When the rallies first started I made an effort to avoid them.  But after a few accidental crossing of paths my concerns lessened.  So today when I saw that the red shirts were doing a rally right near my place I decided to go and take some pics.  

They closed off most of Ploen Chit and Rachadamri and they put a big stage right in the middle of the intersection where Central World, Gaysorn, Erawan, and the police hospital meet.  There were very few farangs out and about but there were a fairly rare sight.  

I didn't really care.  Most of the people I saw smiled and were friendly enough.  One guy who looked like he was prepping for Songkran a little early with his face covered in white paste yelled out "Sawadee Khrap" to me and I returned the greeting which produced an ear to ear smile.  

I wandered right in front of the rally stage area and was crossing over near Central World when the crowd parted a bit and two Japanese gals immediately locked eye contact and approached me with map in hand.  The taller of the two said "Uh, excuse me, but do you know where Paragon shopping mall is."  They looked completely rattled by what was going on around them.  They're probably staying at the Erawan or Four Seasons and thought they would go out for a nice relaxing day of shopping.  

I almost laughed out loud but thought it might be rude.  I told her to keep following the street and it was about a 5 - 10 min walk but might be longer with all of the crowds.  They thanked me and cautiously made their way through the crowd.  :-)

they are gonna be disappointed .... Paragon's closed for the day !!!

but hey .... at least they got to meet U !!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot believe what you did, crazy mate........how could you not offer to personally escort the two japanese women to Paragon!

Dude yah 2 japanese girls?

Come on, all it takes it 3 shots of sake between them!

they ae blocking the road in front of my house. im officially stuck home cant go anywhere ughhh

It was March 12 when I saw them passed by our office went to the balcony took pictures of them and posted some on FB that alarmed some of my amigos and amigas! After that I was out of Thailand for two weeks time to time I try to be updated what's the latest as I'm always asked what's going on naturally because they know I live in Bangkok. Its all over the news imagine having dinner or lunch in a resto BBC/CNN or local Chinese TV news is on its eye catching specially that blood spilling!

But...but...last night it was a close encounter with them! It took me two damn hours going to Khaosan, I know...I know... I should have gone to other place but I was just invited and that's where they wanted to go. I was not surprised the taxi driver is a red supporter what annoyed me he did not listen to my suggestion that we should have gone this/that way to avoid traffic instead he brought me to the exact location of the mobilisation!!! I was left no choice paid him and slammed his door the worst he could ever heard I guess (sorry that was rude..I was out of control already) walk...walk...asked the policeman for direction I was lost! There was this red woman who was kind enough to help me and showed me directions she said if I go this way by walking it will take me only 30mins and the other way if I take taxi again probably an hour or so. Of course moto is on the rescue:) another red man helped me again he just whistled then here comes my moto ride!

Geez that was a night!

Noticed that I'm like Ciaran now...enjoying the !!!!!!!!!

Me and Sue miss your Fs we will go to PL tonight so if there any chance that you may be there too we wont mind that!

When I get mad at taxi drivers, I always just leave the door open when I get out, and leave, instead of slamming it. That way they have to get out of their taxi to close the door. A big inconvenience for them, and gets the point that I was mad across lot better. I've been cussed out by them for doing this, but I just smile at them, and walk on.......lol.

Not a funny days... Let's wait 'til morning...

Now where are the pictures (of the Japanese girls)?

I was so pissed. I have my computer set up to download all the pics off of my camera and then delete them on the camera. So . . . about 80% came out corrupted and since they were already deleted I couldn't get them back off the card. So I have to get a dedicated card reader for CFII cards and run one of those data retrieval programs on the disk to see if I can't get them back.

In the meantime, the reds protested again today so I went out and shot some more pics (which I'll post soon) just in case I can retrieve the other ones.

The reds were pretty friendly. Girls were offering me water off the back of a truck. People asked me to take their picture every few feet. Smiles everywhere.

I know some violence has been committed on behalf of the red shirts but for the most part the people at the rallies are pretty good natured folks.