Thank you.
Some here on TD have limited reading abilities and even less politeness.
Having visited Chinese cities many times as a businessman. Along with utilising Thailand as a transit stopover for any visits I made to other Asian countries and OZ. I had options as to where I could live, post my UK employment.
UK, Canada or Asia.
The UK and Canada I had seen, neither new or enticing.
With China my experience was limited, cities, airports, 5* hotels and business meetings. What I did see in China during my road trips was difficulties and rampant consumerism "western style". Nothing enticing.
When accompanied by our local office staff, similar to Japan, life was good their bubble expanded around my needs. Alone, similar to Thailand, many options were available but weren't what I was desiring, big city location, high-rise flat, choked streets .... China was profitable, the people I met realised they could utilise our solutions into their plans. But China became unavailable, business wise, for me.
I was invited to "take care" of many Thai ladies and eventually decided the beaches, jungle, climate and rural living were the number ones.
Eventually I was introduced to a Thai woman. She had a motorbike, a house and a farm, which provided her an income. After a while we agreed for me to come and live with her. She had here demands, I had mine.
Her parents, brother and sister along with the "proles"/her community were/are very welcoming. Including the Trat Provincial Governor publicly welcoming my presence. More "falangs" = more economic growth, population growth and more voters.
After 10 years we are both content.
As for Champagne, it's overrated, IMHO.