Bangkok burns after Thai protest leaders arrested

[Anthony]

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva tried Wednesday night to reassure the country that the government would restore calm but fires spread through the capital. His government declared a nighttime curfew, and he said in his televised address troops had been given the go-ahead to shoot at suspected arsonists.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100519/...iland_politics


Hope all is well for our affiliate friends that are in Bangkok.

[HBKKH]

Whoa. sounds intense.

[Professor]

Does anyone know how Ted Loh is doing? Last I remember he lived in Bangkok.

[Anthony]

I had him in mind when I saw the article. Hoping he is well and would update us.

[clearlyportals]

Would have thought its safe enough for those that aren't looking to protest (yikes).

As a side note, if you've never been to Thailand you have to go, went last year - I recommend Ko Phi Phi

[Dominique]

Last I saw of Ted was a facebook post a couple days ago...

[Professor]

I have always dreamed of a southeast Asia trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Guess it would be wise to wait for awhile.

[Spearmaster]

Thanks guys.

As usual, the media has been highly biased - from the way they are reporting, you'd think World War III had taken place...

Although my family and I live in Bangkok, our lives are mostly unaffected by the protests. Schools were closed for a week, and obviously my daughter can't go to her favorite shopping places - but otherwise nothing has changed.

Centralworld (coincidentally formerly known as the World Trade Center) has been badly affected by fire - the extent of which is not known yet. Centralworld is the world's 3rd largest shopping center. Sad for me only because they had around 100 restaurants...

Is Thailand safe? For the most part, yes, although obviously coming to Bangkok at the moment is a bit problematic. The rest of Thailand is mostly unaffected - and frankly, visitors who don't get themselves involved in the protests should have nothing to fear.

Thanks again to everyone for their concern!

[universal4]

Glad to hear you're ok and thanks for clearing up what has been going on....

....leave it to the media....I mean they never get anything wrong do they?

lol

Rick
Universal4

[Spearmaster]

Media coverage has been poor in most cases, CNN and BBC being amongst the worst offenders. A lot of what they show you is either stage-managed or carefully edited so that you see only the exciting or controversial parts... and often they leave out the truth in the process.

I used to have CNN on whenever I traveled, or BBC when CNN wasn't available. But I'm seriously tempted to boycott them both now after their poor and often inaccurate or badly-researched coverage of the events here.

Oh by the way, did the media tell you what happened AFTER the red shirt leaders surrendered and were whisked away for questioning in a police camp?




Didn't think so. Police detention is tough.... not!

[Miles_FTA]

What a shame was there a few months ago on honeymoon . I hope all goes well and no more people get hurt what a loevely nation its really a shame