I had planned on heading north to Chiang Mai today. Instead, I’m wandering the streets of Bangkok again and impressing the locals with my white-hot, computer-tanned legs.
I’ve been in Bangkok for a week now and have begun to get the feel of how things work here, so I’d been contemplating a change of scenery. Chiang Mai is further north and theoretically cooler — it’s also much smaller, cheaper, relaxed, and more-easily navigated. So why the change in plans?
There is a mass protest planned for the capital this weekend, similar to the recent one that shut down the Bangkok Airport for almost a month. It’s being sponsored by the Red Shirts who are supporters of the recently-deposed Prime Minister (booted out by the military in a bloodless coup in 2008).
The Red Shirts are calling for over a million people to join in the peaceful protest, demanding that the government stage new elections. Supporters of the current, military-installed government — the Yellow Shirts — might clash with the Red Shirts at some point, though no one really knows what to expect.
That last paragraph is the sum total of my understanding of Thai politics. From what I’ve been told, politics here make American political strategy look like a game of tic-tac-toe. All I can add to the discussion is to point out that the Red Shirts never fared well on Star Trek. Which is why I want to stay, of course.
I have no idea what to expect. Tanks did roll through the streets last time and one protester was killed. While no one seems to expect any violence, I intend to be careful. I’ll be watching from a comfortable distance, preferably from a bar with a good view and some tasty snacks.
I almost bought that ticket to Chiang Mai. But, I’m not here on holiday — I’m here to see, to experience, and to learn. Just to be safe, however, I’ll be wearing a black shirt.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
…and brown pants, apparently.
hey, wrong post! :p
Oh! I’ll be in Bangkok next week!
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sweet! we’ll keep the light on. :)
Thai protests usually mean a huge street (or airport) picnic.
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dude… I’m trying to make this sound exciting and semi-dangerous!
Haha! Good post, and be safe.
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Some grenades were thrown at branches of Bangkok Bank a couple of weeks ago when the supreme court ruled to seize about 50 billion THB from the assets of ousted PM Thaksin, so there may be potential for a bit o’ danger…but word on the ground is that despite all the media hype, Red Shirt momentum is waning, and the Internal Security Act has been invoked and may see the military actually turn back Red Shirts headed to BKK Fri from the provinces. An interesting time to be in the Big Mango for sure, although I would steer clear of Sanam Luang, Th. Ratchadamnoen, and the Dusit area. Are you still in Banglamphu?
thanks for the advice, Michael. Yeah, still in Banglamphu. I think I’m gonna head out early today and check out Chinatown
how is it looking on the streets of Rattanakosin today?
pretty quiet. there were 50+ troops milling about this morning, in uniform, clumped together in groups of 5-10. but when I went back after lunch they ere gone — no idea of the significance…
I love your blog! Great writing. Great images. I’m living vicariously. It reminds me of the first time I went to Thailand, or anywhere in Asia, way back in 1993. There had just been huge military protests in Bangkok, and if I remember correctly, some people had been killed. The city was buzzy. The amulet market was sweaty. Some things never change! Good luck!
(Here’s a blog entry of mine about my first days in Thailand. http://zoezolbrod.com/2010/01/18/hey-baby-lets-go-for-a-ride/ )
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Good choice. Good luck.
What is a computer tannned leg?
ever seen someone get a tan from a computer screen?
Red Shirt/Yellow Shirt reminds me of a persuasive essay a student from Africa wrote about why student uniforms are a good idea:
1. So in a riot the soldiers will know you’re a student and maybe not shoot you.
2. If they do shoot you, in the aftermath they’ll know which school you go to and put you in the appropriate pile.
Thanks for keeping us posted.
haha. can’t argue with that logic.
Wow, I’m looking forward to hearing how this plays out. Cool chance to experience some Thai history in the making. Good idea on the black shirt too.
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