In general I agree with you, however when i lived in a village near Nong Khai, one day I was in the Local village shack / shop, there was a group of about 4 older thais sitting there, I said hello, bought them a refill beer each, of course they were surprised and askd me to join them. Since them whenever I drop in, a beer and chair is awaiting me!
I then noticed many people acknowledging me in the village, just a Wai and nod of the head, but I felt that small gesture had now accepted me in the village.