never been to cm, but i know some people who live there, and they all love it. sounds like a nice, peaceful area, lots of nature, clean air. significantly cheaper too. i haggle sometimes, try not to be the sucker.
blood protests do suck, and this country will probably go to crap for a while when the king dies (he's ill right now). great place to visit though, i feel like a lot of backpackers make it their home base to travel to the islands, and other asian countries.