Bangkok Battlefield – 18/05/2010

THAI SOLDIERS POSE FOR A PHOTO AT THE SOI NANA INTERSECTION

BANGKOK 18/05/2010 – The United Nations has urged Thailand to put an end to the violent clashes and restart negotiations.  This is easier said than done, because a minority of extreme anti-government militants are hellbent on violence.  It is a very difficult situation for the Thai government to deal with and a tremendous amount of restraint and tolerance, will be required by everyone here in Bangkok…

The BTS Skytrain and MRT Underground services are suspended on Tuesday 18/05/2010 and Wednesday 19/05/2010.  Even considering the numerous road blocks and Thai Army checkpoints, you can still get around Bangkok.  In saying that, it is highly advisable to stay away from Silom and other red shirt protest sites.  However, despite the ongoing confrontations between anti-government protesters and the Thai authorities, life goes on (although somewhat cautiously) for the majority of people living in the Thai capital.  Road blocks and Thai Army checkpoints are around various areas of Bangkok.  On my way to Soi Nana last night our car was stopped twice at Thai Army checkpoints.  Thai troops checked the boot and we were allowed to drive on down Sukhumvit Soi 3 towards the Soi Nana intersection.  I agree with the Thai Army checkpoints, because it is better to be safe than sorry… 

ARMED THAI SOLDIERS ON GUARD IN SOI NANA
ARMED THAI SOLDIERS ON GUARD IN SOI NANA

 Some foreigners continue to party in the pubs, clubs and go-go bars, as though the Bangkok battlefield is in another city.  The go-go bars in Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy continue to open their doors.  But, a shortage of bar girls and an anxious atmosphere forced the majority of go-go bars in Nana Plaza to close by midnight last night.  Although there were no incidents in the Nana area last night, bar bosses were concerned about their staff being able to get back home.  As a precaution, the 7 Eleven and Nana Petrol Station at the entrance to Soi Nana closed last night.  Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy will open again tonight.  At the moment bar and shop owners in lower Sukhumvit are making decisions on a day-to-day basis.

Meanwhile, the Thai VS Thai confrontation continues…

THAI SOLDIERS POSE FOR A PHOTO AT THE SOI NANA INTERSECTION
THAI SOLDIERS POSE FOR A PHOTO AT THE SOI NANA INTERSECTION

Stickman Special – Red Shirt Protest Situation Update – 18/05/2010