I guess I’m pretty lucky. I left Thailand when the protests were peaceful, when they resembled the aftermath of a Mardi Gras parade. I’m sad to see it up in flames. I’m sad to see so many of places I loved, so many wonderful memories, a blaze. I worry about my friends who are still there and my students who must not only live through this, but deal with the aftermath in a time in their lives when they’re concerns should be more innocent.
This video is of a mall complex, Siam Paragon/Central World, on fire. I know what your thinking, “isn’t it just a mall?” Well yes; but, it was also a symbol of Thailand’s economic evolution. And although it wasn’t a historical site or a grand golden wat, it was, and still is, an important place. For me it was a place I could go to people watch, window shop, see a movie, visit an aquarium, and generally have a relaxing good time with friends. To me it was a sign of Thailand’s growth; their ability to combine their own culture and ideals with that of a growing global environment. It was a small symbol of the merging of east and west.
January 20, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Hey Andrea.
I’m Ruth (from germany), and right now I live in Thailand, Samroiyod. I’m here as an exchange student in S.W.,i’ve stayed here for 6 months already.
and now i discovered your blog.
It’s fun reading the articles, and look at your pictures, because these persons on them are the ones i see every day here.
I just tipped ‘samroiyod witthayakhom’ in google, and your blog appeared.
So, i read that you want to go to the Oktoberfest in Bavaria? I also never went there, although I am German..
Greetings from Thailand, na
Ruth