Just another suggestion if you're in such an adventurous mood. I think they are still doing those tours of Pripyat city and the Lenin NPP in Chernobyl. I don't think it will be too expensive either 
It's not a bad idea, since there's a lot of grimm stuff to see. The area is relatively safe and many people have travelled there in the recent years. The only problem is lack of hotels, bars and such. I'd choose Thailand, at least you can go for a swim and try some local cuisine. If you want a cheap place to go to, Greece is not that expensive, but beautiful, and if you want something even cheaper go to Bulgaria. Great weather, beaches, decent hotels, everything dirt cheap. Also much less bugs than in Thailand.