When was Malaysia GDP/capita equaled to Thailand's GDP per capita. In 1990, Malaysia stood at 2,500 USD vs Thailand's $1500 USD per capita. The problem with Thailand is it heavily depended on low skilled Tourism industry and brothels fronting as bars throughout the country. No country has prospered by inviting old low skilled and low income foreigners to marry poverty stricken local girls from the bars in exchange for marriage visas.