Bangkok Bank on Rama 4

Here's one more video that shows the bank nearby that was torched. I took this video between the Rama 4 and Suanben Park videos (just had trouble uploading it last night.)



One thing I learned from being out yesterday was how easy it is for information to be exaggerated or miscommunicated. For instance, I had heard that the Tesco Lotus on Rama 4 had been torched. It in fact wasn't. I heard there was looting at the Carrefour. There were no signs of looting. I think both instances were situations where people were panicking and jumping to conclusions before checking the source. I actually felt a lot better seeing things with my own eyes so I know what really happened.

However, I don't think I need to see the Central World shopping mall burnt to a crisp to believe that. That was the best mall in Bangkok and I'm sure the most visited. A Gap had just opened there, the first one in Bangkok. I was really excited. (Fortunately there's one that opened at the mall nearby.) The loss is incredible and it will take a long time for people to recover from all this.

I really think it's changed Thailand permanently. Thai people have always been known for their friendliness and kindness. And they always had a deep love and respect for their king. That trust seems to be damaged. I guess we'll see the long-term affects of this in time. But one thing is for sure, the face of Thailand has changed.

Check out this article in the Bangkok Post. It has some good photos and a map showing the affected areas. I live on Sukhumvit Soi 22 between Suhkumvit Road and Rama 4. You can locate that on the 2nd map.