I'm not trying to offend Thais or other ASEAN countries that heavily invest in tourism, but with all the challenges involving COVID, recessions, tariffs, and inflation, I don't understand why countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines are so eager to become the next Thailand.

Thailand's economy has pretty much stagnated and stuck in the Middle Income trap since as far as I can remember, and I am in my mid-20s. I have Thai friends and coworkers who are worried about their economy slowing down, especially since their birth rates are dropping and their population is aging.

Basically, Thailand is facing problems similar to those Japan and South Korea are dealing with, but it's not as economically advanced. Still, I see many people from Indonesia, the Philippines, and other Asian countries trying to copy Thailand's way of focusing mainly on tourism for economic growth.

You guys seriously think tourism will develop your country when the Thais has been banking on this strat for almost two decades? From my understanding, there as many problems with tourism as they are benefits, especially involving tourists who are there for criminal intentions, are illegal immigrants, or even just destroying the environment of the country that made it appealing in the first place.