Up2U,

Your remark about your typical experience in many third world countries is very correct.

My last 6 years in Indonesia shows the same picture.

I am not even allowed to drive by myself here (company rules) because of the great risk involved if anything happen.

To be honest,when I compare Thailand now to Thailand 25 years ago the progress is enormously.When I compare to Indonesia now, I rather stay in Thailand.

I always drive by myself in Thailand (defensively ! ) and was never involved in any accident.

Long trips, I rent mini bus with driver (1500 Baht for 24 hours).

On this subject we mostly cannot compare our home countries with Thailand and should therefore act like that. My humble opinion

I have been here quite a few years and have a fervent passion for the country but  I am now thinking more often about leaving them to it and returning to my "developed country"

So, why are you only Thinking about depriving Thai people of you presence in Their country?

you have to be careful of having an even slightly negative opinion where Begs is concerned, nothing seems to phase him what a guy!