I’m a self funded retiree and don’t have those employment pressures you spoke of.
I enjoy my interactions with Thai people and certainly I’ve had nothing but courtesy and respect from them.
I’m happy living here.
We were back in Australia last month and whilst I love my home country it is micro managed. Everything.
Food is an individual’s choice.
Unusual for Thais to comment about a stranger’s behaviour - usually “it’s not their business”. You can pass through a village and no one (except the kids🥰) will notice you.
If you are being noticed I expect it’s because of behaviour.