OscarTheTurtle

You can live anywhere and be happy if your mind is in a place that ignores reality. I can't get to that place anymore. I've spent a couple decades in Thailand but I'm ready to leave. The junta just added to my negativity. Many people around me are happy enough I guess. I can say that I have spoken with several Thais in the past years that want or plan to leave. There's a whole world out there...

Op asked "Are we paranoid/stupid?"

No. No matter what the political situation here is, the schools aren't very good. There are certainly better places to raise kids. Thailand is going backwards in many ways and the generals and their cronies really only care about brainwashing their own ideas into the minds of the kids and people. And of course those who go against the junta are facing jail terms. Thailand isn't at peace at all if you look at the big picture. The future may be better but as it is now, things don't look too good in my view. If your wide is up for it, enjoy a better life.

It seems to me that a lot of people are stressed under this regime. So many have lost their traditional business locations due tot he junta forcing them out. And of course there are all those who are involved in crime who need new work. A lot of the pirated shops are closed. Business is down overall. Due to the constant arrest of yaba sellers, drug prices must be rising so the addicts will either have to get more money for their addictions so commiting small thefts to pay for drugs might be on the increase. Another thing is parents are being pressured to pay out school fees since the beginning of the Thai term has started. There was a story about a larger number of Thais using pawn shops this year for the school term.

The pressure from this regime has affected a lot of people. The crackdown on small business people and criminals must have some effect on petty crime as people find new ways to feed themselves.