With the Thaksin and the Red Shirts situation endlessly bugging Thailand, how does that affect foreigners who are already living in Bangkok? What would that mean for those who are planning to be more than just tourists there? If the situation ever goes out of control, I am pretty certain nobody would be spared from the effects that ripple through the country. Thailand's tourism had finally picked up in the many months after the infamous airport siege by the Yellow Shirts. Will it be brought down again by the opposing Red Shirts?

All businesses in a country is linked to its tourism industry, whether directly or indirectly. It's one of the ways money get circulated internationally. Simply by being in Bangkok and people-watching on the streets, you'd see no lack of tourists who flock to this colorful and exciting city. With no end to the political strife in sight, how will this affect this important industry? What would that mean for foreign investors who favor this land for its welcoming metropolitan life? And how will that in turn affect Thai citizens, many of whom do understand the importance of the tourist industry? I, for one, am not sure what to make of establishing a business in Bangkok in the near future given the current circumstances. Uncertainty about the stability of a country will definitely do something bad to a person's confidence in the country. How will life in Thailand, or more specifically Bangkok, be in the days to come?

It also leaves me wondering how all this is going to change the already difficult-to-navigate bureaucracy there. New village chiefs almost always means new village rules. If and when the dust finally settles, will there be new rules for foreigner-owned businesses there to adjust to? Will Thailand continue to be friendly to foreign investments? Will Thailand continue to be a welcoming beacon for tourists from all over the world?

In short, how does that affect the dreams of Siamese Dreamers?

For updates on news in Thailand, visit Bangkok Post online.