Wife's friend just back from Udon Thani visit. Claims town has gotten very crowded because people returned due to floods down south. Can anyone comment on this perception? Curious if this is in fact the case.

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Are they not just celebrating the opening of another 'Red' village?

Big Red Shirt rally this weekend,maybe they are getting the convey started heading south down to Khao Yai tomorrow.

It is also a fact that many folks returned home and took advantage of the time to do nothing and think about what they should be doing in the very distant future,the village idea is no coincidence.

I've noticed around this part of Isaan (SiSaket province) that maybe 10% of the Bangkok/Central plains floods returnees have not gone back. Some others seem to be visiting home with much greater regularity now. Maybe their 2 month flood-enforced sojourn in the villages last year reminded them how much their lives sucked while pursuing money elsewhere.

I can't think of another country where the rural poor are so culturally mobile - our village is like a revolving door.

Could be right, many places of employment still not back open properly in Swampy and less opportunities for people to take up. Have noticed people in my village who are not normally there.