I agree with you to a certain extent.
Every country got their own laws and rules but also customs and values.
Steeling will be punished by cut off your hand, in other countries you'll get a warning, fine, or probation.
So, here in Thailand the respect is important, based on Buddhism. We all know many crimes are induced by taking drugs or alcohol.
And here we come to "losing face", what is most important issue in Asian. Many Thai's wouldn't tell you what they really think of you. But you, as a farang, would tell them bluntly to be an 'idiot"?
I think we should change our attitudes and behaviour when we are here in Thailand. We are not here to change Thai people. So more tolerance would cause less clashes.