The US Embassies habitually warn people, in many countries, to stay away from protests. Not a bad idea really. I wouldn't be overly concerned - but I would stay away from political protests in ANY COUNTRY - except my own.

The situation in Samui is heavily overpublicized - IMO - party because such problems tend to be a bit unusual here. Back home, they would make the local papers, probably NOT the national news - and never the international news. I'm not saying it was not a bad situation - I am just saying that it needs to be put in perspective.