I have lived in Thailand for more than 30 years. I also am able to speak Thai fairly well since I made an effort to learn the language because I wanted to live here long term. My best friends, both male and female, are all Thai. If you want to have a friend anywhere in the world, you have to first make an effort to be a friend. I know many non-Thai men and women, but would only consider about a half a dozen of them friends. They are simply acquaintances.