Bangkok Revisited
As part of our sea voyage from Hong Kong to Singapore we spent a day and a half in Bangkok. The centre of continuing unrest, massive protests and a subsequent abortive general election, Thailand was the same wonderful place that we remembered from our four year term there.
A few passengers were a little apprehensive about visiting Thailand in the midst of unrest: when one can travel anywhere in the world, why look for trouble? We reassured everyone and pointed out that the violent demonstrations in 2011 were more serious. As ‘old Thai hands' we were not in the slightest bit concerned.
I addressed the South African/Thai Chamber of Commerce lunch on the subject of "South Africa - yesterday, today and tomorrow; a critical look by an analyst who remains an optimist."
Pam and I paid a courtesy call on the South African Embassy and received a great welcome from our staff. Laughter, tears and hugs; the Thais are the warmest, nicest people in the world (except when they talk politics) and it was an affirming experience to see them again after two years.
That evening we had a party for friends at Senor Pico, a Mexican restaurant at the Rembrandt hotel, scene of some very happy past times. After the personal greetings and the reminiscences, the Thai political situation was a major topic. People shook their heads, at a loss to say what should happen but certain the election three days later would solve nothing.