I don’t disagree, but Malaysia is actually not as conservative as many think it to be (I’m from there). There are pockets of expat neighborhoods in KL where you can feel like you’re in Sydney.

I’d say Malaysia.

It does #1-3 very easily. As for #4 it is of course a Muslim country, but quite progressive and multicultural as far as Muslim countries go- booze, prostitution, concerts, gambling, etc are all available.

Where I’m from-Malaysia.

I’ve been to a number of countries, and it’s the best bang for your buck- almost first world infrastructure at almost third world prices.

Sadly that applies to salaries too.

Japanese. Once I went into a restaurant in Nikko for lunch and it was full. But pindrop silence, like quieter than a library.

Yeah that’s a sticking point. Beer prices in Malaysia are 60% higher than Thailand. But in all other departments Malaysia is probably already slightly cheaper than Thailand.

Born and raised in KL but living in a Western country now, holidayed on many weekend trips to Thailand so I think I qualify to answer.

I always tell everyone that Malaysia is an (almost) first world country with third world prices. This of course not only applies to cost of living, but salaries too. It’s the best bang for your buck in terms of “development” vs cost. It’s like almost living in Singapore/Dubai, but with prices only slightly higher than India. It’s like Portugal or Greece but much cheaper.

Nowhere else in the world where you can have this. Turkey and Chile come close but probably ain’t as cheap.

Thailand, while indeed fun as a tourist and not too far behind in terms of development for the most part still feels like a third world country. Of course the malls in Bangkok are an exception.

There’s a saying in SE Asia- work in Singapore, holiday in Thailand, live in Malaysia.

Like another commenter wrote- “Asia” is an incredibly diverse place- you have Singapore and Dubai (yes it’s still Asia) which are cleaner and more futuristic than any city in North America or Europe. Then you have war-torn Myanmar, Yemen, & Syria. And anything in between.

Hong Kong- where you can’t even walk on the streets without bumping into other people or a remote island in the Philippines. And anywhere in between.

Malaysia way less I guess