Noticed I could only search content one year back.

How to access content prior to the period?

User 'Content' searches are limited to the past year to keep the search result fast.

You can use the normal 'Search' field to find any content posted by entering a search term or terms, a username, or a combination of both.
Though, in the case of yourself, where your username is synonymous with the Proper Name, practically every topic will be returned!
So try this: quote-name="thailand"

*** The above only returned 40 posts... very odd.

EDIT: Use the ADVANCED SEARCH form ... (accessed by clicking the 'cog' graphic next to the search field)