Hey there.
Like many others, I lived in Thailand for a number of months, boxing. I don't have too much advice regards the housing.
I do however have some advice regarding your time there. Be very aware that no matter where you go, you will be perceived as well off. You will (seriously) be batting women away left right and centre. Very pretty women who see you as their ticket out of there.
If you do gain a girlfriend, don't be surprised that your money will go nowhere as far as you had hoped. Scooters, money for family, eating out more - all will make their way into your life very quickly.
It's easy to say it will never happen to you - you don't have to go looking for a partner out there. They will find you and persue you. For Western men, this can be a huge change from the generally more entitled women of the West.
Please excuse my asumptions that you are interested in females - I don't know if the same is true for Thai men.
If you do decide to date a Thai woman, be very careful, the culture of dating there is extremely different then the West. I would highly recommend research into how the culture works before you get into something you might end up regretting, it's certainly not for everyone. You will find it very difficult to find the difference between sincerity and gold digging. Also, be very careful of working girls.
Oh, and stay in the north for cheaper living, Chang Mai is awesome! Don't pay more then 70Baht for a Big Chang!
I do however have some advice regarding your time there. Be very aware that no matter where you go, you will be perceived as well off. You will (seriously) be batting women away left right and centre. Very pretty women who see you as their ticket out of there.
If you do gain a girlfriend, don't be surprised that your money will go nowhere as far as you had hoped. Scooters, money for family, eating out more - all will make their way into your life very quickly.
It's easy to say it will never happen to you - you don't have to go looking for a partner out there. They will find you and persue you. For Western men, this can be a huge change from the generally more entitled women of the West. Please excuse my asumptions that you are interested in females - I don't know if the same is true for Thai men.