Nice post! I Thailand is one of my favorite countries. I agree with you on several of your points even though I've only traveled there a handful of times. I'm not a foodie but I LOVE street snacking. My fave are the fruits! Love them and miss them, bagged up for 50 cents and all.
You had me laughing with the sounds and smells though. I guess that's the layer you'd have to get to when you become an expat.