they are quite rare to find walking or laying about freely on the street or even in homes because there are negative views about them — mostly superstitions

Sad. But what superstitions?..

There were superstitions in ex-Soviet countries (in Eastern Europe) like "black cat crossing the road is a bad omen" or some ideas that cats have connection to witches, it was some decades ago... It was not only about superstitions. Cruelty against pets was widely considered to be "they are just animals" so defenseless animals like cats weren't safe on the streets. But things have changed much and keep changing.

As for Thailand, this is a Buddhist country, and, I think, pets were always much more safe in Buddhist (and Hindu) countries than anywhere else.

Thank you!