I make no claim to understand what the hell is going on in this country right now. When foreigners who have lived here for over 20 years tell me they are no closer to understanding the intricacies of Thai culture it is little wonder I cant get my head around what is happening.
The Prime Minister dissolved the Government and is now operating in a ‘care-taking’ function. The opposition party resigned parliament as a show of disrespect for the system. The protest movement is being led by an ex-politician and clearly states that a win-win outcome is not acceptable. The Army Generals have neither confirmed nor denied that they might stage a military coup. The king is remarkably quiet on the whole affair, and while he has the power to veto the outcome – he believes the people should find a solution.
There are thousands of people crowding the streets 24 hours a day to block intersections, disrupt government process and make threats that they will storm political offices and capture politicians. When you walk amongst them you can see that they are dedicated to their belief. Old woman and families are sleeping on the roads. Everyone is smiling and dancing to around the clock entertainment. Whistles blow, music blares, voices fill the city from loudspeakers. At night there have been some gunshots. Redshirt clashes, or angry lash-outs at Political targets. It’s not an entirely peaceful protest.
Some speculate on the outcome and the timing, but not me.
Meanwhile the carnival continues…
Simon Elwell 
Well I’m glad it’s a mostly peaceful process since you’re in the middle of it. Take care though. And I have to say, your photos just get better and better.
Thanks for the comment and concern. It’s pretty safe if you don’t go near any of the rally sites at night.
Craziness! Love the photos. Glad you’re safe. Wish I could be there to see it, too.
I think you would enjoy it… It is like a carnival every night. Just 500m from my house they have a stage set up with a rock band playing and crowds of people blowing whistles and dancing. So long as you are home by dark it is perfectly safe… for now.
What odd situation… I believe there are people who just come along, without exactly knowing why they’re occupying the streets and so on; I also doubt that children understand what they’re doing and what for. They should organise a carnival without political background! I’d also like to be there to see it with my own eyes and maybe understand a bit more.
Hi Atsawa, I think you are right that there are some who don’t know all of the details behind why they protest. Some who just see it as a bit of fun, but in general most of them are very committed to their belief that the government is corrupt and needs to go.
There have been a few more violent acts recently involving guns and grenades… hopefully there will be a peaceful resolution.
I too think it’s the right thing to show that you’re aware of corruption and non-transparent actions. If you don’t do anything, nothing will change, right? So it’s just the question how to show or do it, so that an agreement on both sides is possible. Hopefully there will be a peaceful resolution, which will last!