I have often told my Thai wife that the difference between Thailand and Viet Nam is that Viet Nam doesn't claim to be a democracy. Before any posters think I'm way off, look closely how both countries control their media, newspaper outlets, foreign relations with China and Russia, the wealth distribution, the out of control corruption at every level of society. The similarities are endless. Lastly, Thailand has the royal family and hiso in control, in Viet Nam is the powerful Communist Politburo with an exclusive 200k party membership and all the benefits for its family and friends. Sound familiar??