Being stranded in an Asian city during a coup sounds pretty desperate and scary, but Thailand truly lived up to its moniker, “Amazing Thailand” during this past few weeks.  Contrary to the international media coverage of the seizure of Thailand’s international airports by protestors demanding the current Thai government be dissolved because of corruption; being in Bangkok during this historic event was like winning a paid vacation and being part of a unique experience.

The PAD protestors in a well-planned and executed maneuver peacefully (and unbelievably) overwhelmed the Suvarnabhumi Airport uniformed in their yellow T-shirts, disrupting flights and travel schedules for 2 weeks.  The international media showed angry travelers and the red-shirted government supporters.  In Bangkok, daily life continued in the usual Thai “don’t worry” fashion, and people in the street maintained their friendly demeanor amidst worries of a worsening economy (not so different from here) and the predictions of the dire effects that the bad press and warnings to stay away from Thailand from various governments will have on it’s tourist and export trade.  Incredible as it may seem, the protestors got their way in just over a week as the Courts ruled to dissolve the existing government due to bought votes and prohibited the Prime Minister from being involved in Politics for the next 5 years.  The PAD left the government offices that they were occupying and the airports they were ransoming.  Although, literally thousands of people had camped out in the airport for such an extended period they left the place in immaculate condition, no vandalism, nothing was broken with the exception of a broken window caused by the government supporters outside.  Truly, this would have made Gandhi proud, the protestors were not violent, apologizing to the travelers and on TV for their inconvenience, but gently saying that they needed to do this for their country.

In the meantime, we were the fortunate recipients of incredible hospitality in our favorite hotel; receiving 3 wonderful meals a day and a beautiful room at the Hotel Solitaire (http://www.presidentsolitaire.com/z985/photo.html) great pool, constant updates on the situation, free hi-speed internet in our room and a lovely pool to lounge in.

In contrast to the dramatized hype of the press, we had the unique and pleasant experience of being in a vibrant, fast paced city; the hub of Asia, as guests of Thailand.  I understand the frustration of travelers and businesses, who were greatly inconvenienced, but in the crazy world we live in today, things happen continually to wreak havoc with our plans and one finds alternatives.  Within days of the airports being closed, the existing Thai government announced that it would provide stranded travelers an allowance of 2,000 baht per person /day (approximately $57 at the current exchange rate), which would be paid to the hotel.  Our intrepid hotel manager immediately signed up for the re-imbursement and told us he had automatically extended our reservation for an extra week and allowed us to keep the same room. He told us not to worry about anything.  The hotel had no guarantee that they would actually receive the compensation, since the government offering it was in the process of being kicked out and a new government wouldn’t necessarily honor it, the hospitality and level of service provided was extra-ordinary.  The hotel made copies of our original travel documents and when we checked out we signed that we agreed with the charges being submitted to a 3^rd party.

The US Embassy was pretty useless, but friendly.  American Airlines was most disappointing in their customer service, not updating us on cancelled flights although they had our cell number, e-mail, hotel info; their staff in Bangkok couldn’t speak English (???), and they were closed on the weekends (not even staying open in a crisis).  Japan Airlines, affiliated with AA, were an improvement, having English speaking staff available through the weekend.  Even so, we still had to keep making international calls to AA in the States up reschedule our flights  … think different time zones and blessings to SKYPE, otherwise it would have cost us a fortune.

All I can say is "Thailand is Amazing".  Imagine any other country with a corrupt and selfish government (and we know of a few of those) being peacefully evicted by the will of a non-violent protest of the people.  Imagine that country providing accommodating approximately for 350,000 stranded travelers - can you?  I know that I can’t.  Thailand and Thai people have an amazing history and culture, and interesting present and hopefully will move into a better future.