From beaches to Bangkok, tourists ask What coup?

Not a soldier was in sight on the white sands of Koh Phangan and the raucous party that attracts revelers from around the world carried on for hours. After shaking off the effects of too much celebration, the German backpacker headed from the island to Bangkok, unfazed by the military takeover.

"I figured if I survived the Half Moon Party, I could go to Bangkok and brave the coup," said the 19-year-old, tanned and relaxed as he strolled through one of the capital's bustling bar and nightclub districts. "This is not how I imagined a coup."

So far, the drama of Thailand's military takeover has played out mainly in the political arena. As the army summons journalists and academics seen as anti-coup, detains ousted political leaders and issues stern warnings on TV, tourists are kicking back on the country's famed beaches and sightseeing in Bangkok. The main impact on visitors has been a 10 p.m. curfew, though it was being eased. (AP)