This article was originally posted on WomenLearnThai.com.
Here is a short update…
At the moment we have power most of the time. There have been only a few blackouts so far. Mobile phone signal is off mostly and the internet signal is very unstable. Lots of interruptions – sometimes for hours. Water is still running with few interruptions.
Our neighborhood is completely sealed off with the army’s “Live Fire Zones”. The government reported that 32’000 troops are controlling the area and they have got the order “shoot to kill”. The government has confirmed today that the troops are authorized use live ammunition and to shoot anyone approaching them closer than 30m.
We have absolutely no way of getting out without risking our lives.
Going near those army checkpoints is a Russian Roulette. There have been 24 deaths and about 180 injured so far in the last two days. I’m afraid that the real number might be much higher.
There have been 24 deaths and about 180 injured so far in the last two days. According to various international media reports all deaths were unarmed civilians.
No supplies of food or anything else is coming into our neighborhood; we are now living of our reserves.
Yesterday and until the early morning hours we could hear nearly constant gunfire and some louder explosions from different directions. We haven’t slept properly for many days now.
Right now it’s quiet – what an incredible relief!! Let’s hope it’s not the calm before the big storm! The only threatening thing that can be seen right now is black smoke coming from around Lumpini Park.
We keep praying for the best.
Best regards,
Bernd Mechsner
flickr: Ratchaprasong
ThaiVisa: My Neighborhood Under Siege: Ratchaprason
Martyn, you are correct. After a tense two days with no word from Bernd, he contacted me late last night with an update (as before, photos are included). I have the post coded in and I’m now getting the photos online too. I will go live sometime this evening.
Thanks for the birthday wishes. I’ve had to postpone celebrations, so there is still that to look forward to. It might be a bit of a wait as I’m not in a celebrating mood.
I’m safe. Ta. I live far enough away from the fighting to be relatively safe, but close enough to worry.
Skimming through your latest post, you came closer to the battles (I’ve been a mere chicken on a hot tin roof).
Bernd – Another great on the spot report from Ratchaprasong, I didn’t realise you were that close to the event. You’re literally sat on the rally stage.
Now the red shirts have ended the rally I hope everything gets back to normal as quickly as possible although that could be a while. You should at least sleep better now.
I look forward to an update from you on life after the dust has settled. I’m sure you and Catherine are planning that one.
Catherine I hope you are safe and sound and belated Birthday wishes to you on a birthday that must have been so different to any you have experienced before.
Hi Lana, I’m safe but I have been unable to contact Bernd, who has been living in Ratchaprasong. Two emails so far… nadda. It is a worry.
.-= Catherine Wentworth´s last blog ..Jaideetv: From Thailand to the World =-.
How are you doing now? I hope you found safe passage out of there, or at least are staying safe where you are now. Take care!
Tony, thanks for the Happy Birthday wishes 🙂
Talen, it is scary knowing that I’m right down the road from snipers. That was a senseless killing (are any ever otherwise?) I hope all of this is over by the time you arrive in Bangkok.
Cat, this post really makes me worry for you…please stay safe and away from windows and balconies. A man was killed on a balcony not far from you just the other day.
BTW Happy Birthday! 😉
Thanks Tony 🙂 Bernd doesn’t want to leave as he’s been there ten years. I wouldn’t want to leave my condo and go to something strange either. As long as he has food and water he’ll be safe. And he’s good to go for a week.
While I wouldn’t want to leave home, I couldn’t imagine living there in all that noise and pressure. Bernd is a patient man.
Fantastic post Catherine! I remember asking Sean Boonpracong about the effect that the protests were having on the citizens of Bangkok. He gave a rather strange response that the people should come down to see the protest as it’s an interesting tourist attraction. This post shows how detrimental these protest are to the residents of that area. I hope these people can make it out ok.
.-= Tony´s last blog ..Is Thailand headed for civil war? =-.
Btw – for anyone needing to follow the hot spots, check out Richard Barrow’s Bangkok Dangerous Map.
This just in on twitter @georgebkk: Anyone within Bon Kai, Lumpini or Rajprarop that needs help, Nation will help coordinate. Call 02-3383677 & 02-3383246
It’s worth a shot…