democracy and STATIONERY

At lunchtime, my mom called and updated me on the nastiness at the parliament.

Around two, I surfed Bangkok Post, BBC, International Herald Tribune, and CNN so I would know what they said about the current situation in my city.

At 6.30 I read news on BBC about a car bomb that left one woman dead somewhere near where the police had clashed w/ the protesters.

At 7, I left work and headed for B2S at Central World Plaza. I spent more than a thousand Baht there for cute stationeries. Well, I just got promoted and the desk I’m assigned to needs Joe’s touch.

It was almost 10 pm when I got home. My husband cooked me dinner and we ate. Randy again was pissed at Thaksin for allegedly being behind this violence. He’d read somewhere that the ousted prime minister and his wife, Pojaman, are applying for political asylum in the UK and using this turmoil as ground for remaining there. I was pissed that I had to do the dishes after a long day at work.

Also, Randy updated me that Paul, our good friend, will be coming back from the UK to his life in the City of Angels. We’re so happy to hear his dad is doing well so our friend can be where he prefers to be.

Tomorrow, I’m gonna be busy “decorating” my desk and again dealing w/ colleagues who don’t seem happy w/ my new position. Whatever! Life goes on no matter what.

Riot police, tear gas, injured protesters, government house and parliament under siege, power struggle between old and new money, growing or crumbling “democracy,” dirty dishes after dinner, fan freaking tastic colleagues. Oh my gosh, I looove the fluorescent blue staples!!!

Joe

State of Emergency - What does it mean?

You probably have heard about it already. Bangkok is currently under siege of international press coverage.

It is sad that one person died and about fifty others got injured. It is even sadder that people who look just the same fought against one another. But it is the saddest that if you take any of them out for an interview, you might come to a conclusion that they don’t even know what democracy is.

Well, I’ve heard stories that both sides are paid.

If those stories turn out to be false, we might be able to take solace that this is part of growing. Democratic countries around the world have struggled before.

If those stories were true, let’s hope that the big guys behind the string know what emergency really means. At least in Bangkok’s case.

What emergency means is this - involved people need to realize faster than ray of light that we have too much to lose here. We can’t let this go on and on. Thailand really can’t afford that.

You know what you could do to help?

Do come to Bangkok as planned (if any.) Your presence will be a good reminder of all the good things that peace can generate.

If you’re concerned, look at the photo that I took, and you will see that Bangkok is like the ornate round table whereas the affected area is the glass of gin. Some people are just being drunk.

It is almost nothing in a grand scale. Come! We’ll treat you right.

Joe