Taylor Swift canceled what would have been her first show in Thailand, scheduled for 9 June, due to the recent coup in Bangkok. The announcement comes amid social media blackouts in the country, along with the imposition of a curfew. The coup has been widely condemned by the international community; in response to the coup, the US immediately halted Foreign Military Financing assistance to Thailand. International leaders have requested a return to democracy for the country, something that top General Prayuth Chan-Ocha has said will come sooner rather than later.
A career general at age 60, General Prayuth was set to retire until the military decided to intervene when the government displayed its ineptitude in drafting both a budget and viable laws. He is now the de facto leader of the country until elections are carried out, and there has been no date set as of yet for new elections.
The military also set a curfew, stating that people can only be in the streets between 10:00 and 17:00 (10:00 AM and 5:00 PM), though that has been relaxed; people are now allowed to be out until midnight. As recent figures have shown that 20% fewer people have entered the country on tourist visas, the military has made an effort to balance stability and one of Thailand's largest industries.
The curfew has harmed tourism in the country, as Thailand's tourism vistas rely on its illuminated nightlife lasting until sunrise; however, the curfew is not enforced in all parts of the country, as those areas without military presence have not been sanctioned for not imposing the curfew.
The military has also sought to ease the perception of the coup by releasing some opposition activists who fought to remove the current government. Known as the Red Shirts, they were detained and placed in confinement to prevent them from congregating and inciting insurrection against the military. The activists have since been released from prison.
Because of the previous government's inability to manage its economy, the military has appointed fiscal and economic advisers to aid in recovering its ailing economy. Once one of the fastest growing countries in East Asia, growth contracted 2.1%.
Thailand's monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej has blessed the National Council for Peace and Order, the name of the current military junta. The King is considered to be a holy figure in the country whose blessing lends credence to the coup itself.
Many governments around the world have urged their citizens not to travel to Thailand if the trip itself isn't essential.
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