@Bruce ********

I doubt if she know what language they were speaking.

I speak some Thai, however I find it totally unnecessary to fluently speak Thai to function in Bangkok and the other major international and tourist areas. I spend very little time in small villages and farm areas. The bottom line, it's just not necessary in my day to day life in Thailand, to be fluent in Thai. As to Americans who get mad at people for speaking Spanish, or an Asian language in the USA, it's just a cover for their racism and bigotry. Note, I've never seen an American getting mad at someone for speaking French, Italian, German, Swedish... In fact they will compliment Europeans for speaking these non-English languages. Ex: It sounds so sexy or intelligent.

Lastly, people always reference language as an issue. In my 10 years experience in Thailand, English is never an issue in primary tourist and international locations. Only when visiting small villages are small local beach towns, is language a minor issue.

I've lived and visited both. In short in Thailand you get better infrastructure, housing, food, medical; for a fraction of the costs in the Philippines. Also, as someone else mentioned, weather, the Philippines is directly hit by several typhoons every single year. Thailand typhoons are not a major concern. Crime in the Philippines is significantly higher than Thailand. Lastly, compare Bangkok to Manila. No comparison Bangkok is a far better city. Yes, Philippines have some great islands and beaches to visit and vacation on, but the main population areas have many issues.

Great no one mentioned my favorite place. Nor shall I.

@Kate ***********

Short answer: Thailand doesn't have a 1 year tourist visa. If over 50, a long term retirement visa is available.

@John ******

Or someone will steal his Lamborghini, in one of these countries where "rules are merely suggestions."

The fact it is a Lamborghini, makes it more likely, you will not make it safely through several marginal countries, along the way. Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia ...

@Maxim **********

Yes, there is a difference. I am African - American, US citizen by birth and heritage, and I've encountered extra scrutiny in Asia, which disappears as soon as they see my US Passport. "Oh, you're American, no problem."

Since you were born in Thailand, you probably can get a Thai ID. Birth's are registered in a house book, I forget the Thai name, maybe the Blue Book. Apply for ID, in village or province you were born in. Hopefully your parents still live there. Once you get Thai ID, everything else should be easy. QUIK Google search shows the name of the "house book" is the "tabien baan" and presumably you or your parents have your Thai Birth Certificate.