Coup Update
Luckily, tanks don’t have inflatable tyres.
The tanks still dotted around Bangkok after last week’s military putsch against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are proving a major attraction for Thais and foreign tourists who want their picture taken with the soldiers.
But the army appears determined that the carnival atmosphere following the country’s first coup in 15 years does not detract from the serious business of power. Yesterday, it banned go-go dancers from flaunting themselves near tanks and troops.
Thailand is a beautiful country with thousands of years of history, a unique culture, amazing food and wildlife, and some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. This message sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
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A Yobbo\'s View 
September 29, 2006 at 9:19 am
a person who is especially cold and cruel (6) Zalecenia slang for someone who deals with nuff ladies (17)
September 29, 2006 at 9:33 am
I’ve been a visitor to Bali for several years past, but this year am changing tack. Off to Thailand in November. After that promo, I’m looking forward to it even more.
October 3, 2006 at 5:22 pm
Thailand is a beautiful country with thousands of years of history, a unique culture, amazing food and wildlife, and some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world.
Does the “This message sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.” bit indicates that the above isn’t the real reason you like Thailand?
October 3, 2006 at 6:50 pm
It should be obvious that’s not the real reason anyone likes Thailand. For example how many people do you think would go if their currency was stronger than the UK Sterling? Not very many.
And it’s one of the stupidest jokes in the world that the Tourism Authority of Thailand continually tries to downplay and even campaign for the banning of Thailand’s nightlife industry, when that is precisely what brings in about 85% of Thailand’s tourism earnings.
October 3, 2006 at 9:05 pm
i go for the silk.
October 3, 2006 at 9:37 pm
Ta.
Is it in the “budget market” and have a weak currency due to a disfunctional government? (Where government means the government as a whole, not just whoever’s running it this year/month/week)
October 4, 2006 at 5:33 pm
No, it’s mainly because its a relatively poor country and wages are comparitively low. Therefore you get more for your dollar when you’re in Thailand. No different to any other part of the world really.
The same applies to other popular holiday destinations like South America, Eastern Europe etc. Part of the reason for their popularity is the fact that the middle-class of wealthy nations can enjoy a holiday in luxury there without spending a year’s wages.
Of course the reason why Thailand remains relatively poor are probably government-related. For instance the Thais are very nationalistic and opposed to foreign investment for a start. Pauline Hanson would be a moderate there.