Picture courtesy of VNexpress

 

A Malaysian academic has sparked a heated debate online by claiming Malaysia’s natural landscapes are “400 times more beautiful” than Thailand’s. Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, vice-chancellor of Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), made the comments in an interview with World of Buzz. He highlighted Malaysia’s destinations such as Port Dickson, Langkawi, Redang, and Mersing islands as superior in beauty and preservation compared to Thailand’s Ao Nang, Krabi, and Ko Phi Phi.

 

Professor Md Amin also noted that while Thailand offers cheaper souvenirs, Malaysia’s goods tend to be more expensive and with fewer options. He explained that many Malaysians travel abroad due to lower costs, cheap food and more varied activities elsewhere. His remarks have prompted vigorous discussions across social media platforms.

 

Responses online have been mixed. Some netizens supported his opinion, agreeing that Malaysia’s natural environment is superior. Others questioned his claim, particularly the “400 times” figure, calling it arbitrary and subjective. Critics pointed out that both countries have their own unique attractions and argued that preferences are influenced by lifestyle, culture and personal experience. Comments ranged from reasoned debate to playful rebuttals referencing Thailand’s nickname as the “Land of Smiles.”

 

Tourism statistics add context to the discussion. In the first half of 2025, Malaysia welcomed 21 million visitors, topping Southeast Asia, while Thailand attracted 17.5 million arrivals. This difference underscores the strength of both countries as major tourist destinations in the region, each with distinct strengths and appeal.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A Malaysian professor claimed Malaysia’s nature is “400 times more beautiful” than Thailand’s, sparking debate.

• Social media responses were split, with some agreeing and others disputing the claim.

• Malaysia led Southeast Asia in tourism arrivals in the first half of 2025, with Thailand close behind.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from VNexpress 2025-10-05

 

 

 

 

1 minute ago, Georgealbert said:

Malaysia ‘400 Times More Beautiful’ Than Thailand 

Thai woman ‘400 Times More Beautiful’ Than Malaysian 

How did the professor assess the natural beauty of the landscapes in both countries?

Just now, SAFETY FIRST said:

Thai woman ‘400 Times More Beautiful’ Than Malaysian 

True.

You can't surf in Malaysia.

 

It is very hard to get a long stay visa - unless you have loads of money and buy property.

Another blow to ASEAN solidarity?

2 hours ago, Fact said:

How did the professor assess the natural beauty of the landscapes in both countries?

 

Isn't Malaysia much cleaner than Thailand ? 

2 hours ago, Fact said:

True.

Hmph.. I think there is a decline in this happening in Thailand. Thai woman have become fatter and it does affect their beauty quite a lot. 

2 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Thai woman ‘400 Times More Beautiful’ Than Malaysian 

 

Thai women 1000 times more available than Malaysian

2 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

You can't surf in Malaysia.

 

It is very hard to get a long stay visa - unless you have loads of money and buy property.

I wouldnt surf in thailand would you? If not for pollution theres rip tides and stray jellyfish about

2 hours ago, Fact said:

How did the professor assess the natural beauty of the landscapes in both countries?

 

Easy, he was a professor. had learned abc in school.

Quote

A Malaysian academic has sparked a heated debate online by claiming Malaysia’s natural landscapes are “400 times more beautiful” than Thailand, 

 

Wingnut. 

3 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Thai woman ‘400 Times More Beautiful’ Than Malaysian 

 

Most Thai women are plain or ugly, where this Thai lady very bootiful comes from I don't know.

Talk about hyperbole.

There is no question that Malaysia is a very beautiful country with pristine jungles incredible beaches and beautiful islands. For me the issue is that the people are just not as much fun to be around, they're nice people, they just don't have that light-hearted and playful spirit that a lot of Thai people have. 

6 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

There is no question that Malaysia is a very beautiful country with pristine jungles incredible beaches and beautiful islands. For me the issue is that the people are just not as much fun to be around, they're nice people, they just don't have that light-hearted and playful spirit that a lot of Thai people have. 

 

True. They are generally more disciplined and inclined to follow the rules and obey the rule of law. They also speak English much more widely, all factors emanating from their colonial past.

What a silly thing to say. The type of thing a toddler would say. Why not twice as beautiful or as beautiful? So innumerable Malays holiday in Thailand because it is a bit cheaper though is 400x less beautiful? Nowt as queer as folk but would posit both countries are about the same while Thailand is infinitely more laid back—not a bit more or 400x more, but infinitely so—is not hung up on manmade religion to the nth degree, has freedom for its gentler folk and is less aggressive so stick that up your pipe, professor donkey dck!

 

 

 

More to the point, do they have a Nana Plaza and a soi 6?

49 minutes ago, angryguy said:

3 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

You can't surf in Malaysia.

 

It is very hard to get a long stay visa - unless you have loads of money and buy property.

I wouldnt surf in thailand would you? If not for pollution theres rip tides and stray jellyfish about

Yes you can surf in Malaysia, Desaru Beach is famous for surfing and hosts tournaments. Here in Thailand Kata beach has nice surf for several months in the year, Not huge but well formed and fun. 

50 minutes ago, angryguy said:

I wouldnt surf in thailand would you? If not for pollution theres rip tides and stray jellyfish about

and don't forget the lack of any suitable waves.

10 minutes ago, Cardano said:

and don't forget the lack of any suitable waves.

 

If the nature in Malaysia is much more beautiful than in Thailand I would not dare to discuss.. There are nice places in Thailand, but I saw recently that the building and construction in national parks are destroying a lot, just to serve the high society to get beautiful houses in a shaded area...Besides that immigration is very friendly and the people speak more English than Thailand.. In a recent Dutch article it was stated that Bangkok and Phuket were famous for their scamming and warned people not to use their creditcards for renting things but pay cash nothing about Malaysia however... These things will not benefit the tourism, and I am sure everywhere there are troubles, but when places are named, it will surely cost visitors.. Thailand need serious foreign people to restore their tourism, as with the conservative and illogical thinking, they will never succeed to restore 

Always wanted to go to Cameron Highlands . . . until I saw it. Lots of trashy, overcrowded and just plain ugly buildings around. OTOH I do like Malaysia's roads and highways. People follow traffic laws and the roads stay in good repair. I also like that you need to earn your way by taking the steps up to the Batu Caves. Saw many people just collapsing about a third of the way up. I wonder how many heart attacks happen there? But if you want a selfie at the caves you will need to have put out some calories to do so.

7 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Thai woman ‘400 Times More Beautiful’ Than Malaysian 

400 times more Muslims in Malaysia as well.

And where does that leave Vietnam, 4000?

7 hours ago, Fact said:

True.

Fact,Fact.

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Malaysia welcomed 21 million visitors, topping Southeast Asia, while Thailand attracted 17.5 million arrivals.

Hat Yai's population doubles every weekend as hordes of Malay men arrive to check out the beauties of Thailand.

Now imagine what Thailand's 17.5 million arrivals would look like without them.

Malaysia is 400 times more dull than Thailand.

7 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

You can't surf in Malaysia.

 

It is very hard to get a long stay visa - unless you have loads of money and buy property.

At least you can own houses in Malaysia.

3 minutes ago, mikebell said:

Hat Yai's population doubles every weekend as hordes of Malay men arrive to check out the beauties of Thailand.

Now imagine what Thailand's 17.5 million arrivals would look like without them.

 

I've witnessed that myself, though I think some of them were shopping, too. 

 

I'd be curious how many Thais cross over to shop and see the sites in Malaysia vs Malaysians crossing the border into Thailand.