A refreshing day at Suvarnabhumi Airport!

As the plane sat waiting for push back to take off, something prompted me to to take out my camera this morning - it was actually the brightness of the day lifted my mood. I'd been taking late night flights recently, such a refreshing change it turned out to be!

Admiring the architectural forms of the Suvarnabhumi Airport from the tarmac.. sights that I would have taken for granted.
































A magnificent view of another jumbo just landed.. I always marvel at such huge man-made machines taking into the sky! Wright Brothers' first flying machine (invented less than a hundred years ago) lifted off a short distance within the length of this jumbo jet!
















Bangkok has a fair share of rains recently.. caught a glimpse with a pool's reflection.
















I was thrilled with this sea of cumulus clouds forming.. not often to have such view in bright sunshine!
















From the air, saw many rice fields were inundated too..
















As the plane turned towards the Gulf.. view of this island came to sight. My guess is Ko Samet.
















I like to play this geography puzzle matching game with Google Earth getting the same viewing angle. I am getting pretty good at it, huh?















It may be just another day.. I still enjoyed scenes of the day's beauty.

Updated with photos of Suvarnabhumi Airport (10th Nov 2008).
No visitor leaves without seeing this spectacular sight depicting the tussle between the Good & the Evil of Hindu legend.












































































Manage to find in my photo archive - Lego model of Suvarnabhumi Airport at a shopping mall during the times of airport opening.

Part 2 - Inside Ground Zero

Photos update after police clashed (23nd Oct 08)
Passed Makkhawan Bridge last weekend... the roads leading there were further barricaded with piles of tires.































































Count myself fortunate to visit the demo grounds just days before clashes broke out with police - 2 were reported killed and hundreds injured!

Just read from Bangkokpost protesters had cleared the grounds at Makkhawan bridge permanently. So these are probably the last scenes before being dismantled for road traffic to be through again.


Part 2 - Inside Ground Zero
I've never been to the Government House, neither would I ever think of a visit under such circumstances! But it just happened.

View of the Government House under siege surrounded by tents! Can't wait to see what's going on inside?
















Another tier of security control at entrance - formed an inner security zone.
















Hand carried bags are subjected to inspection again. Citizenry taking laws into its own hands? Nobody questioned its legality anyway!
















How can anyone resist a free cold drink this time? We were all thirsty even without a shout!
















As we approached the center stage, huge tents with people sat orderly listening to rally speech. No clapping of hands though, the plastic clappers has taken over this role.
















Not uncomfortable to sit here all day long; ample space to stretch your legs occasionally.
















The center stage in view.. as seen on ASTV channel 24/7 ever since the marathon rally began!
















TV camera crew on make shift stage above the audience.
















The TV transmission support vehicle carried prominent displays of the King's picture behind its windscreen.
















Nearby was a patch of green padi planted. I asked my friend what is its significance? "Its a statement saying this piece of land is better utilized to plant rice for the people than being occupied by a useless government!"





















P'Moo & P'Jiap get regular updates via sms; illustrating the power of telecommunications in spreading political messages around these days.






















I walked around the compound with disbelieve! It was almost converted to an open camp ground!

































Every habitable corner formed a refuge for the night or became a rest area. A TV in front of this closed entrance spread the same rally speech around.





















The only spot I found here void of human activity.





















We got hungry and had free rice with curry here.. I dropped my spoon and someone came out of the next tent to offer me a replacement! What? Better service than any shopping mall I've been in Bangkok or anywhere!
















Dragon fruits & bananas are served too.

















What's more? Desert in coconut milk.
















Women folks folding banana leaves into serving bowls.





















This make shift tricycle ferry food out to Young PAD camp.
















After consumption; styrofoams cups and plates are segregated in recyclables bags. How orderly and civic minded are the people here! In spite of over crowded conditions, the entire area was neat and rubbish free.. nowhere else have I seen this before! They must be model citizens for the world!
















Look at other logistics involved.. I am truly amazed and impressed. A huge satellite TV transmission truck.. how could one tap on such resources? I later learned this transmission vehicle was commandeered from NBT!
















Studio equipment support vehicles.. immobilized with tires deflated.





















These on site electric generators were boxed-in sound proof enclosures!
















Technicians manning the sound system having a chat
















With tired feet, we found seating space at the rear. People sat here with own camping chairs and a paraplegic came in support too!
















Two ladies engaged in discussions with the main stage in view.





















Six o'clock PM on the dot, the National Anthem played.. everyone stood in attention!

















The two chatting ladies stood with clench fist raised; I believed they came here with very strong conviction indeed!

















Turning back for a last view of the Government House before leaving, still wonder in amazement how could such happening be tolerated elsewhere or even take place?





















Leaving through the main entrance, a volunteer guard offered to share a piece of guava fruit with me as I passed. I find time and again - Thais are most warm and hospitable in whatever circumstances they are in!

Memories of the day's scenes will stay etched in my mind for a long time to come; in particular, the human spirit displayed! I did come out in one piece though, no worries!

Visit to demonstration hotspot - Part 1

Thailand has been gripped with political turmoil again with ongoing protests the last few months. Most dramatic was the mob's taking over the Government House, an unprecedented event that can escalate tensions. The Government now has to conduct its business out at Don Muang airport grounds! Somehow, the Thai way of mutual tolerance seem to hold all the horses back for now; or was it the balance of power play behind the scene at work? I would never know!

Of course it is illegal and the key leaders, holed up within its grounds, are all on wanted list with arrest warrants. Last weekend a key leader, Maj-Gen. Chamlong, was arrested when he left the compound to exercise his vote on Bangkok's Governor.

While the U.S. & Australian Embassies advised its citizens to stay away from hot spots.. I ventured there with company of P'Moo & P'Jiap last Friday; the ground zero where PAD stages its round the clock rally. I'm just curious to sample what atmosphere is like in there.

We passed the UN building with barricades on wheels at its entrance, ready in times of need. Across the road was a Police tent with riot gears & shields neatly laid on ground.
















Entrance to demo ground at Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge.. manned by volunteer guards!
















Guard posts equip with motorcycle & safety helmets;
















Plastic hand shields made of PVC pipes...
















Pile of defensive weapons comprise of sticks, golf clubs & even umbrellas!





















Guards' rest tent.
















Is it safe? Once inside however, it's almost like a carnival atmosphere with vendors of all sorts! It is more of commercial enterprise with casual people strolling around than charged anti-government atmosphere. Spotted a few 'farang' tourists with cameras too.
















Loudspeakers on vans blasting music away; even heard the Thai version of "Burong Kakak Dua"!





















Only differences are plastic clappers are widely sold!
















P'Jiap & P'Moo making their purchases.





















Images of fugitive ex-premier & wife printed on floor mats on sale.
















Shoes...
















and even underwear.





















ASTV booth of media tycoon & PAD leader Sonthi promoting its services too.
















A medical post well provided...
















This car nearby marked as emergency ambulance.





















It's vegetarian festival time too.. a "Jei" tent with vegetarian food...
















A 'Quan Yin' within to serve the spiritual needs of demonstrators?





















P'Moo & P'Jiap posed with event photos of large crowd in attendance.
















Row of public toilets vans to answer nature calls...
















Still didn't see any angry mobs shouting away! Sights of children with their parents are common too.





















On another side are the Young PAD; a student movement.
















Their stage with a slogan "The Last War".. but heard a rock band playing as we passed.
















When I knew P'Jiap was going to PAD rally weeks ago, I cautioned him to be careful. He said, "Not to worry.. there are many elderly and kids among the crowds". Now I know what he meant.