@Catherine **********
I apologize for all the ignorant, mean spirited or arrogant comments you received on your post. It is a great post. My Thai wife who grew up on a rural farm in Essan and now lives in a urban city Hua Hin, first told me that most Thai and Falangs eat out when I made the same observations as you upon arrival in Thailand. She said it is cheaper and easier to eat out (specifically Thai food) than cook. Of course Thai in more rural settings will cook at home more.