Give it to me straight (motorcycle/scooter driving in Thailand)

I've got my motorcycle license in the US. I've driven either a scooter or motorcycle for two decades. I lived in Naples, Italy for four of those years and drove their highways and narrow city streets without issue. Actually, I did crash once while I was there.. but it was totally my fault. I went from riding jet skis that day to immediately jumping on my scooter and muscle memory had me accelerate into the back of a car instead of breaking. Super embarrassed. But I had no problems paying for the damage I caused. I've been in two other accidents besides that, one where I was clipped but regained and one where I had to drop my bike which was scary as hell, but I was prepared and walked away with only the tiniest bit of road rash. I've also driven cross country on my bike and regularly enjoy cruising through the canyons in my state. That said, I live downtown in a major US city and again, have no issues whatsoever with the stop and go.

Common advice on here is to just not do it (renting a scooter in Thailand). Even if you're an experienced rider. Is it really that bad? I feel like people are exaggerating, and that the advice is more for dumb drunk tourists than anyone else. Please set me straight because it really seems like the most convenient option for me as I plan to live there for at least six months (Chang Mai initially, then Bangkok).

Thank you in advance.