Was astounded to read that Thailand production commenced in 1967. That was a giant leap for a company still in relative infancy. Sure, Belgium was 1963, but we then tended (and still do to a certain degree) to see some Asian markets as producers of 'inferior' product. To be fair though, I had a 2019 CBR500R and could offer no complaint about quality.
I think many of us will be old enough to remember our parents 'complaining' about the influx of Japanese radios and TVs in the late 50s to early 60s. Today, Japanese product of any type rates among the highest in the quality stakes. I think Germany did hold the perceived top ranking for some time, BUT, there are many BMW owners of cars and bikes who might contest that!