Thailand's Red Shirts
A Joyful Occasion
English Newspaper HeadlinesAccording to the headlines of a local English Newspaper in Bangkok, Red Shirts will be spilling blood on the streets of the capital city in a protest to reunite the ousted former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra back to office. The movement is asking that the National Assembly be dissolved, that early elections take place instantaneously and that the present Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, resign.Be aware that these demonstrators are primarily a pro-democracy movement of rural poor people who often feel deprived of basic amenities and have just cause for concern. Thaksin Shinawatra was sympathetic to the plight of the poor but fortunately or unfortunately (depending on which views are best suited here) fled the country amidst allegations of misconduct due to an unethical business deal which resulted in the sale of his telecommunication company to neighbouring Singapore. Many members of the government were unhappy with the outcome. About 100,000 protesting demonstrators marched or drove through the streets of Bangkok towards a military camp, 20 kilometers north of the city to which a few government officials had apparently moved for safety reasons while a number of helicopters where on standby at the Government House if emergency evacuation was necessary for it's other members. But in spite of all this, the general mood out on the streets seemed to take on a lively festival-like appearance as joyful cheering supporters, curious onlookers and a few tourists jostled for a view of the parade. Some foreigners even took to the streets by joining in the protest.
Demonstrators on the Move
Police ProtectionIt would seem the police were taking no chances in the city of Bangkok as many took to the streets to offer protection against possible damage to property and injury or abuse to it's residents from the red shirted demonstrators. The police in the photo below have set up a barricade outside a McDonald's in Silom Road. Please note that none of the police protection unit here, were carrying any real weapons other than their mobile phones in case there was an actual emergency.Exactly why this particular establishment needed protection is anyone's guess as other nearby shops and buildings on the same street had no police protection.
Police outside McDonalds in Silom Road
Tourist WarningsWarnings were issued to tourists to be especially careful but as is in many cases, it appeared to be just another one of the many festivities that occur around the country annually. Foreigners are frequently cautioned of impending unrest and possible violence in Thailand during the country's troubled internal political spells. Tourists are told to avoid going to Thailand on vacation, but quite frankly these demonstrations literally last, with little or no noticeable incidents whatsoever.From personal experience, there's really no concern for alarm as these political uncertainties generally happen in an around Bangkok with most tourists unaware of trouble in other parts of the country. Pattaya and Phuket seldom experience any problems and it's always business as usual. You'll probably find worse case scenarios in other parts of the world and perhaps even in your own backyard.
Sympathetic Supporters
Dangerous DemonstrationsThere were some reports rushing around that Lumpini Park, a local recreational playground, was to stage a potentially dangerous demonstration but this did not happened. Instead a gathering of para-military police took center-stage where they were offered free massages for their aching feet by ladies of the red shirt brigade all the while their buddies relaxed under the shade of some nearby trees.
Police Relaxing at Lumpini Park
Return from Thailand's Red Shirts to the Thailand News Page
|
