Its unfortunate that Thailand has such a seedy reputation... Bangkok esp. But in other parts esp in the c'try, there are many honest, hardworking, decent and very friendly folks that make Thailand a joy to visit.
Mae = "Mountain" in Thailand
Hope you can go visit IndoChina one day Jur. Its an amazing cycling destination - Thl, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia!
*Recommended time - Nov to Jan cool season. Other times it can be rather hot.