Bangkok Shutdown Kicks Off; the newspaper unpacks: 10 pages
Bangkok Shutdown yesterday delivered two surprises: traffic was half as much as on a normal Monday and the stock market index rose 2,24 percent to 1.283,76 points.
Another piece of news, but this is buttery smooth: the government seems to be taking a more conciliatory stance. She has invited 'relevant individuals' to discuss the Electoral Council's proposal to postpone the elections.
Who those persons are, Suranand Vejjajiva, secretary general of the Prime Minister, will not say other than that they are persons from political parties, those against the elections and those who support the elections, including Prime Minister Yingluck and himself.
Action leader Suthep Thaugsuban rejects the offer. He said yesterday on the main stage of the protest movement moved to Pathumwan: 'We will fight until the game is over, until we know who won and who lost. This is the last round, which we give everything.'
Bangkok Post today allocates ten pages for Bangkok Shutdown: the front page consists of a large photo of the Pathumwan intersection completely filled with protesters, pages 2 to 7 are news pages, page 10 contains opinion stories and comments; the back of the first section provides a timeline from November 1, when the controversial amnesty proposal was passed, and the front page of the economics section discusses the impact on business.
There is no other news in the newspaper, which means that our daily news overview News from Thailand is no longer available. Yesterday's events have all been reported in the posting Bangkok Breaking – January 13, 2014. Today's events can be found in the post Bangkok Breaking – January 14, 2014, which is still virginally empty. But that will soon change, as the protesters rub the sleep from their eyes.
We don't know what today will bring. The UDD (red shirts) has set up four stages in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Ayutthaya. Chair Tida Tawornseth has called on her supporters to oppose "everything that is happening" and especially the possibility of a putch. The red shirts may also wear white clothing. Light a candle every day and speak up. Say you don't want a coup," Tida said.
(Source: Bangkok Post, January 14, 2014)
On January 12, I was present at the New Year's reception. The next day I had to go to Chiang Rai and I was advised to leave from my hotel on Sukumvit 4 hours before the flight. Called a taxi at 08.30 and at the airport at 09.15. No problems at all, neither on Sukumvit (5oo meters from Asok) nor on the road to Suvarnabhumi. It was a long wait at the airport, but a few overpriced daily specials eased the pain.
Hallo,
Am I now to understand that from Asok, Sukhumvit (with all its side streets and nightlife, is no longer accessible?
I understand that the situation can change at any time. But the maps distributed by Dick (tribute)
I read that I can't go out and reach my hotel (soi 11 sukhumvit)
Is my reasoning correct?
Sincerely,
Puwadech Salikorn
@ Puwadech Only the Sukhumvit-Asoke Montri intersection is blocked, but pedestrians can cross it via the walkway. Just drove down soi 11. It was very busy with tourists.