Bangkok is under a government imposed state of emergency after red-clad protesters stormed the parliament compound on Wednesday, forcing some lawmakers to flee via helicopter. It was the latest -- and most provocative -- move by the anti-government demonstrators, who are trying to force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve parliament and force elections.
The state of emergency is designed to give the army enforced powers to disperse the protesters. But it's unclear when that will happen.
The protests have been going on in Bangkok for more than three weeks, and many may be considering leaving the country or cancelling their trips here. Here's a view of the reality on the ground: Without making light of the situation, so far there has been nothing to suggest the protests are putting anyone in any danger. But remember that despite having been peaceful until now, these things can always turn chaotic. Often without any warning.
In much of Bangkok, the protests haven't changed daily life
The portions of the Thai capital that the protesters have seized are small given the size of this enormous city.
The original protest site, close to the Chao Phraya river along Rajadamnoen Road, isn't a place tourists are likely to visit, although it's within walking distance of the Khao San Road backpacker district.
The airport is still open, and protesters haven't said they'll occupy it, as their yellow-shirted political opponents did in November 2008. Taxis are still readily available, and all but a few major roads are still accessible.
However...
The second major rallying point, the Rajaprasong intersection, is smack dab in the middle of Bangkok's hotel and shopping district
This is where you'll find five-star establishments like the Four Seasons, the InterContinental, and the Grand Hyatt Erawan. And in a city known for its shopping, the area's CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, and Siam Paragon malls are among Bangkok's most upscale and popular. The hotels are still open, though some have erected small barriers to keep red shirts out.
While this area is shut down for blocks in either direction, the BTS Skytrain stations that run above it -- Chidlom and Siam -- are still functioning. (Just be prepared to share the car with wide-eyed tourists, enthusiastic red shirt demonstrators, and perhaps a few annoyed local people.)
The protest area here should be approached with caution, as the situation is fluid, but you'll find an interesting clash of cultures if you choose to check it out. The protesters, many of whom are working class people from the north and northeast of the country, have set up a stage and tents, and have been blaring pop and folks songs. Police clad in riot gear -- many of whom are sympathetic to the red shirts -- look on passively.
Vendors are selling dried squid in front of the famous Erawan shrine; women are selling peanuts in plastic bags from stalls set up in front of Louis Vuitton billboards; and other vendors are selling red shirts bearing political slogans like "Truth Today" in front of Coach shops.
Remember: The protesters mean business
Again, while the demonstrations have generally been good-natured, the protesters are dug in.
"Please tell your country Thailand's government is a tyrant," a 60-year-old woman named Pornmanet told me. She had come to Bangkok from Phitsanulok, in the country's north, to protest. "We are poor people. We want the government to change its thinking," she said.
The tourists I encountered at Rajaprasong Wednesday didn't seem to be too perturbed.
"They're fighting for the cause -- democracy," said Mick Greenwood, of Leeds, England. "We're all in favor of democracy. They've been lovely to us," he said. "We can live without malls."
Casilda Oriarte, a 40-year-old tourist from Spain, said: "I feel for the people. It's amazing to see the protest. It keeps going and going. It's hard to stop something like this."
Dominic Cunningham-Reid, a 40-year-old Kenyan, said, "It has the mood of a family rock concert, with two year olds and grandparents." He added that he would not hesitate to return to Thailand.
Thai tourism may take a serious hit -- and the grind is fraying some nerves
The protests have troubling economic implications. The retailers in Rajaprasong are losing millions of dollars every day. And while the Skytrain is still running and taxis are still plentiful, life hasn't been easy for some of the city's expats and Thais who live and work in the area.
Cameron Wolf, an American who lives in Bangkok and works near Rajaprasong, told me that things are "relatively calm," but still not "business as usual." International meetings that had been scheduled months ago, he said, have been canceled due to the unrest.
Over one of the city's elevated walkways, demonstrators hung a sign that says "Welcome to Thailand. We Just Want Democracy." The Tourism Authority of Thailand, no doubt, hopes that tourists are understanding.
Tourism accounts for seven percent of Thailand's gross domestic product. And Prakit Chinamourphong, who heads the Thai Hotels Association, told the Wall Street Journal on Monday that since the protests started over three weeks ago, the country's tourism industry has lost some US$309 million.
Meanwhile, the nation's tourism minister, Chumpol Silapaarcha, has said the protests could affect tourism by about 10 percent.
Craig Harrington, 34, an American who works for Thailand's well-known Travex travel agency, told me that some hotels here have already received cancellations.
Some tourists considering coming to Thailand -- especially Spaniards-- are put off by the demonstrations. "They can just go to Latin, Central, or South America," he said, "where things are just as cheap, there are no language barriers -- and no protests."
Thailand high season for tourism -- winter in the northern hemisphere -- has passed, but the Thai new year, Songkran, begins next week. It's Thailand's most important domestic holiday period, known for its carnival-like water splashing activities. The Thai tourism authorities have planned special events, but one wonders how many holidaymakers will be here to take part?
Most Bangkok residents leave the Thai capital during this time. Indeed, this Songkran, those who don't support the red shirts will be all the more eager to get out of town.
i want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
i want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
^ ^ ^ The red shirt always make a thread to everyone. They claim that they would burn Bangkok and they would hurt someone who is opposing them. I am not sure you guy know well about the democracy.
Even the US government, it claimed that the red shirt did a lot of too aggressive activities in Bangkok.
I think you are a So poor Laotian guy from a communist country, urging the democracy for A Thai. It's so ironic that you may not know well about what is true democracy.
i want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
The red shirt is hired by Thaksin to fight for his benefit. The democracy is just an excuse. The real thing is about Thaksin's fortune.
i want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
^ ^ ^ The red shirt always make a thread to everyone. They claim that they would burn Bangkok and they would hurt someone who is opposing them. I am not sure you guy know well about the democracy.
Even the US government, it claimed that the red shirt did a lot of too aggressive activities in Bangkok.
I think you are a So poor Laotian guy from a communist country, urging the democracy for A Thai. It's so ironic that you may not know well about what is true democracy.
HAHA
You the one don't know **** about democracy, every time you thai people open your mouth, it' about democracy and democracy. Democracy my large, Your country is not a democracy as you think, Thailand is absolute Monarchy, this is what you are. get son...
i want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
^ ^ ^ The red shirt always make a thread to everyone. They claim that they would burn Bangkok and they would hurt someone who is opposing them. I am not sure you guy know well about the democracy.
Even the US government, it claimed that the red shirt did a lot of too aggressive activities in Bangkok.
I think you are a So poor Laotian guy from a communist country, urging the democracy for A Thai. It's so ironic that you may not know well about what is true democracy.
HAHA
i don't know you are thai or Lao, but you seem underestimate me and all red shirts plus Lao people who support red shirts. let's forget about thaksin, maybe you don't know the truth because you are blind and you watch too much from the bias medias which always reported bad thing about red shirts
i guess you are yellow shirt?? who went to international airport and closed the airport just for forcing the government resign??
however I am a lao guy from communist country so what?? anyway I am cheering red shirts.. but not thaksin...
i want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
^ ^ ^ The red shirt always make a thread to everyone. They claim that they would burn Bangkok and they would hurt someone who is opposing them. I am not sure you guy know well about the democracy.
Even the US government, it claimed that the red shirt did a lot of too aggressive activities in Bangkok.
I think you are a So poor Laotian guy from a communist country, urging the democracy for A Thai. It's so ironic that you may not know well about what is true democracy.
HAHA
i don't know you are thai or Lao, but you seem underestimate me and all red shirts plus Lao people who support red shirts. let's forget about thaksin, maybe you don't know the truth because you are blind and you watch too much from the bias medias which always reported bad thing about red shirts
i guess you are yellow shirt?? who went to international airport and closed the airport just for forcing the government resign??
however I am a lao guy from communist country so what?? anyway I am cheering red shirts.. but not thaksin...
^ ^ ^ Dear The Lao guy from a communist country,
Don't forget to fight for democracy in your Lao too. Please do so as soon as possible. Hopefully, you may finish this mission soon.
Anonymous wrotei want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
The red shirt is hired by Thaksin to fight for his benefit. The democracy is just an excuse. The real thing is about Thaksin's fortune.
That was not hiring or barberries that were the money for traveling and food for the poor red shirt protesters who could not afford to travel to Bangkok . They need money for traveling and camping out in Bangkok. The poor don't have cars and could not afford to stay in the hotel so that were the money for food and traveling so the could go and let their voice to be heard in Bangkok.
The yellow shirt took over the parliament and the airport and created more violent and murder and got away from their crimes. The yellow came to power by the coup and the barrel of the guns and changing the laws and constitution without the people vote for the change but only the upper class , rich and the dictators who are selected by the dictators. So that is why the yellow shirt don't like the new election. The government that is not elected by the people could never lead the country to better economy but failed. The military could not make the economy better . The military and generals could not run the bank and business but murder the Thai people.
This incident in Bangkok. Laos people have nothing to involve with.
Why the owner of this topic posted this topic for?
I voted to remove this topic from samakomlao webboard
It is nice to know of what are happening around us and in the world but it is better not to get involve and argue with any one because it is none of our business and hopefully , Thailand get over it quick because Thai problem is also effect Lao tourists.
-- Edited by Dark Angel on Friday 9th of April 2010 10:29:29 PM
This incident in Bangkok. Laos people have nothing to involve with.
Why the owner of this topic posted this topic for?
I voted to remove this topic from samakomlao webboard
It is nice to know of what are happening around us and in the world but it is better not to get involve and argue with any one because it is none of our business and hopefully , Thailand get over it quick because Thai problem is also effect Lao tourists.
-- Edited by Dark Angel on Friday 9th of April 2010 10:29:29 PM
We can have our concern for our neighboring country, but it isn't our place to get involve with their political affair.
Anonymous wrotei want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
The red shirt is hired by Thaksin to fight for his benefit. The democracy is just an excuse. The real thing is about Thaksin's fortune.
That was not hiring or barberries that were the money for traveling and food for the poor red shirt protesters who could not afford to travel to Bangkok . They need money for traveling and camping out in Bangkok. The poor don't have cars and could not afford to stay in the hotel so that were the money for food and traveling so the could go and let their voice to be heard in Bangkok.
Aha !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Laotian guy is too innocent, Half of these red shirts does not know much about democracy or what ther are urging for. Thaksin's people just pursued them to join the protest for some money.
This incident in Bangkok. Laos people have nothing to involve with.
Why the owner of this topic posted this topic for?
I voted to remove this topic from samakomlao webboard
Yes, i do agree with you that something have happened In Thailand has nothing to do with our lao-people. But, you have realize that Thailand one of the top countries that Investing in Laos. if something really bad have happen in Thailand and of course, Some of Business might have effected laos too. i think you know that too well. Did you remember when the Yellow shirt closed down the Airport ? Did you know how much it cost Lao-Airline ? Lao government were too nice not to open their mouth and complain about it. i hope you brothers Understant what i mean..
This Laotian guy is too innocent, Half of these red shirts does not know much about democracy or what ther are urging for. Thaksin's people just pursued them to join the protest for some money.
Poor guys............
Sorry this my personal opinoin. Why don't pay to them double of that amount to send them back home, but ...........
when someone post and someone replies, is it normal?? we post some topic to disccuss is not only topic related to Thailand, but also relating to any countries in the World, i am supporting red shirt but not thakin,, so what? this is what I think if there is some yellow shirt here you are my friend too, however i can't join the protest in bangkok or thailand, but just hoping that the red shirt win and then go back to their home instead of becoming hunger and sleep on the ground in Bkk.. peace
when someone post and someone replies, is it normal?? we post some topic to disccuss is not only topic related to Thailand, but also relating to any countries in the World, i am supporting red shirt but not thakin,, so what? this is what I think if there is some yellow shirt here you are my friend too, however i can't join the protest in bangkok or thailand, but just hoping that the red shirt win and then go back to their home instead of becoming hunger and sleep on the ground in Bkk.. peace
I also support Laotians to fight for Democracy. I hope that Democracy would happen in Laos so soon. Under communism, Laotians have no freedom of speech. Moreover, the right to make a press conference is also prohibited by the communist party.
In Laos, there are also a lot of poor people. There still a lot of hunger and unemployed Laotians. They don't have enough eduacation or health care services.
Lastly, I totally support Laotians to fight these poverty problem in Laos !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Su Su red su...burndown Bangco*ck bring home PRA KEO MORAKOD!it belong to VIENTIANE! not bangco*ck!
The political unrest in Bangkok right now is less severe than the civil war in Laos 30 years ago. >>>>>> A lot of Laotians migrating to USA Europe and Australia........
The red shirt always make a thread to everyone. They claim that they would burn Bangkok and they would hurt someone who is opposing them. I am not sure you guy know well about the democracy.
Even the US government, it claimed that the red shirt did a lot of too aggressive activities in Bangkok.
I think you are a So poor Laotian guy from a communist country, urging the democracy for A Thai. It's so ironic that you may not know well about what is true democracy.
HAHA
^ ^ ^
55555, Thai is a democracy country(?) - under the foot of the blind King. Nobody can say a word to criticise him, all posters in everywhere has to cheer him. Do you still think you are better than communist system?
The red shirt always make a thread to everyone. They claim that they would burn Bangkok and they would hurt someone who is opposing them. I am not sure you guy know well about the democracy.
Even the US government, it claimed that the red shirt did a lot of too aggressive activities in Bangkok.
I think you are a So poor Laotian guy from a communist country, urging the democracy for A Thai. It's so ironic that you may not know well about what is true democracy.
HAHA
^ ^ ^
55555, Thai is a democracy country(?) - under the foot of the blind King. Nobody can say a word to criticise him, all posters in everywhere has to cheer him. Do you still think you are better than communist system?
Wa HAHHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actualy, I really prefer the freedom of speech in Thailand. Actually, Laotians have no freedom of speech. They can not make a press conference too........................
HAHAHAHA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can say that Thai-style democracy is much better than communist.............
The red shirt always make a thread to everyone. They claim that they would burn Bangkok and they would hurt someone who is opposing them. I am not sure you guy know well about the democracy.
Even the US government, it claimed that the red shirt did a lot of too aggressive activities in Bangkok.
I think you are a So poor Laotian guy from a communist country, urging the democracy for A Thai. It's so ironic that you may not know well about what is true democracy.
HAHA
^ ^ ^
55555, Thai is a democracy country(?) - under the foot of the blind King. Nobody can say a word to criticise him, all posters in everywhere has to cheer him. Do you still think you are better than communist system?
A Wa hAHHAHAHAAHHah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In some European countries,
There is also a law prohibiting people to accuse the monachy. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Actually, for this kind of law, I'm really OK with this. So it's not your business............................ Just go back to your country Laos, and ask the democracy for your Laoians people Ha HAHAHAHAHA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lao people need to worried about Laos, NOT Thailand! Laos truly need a democracy not communist to fun Laos, which already showed that Lao people seem to work better with democracy then Communist. Other then that, Laos in the future will be a place where China and Vietnam kicking the people around like animals.
Who care about Thailand i don't i care only my Lao Isaan people because my relative and cousins still living in Thailand i am very proud to became Lao citizen i only want thai to killing each other all death i'll be very happy!!
Who care about Thailand i don't i care only my Lao Isaan people because my relative and cousins still living in Thailand i am very proud to became Lao citizen i only want thai to killing each other all death i'll be very happy!!
Actually. Laos is now one of themost undder developed countries in the world. i am so happy with this Ha HA.
Reuters) - Thai troops fired rubber bullets and tear gas at thousands of demonstrators, who fought back with guns, grenades and petrol bombs in riots that killed 12 people, Bangkok's worst political violence in 18 years
At least 521 people, including 64 soldiers and police, were wounded in the fighting near the Phan Fah bridge and Rajdumnoen Road in Bangkok's old quarter, a protest base near government buildings and the regional U.N. headquarters.
Twelve people died, including three soldiers, an emergency medical center said.
Among those killed was Reuters TV cameraman Hiro Muramoto, a 43-year-old Japanese national who had worked for Thomson Reuters in Tokyo for more than 15 years and had arrived in Bangkok on Thursday to cover the protests.
"I am dreadfully saddened to have lost our colleague Hiro Muramoto in the Bangkok clashes," said David Schlesinger, Reuters Editor-in-Chief.
"Journalism can be a terribly dangerous profession as those who try to tell the world the story thrust themselves in the center of the action. The entire Reuters family will mourn this tragedy."
Hundreds of "red shirt" protesters also forced their way into government offices in two northern cities, raising the risk of a larger uprising against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his 16-month-old, military-backed government.
Washington urged both sides in the conflict to show restraint.
"We deplore this outbreak of political violence in Thailand, our long-term friend and ally, and urge good faith negotiations by the parties to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means," White House spokesman Mike Hammer said.
Tension and uncertainty gripped the city of 15 million overnight, with protesters still on the streets and no sign of the government meeting demands for Abhisit to leave the country and an immediate dissolution of parliament.
In a televised statement, Abhisit expressed regret to the families of the victims and said the army was only allowed to use live bullets "firing into the air and in self-defense".
After hours of violence, army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said troops would pull back in the old quarter as the riot spread into Khao San Road, an area popular with back-packing tourists.
Khao San Road resembled a war zone, a Reuters photographer said. Shop windows were shattered. Cars were smashed. Many people lay wounded on the street. Police told reporters some protesters had ignited cooking gas cylinders and rolled them into troops.
"If this continues, if the army responds to the red shirts, violence will expand," Sansern said after announcing troops were withdrawing from the area.
He said soldiers had been pelted with petrol bombs and M79 grenades, and that some of the protesters were armed with guns.
A red shirt leader later called on supporters to pull back to the main protest sites.
BARRICADED SHOPPING DISTRICT
Troops mounted two major offensives on protesters in the Phan Fah bridge and Rajdumnoen Road area. Both times they fired rubber bullets and tear gas but failed to clear the area.
An afternoon offensive ended in a standoff with many wounded. After dark, troops opened fire again with rubber bullets about 500 meters (1,600 feet) away at an intersection leading to Khao San Road. Some fired live rounds. Helicopters dropped tear gas.
Tens of thousands also remained in Bangkok's main shopping district, a stretch of upscale department stores and five-star hotels held for a week by the mostly rural and working-class red shirts who say they have been marginalized in a country with one of Asia's widest disparities between rich and poor.
The red shirts used taxis and pick-up trucks to barricade themselves in that area, and expanded their control to include several more blocks. Hundreds of riot police who massed at one end retreated after being surrounding by red shirts.
The violence comes exactly a year after about 10,000 of the supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra brought traffic in Bangkok to a standstill for several days, occupying major intersections.
In those protests, red shirts hijacked petrol tankers, torched dozens of public buses and hurled petrol bombs at troops until the army imposed order. Two people were killed and 123 wounded. The latest protests, however, involved more than five times as many protesters spread across several areas of the city.
The protesters say Abhisit lacks a popular mandate after coming to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote following a court ruling that dissolved a pro-Thaksin ruling party. They want immediate elections, which Thaksin's allies would be well placed to win.
The red shirts have won new support from Bangkok's urban poor but have angered middle classes, many of whom regard them as misguided slaves to Thaksin, a wily one-time telecoms tycoon who fled into exile to avoid a jail term for graft.
The government declared a state of emergency in Bangkok last Wednesday to control the protests after red shirts broke into the grounds of parliament, forcing some officials -- including the deputy prime minister -- to flee by helicopter.
(Additional reporting by Damir Sagolj and Vithoon Amorn; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Anonymous wrotei want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
The red shirt is hired by Thaksin to fight for his benefit. The democracy is just an excuse. The real thing is about Thaksin's fortune.
That was not hiring or barberries that were the money for traveling and food for the poor red shirt protesters who could not afford to travel to Bangkok . They need money for traveling and camping out in Bangkok. The poor don't have cars and could not afford to stay in the hotel so that were the money for food and traveling so the could go and let their voice to be heard in Bangkok.
Aha !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Laotian guy is too innocent, Half of these red shirts does not know much about democracy or what ther are urging for. Thaksin's people just pursued them to join the protest for some money.
Poor guys............
What you were saying is: Only Khon Klongthep know the word '' Democracy'' ?? and the poor from the Northeast don't know abit of Democracy ?
Anonymous wrotei want the government of arphisit must make a decision and let's follow the protesters' demand, otherwise thailand won't be peaceful country and that s will affect the country. i think the red shirt love peace but it won't be long if the government force them!!! however i hope those poor people who come from everywhere in thailand are keeping peaceful fighting for judgment and democracy .
The red shirt is hired by Thaksin to fight for his benefit. The democracy is just an excuse. The real thing is about Thaksin's fortune.
That was not hiring or barberries that were the money for traveling and food for the poor red shirt protesters who could not afford to travel to Bangkok . They need money for traveling and camping out in Bangkok. The poor don't have cars and could not afford to stay in the hotel so that were the money for food and traveling so the could go and let their voice to be heard in Bangkok.
Aha !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Laotian guy is too innocent, Half of these red shirts does not know much about democracy or what ther are urging for. Thaksin's people just pursued them to join the protest for some money.
Poor guys............
What you were saying is: Only Khon Klongthep know the word '' Democracy'' ?? and the poor from the Northeast don't know abit of Democracy ?
thaksin system was really good for poor people in thailand, thats why people support him!!!i think the leaders of UDD keep telling the protesters every day that.. the current government is not come from election and not come from the majority of thai.. where is judment ??
thaksin system was really good for poor people in thailand, thats why people support him!!!i think the leaders of UDD keep telling the protesters every day that.. the current government is not come from election and not come from the majority of thai.. where is judment ??