Sep 02

Bangkok Dangerous

By Richard Barrow Email

Tuesday 2nd September, 2008 | 285 words | Category: General | 9 feedbacks »

I think it is rather ironic that the Nicolas Cage movie, Bangkok Dangerous, is being released this week in America and across Asia. It comes at a time when Bangkok really is dangerous. After the street battles last night and this morning's declaration of a state of emergency, a number of countries have started to inform their citizens to only travel to Thailand if it is essential. Coupled with the street demonstrations, we are facing nationwide train strikes and blockades at international airports. The situation is very versatile and changing from moment to moment. One person was killed last night and dozens seriously injured. Despite a emergency decree forbidding more than five people gathering in one place, the main protest site that is presently occupying government house, has managed to swell in size with more people coming throughout the evening. In addition, hundreds of people are gathering along Phra Athit Road to protect the offices and studio of ASTV. Violent clashes are expected here tonight. This road is only a stone's throw from the backpackers haven at Khao San Road.

I said earlier that it was ironic that Nicolas Cage's movie is being released this week. It is even more so when you realize that the filming of the movie was disrupted during the last army coup in Thailand! With the army taking control of the streets again, is this a sign that we are about to have another coup?

We are doing live blogging on the situation over at ThailandQA.com 24 hours a day. You can find all the latest news, pictures, videos and even maps of the protest sites. We are also posting pictures daily over at our sister blogs www.ThaiPhotoBlogs.com

Do you have any questions about Thailand? Maybe you are planning a holiday or just want to learn more about Thai culture. Have all of your questions answered for free at ThailandQA.com. These forums are part of the family friendly Paknam Web Network.

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Comment from: Suzie
"Is this a sign that we are about to have another coup?"

Richard, I am afraid so.
2008-09-02 @ 21:25
Comment from: Ken
*****
Thanks for all your news updates for the protests. I just finished watching the video about what happened the other night. Scarey stuff. Keep safe and keep informing us of what is happening.
2008-09-03 @ 07:48
Comment from: Graham
*****
Is this time more dangerous than the coup last time? I went to Thailand not long after the last coup, and didn't notice anything different even though it was a state of emergency.
The one thing I noticed was at Mini Siam in Pattaya. For every miniature monument there is a little plaque giving its background. But for the Democracy Monument, the plaque was covered with black tape. I don't know if that was coup related or whether it has been there for a long time. There is apparently some tension around the Democracy Monument being there at all - I have read that there have been efforts to demolish it.
2008-09-03 @ 09:35
Comment from: Richard Barrow Email · http://www.richardbarrow.com
The morning after the coup last time I was in Bangkok taking pictures of the soldiers and tanks in the Royal Plaza. This time I would think twice about visiting any of the protest sites to take pictures. The danger this time is not from soldiers but out of control protestors who do not value the life of others. They have clubs spiked with nails and are carrying samurai swords. They are also firing large ball bearings with slingshots. One person has already been shot dead and many more badly injured. It could potentially get a lot worse.

Thanks for the information about Democracy Monument. I think it is a coincidence but I will look into it.
2008-09-03 @ 09:58
Comment from: astroskizzato
are an Italian tourist, I have come to thai September 25, I recommended to postpone the departure?
2008-09-03 @ 14:07
Comment from: Maggie Email
*****
I am so sad to see Thailand had another revolution. I was participated at the time I was study first year at Chulalongkorn University. The legend October 14th. It was the conflicted between the students & collage students against Thai Government. We had to pay with the fresh and blood! It was hard on me because my brother was in the military and he is a "General" now. I am worry about our Thai people and my brother's safety, but again I have to look at the cause of the conflict too. I hate to see my birthplace is in trouble. My King will be able to stop all the violence if it get out of hands. I will hope and pray for things to get better soon. On the other hand, I am here, waiting to see an improvement from the new President of USA.
2008-09-04 @ 07:26
Comment from: movie junkie · http://www.kogmedia.com
***--
Nick Cage seems to have a long hair cycle... one in about every three movies - ConAir, Next, etc.
2008-09-05 @ 03:04
Comment from: Thai Girl Email
Dangerous?? Nothing different from last time really. The mob is only stayed in government house. I think getting more worse just because of the news.
2008-09-16 @ 01:13
Comment from: Baby
*****
I like this post and the information.

Nice.

:)

Baby.
2008-09-17 @ 06:27

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