1 When deciding where to take a holiday in the winter of 2021, people compare the alternatives available in 2021, pick the best and then enjoy it as best they can.
Until someone invents time travel, we needn't compare Thailand today with Thailand 20 years ago when making the decision.
We compare with Cambodia, Vietnam, The Philippines, Myanmar etc. All as of 2021. Simple.
How good it was 20 years ago is totally irrelevant when deciding where to take a vacation now.
2 You wouldn't holiday in Thailand, but are prepared to continue living there ? Sometimes it is best to judge people by their actions rather than their words.
"The world is your lobster" -Arthur Daley