Tuesday 16 March 2010

'Red March' Continues

More photos from days two and three of the red shirt protests are up on Gavin Gough's blog - whatever your take on the political situation, this is great photography and worth a look.

My corner of the city has gone from slightly quieter than usual on the weekend to completely normal this week, and all I know about the protests is what I hear from friends who live in affected areas. They describe it almost like a high-spirited street parade, masks and waving flags, office workers coming down to the street to cheer the protesters on. Then there are the news reports, including ones on the UDD's (United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship) threat to splash Government House with 1,000 litres of blood (to be contributed by its supporters) unless Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva steps down. Some are outraged by this, calling it a terrible waste, others are saying it will probably be fake blood or pigs' blood that's used. It also appears that two soldiers were wounded by two grenades thrown yesterday, but I can't find any clear reporting on that incident. As ever, it's hard to tell what's really happening or what will happen - but at least the general atmosphere still feels far from real large-scale bloodshed.

3 comments:

  1. I live a few streets off Phahonyotin, so it's been quiet here. Well, except for one day when Red Shirts came through the soi pounding on drums.

    But I did go for the Red Shirt experience - four days worth. When they went for blood, I stayed home.

    Btw - I'm glad to have found your blog. I'm especially interested in walking guides so I hope you type fast ;-)

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  2. I live near Sathorn, which seems very far from the BKK I'm seeing on the news. I just checked out your Red Shirt posts - those photos are fabulous.

    And thanks for commenting! I'm glad to find your blog, too. The Thai-language stuff looks really great, and it's always nice to find another BKK blog written by a woman :)
    I'm all sorts of busy this month but I'll get more walking guides up as and when I can - any requests?

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  3. Hi Tori, thanks! I have a ways to go before catching up with Gavin. I took two courses with him and Jacci, so I know how fabulously dedicated he is.

    Female bloggers in Thailand are rather thin on the ground, but we are sloooooooooooooooowly growing, bucking the trend. ChickyNet will be featuring women bloggers in the country in a few months (something to check out).

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