It's easy to get flights within Thailand. I booked Bangkok to Phuket tonight for 2900 baht.
There are lots of flights to choose from. I chose early afternoon flights, which I prefer. That's
less than $100 US, for a trip that's 500 miles each way. BTW, the dates for this part of my
trip are 3 weeks from now.
I dont' have any fear of the political situation in Thailand, but some people do. Just enough,
IMHO, to make for at least a few empty seats on most flights. And maybe, just once during
my trip, one less person to compete for the stunner as I hesitate for a moment.
For the majority of us repeat travelers, I don't think anything woud keep us away.