When I moved to Pattaya Thailand, (2 hours outside of Bangkok) I couldn't wait to experience all of this exotic and beautiful country.  I was able to afford "champagne" on a "kool-aid" budget.  It really didn't take too long however before my optimistic and adventurous side began to finally focus on the realities.  Thailand and her citizens are extremely poor.  Google the sex industry in Thailand and you'll find out what too many of these poor people are forced into just to feed their families.  When you find out how many young children are prostituted by there own parents you'll probably become nauseous.  Look around and pay attention at some of these luxurious hotels.  You may think that bus load of Japanese men are on a guided sight seeing tour, and in a way they are; they're visiting some of many different houses of prostitution.   Many of those employ children who are enslaved by ruthless pimps and madams.  If some happen to disappear from violence, there's always at least five more who want to take their place.  Find out what pedophiles refer to as a "Thai Vacation".  Are there more child prostitutes or more foreign pedophile tourist?  Well they certainly don't have prostitutes riding around in luxury, air conditioned buses.   The government just doesn't care.  Corrupt cops make sure their palms are regularly brushed.  Point in case:  Pay attention to traffic cops about the last 10 days of the month.  Thais get paid once a month, on the first of the month.  At the end of the month you'll see a noticeable increase in traffic stops.  Well everyone knows that the policemen pull you over expecting an under the table "donation" to help them until pay-day, unless of course you would rather have an expensive citation.  I could go on and on.  When I moved there I wanted to learn everything there was to know; unfortunately, I learned a lot too much.