The holidays in Thailand are very, very, very similar to the holidays everywhere else around the world. Even though this is not a Christian dominated country, there is plenty of holiday cheer to go around. Why?
Well, if you look where most of the decorations are located, malls and high-end hotels, you can probably figure it out (without being too cynical!). The almighty dollar calls. Outside of these places you are hard-pressed to find even a whisper of the holiday season. If you do find anything, it is inevitably New Year's stuff.
I am looking forward to spending my second holiday season in Bangkok. Last year we had bombs to help celebrate the New Year. Will there be any unexpected fireworks for this new year???? I sure hope not. I plan to go to the most popular gathering spot to bring the new year in (think Bangkok's times square).
The election takes place today. Will there be fireworks from that? Things have been fairly stable under the military run government, so I sure hope the newly elected team can equal or exceed that.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Happy New Year 2007 / 2550
Buddhists are celebrating year number 2550, while Christians are celebrating 2007. Take your pick. Either way, I wish you the very best in health, love, and happiness for this year.
The year started somewhat ominously here in Bangkok. There were a series of small bombs that were exploded in mostly unpopulated areas on New Years Eve. 2 people were killed. Though some speculate that this may be the Muslim separatists moving into BKK for the first time, I honestly believe this is the work of Thaksin's supporters. They are still unhappy with the coup and the resulting loss of income from lucrative corruption deals so they hired some goons to cause a little chaos to unsettle things a bit. It worked as all the festivities were cancelled for the night.
Security has been beefed up in the capital city. Just yesterday I went to TESCO and passed several army guys armed with machine guns. It was a bit strange, but a sign of the times. When will we learn that violence only begets violence?!!!!?
From the work side, things are starting VERY slowly this year. Somewhat by design, I've managed to have a light schedule in January. I will be doing some travelling after all the bowl games are over (middle next week.)
I have decided to use google's picasa for all my photo needs, so you can view my photos at this website anytime. I will keep it updated: http://picasaweb.google.com/davidlenhart
The year started somewhat ominously here in Bangkok. There were a series of small bombs that were exploded in mostly unpopulated areas on New Years Eve. 2 people were killed. Though some speculate that this may be the Muslim separatists moving into BKK for the first time, I honestly believe this is the work of Thaksin's supporters. They are still unhappy with the coup and the resulting loss of income from lucrative corruption deals so they hired some goons to cause a little chaos to unsettle things a bit. It worked as all the festivities were cancelled for the night.
Security has been beefed up in the capital city. Just yesterday I went to TESCO and passed several army guys armed with machine guns. It was a bit strange, but a sign of the times. When will we learn that violence only begets violence?!!!!?
From the work side, things are starting VERY slowly this year. Somewhat by design, I've managed to have a light schedule in January. I will be doing some travelling after all the bowl games are over (middle next week.)
I have decided to use google's picasa for all my photo needs, so you can view my photos at this website anytime. I will keep it updated: http://picasaweb.google.com/davidlenhart
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