I don't understand the Thai security system

Saturday 11th April, 2009

There were a total of 3 of us over in Pattaya by the time I got there.

Sakchai, our Thai photographer tells me "maye-e, thong chai helmet na.. last year, pom maidai sai helmet... a rock hit my head.. Mai bpen lai bullet.. te wah rock antaria gua kup."

Basically asking me to wear the helmet provided by the police because there's nothing worse than flying rocks. Nevermind the bullets but the rocks!?! haha.

You know, shooting protests and demonstrations is harder than it seems. When I was younger, I would say that in situations like these, it's so easy to get pictures. Close your eyes and shoot, pictures are everywhere. But over this trip, I was humbled. Its so hard. Demonstrations are fun. Its expressive, explosive and drama. A photographer's dream.. But when you come across a group of angry thais, who've been out drinking all night and day, you worry. It is Songkhran... the water festival or Thai new year. People drink all day, get high, and then come to these demonstrations. They can't tell you apart from friend or foe. Now that's the scary part.

Anyways.

soldier remove razor wire so protesters can walk through

This was when things started to get really bizarre. I come from Singapore where even the thought of starting a protest can get you arrested. Over there, the Army were moving the razor wire and barricades to allow protestors into the hotel premises. They were practically useless. It got to point where the protestors moved towards the last check point. And still they let them in.. visually, there were no efforts in trying to stop these reds. It was just a matter of time before they broke into the hotel itself. And they did. You could see them pushing their way, sqaushing the pathetic line of guards into the glass, the glass just started bending and bending til it popped and in they ran, through the whole meeting venue, looking for Abhisit, tearing up the place.. but still no action from the police. The leaders had to be evacuated in helicopters from the hotel roof.. It looked like a scene from Vietnam. Sheesh. It just left EVERYONE puzzled what this Army was doing.. plus, there were negotiations. Everytime they finish negotiating, the check point would open up.. I know Thailand is crazy, but even crazy i can normally understand. This just seemed too surreal...