My friend Phanat is living and teaching in Bangkok at the moment and sent this map and description of the political unrest there at the moment. He's a designer and architect and is teaching at Chulalongkorn University in the International Program in Design & Architecture. I think he gives a poignant view here that goes nicely with what I am listening to on WNYC right now on the BBC World Report.
Dearest Friends and Relations,
If you've been following the news in Southeast Asia lately, then you've probably heard of the political turmoil and chaos that has been brewing in Bangkok for the past 6 weeks. Over the past few days the violence has reached very dangerous levels. The media has shown many images of the clashes between the military and the red-shirt protesters. I've received many messages of concern from many of you. I write to assure you that I am safe and well. I've attached a map showing the distance between the embattled zone and my apartment (approximately 5 miles). The green and blue lines show my usual commute walking and on the BTS skytrain. The school I teach at is at the edge of the red-shirt "controlled" zone. Life outside the red-zone has been very quiet and for the most part has been normal. . . so mom, aunts and uncles - stop calling me at 6:00am in the morning to tell me to get on a plane. I'm fine.
The semester ended last week and we are on a quick break before summer classes start next week. During all this I've been staying inside my apartment, ordering delivery pizza and going to the mini-mart in my building for daily essentials. I've had time to finally catch up on many projects that have been put-off to the side. But staying inside all-day by yourself can get kinda boring.
The most frustrating aspect of this has been the instability and uncertainty surrounding the future of Thailand. It makes it so difficult to teach, do my job, and plan ahead. I've had to cancel classes on several occasions and reschedule to meet in public places like Starbucks and high-end shopping malls. Many of my students do not show up to these meetings or even regular classes because the situation has prevented them from leaving the house. I've already announced my pending resignation if the situation here does not improve by the time I must review and renew my contract which will be soon. As of now, I see no end to the madness in sight.
Posted via email from Things I like this week
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