@Alan *****

Thanks, and of course, I would *want* to. That's true of any culture.

@Steve ******

Can I get that in writing? 😆

@Stuart ********

This isn't the exact blog (I can't find it now) but is similar. Comments ranged from warnings about fake cops to predatory airport officials to relatives disappearing...

@Sabine ********

For what it's worth, I've made it abundantly clear to my lovely bride-to-be that I am not wealthy, that she will still need to work and contribute, and that we may not have an "easy" life. She has reiterated to me that she accepts all of that. Guided by a book, we've discussed 101 questions that couples should discuss BEFORE getting married. We have our differences, as any two people do, but see eye-to-eye on the big issues. And I've always been a believer that it's "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Going into this with a hopeful but realistic, not idealistic, mindset. Wish me luck. 😎

@Stuart ********

That certainly sounds a lot less terrifying than this blog made it out to be. I was half-expecting to have a target 🎯 on my back the entire time and that every Thai passerby, cop, government official, business owner, and monk were all conspiring to rob, extort, or imprison me!

@Terary *********

Thanks brother! You sound level-headed and clear-eyed, and I'm going in cautious but hopeful.

@Oliver *******

I know right?? 😅 Stay tuned...

Here in North America, the big trend is virtual banks with no brick-and-mortar branches. Great, no-fee, high-interest account options and debit cards that work at any other bank's ATM... they refund any fees charged.

I assume you can't find them there?

I'll be in the city for most of my time there. Given its size I expect to exercise a degree of caution similar to what I might in NYC, Chicago, etc. But outside of Bangkok it certainly sounds very laid-back and relaxed!