I saw my first Thai soldiers today. Yes, the military is more than just nominally in town, there are soldiers posted at the major junctions in Bangkok. To be honest, they looked like kids bored waiting around for nothing to happen, but they were carrying some big ass guns!
Things seem to have settled down here. I read that something like 83% of Thais support the coup. It looks like Thaksin has taken the hint, he’s no longer welcome in Thailand. Hopefully that should calm things down a bit. As always, you can rely on me, your humble servant, to bring you the latest from the front lines… 
Hey. Good to hear from you. JC.
saw the lost soldiers as well. was trying to contact you for you to meet my family. we stayed in amari watergate. maybe you changed your phone?
hope to hear from you soon.
all the best!