never take the internet as a reference, I went to Thailand last year and did not see anything weird.
internet reality is not real life reality.
if narrow minded people judge you for something you didn't do just because of some generalised idea, then maybe is better not to be friends with those people. I've travelled alone and not alone to many places, and none of my friends ever thought ill of me.
Whatever the internet kids think I really don't give a shit, as you shouldn't either.
Man, I really hate gatekeeping.