@Michael *****

, you are pointing on the right direction, Rattanakosin era and the introduction of the Chinese in all levels in the society. It was conducted by the Chakri dynasty from Rama I to present Rama X.

A Ramkamheang University professor told me the origins of this were based in very old cultural traditions that were accentuated during the Rattanakosin period and the modernity changes in the early XIX century. Before that, Thai people or Siamese (from Sanskrit Syãma meaning brown/tan skin people) had no problem with the different skin tones at all.

It is not only matter of commercial flight availability but tourist visas availability (in the embassies and on arrival).

The airports and their staff will not come back to normal till 2021.