Good move. Thailand is so much better in my opinion. Now I'm in Koh Phagnan. Love this island, especially now that it's tourist free.
Also love this line...
"the complete lack of tourism thanks to the virus so deadly you have to be tested in order to know you have it"
Best of luck with the move.
Also a friendly tip, you may want to do as I've done. Get a 1 year renewable volunteer visa through the visa company out of Bangkok. You don't have to "volunteer" for anything. Can renew up to 5 years, no questions asked, no trips to immigration. Visa company is connected to the government and takes care of everything for about 25,000 baht a year.