I have read various media stories of promises that 'democracy' will be restored 'as fast as possible.'
Taking into consideration the 2006 coup makes me wonder what 'fast as possible' means this time.
The 2006 coup was declared on 19 September 2006
Four months later, martial law was lifted in 41 of Thailand's 76 provinces on 26 January 2007.
Elections were held on 23 December 2007, after a military-appointed tribunal outlawed the Thai Rak Thai party of Thaksin Shinawatra and banned TRT executives from contesting in elections for 5 years.
source: en.wikipedia.org
Shortly after the 2006 coup things seemed quite normal. It was the start of the high season. Tourism was reportedly down, but that was hardly noticeable.
Annual Royal Boat Races, the Wax Castle Parade, the University Agricultural Fair, the Dragon Festival, and Expat celebrations, they all seemed oblivious to the ongoing coup
Different this time is the draconian curfew.
Definitely not a tourism draw.
Some tourism top brass is calling for the lifting of the curfew in tourist towns.
That would give some Thais privileges over others. Probably create dissent.
Here in Sakon City haven't seen any military presence on roads I have traveled on. Did see a few pictures of just a handful of soldiers standing with police doing the usual road checks. One report of a truckload of soldiers at a highway intersection.
As long as the area remains subservient to the coup rules, I'd suspect the uniforms will remain in their barracks.
One can only hope that coup leaders, who seem to be well intentioned can reach a fair middle ground swiftly.
As for tourist plans later this year, I'd wait for the moment. If things return to normalcy there are going to be some great bargains to be had.
