I lived in Ecuador (and I have family there) and I lived in several Asian countries so I can compare— Thailand is definitely a MUCH better choice (just got DTV to be able to stay here long-term). Ecuador has many good sides — food, climate, biodiversity etc but the last years it is steadily declining in terms of safety and overall quality of life (plus it’s not actually that ‘cheap’ as many mistakenly think).

Thailand offers a much better lifestyle for any budget, it’s safe, has good infrastructure and you can travel around SE Asia for of the price that would cost you in LatAm airlines. Thailand wins in most criteria, in my opinion

you can fly to BKK airport and pass the immigration with 'safe entry' services from one of the companies. 0 questions asked and stamp guaranteed. I did the same yesterday as I had 2 border runs previously and wasn't sure they would let me in

@Richard *********

with such attitude and entitlement badge, why not staying then in those "civilized" places instead of complaining that another country, with its own culture, ethnopsychology, its own norms & values doesn't bend to accommodate your expectations?

@Anton *******

exactly...