The Bangkok situation

[v8Statesman]

Perhaps targetting symbols of Bangkok as a tourist destination:?:

The pictures of the Zen signage in ashes brings the situation closer to me as a tourist having been there before.

Having stayed at both the Grand Hyatt and the Intercontinental (Across the road from this building) It was a little disconcerting.

 

[drron]

Perhaps targetting symbols of Bangkok as a tourist destination:?:

The pictures of the Zen signage in ashes brings the situation closer to me as a tourist having been there before.

I think more targetting the symbols of the Yellow shirts.
one blog I was following with obvious red shirt sentiments had talked to protestors in the Central Car Park about 3 days ago.They said then if the Army moved in they would burn down Central and the Paragon.An attempt was made on Paragon but security personel thwarted it.
Unfortunately it also predicted the Government would allow some damage to occur so as to use for propaganda purposes to turn the general population against the red shirts.This will probably succeed but almost certainly make the situation worse in the long run.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

the red shirt leaders had threatened to burn down bangkok throughout their campaign. This is clearly documented on youtube. they instructed people to bring fuel and set the place alight. That is then what happened. they can say all they want they are not 'terrorists' but have a look at whats happened.

Anyway, as for a situation update, the govt has announced curfew for the next three nights (20/21/22 May) from 9pm til 5am.

Thai Airways advises customers travelling during the night to arrive before curfew ends and wait until whatever time the flight departs. they are operating all flights as normal.

cheers

 

[yohy?!]

the red shirt leaders had threatened to burn down bangkok throughout their campaign. This is clearly documented on youtube. they instructed people to bring fuel and set the place alight. That is then what happened. they can say all they want they are not 'terrorists' but have a look at whats happened.

Anyway, as for a situation update, the govt has announced curfew for the next three nights (20/21/22 May) from 9pm til 5am.

Thai Airways advises customers travelling during the night to arrive before curfew ends and wait until whatever time the flight departs. they are operating all flights as normal.

cheers

I thought the situation was that some Thais were protesting against political corruption and protesting to call for new elections and protect their democratic rights.

I hardly think that makes the Red shirts terrorists, if anything the army are the ones who are looking like terrorists as they shoot unarmed civilians in the street.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I thought the situation was that some Thais were protesting against political corruption and protesting to call for new elections and protect their democratic rights.

I hardly think that makes the Red shirts terrorists, if anything the army are the ones who are looking like terrorists as they shoot unarmed civilians in the street.

your understanding of the situation is clearly lacking then. I have pm'ed you a couple of links.

 

[yohy?!]

your understanding of the situation is clearly lacking then. I have pm'ed you a couple of links.

thanks for the links, my understanding of the situation is mainly coming from Australian media reports.

this blog has a good aggregate of what we are seeing here from fairfax...the comments in bold are particularly relevant:

Australian papers on the crackdown and the aftermath in Bangkok | Asian Correspondent

 

[Aussie_flyer]

thanks for the links, my understanding of the situation is mainly coming from Australian media reports.

this blog has a good aggregate of what we are seeing here from fairfax...the comments in bold are particularly relevant:

Australian papers on the crackdown and the aftermath in Bangkok | Asian Correspondent

The problem is, it's an incredibly complex situation, I live part-time in thailand, have a thai partner, loads of thai friends and I become obsessed with checking every single update I can about whats going on, but I definitely dont claim to know everything.

It is very difficult for the media to explain the history and background of this conflict in short news articles either in print or on screen in such a short time.

But one thing I do know is, I think so many of us here in Australia and especially regular travellers, absolutely love Thailand and love the people so none of us want to see death or destruction. I hope for peace to be restored as soon as possible. And I hope the background issues behind this conflict can be resolved over time.

 

[drron]

The problem is Dazz that the last few years seem to really have polarised Thai society.Reading the blogs it is easy to pick out the Yellow or red shirt sympathisers.Few are in between.So what you may believe depends on who you talk to.
You seem to be implying that the Thai media is more accurate than foreign sources.I would be wary of that as Government control of the media is fairly well accepted as fact.If they are reporting fires,gunfire etc probably so.If reporting political motives etc almost certainly not as accurate-but really nobody could fully understand all the permutations and combinations.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

The problem is Dazz that the last few years seem to really have polarised Thai society.Reading the blogs it is easy to pick out the Yellow or red shirt sympathisers.Few are in between.So what you may believe depends on who you talk to.
You seem to be implying that the Thai media is more accurate than foreign sources.I would be wary of that as Government control of the media is fairly well accepted as fact.If they are reporting fires,gunfire etc probably so.If reporting political motives etc almost certainly not as accurate-but really nobody could fully understand all the permutations and combinations.

Im finding twitter and facebook the most accurate information during this last few days. There are lots of people following the action and updating live and posting pics etc. Just amazing with the technology these days what you can find out so quickly.

I am not implying the Thai media is more accurate than foreign sources at all, other than that I mostly agree with all your above statements. I do think though the majority of Thai's are neither hard core yellow nor hard core red, but simply want to live a peaceful life. They may lean towards one side or the other, but few actually will go to the extreme levels of occupying airports or entire districts.

That is why I hope that the divisions can be healed, it's going to take a long time though. Lets hope it can happen.

 

[dajop]

It is very difficult for the media to explain the history and background of this conflict in short news articles either in print or on screen in such a short time.

And to be honest the Australian media would not have an interest in even trying to explain the complex history and background, as simply many Australians would not be interested.

In HCM City last couple of days, have been watching it a bit on Channel News Asia who have been providing a lot of coverage (obviously interest is a lot higher in this part of the world). They do at times have some good analyses, but like any news channels lot of padding.

 

[JohnK]

Will be interesting to see if the curfews are still in place in 3 weeks time or if the situation will get worse.

 

[Alanslegal]

Are there any AFF'ers currently in Bangkok? Would love to know if there are any.

 

[Archphoto]

Yep, I'm here.
Curfew made it *very* quiet last night.

Tried to get a taxi to go home at around 6pm - a hell of a lot on the road, but all hired.
Traffic was incredible, petrol stations closed - luckily my local coffee shop was just closing and one of the staff and his girlfriend gave me a ride back to my apartment.

I'm about 15 mins from the airport and overlook Highway 7 from my balcony; very surreal to see nothing except the odd taxi heading tro or from the airport

Deathly quiet all evening, only sanctioned tv being played on all Thai channels. Thankfully the internet gave me access to some entertainment.:mrgreen:

This morning, still not busy in my area (Suanluang), but at least I could get my coffee fix at a loacl coffee shop.

My Thai PA advised me not to go to the office today, so I'm working from home.
Banks closed, curfew will be in place until Sunday morning 5am at this stage.

Reported that about 40 fires burning around BKK - Central World is gutted and tilting like the Leaning Tower of Pisa (can get a really good deal on designer sunglasses right now); Centre One shopping mall near Victory Monument is also gutted, and 100 staff at Channel 3 had to be rescued from atop their tv station building as it was set alight last night.

Saw 1 other foreigner around the area I had coffee this morning (near a small hotel) - usually it is bustling with them. Even the foreigners at my apartment seem to have left for a while.

Worried? A little, but as I'm not near the centre of the city still feel relatively safe for now.

Will that change? Maybe - depends upon what transpires over the next few days; as it stands, I'm staying put - have a better chance right now of being hit by a bus!

 

[one9]

I thought the situation was that some Thais were protesting against political corruption and protesting to call for new elections and protect their democratic rights.

I hardly think that makes the Red shirts terrorists, if anything the army are the ones who are looking like terrorists as they shoot unarmed civilians in the street.

A couple of my thai friends that I spoke to who live in Australia tend to agree with you.

They say that they don't like the red shirts, but they hate the yellow shirts even more.

I think the biggest problem is that the country is so divided with opinion between people of different socio economic status.

After the yellow shirts previously illegally seized power by overthorwing the government, I believe they should have urgently organised for new elections so that a democratic government was in place. Instead this new illigitimate and unelected goverment decided that it wanted to run the country and not hold/delay elections.

 

[Alanslegal]

Reported that about 40 fires burning around BKK - Central World is gutted and tilting like the Leaning Tower of Pisa (can get a really good deal on designer sunglasses right now); Centre One shopping mall near Victory Monument is also gutted, and 100 staff at Channel 3 had to be rescued from atop their tv station building as it was set alight last night.

Thanks for the reply; Central World is totally gutted? OMG :shock:

Do you know how the other department stores nearby fared?

 

[Archphoto]

Siam Paragon was also hit I believe, Stock Exchange and some other shopping malls that I don't know so well. My Thai is non-existent to understand exactly where these other fires are, but the pictures tell the story pretty well.

About 40 fires around BKK from reports earlier today - haven't seen reports here in the past few hours for an update, except the curfew information - 3 nights 9pm-5am (finishing at this stage on Sunday morning).

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Instead this new illigitimate and unelected goverment decided that it wanted to run the country and not hold/delay elections.

This statement shows exactly how little you know. Go and do some research before posting utter rubbish.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Siam Paragon was also hit I believe, Stock Exchange and some other shopping malls that I don't know so well. My Thai is non-existent to understand exactly where these other fires are, but the pictures tell the story pretty well.

About 40 fires around BKK from reports earlier today - haven't seen reports here in the past few hours for an update, except the curfew information - 3 nights 9pm-5am (finishing at this stage on Sunday morning).

Paragon is damaged but basically ok from what I've been told. Big C complex Rajadamri is severely damaged though. That is the only one in that vicinity that has suffered major damage besides Centralworld. Gaysorn has some smashed windows but is ok.

There are numerous small shops damaged/destroyed in the siam square area.

 

[Archphoto]

20 minutes ago, The Nation reported the following regarding buildings that have been attacked by arsonists:

CentralWorld, Center One, Siam Theatre, Big C Rajdamri may have to be demolished

Last count was 36 places that have been targeted by arsonists:

List of 36 places in Bangkok hit by arsons

 

[JohnK]

Instead this new illigitimate and unelected goverment decided that it wanted to run the country and not hold/delay elections.

This statement shows exactly how little you know. Go and do some research before posting utter rubbish.

Why is that statement rubbish? The current government was never elected by the people of Thailand. It was (s)elected by the military (and to a lesser extent the royalists) and in way to a lot of people it is illiegitimate. For simplicity let's call it a democratic dictatorship.

And what is worse it this government is clearly favouring one group of Thai people over the other. Why didn't it stop the protests that closed Suvarnabhumi airport in 2007? Have any of those responsible been prosecuted or being held accountable? No. And banning 100 elected politicians from politics for 5 years did not go down too well either.

It does get a little more complex when trying to think of an alternative government that will suit both sides. In the mean time it is the poor people of Thailand that are suffering.