What an amazing opening! That sure got me reading. Comparisons to NYC vs Thailand also, very interesting! So I'd need 10k a month there just to be normal compared to here in Thailand where I can be 'normal' even on 1k? (Ok, that's a major stretch but many do - with buffer for insurance, flights, housing 1k in Thailand is also 'living the life' for some ... 3k i completely agree, it's comfort+ plus although perhaps not 'like a king' unless you want to be in a rice field. Bangkok certainly 3k is more 'normal' to the 10k to NYC ... buzz down the eastern seaboard 2 hours in your car to where I am tho, 3k is rolling along ok and a lot fresher in air and sea breezes :)
I did enjoy your post, you have a real flow. I didn't think i would get all the way to the end but just about as i wanted to stop, it ended.

Great flow, a little more brevity would be awesome. Been following you and just realised I haven't been reading. Will do now, esp. for the Southeast Asia references, great in the moment stuff !