Straight from the horse's mouth

An email from the embassy.

"On September 2, 2008, the Government of Thailand declared a state of emergency
in Bangkok due to ongoing violence as a result of clashes between pro and anti
government forces, making public gatherings illegal and granting additional powers
to security forces. There are reports of casualties. The security situation remains
tense and could further deteriorate without warning. Canadians in Thailand should
exercise extreme caution, follow the advice of local authorities, and are strongly
advised to avoid gatherings and areas targeted by protestors. There have been
significant disruptions and suspensions in air and rail services. Canadians are
strongly encouraged to verify travel schedules and services with local authorities or
travel service providers prior to departure as further disruptions may occur and
delays can be expected. Travellers may encounter additional security measures, such
as road checkpoints, and should exercise patience and plan accordingly."

You'll all be glad to know that I am indeed exercising extreme caution, following the
advice of local authorities and avoiding gatherings and areas targeted by protesters.
There was this really great picture on the front of the Bangkok Post a few days back
depicting a train being pushed down some railway tracks.  Apparently the train car had
been purposely driven there and then abandoned by the rail operators to block other trains
and disrupt service.  It certainly got the point across.

I predict a riot

The current political situation in Thailand is SO INTERESTING. And also somewhat disruptive to everyone and everything.  I don't know how much news is getting through to Canada, but there are currently huge riots in Bangkok.

In a nutshell, the Peoples Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have been staging growing demonstrations over the past three months because they are unhappy with the elected government, which have now swelled to massive numbers.  Recently, those in opposition to the PAD have begun anti-PAD riots in Bangkok, and the two groups have begun to clash.  Yesterday there was the first fatality, which came along with 44 other injuries and the police had to step in to break up the groups (up until now there has been very little police crackdown on the rioting).

I'm reading headlines like this 

"Widespread disruption of public services is expected today as state enterprise labour unions have confirmed they will down tools to press for the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Most have promised strikes and the disruption power and water supplies to government offices, despite the declaration of a state of emergency. Sawit Kaewwan, secretary-general of the State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation, said Monday's resolution will not be revoked."

(Bangkok Post, Sept 3, '08)

Though centred in Bangkok, the riots are affecting all of Thailand.  The national rail system has been shut down, as the rail operators (conductors, engineers, technicians, operators) have all walked off the job (they actually simultaneously called in sick, which I thought was kind of genius) in solidarity with the PAD.  In response, the government of Thailand is threatening to fire every single one of them.  There was a huge picture of a train being pushed and there have been threats to cut electricity and water to government run buildings (fortunately mine is private, but it's still a big deal).  Rioters also shut down at least one airport, by blocking runways prevent planes from taking off.    I was watching the news this morning and there was footage of riots somewhere in Bangkok (it was either a train station or an airport, I didn't catch which), but it was literally hundreds of people running through at full speed with flares and other smoky things shouting at the top of their lungs. All very exciting, but somewhat disruptive to 'business as usual' as one might imagine.

Anywhoo, I'm posting partially to say that I'm absolutely fine, nothing's happened in Chiang Mai yet (though there are MASSIVE anti-PAD groups in both the North and Northeast of Thailand on standby waiting for the word to go to Bangkok to join the riots).  I'm not planning to go to any riots or demonstrations.  Thanks to the state of emergency (which was declared yesterday, i got a text message) people are not allowed to be in public in groups of more than 5.

I'm going on a trip to Pai this weekend, but we're taking a van, not a train so travel should be no problem.  Unfortunately we were all planing to go on a trip to the beaches south of Bangkok next weekend for Sam's birthday, but if the trains still aren't running, those plans will have to be nixed.

Sam is especially bummed because he collects records and has this one record store he really likes in Bangkok.  The epicentre of the rioting is located right across the street from his favourite shop which means he won't get a chance to visit until they disperse.