Protest Rally in Bangkok, NBT TV station seized

Today is a big day for PAD (People's Alliance for Democracy). They have blocked major roads into Bangkok and surrounded the Government House. They are all over the place now. Thousands are rallying in the capital to push Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign.


(Photo credit: Manager Online)

Thai media say about 60 men, covered their faces with black pieces of cloths and dressed in black t-shirt and jeans, stormed into National Broadcasting Television (NBT), formerly Channel 11, a government-held television station in Bangkok at 05.30 am this morning, forcing it off the air. They managed to break police corridor to enter compound of NBT, cutting off its electricity, and suspended all broadcast programs.


(Photo credit: AFP)

The NBT briefly showed images of protesters breaking down a barrier at their Bangkok headquarters before blacking out. The station is now showing pre-recorded footage.

Sondhi Limthongkul, leader of a coalition of anti-government groups, told protesters gathered at a different Bangkok location that they had seized the channel.

"Now we have completely taken over NBT and I want more people to join them," Sondhi said.

Witthayu Road sidewalk replaced at last

Finally, the sidewalk of Witthayu (Wireless) Road has been repaired and ready for Web 2.0 a brisk walk after so many days of repair work. Earlier the footpath was quite damaged and on several occasions I had to bear the sight of women walking on their high heels trip over or have their stilettos stuck in between grids, cracks or sewer cover holes.

These pavements used to suck all the way up to All Season's Place, which reminds me of their website which looks really cheap, unlike their rental rates. Witthayu Road is a prime location in Bangkok's CBD, with the landmark All Seasons Place which is a hi-class and luxurious residential, corporate and hotel complex.

The pavement used to be so bad right from the exit of the overhead foot-bridge from BTS Ploenchit. Most people getting off the BTS Skytrain would wait for the All Seasons Place (Conrad) free shuttle bus service to get there. Since I'm a really fast walker, I don't have the patience to wait for the free shuttle bus, so I prefer walking especially if I'm late.

In the picture below you can see a lady sweep the sidewalk while a farang walks by


A Caution warning sign below near a pile of sand

Sidewalk repair in progress in Klong Toey

A Bangkok sidewalk repair work is in progress as cement is laid to patch up broken tiles and manholes. The pavement is entirely sandy and a bit wet from last night's heavy rain, which left many worms & centipedes homeless and forced evacuation of some of Bangkok's elite frogs.

Nike or Adidas sneakers, which one to buy?

I've been looking around Bangkok for Nike and Adidas running shoes as my Puma is wearing out. I've been to Central Department Store, Robinson, The Mall, Seacon, Super Sports, Sports World, FBT Sports, and some other places too but I haven't found an impressive pair so I have yet to buy one. All these places have lots of running shoes but I don't see that much variety under Nike and Adidas. They also have lots of other brands like Reebok, Puma, Diadora, and stuff.

There was a "Adidas Grand Sale 2008" in Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in March but the sneakers there were not cool. I'm wondering if there is going to be a Nike grand sale somewhere. I am more impressed with Nike shoes now.

I have a list of sneakers below which I'm trying to locate but so far I have only been able to spot Nike Shox, Nike Air Max, and Adidas MegaBounce.



Below are some of my favorites:

Nike Shox Turbo VI



Nike Shox Turbo VI



Nike Air Max 180 III



Nike Air Max Turbulence



Nike Impax Tomahawk



Nike Shox Saya



Nike Shox Experience



Adidas MegaBounce 2008



Adidas Redwood Trail



Adidas Response Trail



Adidas Supernova Cushion




Adidas Supernova Trail

College dude with a Mickey Mouse tin

I've seen Disney merchandise on children, women, and even some men. Mickey Mouse t-shirts, bags, belts, coats, purses, and even a Mickey leather jacket. But this is the first time I'm seeing a young male university student walking around holding a Mickey Mouse tin on his way to college early in the morning. I wonder what's inside it maybe some chocolates? But it sure looked damn colorful!

It's a week before Christmas and maybe I'll get one of those for Christmas giveaways!

Is there always light at the end of the tunnel?

There is usually light at the end of the tunnel, and to check this out I take a lonely walk down a Bangkok subway tunnel.

It's bright enough outside...


Still bright, as I approach the tunnel...


It's getting darker inside, but its quite cool in here, literally...


Wow it's pretty brightly lit and my hands are turning yellow now, but I can well see light at the end of the tunnel...


Hey light, here I come! Phew, that was quite a long tunnel for a pedestrian!

Wheelie bag dude walks to church

Flooded Bangkok streets, it rained really hard last week

It rained heavily in Bangkok last week and the week before that. Drizzling almost every day at different times of the day and night, the weather's been pretty gloomy. Many streets were flooded upto knee high in various parts of Bangkok thereby worsening the traffic situation. Lots of garbage floating around everywhere.



It was fun anyway to get the feet soaked in the cold water the next morning, walking through the floods at snail's pace.

Going down the subway drenched

It rained heavily yesterday evening followed by some real traffic, had to take a drenched walk down Bangkok subway.

Big Boy and his little toys

In the subway on Monday evening, saw this big teenage boy walking with his big black bag on his back full of toy keychains hanging around with some aliens, monsters, dolls, and the guy was in his own happy world. Pretty fashionable guy, with his hair permed blonde, orange t-shirt, 3/4 denim pants.

Teenage boys seems to love little toys these days. Many prefer going in for tattoos, earrings, and all kinds of facial rings. They're all moving far away from the boxing rings and more towards being metrosexual.

Keep walking

Keep walking, as its great for your health