Replies

It's an interesting psychological development, at any rate, because you'd think if you just succeeded in kicking people out you would want to forget them, not start looking like them. Interesting.

Good summary, I think you're correct. Well, maybe they have gotten what they desired-money and to be left alone??

Well, maybe they have gotten what they desired-money and to be left alone??

Well the money's dried up now, at least for those in the tourist industry, but most Thais are not in the tourist industry anyway.

There's a definite feeling of sorrow among the touristy places, because they want business, and October, November, and December are the "high" season, the rest of the year is the low season, and even without the visa changes the last two or three years of low seasons, which I saw myself, were very nearly dead, so if this silent "high" season is like this, the low season should be absolutely deserted! Hence the dread and sadness, plus they now truly understand, and I think for the first time ever, that they are truly not the cat's meow they always thought they were. Don't underestimate the arrogance of simple people!!

Other than the touristy areas, there does seem to be a feeling of peace and calm among those Thais not in the industry, so perhaps you're right, the majority of people are probably happy to see the whole noisy, flashy, drunken spectacle move off to some other country, and they can start feeling like they have been used to feeling for, oh, the last nine centuries or so!