rjlee1

Hmmm.... just on the topic of "corruption", seems to me from my read of Thai history, that corruption long pre-dates Thaksin, and is still going strong in various entities. Of course political corruption is not unique to Thailand. However, in the countries that manage to keep it more or less under control, things such as the economy and general governance do seem to work better. How to get things to change in Thailand? It will require a major cultural change in attitudes. Darned if I know how you get that to happen.

I think "Clockwise's" post answered this issue correctly. That said, with regard to US bases around the world, consider this: https://militarybases.com/overseas/ https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-reveals-locations-4-new-strategic-sites-us-military-pact-2023-04-03/ https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-singapore/ So, the USA really needs a base in Thailand? RJLee