Curfew 21 May

[JasonB]

My kids(step kids) have been told no school tomorrow until Monday,my wife rang teachers and confirmed,Monday it could all change again.So much for the General saying normal everyday Thai's "wont be affected" by this,my wife without tv for at least 2 hours a day will affect ME! She's shitty now,and it's only a few hours so far.

[nookiebear]

Have to wait & see if my supplies(4 boxes) arr on the bus later...........The problem will be whether or not the bus was already in Pattaya before the 10pm curfew

[davu]

For some reason they turned off the street lights in the village last night. The village headman gave out orders about the curfew, no gatherings larger than 5 people, etc. Taking the kid to school now as I haven't heard anything.

[SOM LUCK]

The military has cancelled all Thai Soap operas and replaced them with a very interesting banner and patriotic music. 
Although there has not been an official reason for the cancelling, I believe it is aimed at pissing off Thailand's female population. They are but a few things in Thailand more dangerous than a pissed off Thai woman, and this should bring the political unrest to an end very quickly.
The Generals have stuck oil this time.

[CO-CO]

For some reason they turned off the street lights in the village last night. The village headman gave out orders about the curfew, no gatherings larger than 5 people, etc. Taking the kid to school now as I haven't heard anything.

Davu - widely publicised last night - schools closed until Monday.

Check with Thai Visa.com for news updates. Got Lost will copy many here but still worth checking yourself.

[davu]

Too late, did the 25 Km there and back, streets deserted. The wife  thought that as it is a private school, it might be open. Ah well, we visited the market. The streets were deserted, no school buses or private  transport. And no bloody motorbikes, we did see a few people with kids on their bikes but they were obviously in the same boat as me.

The BBC is reporting world wide condemnation of the coup and insisting on a rapid return to democracy. For the time being, all is well and good but I think everyone is a bit worried about what may happen in the near future. The bit about slinging politicians into custody I found hilarious.

[urleft]

Yes the schools in Buriram are closed, was just talking to my teacher friend.  Works for me as I have a full store.  And the internent remained active. 

Understand some TV channels are being blocked, but can't really confirm how much as I almost never watch TV. 

[davu]

All private channels are playing patriotic songs, same thin on the car radio.

[CO-CO]

Too late, did the 25 Km there and back, streets deserted. The wife  thought that as it is a private school, it might be open. Ah well, we visited the market. The streets were deserted, no school buses or private  transport. And no bloody motorbikes, we did see a few people with kids on their bikes but they were obviously in the same boat as me.

The BBC is reporting world wide condemnation of the coup and insisting on a rapid return to democracy. For the time being, all is well and good but I think everyone is a bit worried about what may happen in the near future. The bit about slinging politicians into custody I found hilarious.

I am not worried. Why worry ?

I am not trying to be blase' about it but I am just pleased that someone now has taken control. Things can now start to move forward from the political vacuum and potential reds vs yellows conflict.

This has been coming for 9 months.

People who were here in 2006 will tell you that it was business as usual.

I imagine that within a week that will be the case.

[davu]

The red shirts are threatening a civil war and weapons caches have been found, that's why. I agree with the rest of your posting though.

[toffo]

Just like any other normal day in Thailand.. The soldiers are on the streets and Thaskin will have someone in power in a few months.. It's groundhog day

[CO-CO]

The red shirts are threatening a civil war and weapons caches have been found, that's why. I agree with the rest of your posting though.

I posted this elsewhere...... I think the civil war threat is just the usual red shirt posturing/BS...... I hope so anyway.


This has been planned for sometime and many of you predicted a coup 9 months ago. That timing wasn't quite right but the current political vacuum made it increasingly likely. I think Prayuth has had this blueprint ready for several months and he knows exactly what his game plan is.

It is all very well the western press throwing their hands up in condemnation but that just shows a lack of understanding of what has been happening in Thailand. There has been a rudderless government with it's strings pulled from Dubai - how ludicrous is that for a so-called developed country. Corruption has now became the biggest industry in Thailand. It has always been there but it has grown out of control. I would love to see an independent audit of the rice pledging scheme !

Something had to change; the children couldn't agree that themselves so Papa (in the form of Prayuth and the Royal Thai Army) has sent them to the naughty corner and wrested control of the classroom. There will no doubt be detention for some miscreants and the worst offenders could well be expelled.

On the face of it Prayuth is clear in explaining the job that needs to be done and I genuinely believe that power will be restored, via democratic methods, within a short period of time.

The biggest risk to all this ? Certainly not economic - the Baht is holding up and whilst tourist numbers will dip it is low season and all will be forgotten come November.

The red shirts. Hmm, an interesting one. If, as reported several months ago, the reds have recruited a guerrilla army then there is potential for problems. Such insurgency is unlikely in my view and any attempts would be quickly crushed. Prayuth knows where the enemy is and I believe that the red shirts (like many Thais) are fundamentally cowards who's bark is significantly worse than their bite. I hope I am not wrong on that one.

I think the curfew is mainly in place to allow the army to control/restrict the activities of the red shirts.

I wish Thailand, the country in which I have chosen to call home, every success in achieving necessary reforms and returning to democracy asap.

[Freddy]

I don't have a full understanding of the background that has led to the current situation in Thailand and am reading your postings and all available news and broadcasts whilst in the UK. In September I move to Thailand so am interested to see the impact of all of this. My TGF is in the UK with me now and her view is ' Happened before, will happen again and nothing much will chage in the long run' . Many of you I hope will be future friends as I settle into my life over there so just wanted to say, whatever the impact to you now, I wish you well.

[urleft]

Today's message from the US Embassy:





 
 
U.S. Embassy Bangkok
 
Security Message
 
Friday, May 23, 2014
 
 
 
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok recommends that U.S. citizens reconsider any non-essential travel to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, due to ongoing political and social unrest and restrictions on internal movements, including an indefinite nighttime curfew. 

On May 22, 2014 the Royal Thai Army announced it had seized control of the administration of the country and imposed a nationwide daily curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. until further notice, a ban on political gatherings, and restrictions on media.  More restrictions may follow.  As a result, U.S. citizens may encounter a heightened military presence throughout Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, as well as disruptions to traffic. Allow extra time for journeys, including to and from Bangkok airports.  Public transportation and business operating hours may be curtailed without notice.  Authorities have advised that the curfew does not apply to those travelling to or from the airport, but departing or arriving travelers should be prepared to present their passports and tickets to authorities upon request.  U.S. citizens are advised to stay alert, exercise caution, and monitor international and Thai media that remains accessible.   Avoid areas where there are protest events, large gatherings, or security operations and follow the instructions of Thai authorities.  Although many protest activities have been peaceful, violent incidents involving guns and explosive devices have occurred at or near protest sites.  Some have resulted in injury or death.

 U.S. citizens are cautioned that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  You should avoid protest sites, demonstrations, and large gatherings.  Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media reports.  You should allow extra time when travelling throughout the city or to/from airports.  Consider using public transportation.
 
U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Thailand are strongly advised to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).   U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.   By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of an emergency.
 
Unless otherwise indicated in a public announcement, the U.S. Embassy is open for all routine American Citizens Services by appointment. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance do not need an appointment.  The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing acsbkk@state.gov.   The Embassy's after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

 

[urleft]

It's been about 24 hours since I went off on Coco.  Some comments include: 

(19:19:57) BillH52: Am thinking UrL will reread the transcript, realise he misread & offer apology; but not holding breath

Well Bill, do you think when coco said I should take a job as an executioner is a good joke?  (don't remember or didn't see that one?).  I guess that is Brit humor as it is not in my American sense of humor. 

One of the highlights of my career was when I was in Bashra supporting the UK, a Brit came and hugged me saying "You saved my fcuking life."   He did what I told and showed him.  I do not count the bodies where I showed the Brits how to kill before they killed the Brits, life is very precious to me, I don't like having to take it.  We were being attacked at least 5 times a day, numerous times I crouched in a manhole with a Brit soldier as explosions rattled us.  Never had a issue with these guys.  The MOD even asked for my reports.   


So Coco comes out and "jokes" with me on this thread.  Rather that provide information he has that had not been posted (i.e. schools are closed the next day), he just says Nookie has a point about me.   



Now here is a partial quote from me tell Ray to try to provide some information: 

Now Ray, what real time relevent information can you provide during this Coup event that immidiately affects us Expats?   
 
Give something to helpful.      Asshole. 
 

And what did Ray provide?   Nothing, even though in his own words he knew the schools were closed. 

Davu - widely publicised last night - schools closed until Monday.

Check with Thai Visa.com for news updates. Got Lost will copy many here but still worth checking yourself.

So thanks for all the help last night Ray.   I did not find out about the school closing until this morning.  And my Brit Teacher Bud found out the school was closed when he got there this morning. 


So Bill, Ray, and whoever, if you still think I lack a sense a humor after some guy accuses me of wanting to execute people, you are right.  But it will be a cold day in hell before I appologize for not seeing the humor in the remark.