More like 90% of SEA is nasty and third-world, including Thailand. Penang is, and always will be, cleaner than any similar-sized city in TH. Additionally, people in Malaysia actually drive like semi-civilized human beings because the white man from Britan made them learn how. Until I visited Malaysia, I had no idea how far Thailand still has to go to be considered civilized enough to even understand western values.
One thing about being an expat is that we all have a home country we can go back to. Nothing ignorant about pointing this out. The only ignorant comments are those that are full of false information, speculation, and personal opinions. Leaving a country you are a guest in is always preferable to fighting a system and worrying about things you will never be able to change. if you can't afford to go back to your home country then you really should shut up and accept whatever your host country and it's government decide to do or LEAVE. So many broke dick expats do nothing other than constantly complain and nit pick what the Thai government says it may do, or actually does. After 7 years living in TH, my frustration level dropped way off when I just accepted things as they were , day by day. Now go rub some butthurt cream into your jaw muscles as well.