@Deano ************

I totally understand, may I suggest something as a companion for the road? Viktor Frankls Man's search for Meaning~ shaped by his experiences of being incarcerated during the holocaust....aim for contentment...wasn't it Hemingway who famously quipped " happiness amongst the intelligent is the rarest thing I know " Asia will likely present you with both pleasure and pain...

@Deano ************

and remember grief is largely an unconscious process, so flow is good, particularly if your recent mentioned events were traumatic....be gentle with yourself, and remember it's the broken part where the light get in....I wish you well.

@Deano ************

I travel extensively in the region, currently in Laos, they are relaxing some entry requirements and extending some visa on arrival time frames...the country has alot to offer imho. ..I'd highly recommend some time here.

@Mark **********

Amazing Thailand !

very well observed. scratch the surface and there's a strong theme which you have captured and articulated well.

I've noticed the differences between the way western based cultures and thai culture approach relationship and love differ in many nuanced ways that flag the cultural expectations and differences are not to be underestimated!

I've observed, as you have, a profound lack of ability for thai for reflection, inability to own their part in a given interaction dynamic, and a abundantly clear pattern whereby Greng Jai is used as a shield and defence against disclosure and transparency.

The notable lack of self awareness leads to circumstances whereby frequently thai say what they want, but there's a theme of not actually knowing what they want...doesn't matter if they are highly educated, from North, south, east or western Thailand...perhaps this is why there's also a lack of meaningful social contract within the society itself.

I know little of Buddhism, however I've observed that many who practice the 5 precepts with devotion are focused on their karmic journey and their actions ( self serving) are related to duty and merit, rather than ultruism and sacrifice in the manner many Christian based societies approach their interactions and motivations.

I've noticed in romantic relationships the Thai focus on their happiness....not spiritual and psychological development. I don't see westerns approaching happiness as an entitlement.

There's also a resistance to blend cultures, perhaps because colonisation didn't occur as it has I'm many adjoining countries.

I'd suggest for your consideration an itinerary whereby you travel between the 2 destinations via Trang, Krabi, and Islands.

@Brandon ***********

I agree, that's a very accurate overview, I've spent some time in both...Hatyai has such an interesting vibe , vibrant music scene ,cultural mix food scene and very few non Asian farang..less traffic...beautiful nature nearby in Trang Province with terrific islands...Songkhla old city...I feel.like phuket has become a place about creating a ' paradise within the paradise' to avoid the at times overwhelming tourism.

@Sumai *******

hi, thankyou Australian letterhead.?...was it done through the Royal Thai Police Bkk? or??

@Damian ********

okay thankyou..pm onway

@Phil *******

cheers, will do, thanks for your reply..

@Gerry *******

I estimate, at the rate I'm going , I'm spending about , 000 baht per year.