The Shutdown, Part III; It's Shut Down.

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Monday, March 3

Only the third of the month and already some big changes. Over the weekend most of the protest sites and stages were shut down and cleaned up, opening the roads for traffic today. From what I saw in person and online, it looks like traffic is still pretty light, but I expect we'll be back to normal gridlock in no time.

The protesters have all moved into Lumpini Park (as well as their main stage). While I'm happy to have more areas safe and walkable now, I really wish the park was safe. It's strongly advised to stay out. I've heard they're checking bags before people enter, too.



Wednesday, March 12

Well, not much is happening on the protest front, the Emergency Decree front, or any other front. News is back to normal for the most part. There are rumors that there will be another "final" march coming soon, but no one has more info than that.

When I go by Lumpini Park via the BTS I can see nothing but tents. It looks like a campground, not the city's largest green space.



Thursday, March 13

It's National Elephant Day here in Thailand. Sadly, this does not mean I get a day off of work to play with elephants. And they just announced the opening of a new elephant birthing center.

In other, non-elephant related news, tahey've also announced that since things have calmed down they will not be extending the Emergency Decree after it expires later this month. As to how much it's affected our lives, when I told my coworker about it, his reply was, "Is that still going on?"



Tuesday, March 18

The State of Emergency is over.

And life goes on as normal.

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Photos

Asoke is open again
March 4, 2014

Comments

[Dad in the US]

Elections??
I recall a news item here this past week that the results of the early March elections in Thailand had bee thrown out. What's next?

[sunketing]

Next?
Let me get my crystal ball. No one knows. But there are elections tomorrow and I believe next week as well. Fingers crossed it all goes well.