Bummer... I was interested in visiting and staying for a week or so in Udon Thani.
I'm surprised about burning. I thougt it was a modern, civilized place. I guess not.
I've heard it's the most "American city" in Thailand.
"It is clear that the city and people of Udon Thani has benefited economically from the US
Air Force Base. For example, the US built a large airfield that is still used today for domestic
flights. The huge amount of American money that was poured into the city resulted in new
companies, stores, hotels, bars, and cafes. The educational system was also expanded and an
AUA center established. Thai women who married Americans usually built a house in the city
or in the surrounding villages. They also supported their families for a long time, because it is a tradition and a duty of children to support their parents in Thailand."
Source;
https://psy.au.dk/fileadmin/site_files/filer_psykologi/dokumenter/CKM/NB36/bragason.pdf