Unrest Continues

I just realized I haven't posted anything since April 30. This is not to say that nothing has been happening but for one reason or another, I've lacked the motivation to post. Anyone who reads the news is probably aware of the escalating violence and protests in Bangkok. It's pretty disheartening to see these things happening in Thailand and people throughout the country are equally distraught. Especially since Thais are known for their non-confrontational, peaceful demeanor. Actually, some people suggested to me that they suspect the violent uproar is the result of some external force (ie: foreign and/or some secret subterfuge influence) because it's very painful and unbelievable to think this is a sole internal conflict. Indeed, violent clashes of any kind are disturbing and disruptive of peaceful human nature. I watched on the news yesterday as an army general showed the difference between a grenade launcher and a rubber pellet launcher and how they are loaded. Not very reassuring.


See AP for the latest: Wounded rogue Thai general dies as chaos continues

All this does effect work as a Volunteer in terms of having heightened awareness and making sound judgement on travel, etc. I still maintain a neutral attitude, as I am not at liberty to 'take sides' or make comments for/ or against political action. But, that doesn't stop me from making observations; observations without judgement. I have observes a shift in people's attitudes, especially my neighbors and some colleagues. People are either enraged or quietly morose and yet, they continue the day as normally as possible. Thus, I try to continue a state of normalcy in the midst of a precarious situation. Work continues everyday, business as usual (as usual as possible). Assuredly, Peace Corps constantly works to make sure Volunteers are aware of what is going on and the safety of the Volunteer is not compromised.

I'm also lucky in a way to be in a secluded area out in the country where we are far from any fighting and the days go by in about the same progression that they always did.

In other news, it's intensely hot. It's so hot that news has recently surfaced of a heat wave and threat of drought this year. Relatively speaking, it's been consistently hot since I've lived in Thailand, aside from maybe some coolness in December & January. Hot after a certain point is just miserable, regardless of the degree. Nonetheless, I can tell that the hot season this year is hotter than last year. People around me are often commenting on it and how there is less rain this year. This could prove to be detrimental to the rice farmers who live in my area and throughout the Northeast that count on heavy rains in May, June & July for rice planting and growing. Particularly, since many farmers in this area are only able to plant one crop of rice a year.