Vint is correct in saying that expats such as myself save money by living in Thailand because our own countries are more expensive. But Vint conveniently fails to note that expats and foreign tourists spend a fantastic amount of money in this country, which benefits the economy and the people.
But, just as I don't expect the Thai people to lick my feet, Vint has no right to expect me to lick his. In fact Thailand needs us much more than we need Thailand.