This has been an interesting week. On Tuesday, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), began protesting at Bangkok’s international airport, Suvarnabhumi, which resulted in the closure of the airport when they “stormed” the airport control towers and stopped allowing planes in and out. It’s now Saturday morning and both Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang (the older, domestic airport) have been closed for days. Hundreds of thousands of travelers are now stranded in destinations around the world while this major hub of travel in Asia is non-functioning.
Oddly enough, life seems to be going on entirely as normal here in the city. The streets are calmer than usual – less traffic, less people out and about – but that’s about it. We continue to go to school and work every day, ride the BTS, and enjoy living downtown. It’s a strange feeling, knowing that something critical to the county’s future is happening just on the outskirts of the city, but having absolutely no effect on our daily life. And all this happening at the same time as these horrifying terrorist attacks in Mumbai makes it even more bizarre.
I wonder when all this is going to end? Technically, I suppose I’m stranded in Bangkok, but if Bangkok is home, does that really count as stranded?
Treasure Island by Aaron Escobar
We’re thinking of you Kim, and everyone else there at ISB. Stay safe.
Hi Kim. I think what is happening in Bangkok is beyond the comprehension of all of us expatriates living locally in the city and the outer communities. Our full understanding and knowledge of the situation is limited, and many of us seem more interested if the political unrest warrants a day off work (Yup – I am one of them), or how this affects our holiday guests arriving, and own upcoming travel plans. Of course these are legitimate concerns, but as guests in this country, I cannot help but wonder about our level of sensitivity to the Thai people we work with and are surrounded by. Our own concerns of extravagant holiday vacations, weekends to the beach, and entertaining incoming guests are actually miniscule compared to the big picture of what is happening to and affecting over 63 million people. I guess this serves more as a reminder to myself about exercising sensitivity when talking about how I am personally affected by the turmoil. After all, this is a culture and country that has embraced and welcomed me.
What are their demands? WiFi on national flights? Stay safe.
@Jenny,
Thank you for your concern. I didn’t mention it in my post, but I am reassured by the thoughtful updates that ISB has put out over the last week, that no matter what happens, we will be safe and well taken care of.
@Heather,
I totally agree. It feels so strange to think that this could have such a serious and lasting impact on Thailand, but that we are not affected in our daily lives (by affected, I mean physically not being able to do things, not the mental effect that it may have). I can’t even begin to imagine how the gracious and welcome Thais who have made me feel so at home here, are really feeling about these events.
@Tod,
I wish it were so simple! My understanding is that the PAD is basically protesting that this current government is illegitimate because the PAD believe that the government “purchased” their votes in the recent election. Whether they are right or wrong, these protests will certainly impact this country in the long-term from tourism to economy.