Thai chilli's add no flavor so there's that.
Tourists have limited knowledge give em credit for trying something different donchaknow
It's the expat diet and long term backpackers that is shonky af
Foreigners don't really eat Thai food. Maybe only if married lol.
BBQ, Phad Thai, Fried rice, Khaosoi, Masaman, omelette, 711 sandwiches and the odd bowl of noodles or green curry.
I can still do and enjoy five medium chilli's in som tam Thai.
Proper Issan food can be withering and that's coming from someone that can eat spicy food.
Getting older, I don't enjoy the heat as much. Sometimes my wife just forgets to cut it back a few chilli's and it's basically inedible for me.
This afternoon just brought home minced sirloin and we had phad khapao. My absolute fave and full on go-to dish for decades. It's savory and aromatic it's great spicy but still enjoyable otherwise