those people deserve sooooooo much more than
that kind of situation. . . gentle, friendly, classy folks. -- j

john, I agree with you on Thailand. I have spent several months on several visits in the past 4 years and the political situation is much more complex than Obama's actions and the media relate. From long time western residents of Thailand I have learned that in this case the military has stepped in to stabilize the political situation and those in charge have shown little interest in retaining power, unlike the past 10 asses in the white house. The Thai politicians OTOH are similar to the politicians in the US, and deserve as little respect. If my contacts are correct, the military will move aside after the politicians feuding for power are tried and punished for their corruptive policies.
I suspect the new regime will recognize that US politics is as fraught with power seeking as thai politics, and that friendship with a new American regime is wise to maintain Thai independence from a possible Chinese expansion.