Jon Katherine,,
I would assess personal risk in Bangkok and Pattaya as moderate. Please read on.
A state of emergency is declared in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut, Prakan, Pathumthani, Nakhon, Prathom, Ayudhaya, Pattari, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. If I wasn't being paid to go there, then to me a 'moderate' risk is unacceptable.
The red-shirts 'uprising' seems large and co-ordinated, I agree not aimed at tourists at present.
Forgive me but I do not know and so, do not trust your 'intrepid leader'. DO NOT follow advice that may be financially beneficial for the advisor.
BE AWARE - that gathering in groups of 5 is now illegal in large parts of Thailand; SO which 4 of your group does your 'intrepid leader' choose to look after in Bangkok and who looks after the rest of you?
Bangkok train station is closed, the intl airport is open and transit traffic has no risks at present.
Read the FCO's advice at www.fco.gov.uk where they give province by province advice and specific avoids.
My mind will be at ease when you independantly have fully assessed the situation and risks and have a plan that minimises risks to you n Katherine. Life is all about adventure and the odd scrape is good to look back on, but stay safe tinkers.
love dad
Jon
Hi Dad,
Had a look at the BBC News website. Agree that there is civil unrest but is focussed on the military and I am sure we woulkd be safe in Bangkok. I will endevour to leave there asap though if it will put your mind at ease. We are being briefed tomorrow by our interpid leader, will keep you updated. lots of love
Dad
Hi Tinkers,
just a quicky, not sure what your and Pat's meet up plans are. Avoid Bankok, major civil unrest, do not go there, cancel plans if required.
Will try and brief more over next day or so.
love dad
Dad
Tinkers,
pleased to hear all's well with you's, sounds a top adventure, some of it eye opening, pesky genocide n'all.
Now up home on the beach at Newbiggin, life's peachy. Wandered up here via Sherwood Forest as Karin wanted to see bleurks in green tights, we stayed at Edwinstowe and pottered to a top niteclub (in a small village) - imagine Royston Vasey - "you'll never leave" and yer not far wrong, had our backs to the wall and an eye on the nearest exit, made it to the take away safe n sound tho'.
Strolled around the Major Oak - quite a fat tree and shot a few squirrels for tea (grey, not native red - not much eating on a red squirrel) then meandered up to Northumberland.
Off to Lumsdon Law the morra at Carter Bar to restake claim and get a bottle of my water for malt purposes.
Then fishin hard in Teesdale for rest'o'week, probably eating foxes - they're quite abundant and well fed.
love dad
Kevin
Hey Jon and Katherine,
I finally find a way to sent you message hahaha~~:-)
Big Sister
Woops n and g wrong way round! Anyway crazy guys hope you are both well. Just been looking out all the new pics, brings back memories :-)
Had a nice weekend even though it has been spent mainly shopping but very much enjoyed my time with mum on Saturday. Oh got tickets for the Killers in Hyde park in June so VERY PLEASED about that. Send email soon
Love you both
Tor
XXXXXXX
Ps Dad has had his teeth done, i took a photo and will forward to hotmail.
xx
Big Sister
Another travellign song to add to the list:
Trailers for sale or rent
Rooms to let...fifty cents.
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain't got no cigarettes
Ah, but..two hours of pushin' broom
Buys an eight by twelve four-bit room
I'm a man of means by no means
King of the road.
Third boxcar, midnight train
Destination...Bangor, Maine.
Old worn out clothes and shoes,
I don't pay no union dues,
I smoke old stogies I have found
Short, but not too big around
I'm a man of means by no means
King of the road.
I know every engineer on every train
All of their children, and all of their names
And every handout in every town
And every lock that ain't locked
When no one's around.
I sing,
Trailers for sale or rent
Rooms to let, fifty cents
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain't got no cigarettes
Ah, but, two hours of pushin' broom
Buys an eight by twelve four-bit room
I'm a man of means by no means
King of the road.
Mum/pat
Hey you two travelling people. I love and miss you more each day. Love the blogs. Keep them coming as it is great to know what you are up to while life goes on here - trying to earn a living!!!!! Everything sounds great - except for the torrential downpour Jon. I would love to go to Vietnam. Still two weeks and two days and I will be in Thailand to meet you. Can't wait. All ok here. Nanny having blood transfusion tomorrow Wed. Also Tom's grandad's funeral. Then hopefully we can all look forward to Easter. Weather here supposed to be warm and sunny all week but a bit grey today. Anyway must get back to work. Look after yourselves and each other x x x x x x xx
Dad
Hi tinkers,
just caught up yer last few adventures n piccies, sounds like you're havin' a grand time.
My hair all sorted - went for a limahl (kajagoogoo) snip; reet aheed of this summers must have look.
In a comp nr Reading today, social one; quaffed a nice red which rinsed doon many a fine morsel; ahh cud hardly make it back tae the waters edge. Managed a trout or two to feed the neighbours and bought a fishing book by Big Jack in the auction to raise money for more wine.
Any memorials or history of the war in Hue? It was quite a big battle for the city I remember reading.
Well i'm off t'bed with this months motorcaravan motorhome motley monthly for intelligentsia saga members,
yours phlegmatically;
love dad
Susan Roye
At last Katherine...........a beach! STAC just isn't the same without you! Miss you xxxxxxxxxx
Dad
Hi Jon Katherine,
Reely liked the sound of yer latest adventure back in China, locals sounded lovely, outstanding work with the Chris Bonnington style treks and the toilets must trigger flashbacks to Uni days!
Nam should be fantstic, just be wary of sporting bandanas and telling all to "Come On! . . . . Come On! . . . . Come On! . . . . Come On!. . . "
Tootled along the Thames path on Saturday, very nice stroll, weather dandy, recovery time after a bumper mess session on Friday night - but at 80p a pint gotta be done.
Fishin comps keep me busy from April on, I'm on Rutland for the first 5 days the heed up to the Tees like, getting in the groundwork for Sept rivers final.
Gotta go, need a haircut,
love dad
Katherine
Hi Everyone. Mummy and Tracey, thank you for your messages. We are missing you. Happy Mother's Day to you both for Sunday.
In Vietnam.... its amazing but hopping on an overnight train for Hanoi in a minute so no time to blog.
