After taking a bit of a personal break, Golfing Life Thailand is back. The GLT editor was a bit pre-occupied as he had to make a couple of extended trips back to California. I am happy that I can again start reporting on the interesting courses I've played and some of the developments for the golfers here in Thailand.
In May, there was a coup e'tat in Thailand when the military took over the country due to the escalating violence from prolonged political demonstrations. There was martial law declared, curfew hours, and other restrictions on the gathering of large groups. Those restrictions have all been lifted country wide and there has not been any violence since the takeover. In Thailand, coups are unlike their counterparts in other areas of the world. When the soldiers come out, they are greeted with flowers, snacks and cold water. Tourist take 'selfies' with the troops and tanks and everyone is smiling. In this coup, there was no bloodshed nor was there even one single shot fired by the military.
Sure, there were anti-government protesters, but those were very small and over quickly due to the lack of support plus the massive show of force by the military. Things are so quiet now that its hard to even find a soldier unless they are on a corruption clean-up or law enforcement mission.
This video shows how most of the people reacted in Bangkok during the weeks after the coup and not the exaggerated main stream media reports where the reporters outnumbered the protesters.
Sure, there were anti-government protesters, but those were very small and over quickly due to the lack of support plus the massive show of force by the military. Things are so quiet now that its hard to even find a soldier unless they are on a corruption clean-up or law enforcement mission.
This video shows how most of the people reacted in Bangkok during the weeks after the coup and not the exaggerated main stream media reports where the reporters outnumbered the protesters.
In fact, for many of us residents here in Bangkok, life is better now after the coup than before. Many others seem to agree as a recent Dusit poll has shown that 85% of the Thais think things are better now than before the coup. With their actions and policies to date, the junta seems to be truly benevolent and appears to have the best interest of the country in mind. I can personally testify that Thailand is not only safe, but its a great time to come visit to take advantage of the bargain rates at the hotels and many golf courses around the country.
So with all that as a backdrop, I will be posting more and trying to give you an idea of what to expect when you get here to the land of smiles.
So with all that as a backdrop, I will be posting more and trying to give you an idea of what to expect when you get here to the land of smiles.
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