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!
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