Bangkok, Thailand

BREAKING NEWS: Should You Still Travel To Thailand? What The News Isn’t Showing You!

Those being held in custody included Suthep Thaugsuban and Jatuporn Prompan, respectively leaders of the anti-government and pro-government factions. 

‘We will keep you together until you love and understand each other,” was the message from a source close to the generals.

Another version quoted General Prayuth as saying: ”They quarrel so much, have ’em live together ’til they love each other.” 

Later, the army announced on television the names of 18 people who should report to the army. First on the list was deposed caretaker Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan. -Phuketwan.com

Bangkok, Thailand

“No phrase of the young is more revolutionary than that odd cry ‘Zap them right back with super-love.’ If this became a widespread tactic, it could demoralize society as presently constructed. If a southern sheriff puts his police dogs on a group of blacks, and they sing spirituals of forgiveness and pray for him with obvious love, they are going to accomplish miracles. If a college girl can accept being beaten by clubs and then kiss the hands of her assailants and offer them her love, it’s going to knock hell out of their program.”  Christ devised this tactic two thousand years ago, and with it, he helped bring down the Roman Empire. -The Drifters by James Michener

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

I am not taking a stand as to whether Thailand’s coup is right or wrong, good or bad, the following are just my observations.

I have had friends emailing me (one wanting to cancel his trip to Thailand that  he doesn’t have booked until January!).  He heard that public transportation is crowded, the restaurants are too full to get anything to eat, and that Thailand was just falling apart.

Here was the crowd on The SkyTrain today.

Bangkok, Thailand

If you’ve never been to Bangkok, know that you can get food somewhere about every 5 steps. 5 steps at the most. Don’t worry, you can still get your Pad Thai and mangoes and sticky rice.

Bangkok

You can still get ice cream (some of us more than others!)

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Yes, you can still buy beer.

Bangkok, Thailand

 

The streets are still being swept.

 

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Knives are still being sharpened.

Bangkok, Thailand

 

The chickens are still laying eggs.

Bangkok, Thailand

 

  People are still smiling.

 

Bangkok, Thailand

 

 Yes, you will sometimes see soldiers. In other places, the security checkpoints seemed to be manned by Tinker Bell.

Bangkok, Thailand

 

 The media from other countries only talks of the people who oppose the coup.  They don’t show the supporters.

Bangkok, Thailand

The rice farmers are happy.

Bangkok, Thailand

The US government was quick to criticize Thailand, yet when the military invited key diplomats to explain the coup, the US ambassador said she was “too busy” to attend. How can you take a side without hearing all sides? And if it’s that important of an issue, America, why not show up?

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/To-the-world-Please-dont-become-part-of-Thailands--30234297.html

Bangkok, Thailand

The only thing I have heard from the Thai people who I have spoken with is that they are relieved. They are glad that there will finally be an end to the gridlock between parties that has been going on now for too long.

Bangkok, Thailand

In the end, people just want peace.

Bangkok, Thailand

If this was America, businesses would be protesting about the loss of money from the curfew. In Thailand, I have not heard one single complaint.

Bangkok, Thailand

 

The Thai people do not seem to judge what happens to them. Instead, they choose to accept what happens, and they believe that better things will follow.

Bangkok, Thailand

 

Bangkok, Thailand

All I know, is that the feeling in Thailand now is the same one that happens at the second a thunderstorm begins. There is a deep exhale as the earth surrenders to the rain, letting old things wash away. There is a feeling of calm trepidation mixed with fascination as everyone wonders if this will be a gentle rain or a thundering storm.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

As for me? I want to do everything I can to support the hard-working people of this beautiful country. I will not leave just because I have a curfew. I have been brought here at this time for a reason. Thailand is suffering enough. Every tourism dollar that is lost is a small fortune to these beautiful souls.

I am in the same room with Thailand. And, all I know is that I am in love.

Bangkok, Thailand

 

Are you planning a trip to Thailand?

Agoda has the best deals on hotels, and I personally use them to book all of my hotels in Asia!


Take advantage of the most delicious Thai food with the Eating Thai Food guide!

eating thai food