Protests

I don't know if there has been any news back in the States, but the protests have started in Bangkok again and this time they're a bit worse. Latest news says that there are 2 dead & 358 injured during riots yesterday. (This is all taking place in Bangkok, which is a 10 hour bus ride from my site...and everything is calm & quite up here.)


Peace Corps is wonderful about keeping us safe. We are constantly getting emails & text messages telling us what's happening & they are not afraid to restrict travel (it happens quite often actually). Usually when they restrict travel, they say that we should stay away from Bangkok (it's usually Bangkok) unless for Peace Corps events, meetings, or pre-approved travel (so you can still go, you just have to make sure Peace Corps knows & you can't go to certain areas in the city). This time, they have said that we have to stay away unless for medical emergency.


The problem is that the protests are taking place right next to the Peace Corps offices. One of the volunteers called the med office yesterday to ask a question, and was told that things were crazy over there...helicopters flying overhead & soldiers releasing tear gas. We got an email from our Country Director last night saying that the US Embassy asked them not to open the offices today as a precaution. I hope things get resolved soon...and that no one else gets hurt.


This does bring to mind the upcoming election in the States. These people are fighting for the government they want...we should do the same. Come election day - GO OUT AND VOTE!!! I did...

P.S. For more info on what's happening here in Thailand, visit: http://www.bangkokpost.com/index.php