Planning to move to Chiang Rai.... advise

There are expat groups in most major Thai cities and it's up to a person, how to fit into them. It's easy to change yourself than to change others.

As the language, it all depends on a person to pick up the language. For me, I can stand tall by telling a Thai, I can speak your language, can you speak mine? Just like I can tell an American likewise too.

By learning a language, you open doors to friendship as well.

There are many channels for friendship for an expat as there's foreign social clubs, churches, associations, chamber of commerce etc

As one in Thailand and many Asians around, don't try to be a racist as no one likes it at all. We are all humans no matter what nationality or skin colour or job profession etc

As for California for me, Patrick, you change your handle name. You were Thailand for me. You support Soi dog foundation, thus you can mix with people there too.