What do Thai people believe was the reason for the increased police presence during the general election?

Ah yes. I'm not Thai. I'm just trying to understand the differences between Thai culture and my own. I'm not implying that it's wrong or strange, just different than what I am used to in the U.S.

@Spanky- Thank you for your response. And yes, it's the differences that I appreciate here and I respect them. But it doesn't always mean I understand them. I lived here for almost a year after college in 2004 volunteering in wildlife conservation in Chanthaburi province, and it's the amazingly friendly and genuinely welcoming people living there that made me fall in love with the country in the first place. I came back just over two months ago and now living in BKK. Yes, I love it, but there is still a learning/adjustment curve to work through. I wouldn't be here if I didn't appreciate the differences. After all, there are many things Americans can learn from Thais, i.e. respect, courteousness, tolerance, patience, tact, etc. I agree completely; Viva la difference! Have a good day too!

@the other guy (can't see your name because the "Top Contributor" thing blocks it)- That is more along the lines of what I was getting at. I had heard that some Thais were under the impression that the