Correct me if my impressions seem off-track - I find Thai politics less than exciting, so don't scrutinise events on a day by day basis.

My impressions, as of this moment, are that:

a) The current government does not seem to be in any hurry to get tourist numbers back to the heady 100k per day levels. There is scant acknowledgement of tourism's critical importance to the Thai economy.

b) Those of below average income are far more severely affected by the lack of tourism than the government will acknowledge.

c) The current demonstrations, whilst motivated by a cocktail of grievances, are fuelled by the lack of tourism.

d) That Thailand is no stranger to mass protests, and that Thai governments do not always concede to them.

e) That the spectre of a second lost tourist high season is likely to further inflame the protests.

So, what will prevail? Is the upcoming tourist season a lost cause, or will the desperation of those who need tourism to feed themselves, force the hands of those in power?

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