Update from the scene
As soon as i heard the details, i grabbed the camera and jumped in a cab.
Once i had arrive, the military police were already starting to move everyone out of the way. I flashed the press pass and was allowed to stand closer to the parked tanks, whilst the general public were being moved.
All of a sudden a series of Mercedes drove in with various armed guards following. Once they were in the buildings the tanks moved and more armed guards stood their ground. I have to admit the mainstream media, including CNN, have gone overboard with the general mood. The area around the parliament is calm and the guards aren’t doing much in the form of stopping people from moving around.
Currently everyone is expecting it to be quiet until the morning, but that could change. I’ll post updates as i have them
Image Copyright Daniel Cuthbert © 2006
Update: 02:32am
Seems the British Foreign Office has issued a warning to all Britons to stay off the streets and avoid any crowds or demonstrations. I’m not sure if this is a general warning given when most foreign countries have coups, but i dont think it would help the general mood here.
The crowds have been growing and there is a talk of a curfew, yet i can’t see on in effect from here
Update: 04:03
there are small groups of mainly students chanting and cheering the fact that Thaksin is gone. i have been speaking to various people on the street and the general feeling is good. One elderly gentleman shouted “Thailand is now good” is Thai to me.
Update: 05:05
The major news networks are on scene now and have setup camp. They seem to have confirmed that bbc and cnn satellite feeds have been blocked from within Thailand.
Update: 05:44
Seems CNN can’t report on the truth, so they make it up instead. Inside the government compound, all roads have been sealed off with tanks, armoured humvee’s and APC’s. Contrary to CNN’s “Tanks are rolling through the streets of Thailand’s capital city..” story, that just isn’t the case at all. They are all stationary and most soldiers are catching up on some sleep or posing for pictures.
It seems that the foreign news agencies were slow off the mark on this one and we found 1 tv crew broadcasting from within the compound, and that was CNN.
Dan, hi! My name is Luciana, I am a journalist from Brazil and I would like to talk to you about what is hapenning in Thailand. Could you speak to me? If it´s possible, send me an e-mail to lmastrorosa@corp.globo.com. I´m working on a story about the political situation in Thailand, where the military has attempted a coup. I hope you can read this message and answer me. Thanks a lot, Luciana.
Careful out there. While, glad to hear its peaceful, things can change on a whim.
anything happening outside of Bangkok? I have a good friend out there but don’t want to call until the morning.
Take care.
Dan,
Thanks for the posts! You are our calmest and most up to date source right now; CNN and BBC seem to be adding a lot of Hollywood hype to the story.
You mentioned lack of access to CNN and BBC … can I help by forwarding info to you?
Phillip,
Currently I cant see that many branded foreign press. Sure there are a few of us photographers, but not many news crews.
I have the phone + grps and the net access is ok (for the meantime)
Thanks for the offer though
Thanks for keeping posted. I am folloing among others also 2bangkok.com. The situation IS NOT AS BAD as western media seems to be giving out.
Evidentally the British Foreign Office doesn’t know the situation on the ground. Lots of spooks running around tonight. Nothing better to do no doubt.
Charles Frith
Bangkok
Define spooks? What do these guys look/dress like? How can you tell?
Not sure which part Charles was in, but i didnt see that many farang’s in the area, so couldn’t confirm if they were spooks.
The Army was controlling who was going in and out, and luckily for me i was allowed in
Your blog is great in this moment of thai History.
I Hope that everything will be ok and with have this change without blood.
Thaksin will have to think about his country before himself if he wants to come back….
I think it will be better for everyone that he stay abroad.
Looking for a cheap holiday! and noticed Thailand is cheap! I have an interest in sunbathing and tank watching! any suggestions where i should go?