A Return to Normality?

I have just finished going through the tweets from over night. No where as busy as the night before. Except for 1 or 2 fires, it appeared all was quiet on the "Bangkok Front". After the relative calm of yesterday, and what I have seen this morning, is the situation in Bangkok returning to "normal"? Let us hope so.

I suppose the biggest event yesterday was the clearing of the Pathum Wanaram. 6 bodies of protesters were found. There are claims of them being shot while entering the so called "Sanctuary". This has been a hot item. Both sides claim they have proof, each justifying their stance. Only time will tell. An official investigation will be conducted.

The Army has been quickly working to make the area safe. Quite a lot of arms and unexploded ordinance was discovered hidden behind the protester's barricades. Several of these were detonated in place. This cause some anxious movements as people thought it had all started again.

At some time last night, CNN made a video report about the King of Thailand. I didn't get to see it as it was pulled here in Thailand very quickly. From things I have read, it must have been extremely unflattering for the King.

A couple of tweets about it....
@RichardBarrow Has everyone seen the CNN America clip where they talk about the King. It is so lese majeste. They have no idea.
@RichardBarrow Youtube: This video [CNN story about Thai King] is not available in your country due to terms-of-use violation
@RichardBarrow The CNN video on the Thai King has now been banned in Thailand.

I should think that CNN will have a few questions to answer from the Thai Government about it.

Some friends of mine are leaving Bangkok today. 1 off to Japan and the other to Pattaya. They have fears and concerns for their safety. I wish them a safe journey. A little late perhaps, but they must do what they think it right.

Another friend returned to his apartment in the Red Zone. He was over the moon that it was unscathed. He intention was to stay there last night. A couple of SMS messages last night reassured me he was OK. Glad to be home, in fact.

Up to now, I have not been overly worried or frightened for the safety of my family. The most anxious time for us was as things got out of hand on Wednesday. Keeping a cool head and not panicking was paramount.

Being able to catch information via the internet was vital. The local news, cable networks etc were unable to provide timely updates. I praise and thank those who moved about the city providing these updates.

Lets take some time to think of those less fortunate than ourselves.

Photo: The Nation front page, May 21