Supposed stress-free Sunday

As Thailand experiences a political turmoil, the streets in Bangkok have witness mass protest from the democratic-seeking citizens and opposition. The peaceful protests have gathered much pace and last week's numbers stood close to 100,000 demonstrators. Many wore yellow, as a symbol against the interim government, respect for His Majesty the King, and democracy.

So on Sunday, I took the Metro to see mumsy for a spot of lunch and catch up. As I got down to head into The Emporium, a whole bunch of people were shouting "Thaksin Get Out!" at the entrance leading to the complex. Security were standing guard to prevent them from entering its premises and as I made my way thru the crowd, said personnel stopped me thinking I was a protester myself. I then realized I was wearing a YELLOW Polo shirt!

They turned me away even when I flashed them a privileged card as a member of the complex rather than a protester, but was still denied entry. I was absolutely furious. It wasn't really directed towards the security team, but to the protesters for making shoppers and patrons lives difficult. I am for democracy, but go stage your protests elsewhere, people are trying to have a leisurely weekend without any tension or drama.

Not wanting to be lynched by the mob, I kept quiet but told the complex's staff to take care of its patrons from the demonstrators. The main entrance was heavily guarded by police personnels, denying entry to protesters. Finally I was able to enter its premises after some reasoning with the authorities. What a Sunday! At least catching up with mum over lunch and tea was very satisfying indeedy. Been a long time since we both had time for each other.

However, on Wednesday around the same number of them will protest around my office and thank god I'm off to Malaysia early in the morning. I pity the upmarket shopping mall Siam Paragon, they are going to have huge throngs of protesters walking in and out of their establishment. Not exactly a comfort for shoppers locally and foreign.

Life is Beautiful

I've been laid low recently by a stomach bug. I suspect the culprit to be the seafood dinner together with close friends.

So lately I've been travelling a bit especially outside Bangkok to the new facility. Its been good getting out of the city and getting in touch with nature. I made sure I stayed awaked - yes I fall asleep everytime being a passenger - to witness the cows grazing by the side of the road, and the never-ending stretch of both salt and shrimp farms. Ratchaburi is a small town a little more than an hour from Bangkok, renowned for its floating market in the mornings crowded with tourists and locals.

The new facility is actually 45 minutes away from the town center. So you can imagine traffic is quite bare around the factory. Behind the plant is a river, that connects to the floating market and it is just serene. Picture just spending the day sat on a wooden hut built by the river, feet dangling above the water waiting for a bite on the self-made fishing rod, while listening to nature with a beer-filled icebox sitting beside you.

I spent a good ten minutes just letting my imagination run havoc.

I can only describe it with my vision, but you should really see it in person. The camera ran out of battery before I could take any of the river behind. If you can't find me at the factory, check by the hut. You may just see me sleeves folded, pants rolled up, tie loosely done and a face wide with a smile.

our raw material

shining through

coconut farm

Looking out

Argh !

I'm pissed...

I dropped my pen in a cab....

After a reunion with former uni mates....

It was a gift from a Hong Kong client.........

And it was a Mont Blanc...