When in Thailand, and when I have visited my other residence in Europe, most folks remain friendly and enjoy a good laugh about Trump. He is the laughing stock of the entire world. When one laughs with non-Americans, it builds a bond. I've met just one non-American who thinks Trump is something special, and he is a drunkard French pervert, so no surprise. I haven't seen him since the war began, so he might have changed his tune. Everybody else asks, "How could Americans be so stupid...twice?" It's odd where the pressure hits Thailand. It's no surprise it hits the gas pumps, nor the mix of folks traveling to Thailand, as higher ticket prices and the need to avoid the war zone is keeping out many Europeans and North Americans. Australia, NZ, and most of East Asia is merely hit with higher travel costs but the routes are clear. This is bringing an abrupt end to the high season. Where it is absolutely noticeable, of all places, is at Bumrungrad Hospital. I went to get a Health Cert for my Work Permit, and the staff kept remarking about how business has fallen. Those who know Bumrungrad know the clientele is largely Middle Eastern. All that being said, as fuel prices remain high, and that hits economies already under stress from Trump's tariffs, there is likely to be lots of resentment building up, as the person solely responsible for the world's declining economic fortunes is Donald J Trump. Rick Wilson said it right: Everything Trump touches dies. Americans abroad best not wear MAGA caps, not be obese, not be loud, and simply try to blend in. There are a myriad of subtle signs someone is American, so also best to avoid those (one example is cutting food, then putting down the knife and switching the fork to the right hand.) And avoid slapping Maple Leafs on your luggage, as that is unfair to our Canadian friends. And please! Make sure you have no Kid Rock or Ted Nugent or even Country & Western music on your playlist, not that any of that is worth a bucket of spit anyway.
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