So most Thais more so in the tourist traps can speak English? Wow ! Wish I had known that twenty two years ago when I moved here. Would not have wasted all that time. Just shout English more often. Very BIG HINT! The Thais likely consider you dumb, rude and most of all obnoxious.
I have heard so many lame excuses over the years. The worst being "Why don,t they speak English?" The #1 reason expats and long term visitors are miserable here. Do not blame the bar hooker you hired as translator , girlfriend , wife for your problems. Take a real long look in the mirror. The same goes for foreign women .
Sorry you find this area so boring I can certainly say the same for somewhere like Hua Hin or Koh Samui within an hour I want out freak show will take boring Issan anytime. At least it is not fake and phony tourist dump.