Always starts out as a visit to a Thai village and gf family.
The low-key happiness found in a poorer economic enclave is astounding. [Fully understanding we don't have a clue as to what the reality of and in that village life is.]
To come from a properous western nation where youth have relatively everything yet are killing themselves or others and then traveling to a bum-fúk Isaan village watching elementary students playing fùtból on a dirt field in bare feet because they don't want to beat any further their old, torn brown school shoes used for walking to and from school daily.
Personally I felt really alive and younger.
I returned and began trying to get a better grasp on Thailand by working within the educational system since I had an independent business to support me.
Started slowly to open my eyes before I jumped in with both feet.
That feeling isn't always found in the tourist areas heavily flavoured with westerners.
Do I enjoy (what others may consider a shithole) Surin ?
So far so good. Albeit I hear, read and see a whole lot of fooked up stories of Thai this , Thai that...but that is how living life is anywhere.
Sure I could be unhappy, angry or complaining about 'getting done wrong'...and maybe one dark day in my future I will. (Cancer will teach a fine lesson about that.)
Bottom line: Happiness can only be found within oneself. It cannot be purchased or bought. Clarity of mind never hurts either.
Having a real pleasant family situation is a real nice addition in life as one is blessed while advancing in age.
And yes - so far Surin has been affordable (even with that family!) for this retired chap in his 60s.
So here I will make my Long-term care home...as opposed to an elder-care 'facility' stateside surrounded by strangers.