Chaos comes to Chiang Mai

Until this week, I can honestly say that I had never set foot into anything that could be described as a war zone. Wednesday afternoon, I took a quick break from work and stepped outside when I heard the sound of helicopters overhead. I was greeted with the sight of two government choppers circling to the east and a large plume of black smoke rising from the same direction. I soon learned that UDD forces had seized Warorot bridge and begun burning everything in sight. The crisis was short lived and the military quickly took control of the bridge. A visit to the area later in the evening was almost heart breaking. This is an area that I had walked through many times. It is a rather scenic bridge with many flowers and a great view of the river. The view that night was one of devestation and carnage. Heaps of twisted metal that once formed the makeshift blockade, smoldering piles of burning tires and rubbish, burned out vehicles just sitting there still half engulfed in flames, and the remnants of the many flowerpots that once lined the edges of the bridge strewn over the road shattered into bits. Strangely, we were allowed to make our way through the scene without any trouble, but approaching the bridge we were met with a full military blockade with rows of soldiers sporting full riot gear, M-16s, and shotguns. Needless to say, we didn't venture much further.

For now things have quieted down and the city has been under a full nightime curfew for the last few days. Even the 7-Elevens close at 9pm. It's so quiet that it's almost creepy. We all just keep watching and waiting, but hopefully the worst has passed.