Last week it became succinct that Asean would gain more from the new US administration under the presidential hopeful Barack Obama. For months what Obama stood for concerning the region was pretty vague other than his much noted childhood's connection in Indonesia. Without specific policies, stereotypes of a typical Democrat president have permeated among decision makers over here--for instance, tough measures on labor, human rights standards, more trade protection and China-oriented diplomacy.
One could blame the global economic recession or point the finger at the political mess for the decline in tourism, but actually one needs look no further than the arrival hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport to see what really turns off most tourists.
I support the idea of holding a dialogue between the government and the anti-government representatives as an attempt to resolve the current political crisis although some might think this is worthless.