was planning to head to nongkhai in next couple of weeks. what's the situation / atmosphere like with the red shirts and the attitude to farangs

All quiet on the NE front.

In terms of my own personal safety, I'd be more concerned about the Aryans hanging out at the Scandinavian Baker.

Very little / no redshirt activity here, really. It's all very peaceful.

Nong Khai has a Democrat party mayor ( nayok ) and he seems to be doing just fine.

The other day I met him on a wedding dinner and I have a friend who is currently building a conference room

for him. I've heard of no problems / protests at all.

Welcome