Over thinking everything. You also assume to much, people do "understanding the circumstances under which they could change", we do not show it is all. I do not think all Thais see this as a rallying point, a small portion are vocal and they are the ones the news focus on to gain more readers or followers.
"As a political tool, laying a groundwork of mutual dislike and distrust" really? Was it not the actions of the Swiss man and his Thai wife who kicked this all off? (pun intended). As for the other swiss man in Trang and the Australian in BKK, are they setting a good example of expats? What about the farang who work illegal here, do they set a good example?
I do not agree the goverment has undermined expats with its new tax laws, is life so difficult here? If you find it so then maybe time to move on?