Were the wealthy Asian countries once thought of like Thailand (culturally)?

[Hal65]

It is easy to say now that the Japanese, Koreans, and Taiwanese had an inherent culture of success and high achievement to get where they are now. But as with most things hindsight is 20/20.

So I'd like to ask the long-term ex-pats: When these wealthy Asian cultures were not so wealthy, were they perceived the same way that Thailand is today? Were they seen as slow-paced, intellectually modest, or even lazy back then?

Or did they truly show off the seeds of success and high achievement, even when they were poor?

Edited February 19, 2016 by Hal65

[eldragon]

My Korean friends tell me their home looked just like Thailand 40 years ago. Seoul was as dirty and unorganized as Bangkok, but steadily improved.

[Hal65]

My Korean friends tell me their home looked just like Thailand 40 years ago. Seoul was as dirty and unorganized as Bangkok, but steadily improved.

Yes that's standard fare for the economic/infrastructure side of things. How about culturally though? Were the Koreans themselves like the Thais back then (or at least perceived as such)?

[eldragon]

My Korean friends tell me their home looked just like Thailand 40 years ago. Seoul was as dirty and unorganized as Bangkok, but steadily improved.

Yes that's standard fare for the economic/infrastructure side of things. How about culturally though? Were the Koreans themselves like the Thais back then (or at least perceived as such)?

Like the Thais in what way? Id say the stereotypes associated with modern Thais are related to corruption, misleading behavior, and paid intercourse/relationships. On the positive side, theyre known for being extremely accommodating, somewhat passive, and well into their food. And they smile a lot. Not sure if any of that applied to other Asians in the past, although I think face culture is and has been pretty rampant in the region. Also, Im told many Asians dont like to tell people "no" in any situation. Edited February 19, 2016 by eldragon

[Hal65]

As mentioned in the orginal post Thais are also broad brushed as "slow-paced, intellectually modest, even lazy." I'm wondering if this was also true of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan say 50 years ago.

[NickJ]

I think there has been a deliberate plan to keep the majority of the people in the dark.