We visited close to a dozen venues owned and operated by Thai friends. We did this as it's evident in this town that the tourist numbers are way down, no one is here. They confirmed it, they said this is still only the month of May and it appears here to be July or August in comparison to previous years and quantity of tourists. Places or closing at noon, and some not even opening. This survey spanned the beach area, the bar/restaurant area and the shopping area.
Sitting down for a longer conversation with three Thai men and women we know, revealed much worry about this upcoming Wednesday. To make a long story short, which really surprised me in a big way, is that each said that Wednesday is all about who in the country is still willing to listen to the King? It's not about TRT or the Democrats, it's about who still respects the Monarchy.
I scratched my head about these comments and asked some questions and it was more or less revealed that this whole thing, going back to the coup, has really nothing to do with anything except how much of the population is still loyal to the Monarchy, and how much of the population is loyal to someone or something who thinks the country could do better without a Monarchy. I.E., an entity or government who dismisses any Thai tradition about how things are done here and goes totally "world village".(so to speak, don't dwell on that phrase).
To me, this perhaps explains some of the extremes we're seeing coming from the current government concerning Thai tradition"..dress, internet, morals, etc.
When I asked two of the men if they were really serious, they where EMPHATIC that this coming week perhaps is the linch pin for Thailand's entire future....either one way or the other. They weren't drunk and they are business people of considerable means, thinking people. They are very worried.
So, there appears to be a lot more going on at present within the Thai community that we farangs may not have been aware of, at least the degree of urgency. Interesting times as they say. Let's pray for the best. Pete
