What are some reasons why people may perceive Thailand to be better than other South Asian countries?

Arkaneh Urairat

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Have just returned to Thailand: 5-year-ago Updated Jan 10

What are some reasons why people may perceive Thailand to be better than other South Asian countries? Is there evidence to support this belief?

Is it because Thailand has a well-established tourism industry, vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and yummy food?

Nope, tourists can find all that stuff in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

To be fair, rich cultural heritage and cool historical sites such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia are awesome, with super friendly people and exotic Indonesia are renowned, while great food and diverse cultures are a draw to Malaysia. The Philippines is not to be missed for indulging in Spanish heritage, where everyone can sing with a joyous mood all day.

What about the modernity and lush greenery of Garden City in the safe environment of Singapore is much preferred by many? The saying is true-” If you haven’t seen Vietnam, you haven’t seen SE Asia.” Hanoi is explosive, while HCM is thrilling, and mythical Ha Long Bay is fascinating enough, guys!

• But whether you like it or not, better to have Thailand to brighten your days in life after too much exotic culture with a laid-back but chaotic lifestyle in Cambodia, what about other countries you recently have been to..?

Too difficult trying to understand Hindu culture in Bali but too confused with Romanized Bahasa Indonesia in other towns, while getting lost in Jakarta can be intimidating.

Easily too strong ‘diverse cultures’ of Malacca that all eyes on you if you look like Chinese entering Malay only— Pasar Malam, another too confusing for a walking tour in KL, and lastly too scary in JB, a cowboy town, only George Town is awesome and never fail anyone.

Tired of the food and typhoons in the Philippines, you are not alone, after a few nights in Manila.. go where? Boracay or Davao City to visit-’Dirty Harty’? Oh no, it’s in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, guys.

Worse, though, in Singapore, tired of taking underground trains surrounded by moody aunties and uncles. Looking around and seeing everyone on edge wherever you go or a tense atmosphere in —’ too modern Singapore’ though is a safe place to live for sure but a sterile 

one to visit.

Let’s go to Thailand the ‘Land of the Free’- do what makes you feel good.

Thailand is not better than our neighbors, seriously, we hit and miss at times but we don’t mind welcoming all sorts of people.

But there are some reasons why people may perceive Thailand to be better—To a great extent, ordinary local and international news is no longer communicated by word of mouth or in the city marketplace. At the touch of a finger, you can read on Quora about “Thailand’s loud and clear” as well.

First, fun, fun, fun—Everyone says it. Second, Just pay, no need to check the bill, excellent value for money and money well spent—Fred from Singapore.

Third, things that appeal to everyone—Stephen from England. Fourth: Shopaholics’ paradise for gals—Mei from Malaysia. Fifth: The beach? Oh my! Which ones to go first?—Jess from Hong Kong.

Sixth: ‘They make me feel like a king’- Bok from Melbourne. Seventh: I am coming here for 3 months to escape the winter—Davide from Stockholm.

Eighth: Singapore has no street life but Bangkok’street life has gone berserk—Q’ Peng (my Brother-in-law). Ninth: Let’s have a party- I’m spoiled for choice, where do I start?—Dana from Canada.

Tenth: “ Arkaneh, I read everything you posted -May Kim Lester from NYC.

Oh, I forgot to mention about Vietnam. “More than 1 million are Vietnamese visitors. Thailand is currently the most visited international destination by Vietnamese tourists in 2023,”—VTA

These are the perception that makes Thailand win by a neck.