The 100,000-plus political demonstrators in Bangkok greet us with smiles, handshakes and cell phone photo requests. As far as we can surmise, the urban middle-class believe that the prime minister is corrupt and should resign. The rural majority support the current regime.
Protesters close down major streets in Bangkok
The energy of this crowd reminds Mare and I a little of Carnival in Rio. We get caught up in the high energy and cheer on the protesters with high-fives. Later, we question the wisdom of engaging in such activity in a foreign land. Touring a Thai jail is not part of the travel plan.
Ron connecting with the people
Actually, we fear the Komodo Dragons more than anything else thus far. They swim and crawl around the numerous natural canals that flow through Bangkok.
Komodo Dragon – check out that tongue!
This massive city of monasteries, palaces, and world commerce is full of streets lined with food vendors. We could stay longer for the food alone, but are itching for the island beaches.
Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace
Now we’re talking…lounging poolside near jungle-covered limestone cliffs. Down here in Ao Nang, things are much more laid back, and it’s always beer-thirty. Some folks call Ao Nang the “poor man’s Phuket” because it is much the same, but smaller and cheaper.
Mare enjoying the pool at the Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort
Tourists roam the sidewalks that are lined with restaurants, guesthouses and a plethora of shops. Cover music blares in the many bars, and I even hear a Muzak version of “Cat Scratch Fever.”
Just another day at the beach
Time to burn off the breakfast buffet with a walk along the beach, where monkeys frolic and longboats bob in Andaman Bay.
Andaman Coast
Oops…we stumble upon a gauntlet of Thai Massage specialists. “Massage? Do you want massage?” Yeah, Baby, rub that coconut oil all over my body.
The kind of gauntlet I am happy to run
A man motions for me to remove my shorts. Then, I start to remove my underwear and he enthusiastically stops me. “Sorry, I’m new at this,” I tell him.
Oops!
Mare opts for the Aloe Vera rub. She also insists upon both of us getting a major foot scrubbing. Hmm…who would ever think that sandpaper could tickle so much? And we’re just scratching the surface. by Ron Mitchell
I find it interesting that the protester’s T-Shirt was in English. And Komodo dragons will always remind me of The Freshman, with Marlon Brando and Matthew Broderick.
Man, I love your blog….
Sounds pretty fun!
Thanks Marti, I’m glad you enjoy it, Marti. Those shirts are for sale all over Bangkok.
We are enjoying things so far.
Love your stories and photographs.
Thanks for taking the time to send kind words, Tammy. We love that you love it! Ron
Getting put in a Thai jail might not be much fun, but it had to be cool to see the protest.
Yes, to feel the enthusiasm on the street, and being welcomed with smiles was very cool. We just hope to not have been placed on some sort of “list!”
Understandable, but I don’t think the Thai government is organized enough to put you on a list. Not sure when you wrote the post, but there was a coup and now the military is in charge promising election in the future, but nobody knows when.
We we’re there about two years ago when things just started, shortly before any violence erupted. They found democracy to be corrupt…imagine that.