@Stefan *******

Interesting! I thought you would mention these things and I totally agree with you.

Indeed, the expat community in Thailand, although diverse, is a joke (in general). There are some good quality expats here but way too much trash, unfortunately. In Malaysia, the vast majority are good quality expats.

Agree with you on the language issue. I am fluent in Thai so no problems for me but I always have to laugh when expats live in Thailand with minimal Thai skills and claim they are integrated into the community, which is impossible without fluency in Thai. In Malaysia, English is the de facto second official language alongside Malay.

Anonymous participant 306 711 doesn't stock Somersby ciders! In fact, you can't find Somersby anywhere in Thailand, only one brand of OKish Thai cider. I prefer something imported myself, but there is very little on offer. There is a French cider sold in Vietnam that isn't sold in Thailand. Why not? Because it's difficult to import things here that's why.

Foodland and Villa - decent product ranges, enormous, no. I'm looking for imported produce, I don't like Thai made stuff unless it's organic, artisanal etc otherwise, it's loaded with toxic additives and incidentally, Thai made artisanal stuff is often priced higher than imported equivalents from western countries, which is odd.

Isarn females are definitely not moral, for the most part. They're the ones the vast majority of problems with farang occur. Your happy go lucky isarn type who comes from a rice farming family certainly isn't marrying a farang because "he's hansum" but because of his money. An educated ethnic Chinese-Thai on the other hand, is a good choice. It's almost like 2 parallel societies - you have your superstitious Isarn folk from the villages who believe that western countries are paved in gold (and every farang is super rich) and ridiculous promises that socialist/populist politicians like Thaksin make and then you have your well traveled, educated ethnic Chinese-Thais who come from Bangkok, Chiang Mai etc. who understand that the red shirts are secretly supported by western governments in order to create regime change.

Sorry, but you must be mistaken. In Thailand, social class and wealth determine your status. A doctor is always going to be considered much more respectable than a garbage collector (though I personally have no issues with garbage collectors as they perform an important job).

@Jonathan ********

I know Makro, but only go there occasionally.

@Jonathan ********

Yes, the smoked salmon version was the most expensive option.

@Jonathan ********

Sure. There are lots of options at all price levels. I don't want to create the impression I'm implying it's all street food or expensive with nothing in between. As you stated, in America it's much more expensive.

The bagels i had were stuffed; a real proper meal, if they had been plain bagels the cost would have been , but that wouldn't have been a meal.

@John *********

That is surprising; I've heard many people on long term extensions get one. A Thai driver's license is indeed good enough in most circumstances.

@Jeremy ********

For a blue book, you need to be a permanent resident. Anyone not on a PR visa can't be listed in a blue book only a yellow one.

@John *********

You can get a yellow book in many circumstances. Long-term visa extension holders are generally eligible. Not sure about DTV holders. Might depend on your amphoe.

Anonymous participant Well, if you're actually eligible for free DTV visa processing, this should apply in Laos as in any other country. Why would Laos be different? It depends on your nationality.

@Colin ********

I think you'll find traveling and spending a little bit of time in each of these countries to be quite straightforward and will be perfectly fine. Malaysia is nice for families as is Vietnam.