New Bike

Hi Bloggers,

I just thought I'd let you know about my latest bike. I'm a keen cyclist, yes, even here in Bangkok, and I love to ride in my free time. There are some great parks around, such as Lumpini, but more particularly Benjakiti, which has its own cycle track around the lake. Surprisingly, there are also quite a few cycle paths around Bangkok, some on special elevated pathways or following the canals, etc.

Anyway, by misfortune I had my Mongoose stolen a couple of weeks ago. I think they managed to decipher my revolving number lock. Right near Siam Square too! So, unfortunately, I had to fork out for a new one, about 9,000 baht. But well worth it!

Here's a picture:

My new bike - a Gary Fisher

What's cookin' !?

Hi Bloggers,

What a farce Thai politics are! Prime Minister Samak showed great determination resisting the PAD, but then meekly went out to a court decree terminating his tenure simply because he took a small sum of money for appearing on a cookery show! Apparently this is illegal according to the constitution.

It'll be interesting to see what the next stage of the saga is, as the PPP say they plan to re-instate him. Will the PAD now vacate the government buildings or stay there just in case Samak returns?

Power's a strange game in Thailand! Who actually has it? I wonder.

Any comments, folks?

Cheers,
Rob

Unrest in Bangkok - PAD

Hi Bloggers,

Well, most of my blogs are about my travel experiences. However, I felt I should make some comment about the current political situation here in Bangkok, where a state of emergency has been declared, following the PAD's demonstrations and occupation of the government buildings.

I'm personally strongly against what the PAD are doing, as they're making an absolute mockery of democracy. No matter what the faults of the current government, they were democratically elected, fairly and squarely in what was generally regarded as a legitimate election last year. To just go on the streets like this and try and force change just because their party isn't in power is to reduce politics to mob rule. And this is definitely not what Thailand needs with its history of military coups. It is important that democratic processes be allowed to take root, ultimately for the benefit of all Thais.

On a more general note, I also think most of the anti Taksin feeling is largely political in nature. Actually, Thailand's economy boomed under him and he was certainly more than a competent leader. Regarding the corruption issue, he did nothing any other Thai politician wouldn't have done. Corruption is simply endemic to SE Asian politics. That's not to condone it, but the point is that he also did a hell of a lot of good for the country. He wasn't simply a guy out to fleece the nation, like Marcos of the Philippines, for example. Taksin genuinely cared about the welfare of Thais, particularly the rural poor.

So, all in all, sad times for Thailand at the moment. It'll be interesting to see how the current turmoil affects investor confidence and tourism.

Hope to get a few pics up soon.

Cheers,
Robert