JackyW;
Thailand does have some issues now, but they always have some issues. Thai Airways is downsizing, and there are some small, dodgy airlines in Thailand that are probably best to avoid if you can.
There are a couple of decent gigs there. Thai Air Asia also has the Thai national requirement. I don't know a lot about NOK, but Thai Lion Air is also growing there. Lion Air has a bad rep, but obviously you are looking to build time for a career. A lot of time you have to take what you can get.
There is also Jetstar and Tiger in Singapore. They hire newbies as well.
Good luck.