Travel & Humanitarian Photos
Supporters of exiled Thai Premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, known as “Red Shirts” began to gather in Bangkok today, beginning a series of protests aimed at unseating the current Government. A mass rally is planned for tomorrow, Sunday 14th, when organisers claim that over 100,000 anti-Government protesters will join the rally (see Bangkok Post).
Numbers were much lower than that today but there was still a sizeable crowd. The Red Shirts are clearly very well organised, having closed surrounding roads and set-up a large stage complete with sound and lighting and a fully-operational media centre. Further along the road, temporary toilets and showers have been erected and trucks filled with bottled water arrived throughout the day. It seems that they are determined to be here until their demands for fresh elections are met – or until they are dispersed by forces loyal to the Government.
There were very few soldiers or police in evidence today but those that were here were treated very amiably by the protesters. It still surprises me that Thais ever resort to violence against each another when their natural disposition seems to be so friendly. It will, I imagine, remain a mystery and I sincerely hope that the current situation is resolved without violence and as quickly as possible.
The atmosphere today was celebratory, almost carnival-like. There was plenty of music and although the song lyrics were unmistakably pro-Thaksin and anti-Government, everyone managed to have a good sing-along. As for tomorrow, well that’s another day…
A Red-Shirt protester joins the demonstration
Protesters hold a portrait of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra aloft
A protester carrying a banner showing ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who seems to have taken up baking
Red Shirts guards are tasked with keeping order
Behind the scenes, masked guards prepare for what seems to be the inevitable Government stand-off
Typically Thai, policemen guard the main road as a street vendor pushes her cart towards the gathered protesters
Protesting is tiring work. Red Shirts enjoy an energy-boosting noodle soup.
Noticing the sun in their eyes, a friendly Red Shirt protester gives waiting policemen a gift of free sunglasses
Policemen, now equipped with Red Shirt sunglasses, wait on the perimeter of the protest site
Red Shirt protesters arrive at the demonstration whilst the King of Thailand looks on in the background
Red Shirt protesters begin their siege of central Bangkok
A leader of the Red Shirt protesters addresses the crowds from the main stage
Stating the aims of the Red Shirt protests to the gathered crowd
A festival atmosphere prevails amongst the Red Shirt protesters, with children very much a part of the action
At this early stage, the protests feel more like a celebration than a demonstration
The sun sets on the first day of the Red Shirt protests
(I’m uploading these and several more hi-res images to my Photoshelter portfolio overnight)
Very good work. Not just the news pictures but creative as well.
Well done…
Prasanna
Wow, these are really captivating Gavin! Can’t wait for more!
Great shots Gavin. Looking forward to more.
Wonderful images. I am tempted to gout today myself and see what happens!
Marco, let me know if you’re going out, today is not going to be as festive as yesterday. There are green “Press” bandanas, I have a spare that you should wear.
Excellent work Gavin. How long do you expect the protests will continue?
jack
You know what it’s like Jack, completely unpredictable. The sense I got from listening to the organisers today is that they’re keen to make an impact as soon as possible, they don’t appear to be talking about a long-term sit-in. I think tomorrow will give us a sense of how long it will last. Also, I don’t think they have the numbers they were anticipating so perhaps not the strength to force a stand-off.
But what do I know? It’s all conjecture and guesses and nobody can predict what will happen. Thinking of bringing your flight forward?
I wish I could but I am locked into my work schedule this week. Be safe.
jack
[...] he continued his series on the Red Shirt protest here in Bangkok. You can find his wonderful images Day 1, Day 2 and Day [...]