COUP...

Headlines on the 2 main English Papers in Bkk.

A soldier at the junction of MBK and Siam Discovery. A yellow ribbon is tied to the nozzle of most rfiles. Yellow representing the King's colour.

Something that you will never see in a coup!!! Thai ordinary citizens going up to the soldiers for a piture!! I think this was broadcast on BBC too.

Thanks to everyone who had showed concern abt the situation in Thailand. As of now, the situation is still calm and peaceful. All is normal except the usual traffic and human jam are gone. Lesser cars and people on the streets, but there are still tourists and locals out there.

I was lazing in front of HBO when a friend from SG called. "Did you hear abt the situation in thailand? A state of Emergency had been declared!"
I was quite stunned to hear that. There had been rumours abt ousting Thaksin, but no signs of a coup. It happened quickly and swiftly. I bet thaksin must have been just as surprise. Unfortunately his orders to declare a state of emergency had not been enforced.
THe thais that i spoke to, acutually welcome this coup. It finally ended the many mths of unstable and uncertainties in the governmence and a promise of a new government. Definitely, the yellow ribbons play an significant role too.
I will think that its a first time that anyone witness a coup with people taking pics with the soldiers. It was reported that the soldiers were instructed to be friendly. Most thais certainly find them so.
Some may question the emocray of thecountry. But i will say that each country had their own unique way of getting things done. (work here for a yr and experience how the thais work.. its DIFFERENT from us). While coups were a common sight 15 years ago, this 1was peaceful. Wonder if Thaksin will react. Wonder if there will be any violence. Nevertheless, it is safe to travel to BKK... come and shop and immerse in its rich culture!