The Red Shirts...
We finally got to see them on our fifth day in Bangkok. We heard them before we saw them from our hotel room which overlooks Ploenchit Road, and rushed down to catch them as they passed by. The entire entourage lasted about 15 minutes. They were passing through after their morning mission of splashing blood in front of the Thai PM's home in Sukhumvit. They created a raucous din as they approached, with the sounding of their truck and car horns, clappers, loudspeakers and chanting. It was all in good spirit and the atmosphere was actually quite joyous and elevating, not at all violent or angry. There were smiles and cheers all round, and hardly any angst or aggression. It was quite a sight to watch. I'm glad they passed by the Siam Sq area as they usually congregate around the Sanam Luang area, near the Government buildings. If not for my condition and the fact that Meg is with us, both MJ and I would surely have gone to get better pictures at the heart of the action. But I'm glad the protests have been non-violent so far. Peace is something we take for granted too easily.
I have to relate this really funny conversation between my mum and Meg. My mum, being terribly paranoid about the potential violence awaiting to erupt, kept reminding us to be careful.
Mum: So did you see any demonstrations?
Meg: Yes, we saw demonstrations. At Siam Ocean World. Fish demonstrations!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA. MJ and I burst out laughing...Kids really say the darndest things! She said this in all earnestness and was not being a smart aleck or anything! Geez!
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