Hey bro,

You can actually get a train ticket from Singapore to Bangkok. I have heard that is is not that expensive. I think a Bangkok to KL ticket is like 100 US, and only take like 26 hours. But I am not sure. But just in case, this may be an option to look into.

I will be praying for your travel situation. But hey, aren’t these the things that make for great stories (after the fact), I can see it now… a chapter in your book called “Bombings, Protests and the Golden Gate Bridge: An Ode to my journey home” ha ha ha

Peace

we’re hearing tons about it. of course, we play closer attention than most ostriches. the general conclusion is that thailand is a joke of a country, which is a bit harsh but it is amazing that actions of that magnitude actually occur. have you seen oceans 13? think you were like the two guys in mexico, providing the extra spark toward rebellion that tipped the scale?

Latest excerpts from the AP, doesn’t look good right now:

Thai government demotes national police chief
By AMBIKA AHUJA and CHRIS BLAKE – 1 hour ago

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Thailand’s prime minister demoted the national police chief Friday after thousands of protesters occupied the capital’s airports in an anti-government campaign that has plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades.

The demonstrators stormed Suvarnabhumi international airport on Tuesday and took over the smaller Don Muang domestic airport a day later. The capital remains completely cut off from air traffic, stranding thousands of travelers and dealing a severe blow to the economy and tourism industry.

Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-Kau said National Police Chief Gen. Pacharawat Wongsuwan was moved to an inactive post in the prime minister’s office.

Nattawut declined to comment on the order, issued by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

It was not clear if Pacharawat was removed because police failed to evict the protesters, but it could be because he apparently made no attempt to negotiate a peaceful end to the crisis, as the government had asked.

In a televised address to the nation late Friday, Somchai made no mention of Pacharawat except to say “security forces will use peaceful means” to end the crisis.

“There will be negotiations and whatever else which are appropriate in the situation,” he said.

Despite his assurances, reporters saw a small buildup of forces near the airport. About 200 police, carrying riot gear and shields, were seen outside airport offices about 400 yards (meters) from the terminal where the protesters are camped out.

Dozens more police armed with assault rifles were deployed on the main road to the airport. Police set up barricades and at least one black police truck and several fire trucks were parked in the area.

Somchai had been working out of the former VIP lounge at the Don Muang airport, but the airport siege forced him to move his government to the northern city of Chiang Mai.

The protesters say they won’t give up until the government steps down.

“We are ready to defend ourselves against any government operations to get us out,” said Parnthep Wongpuapan, an alliance spokesman.

An air of festivity enveloped the protesters camped out at the ultramodern Suvarnabhumi airport. Many were sprawled out on the road near signs for different airlines where passengers are usually dropped off.

In front of the United Airlines sign, some women stir-fried vegetables in large woks on open propane gas stoves next to metal vats of iced juice. Nearby, a stage was set up on the back of a truck from where people sang songs, broadcast over a string of speakers. Trucks delivered food in boxes. A long queue formed at a stall giving away ice-cream cones.

“We need the food so people bring it. But we are not enjoying it even though it may look like a festival,” Lek Kriengkrairut, a 58-year-old construction contractor, said as she ate an ice-cream cone. She said she brought 200 blankets and 480 towels to give away.

The lack of use of force by the government and the firing of the police chief have raised doubts about whether Somchai has the support of the police and the army, a powerful institution that has traditionally played a key role in the country’s politics.

Army commander Gen. Anupong Paochinda has so far been neutral in the political turmoil, and even urged Somchai to call new elections, triggering speculation of a military coup.

The political crisis has battered the stock market, spooked foreign investors and dealt a serious blow to the tourism industry.

The Bangkok Post newspaper quoted experts as saying the damage from the airport shutdown could range between $3.7 billion and $6 billion if the standoff extends to December. The meeting and convention business has already suffered $310 million in losses, it said.

I’ve been watching TV this morning trying to get an update, but it’s nonstop Mumbai (which is also understandable). Sorry, nothing new to report.

Can you get decent coffee or tea where you’re staying in Nepal? Or have you been dipping into your stash of Indian saffron tea you wrote about earlier?

HEY.. stuck in new york, not bad to be stranded from my home land. to me.. if you can fly back to bkk…it will be ok that means i can fly back home too. nothing last forever, damn i wish it’s over now.
i think between us, we should be then return to bkk around the same time. the country now is damaged big time.
if you don’t need to hurry back home- bkk- for work or business. i would say .. chill out somewhere warm..new york is great but need some sunshine..
see you back home – bkk – soon…
good luck to thailand!
queenym

hey, looks like you’ll be able to fly through BKK again; just read the protest is over and they’re leaving the airport. Good luck!