EDIT: I don't think this is true, but it gave me a good excuse to use a funny picture of Thaksin.
The rumour now is that Thaksin landed on Koh Chang in a helicopter. If this is true then it can only lead to the situation in Thailand further deteriorating. It is just a rumour at this stage, but who knows — maybe he's there to lead the revolution. Or perhaps he's just come to chill out.
I normally try and refrain from using words such as "chaos" and "disarray" when talking about Thailand because the media has a habit of painting an unrealistic picture. However, in this instance, I don't know how else to describe the situation. If you want to keep up with what's happening live, visit Bangkok Pundit. Also, log on to Twitter and follow Andrew, Newley, Sajal, Stuart, Rikker, ThaiCoup.
What's happening in Thailand now is beyond what happened during the coup of 2006. It may even be beyond the airport closures. It's difficult to tell right now. There's a state of emergency in five provinces. The maddest thing I've read thus far is this from Nation:
Jatuporn Promphan Sunday urged red-shirted protesters to rise up against the government and attack Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban as first sight.
If I'm not mistaken, that's a former Thai Rak Thai member telling anti-government protesters to attack the prime minister.
It looks very much as if the army is going to act soon. There are already unconfirmed reports of protesters being killed.
Dating in Thailand never struck me as being that much different from back home. Although my Thailand dating days may be over for the time being, I sometimes think back to those times and smile. The large number of Thailand dating websites perhaps bears testament to the fact that there are hordes of women in Thailand looking for a date.
It’s a strange situation. These Thailand dating sites are filled with Western men and Thai women. But everybody is looking for love. I think I can perhaps relate to this with my experiences of dating in Thailand. When I think back to those times, it usually didn’t take many dates before I found myself with a new girlfriend.
I’ve been watching Sex and the City recently and finding it amusing how different the dating game in New York is (at least on television) compared to Thailand. I didn’t really get into dating in Phuket when I was there, but it seemed to be much the same thing, only people have a lot more money in Phuket than they do in Bangkok.
Perhaps when I’m older I’ll return to the Land of Smiles and jump straight back into the Thailand dating game, but for now, it’s all a bit too much.
Sad news today. Thai Rath reporter Thongtuan Sukmuang, who was also president of the Phuket Reporters’ Club, died today when the minivan he was travelling in blew a tire and overturned in Narathiwat. Four other Thai Rath reporters were also killed in the accident.
Khun Thongtuan was a familiar face all over Phuket and he will be missed.
Not only did Andy Murray make a remarkable comeback from two sets down to claim victory over Frenchman Richard Gasquet, but Thailand's own Wimbledon hope, Tamarine Tanasugarn, upset world No. 2 Jelena Jankovic to make it through to the quarter-finals. Making the achievement even more remarkable is that she did it in straight sets.
Jankovic was on a mission to claim the world No. 1 spot. The story doing the rounds this morning is that Jankovic had never even heard of Tamarine. Now we have a hell of a match lined up for tomorrow as Tamarine will take on defending champion Venus Williams.
Andy Murray has an even bigger challenge ahead of him as he prepares to face off against Rafael Nadal.
