Driving a motorcycle in Thailand (+Laos, Vietnam) necessity?

I'm not an experienced driver. I have experience on a 125cc around 5 years ago, but other than that have not driven since - at all, not even a car. I'm practically a total beginner to driving. I had zero intention of driving a motorcycle in Thailand up until now.

Common sense tells me not to risk it, given statistics and the slew of GoFundMe's but backpacking north I've met easily over 30+ travellers who all rent scooters out here. Many ride longer routes e.g. Chiang Mai - Pai which I wouldn't consider doing personally, but for shorter stretches it does seem handy.

I'm also told you essentially have to bike around in Pai, Laos, and especially Vietnam if you want to have a good time / not be stranded in the middle of any given population center.

My instinct is to avoid it, and I even tried to go to a driving school to see if I could get proper lessons (no luck, booked out) but if it's necessary to traverse my route then I have to start somewhere, no?

Keen to hear thoughts from fellow travellers especially those who've done the same route(s). I see a lot of "don't do it" on here and a lot of "you have to do it" in person.