A friend of mine gave me a ride to work today and our trip just happened to take us past the American Embassy here in Bangkok. Sure enough, there were many protesters outside. Most appeared to be Muslim, judging by the veiled women and white knit skull caps on the men. (Sorry, I don't know what the proper term for the men's white hats is.)
Some waved an Iraqi flag as they marched up and down the street, but most were sitting very peacefully listening to speakers talk about (I am guessing) what a bad person George Bush is. In any case, it was a very calm peaceful scene. Very different than what I have heard is going on at the American Embassies in places like Egypt where protesters are battling riot-gear-clad policemen.
Stuart, I think it's because the Thai people are probably so peaceful, polite and respecting of other points of view. Even the occasional political coup is all handled very civilly, or seems to be. Hope the new unit is OK and glad the bureaucrats looked after you.
I think your are absolutely right, Morrie. I was going to add at the end of that last paragraph: "How Thai!". It is so nice to live in a country where people aren't rabid.
In any case, I move into my new apartment next week. The more I think about it, the more I am looking forward to it.