well speaking from my experience, they can work, but work is what they need.
as most here know, we have been together for over 2 years, she has been home for 2 years now and is loving life away from the bar.
Now, i am nough of a realist to know the basics, but what i do know is that i have a companion when i visit LOS 4-5 times a year (I am here next weekend for a flying visit and she will join me in bkk for 3 nights).
I will never live in Thailand and i doubt she will move to Europe, but what we have suits us both for now.
Luckily i can afford to look after the family now, and they have a lovely house to live in. This suits me to the ground, and i dont give a flying fuck what anyone else thinks.