arj

Having a beautiful time in Phuket. Had no issues at all in Bangkok getting to Suvarnabhumi airport from my hotel near central world mall. Things were normal at airport too.

whackyjacky

This is a classic 'rich vs poor', 'rural vs urban' conflict and it's never going away. Both sides pay for votes and both are thieves. Thoroughly corrupt, Thaksin could own a factory making babies into Baby Oil & he would still be revered in Issan because he didn't ignore the area, like every PM previously. He gave them a little piece of the pie and empowered, now they want more. There's no way I would consider cancelling a trip because of the demonstrations though (even if there was a coup). Pretty sure they won't let the airports get closed again. The 'yellow shirts' shot themselves in the feet with that, since they owned all the businesses.

transpac

Another flash-mob protest at Asoke today at lunchtime.

Traffic on Sukhumvit basically stopped for a few hours, BTS station jammed, stairs on the outbound side impassable. Bring ear protection as the whistles are amazingly loud and piercing. They actually sound like cicadas as they whistle between speakers' exhortations.

Just an FYI as people may have the wrong impression...these protests are more like parties, festive, peaceful, loud, people cheering, booing, blowing whistles and waiving Thai flags. Unless there was some sort of stampede - the crowds are large and packed in to small areas - it is safe to observe.

I guess I expect these to wind down after this weekend in order to show the proper respect for the King as his birthday approaches on 5 Dec. - so a long, peaceful (next) weekend.

seanthepilot

This post of mine is a synthesis of my observation of late. It is not meant to support either side, nor do I claim that my comments represent its' citizens views. I am posting my interpretations of my own observations. I am a foreigner who has no public opinion on politics in this country.

Indeed, the current government has a very strong majority. Any motions brought this way could only be symbolic and the current administration would never be at risk in this manner. Unfortunately, this democratic design, while it works well in our countries, doesn't here... at least not yet. The wisdom of the population here, in terms of understanding and embracing the democratic process, has increased a huge amount. But, as I was saying, without a 'democratic solution,' people here are forced to old/known habits to turn to.

I live quite integrated in Thai society. I interact with Thais of several Socioeconomic groups everyday. We communicate in their language, very rarely in English. I overhear random conversations of friends and of strangers. Watch Thai TV. And I often solicit opinions or clarification on matters of local discussion.

There is a problem in This country. Until recently it was the government supporters and the opposition supporters, red, Yellow, etc.

Recently though, this has evolved.

The catalyst is the amnesty bill. But, in its wake has been a complete collapse in the peoples' confidence of current government. The extent of high level corruption during the last term is slowly being uncovered. The amnesty bill will completely exonerate not only past offenses, but will also cover those currently serving. The public, including many many respected institutions have been vocal in their firm opposition to this bill. Several groups and institutions have recently made public statements in condemnation of this policy. It has now passed from being focused on this bill (and the massive borrowing bill) to what I can only describe as crumbling confidence in the government.

Throughout the population, even among her supporters and those that voted for her, confidence in her ability to govern in the best interests of the country has been destroyed.

Those WITH power, not those IN power, those with power, can not allow the upcoming bills to pass. They will not relent.

The Thai culture thinks differently than ours. They have different ways of acting, and resolving issues. I have been told that the only way to avoid a forceful change of government is to have the current one dissolve willingly. I know that will not happen.

It is still my opinion that change is immanent.

transpac

Tomorrow, Sunday, looks to be another bad day re: protests. Supposedly Sunday may be the last protest day until after the King's birthday.

Internet is spotty as protesters pounced on state telecomms firms TOT and CAT, supposedly cut/interrupted power. Lots of servers and colo services impacted.

I think the number of countries issuing travel alerts has ballooned to 33; they marched o the U.S. Embassy yesterday (Friday).

TravelinSperry

I'm down south in the islands now - there is nothing anyplace that would tell you there are protests in Bangkok. Heading to Bangkok on Dec 4, imagine it'll be clean since the Kings bday is on the 5th... thankful for that. But I don't imagine I'll be impacted at all while in Bangkok.

Diplomatico

Interesting insight (the whole post, I mean, which I didn't quote), thanks. I'll be in Thailand in the not too distant future so this will continue to hold my attention. FWIW, I don't think anyone thought that you had political motivations - my question to you was simply out of curiosity.

restlessinRNO

seanthepilot - Thank you for your discussion and views. So you feel change may be imminent.

transpac

Anti-government protesters clashed with pro-government supporters (Red Shirts) at the latter's rally site near Ramkhamhaeng University, with gunfire exchanged. Evidently the scene got very violent, very quickly with lots of people throwing rocks and bricks and wailing on each other. One dead, maybe another has died from gunshot wounds since, many injured. The Army has provided a few thousand troops to maintain order.

As mentioned, protesters cut power/generators at state telecomm firm CAT, which hosts a lot of servers and international gateways, so the internet was a bit off for part of the day.

It might be advisable to be very alert today (Sunday) and go to great pains to avoid any sites where protesters are gathering or marching.

whackyjacky

"It is still my opinion that change is immanent." - Only if 'Elvis' gives the Army the nod (again).

dsquared37

Actually I find it rather interesting that red shirts were against this most recent amnesty bill (for much different reasons than other protesters) and suddently came out for it and the gov when Suthep's minions showed the slightest bit of organization.

In essence they are no longer in support wholeheartedly of the gov but they are simply re-organizing out of concern that Prachitapat might eek into power.

I'll give you another interesting tidbit: This past weekend at my in-laws they watched both the Red Shirts (man Tida is as big a nitwit as Jatuporn) and the Suthep minions' broadcasts. In years past it was only Red although they've always professed to not liking Thaksin.

This government is losing the mandate it had after the last election and their power is only due to the governing coalition they've purchased. It will be much more expensive for the Yingluck proxy gov to pay their way forward from this point on and I woudn't be surprised to see a few of the smaller coalition partners begin to peel away. Once that happens all bets are off.

I just hope it happens prior to the 6 month hold time for the amnesty bill the Senate killed last month. I, and most of my friends, have no trust the gov will hold to their announcement of not pushing it forward. Expect a 3AM vote in the House to pass it into law on day 188.

TravelinSperry

Heard the 3 big malls were closed today... and 2 reported killings. Seems to be getting worse, not better. I hope the Kings birthday gives everyone pause so they can start negotiating.

transpac

I think Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery (attached/adjacent) might have opened, and then closed for the day ~ 11:00 AM. Not sure about Central World, as that is across the road from the RTP HQ, which is a target for protesters, and which the RTP wish to defend.

There was at least one fatality last night.

And today, several confrontations - involving water canons and tear gas - as police try to hold/defend certain government ministries/buildings.

I rode in on the BTS from Udom Suk to Asoke a few minutes ago, and the BTS, while not crowded, was delayed. We waited at several stations for 5+ minutes with the doors open. The announcements basically just mentioned delays, and apologized for the service.

Just watching the news now; see several buses engulfed in flames or totally burned out. Also people taking cover while the announcer uses the word "sniper". Think this is around Ramkhamhaeng/Rama 9.

yosithezet

Emporium is open and busy. Should be an interesting week. Debating sticking around or heading out for a few days.

dsquared37

Debating heading in for a Myanmar visa. The debate is internal and dependent upon whether it can be done efficiently elsewhere; it has nothign to do with the protests which don't currently overly-concern me.