Dear The Star,

I'm stationed here in Bangkok, along the Ratchadaphisek Road (nearly central).

Though I came to work here in the morning after the state of emergency was declared - I find nothing has changed.

The trains are still working normally (packed as usual), stalls still open and lots of people about. If I wasn't informed of the state of emergency, I would not have known it.

I just looked out my building window today (12pm in Bangkok) - saw that traffic is as normal, except for a few police stationed on the road towards central Bangkok (see pixs in Star Gallery). However, traffic flow is still normal, though I see them checking a few random motorcyclists.

Dr Natasha Lee
Bangkok

Dear The Star

I am a Malaysian and have been based in Bangkok for the last 2 years.

After the State of Emergency decree made by the Prime Minister today at 7am, it seems that the situation is calm but tense.

My colleagues are at work as usual but they have also received news or rumours, that there would be public disruptions from State Enterprise Labour Union groups, which include the Utility companies and also the Aviation Industry.

These strikes are due to happen tomorrow (Wednesday) and would probably cause disruption to public services such as the bus and train pucblic transport system.

This morning upon hearing the news, I have called the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and have been informed that there is no official statement from our goverment to our Citizens here in Bangkok because although it is a State of Emergency here, no curfew has been imposed.

The officer that I was speaking to requested me to leave my contact details in order to be contactable if there are any updates on the current situation. He further advised me to stay at home as far as possible.

My advise for fellow Malaysians is to contact the Malaysian Embassy and leave your contact number so that they can contact you if necessary. Stay away from the affected areas in Sanam Luang as this is the hot zone.

Having said this, the situation is not as bad as it looks. I am based in the Ekkamai area and it's pretty much a normal day with a bit less traffic on the roads. I will update on the situation from time to time.

Best regards,
Jonathan Lee

Dear The Star

It looks like the situation is under control in Bangkok in areas that are relatively distanced from the protests rally sites, but the pretense of calm and normality is apparent.

I've been based in Bangkok for almost 2 years already and the current situation is worst than the situation after the coup (2006).

Everyone at work now is aware of the intensity of the upcoming problems that most of us foresee escalating as even the political analysts and academicians are stumped on any possible diffusion to the current political crisis that is gripping Thailand.

Many Thais somehow or other are getting caught up with the situation, I would say that there's the following ratio of opinions ongoing amongst Bangkokians now 30% PAD; 30% Pro-Government; 40% Fence Sitters.

But life goes on as usual just like Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej informed, at least for now.

Alex Teoh
TMG

Dear The Star

I am a Malaysian and my office is located at Silom Road, right in the heart of Bangkok. Soon after the Thai PM declared emergency rule, most schools around Bangkok. especially around the Government House have closed till further notice. I could see hordes of school children being led out by their parents from the school near my hotel around 8.30am local time.

However,while I was on my way to the office, I noticed the road side hawkers still continuing to serve customers and prepare meals.

The whole of Silom Road, which I can see from my office is still busy with cars, taxis, buses at 10.15am local time. People are still going about doing their chores. You don't feel that Bangkok is under a state of emergency.

I was here when army staged the coup in Sept 16, 2006. The situation back then was slightly different as that morning itself, the whole of Silom Road was empty.

raychee
Bangkok