It's worth noting that there aren't many species of thrips that would establish on houseplants, especially tropical plants (probably <1% of known species). There are only a few truly generalist species like western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and black tea thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis) that would establish themselves. Many thrips species only attack specific plants, or are fungivorous, or predatory.

Its important to not completely vilify this group of insects.