajhulmaheesh]

HC.... That is a thorough post. My wife joined me for a while when I was working in the USA last year and she pointed out that meats and seafood were cheaper in the markets there than in Thailand. Plus, the seafood tasted better, likely as it was not preserved with nasty stuff. Vegetables and fruits are definitely more expensive in the USA, about 3-4 times what they are in LOS. Most off the shelf items in the grocery stores were cheaper. Medical care is the big hitter in the USA, but if you can avoid that, it is indeed cheaper in the USA these days if you can find inexpensive housing.

.

Yep. The beef has gone up recently, but the quality is far superior and still cheaper than LOS. Some veggies are cheaper in Thailand, but not much of a variety. Ever buy a spaghetti squash or Brussels Sprouts in LOS?

The key in America is to work hard at that job that pays so well, long enough to be debt free and have your house free and clear. Then stay in good health, and life is far less expensive, with far more variety and benefits, than in SE Asia.

"The key in America is to work hard at that job that pays so well, long enough to be debt free and have your house free and clear. Then stay in good health, and life is far less expensive, with far more variety and benefits, than in SE Asia."

I can understand why you have a signature "bored member."

Work most of your life to buy a house that had it's resale value slashed in half during the last Republican admin and devote yourself to keeping the lawn weed-free and congratulating yourself because you can find Brussels sprouts in the market. Most of what you blathered on about had to do with prices for trivial things. If you planned for your retirement so well, why would you be so worried how much a cheap bottle of wine cost?

You do know it was democratic p[olicy that led to the 08 financial crisis. The policy of everyone needs to buy a home.

And they are doing it again. Zero or 3% down loans are mandated by the govt. They want another crisis to finish off the old USA.

[Rajhulmaheesh]

Absolutely not...

Im leaving on the 23rd of this month, and im not looking back.

The only thing i will miss here is...my gf for 5 years...i love her so much...

but this country has not been what i remembered it to be back in 1989.

I'll still take care of my gf....but this place can kiss my a**

Racist, watching and wanting your every move...piss off.

I'll move on to much better places, where they respect and consider firiegners who help contribute to their economy.

The Philippines and Vietnam, are now on my list.

So you still gonna TAKE CARE of your gf. Why not let another man take care of her...............................hahahaha.

.

And with that childish, unthoughtful comment, we all now know what kind of "man" you are.

Grow up-its Thailand baby. We all know what take care means.

So man sends girl money and isnt coming back. Are you saying girl cant find another man to LOVE?

Edited February 16, 2015 by Rajhulmaheesh

[laislica]

I can think of at least four places I can buy organic foods within a short walk from here.

Where is that please?

We live about 80Km west of Bangkok, without personal transport, 10 Km from the county town.

The only farms near here are fish, shrimp and sea salt.

We buy our produce at the local "Wat" markets.

Where the greens have obvious bug bites, we would buy that as it is the nearest to "organic" we could get.

BTW, the definition of "Organic" allows loads of materials that mean it is not what you would really want to buy.

A very long and complicated subject.

"Organic Free Range Eggs" can still be factory farmed. They just need a door in the side of the barn so if a chicken wanted to, it could go into the enclosed area outside.

The lobbyists have corrupted such fine words so that the manufacturers can "get away with it".

but if there are organic products easily accessible by the baht bus and vans, i would shop there.

[Gecko123]

HeijoshinCool:

Has your wife ever been to Salt Lake City? That's got to be quite an adjustment for a Thai person. I don't envy her; in fact I can think of few US cities where it would be more difficult for a Thai person to adjust. I hope her cultural adjustment skills are better than yours seem to be.

Do Mormons even believe Thais go to heaven? Aren't you going to run into former missionaries who are going to automatically assume your wife is a former prostitute/mail order bride? I don't know, HeijoshinCool, most of your complaints about Thailand seem to fall into the "Wahhh...it's not like back home!" category. It would be rather ironic if your Thai wife starts singing the same tune when she arrives in Utah. I hope things work out for you, if only for your wife's sake.

.

Are you dim? Do you know that less than 40% of residents in SLC proper are Mormons? Less and less each year.

I am not Mormon. My wife is highly intelligent and can adjust to pretty much any adversity, just as I adjusted well to life in Thailand, but we are discussing where it is cheaper to live, aren't we?

I could not care less what "former (Mormon) missionaries" think about.

If my wife wants to return to Thailand, I will move back and enjoy life with her to the fullest.

No I'm not dim, quite the contrary.

I've been to SLC, and the Mormon Church's influence is pervasive and oppressive. I would think most Thais would find that environment depressing and alien. I also don't believe that the Mormon Church is very receptive to interracial marriage. Your earlier posts leave the reader with the impression that you were done with Thailand for good; sorry if I misunderstood. You now claim to have adjusted well to Thailand. Again, your posts suggest otherwise. By the way, this thread is about comparative advantages/disadvantages of living in Thailand, not comparative costs of living.