Can you see the end of it all?

Thailand's got a longstanding problem.

Oh sure, it's gone away for now, but it'll come back again.

On one hand, you have this blabbermouthed business man who's been in self-imposed exile because he doesn't want to do a 2 year jail term for corruption charges. Whilst he was Prime Minister. Problem is, he's done a lot for one segment of the population and they idolise him to bits. And he's provoking things for all he's worth when he's not even in the same country.

On the other hand, you have (supposed) due process and a legit government, backed by another segment of the populace. They've got a certain point of view too. And you have got to respect this, because no matter what's been said, you've now got a duly elected government and you HAVE to respect that, even if you think they're totally FUBARed.

I feel quite bad for the common people.... all this is hurting the country. Thailand is not a rich country. What I spend on one holiday is probably enough to feed a family of 5 for a while! Seriously. And tourism is a huge driver.

Last time I was there, I did a guided tour, yes? My guide was a middle aged Dutch guy who'd spent the last 20 years or so in Asia. His was a typical story.... backpacked to Samui, fell in love, decided to stay. I can see why! But I digress....

The fact was he'd married local and settle down on Samui. He's lived amongst the locals. REAL locals. And he shared with us how they lived. People are paying 30 - 50 baht for a local dinner. Enough to fill your belly.

For comparison, I paid the tour price of.... if I remember correctly,about 1500 baht. My hotel bill, all in, was 11,000 baht. Guys, that's about SGD $500. Approx USD $340. Not a lot of money and, to me, a fair deal since it covered all my meals, my room stay, and my 3 massages at the hotel. And it was a pretty comfy hotel, might I add.

OOOooooo... I cannot help it..... anal retentative behaviour alert!
50 baht X 5 pax X 3 times a day = 750 baht. 11,000 / 750 = 14.667 days. Dammit. That's a lot to cover on the back of a single holiday.... And of course, if you're rich, you're shitting baht so no worries for you, eh?

Look, enough rambling. All I want to say is QUIT PROTESTING so violently! Quit taking the country hostage, quit disrupting your leaders conferences, quit making your country seem like a hellhole to visitors! You can smile and apologise all you want but your country's image is taking a BEATING!


Right. I've said my piece. Up to you guys now.