The Chaos Continues

I must admit that this whole thing has gone alot farther than I ever expected it to. Follow the links below to see some of the recent coverage by the BBC. The videos are quite revealing as to the magnitude of the events going on here.

This first video is of Saturday's protests that left 20 dead and over 800 injured. This is the largest clash to date in the current conflict.

The second video was taken today (Sunday) as the press and locals viewed the aftermath. The military had backed down leaving an entire armored column behind. An impressive feat by unarmed protesters using homemade bombs.

The worst is all situated down south, but things have been ramping up here in the north as UDD protesters have stormed government building here in Chiang Mai and Udon Thani this weekend. As always, I just try to "fly low" and keep my head down. I've got enough problems without getting in the middle of all that. Please keep the people and leaders of Thailand in your prayers. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail. I've heard some pretty big "booms and bangs" here this weekend, but no corresponding fireworks to light up the sky. Spooky at best.

Govt Announces State of Emergency

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva came on national television at 6 p.m. today to announce a state of emergency for Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and some districts in Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, and Ayuthaya to control the red-shirt protest.

He said with the rally by the red-shirt group since March 12, the government has tried hard to prevent unrest for the country. However, this endeavor has not been successful. The rally has led to a violation of the law and the Constitution and has caused great inconvenience for the people, the economy, and foreign confidence in Thailand.

The situation has been especially difficult in the past two days. And today, the country saw the invasion of Parliament.

He said, therefore, today's special Cabinet meeting has decided to announce a state of emergency.

The prime minister added that the government wants the situation to return to normal, prevent misleading information that provokes social divide, prosecute rally leaders, and pave the way for effective prevention of acts of violence.

This state of emergency announcement is not intended to prosecute or go after innocent members of the public but is aimed at normalizing the situation.

The government has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to oversee the enforcement of the state of emergency.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-07

Happy Easter

Once again, another western holiday has managed to sneak up on me. The stores aren't littered with chocolate bunnies, Easter baskets, or the ever annoying plastic green grass stuffing. The Easter bunny didn't hide any eggs, and the Easter dinner consisted of a Thai omelet over rice with a heaping helping of chili peppers and hot sauce. At least I found a way to get an egg in there somewhere. I actually had missed the boat altogether and it wasn't until late in the evening when I checked my email and realized it was Easter. Some of the "high class" tourist joints were advertising "Easter Dinner", but I tend to eat in the "low class" and sometimes "no class" places. It's literally 1/10th the price of the foreigner friendly shops and the food is so much healthier. I get my share of funny looks when I'm eating at places like Somphet Market, but I'm quite used to that by now.

Happy Easter Everyone.

An Incredible Day

Today was the crowning jewel on my week. I had the rare opportunity to share a big stage with some very talented musicians at the Chiang Mai Smile Music festival. I had a great time, played a great show, and had an even better time watching my friends share the spotlight. This was a huge event, and the photos below should give you an idea of the size. Pics of me and my band are coming soon courtesy of the event organizers and local newspaper photographer. For now, enjoy the pics of my friends Pan and Jojo from the band NYOK.