Protests on the streets of Bangkok 2014

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I persuaded our tuk-tuk driver to take us to the sites of the street protests. People had been building barricades and fighting the police and army. The anti-government protests were very violent. He was very nervous about going anywhere near.

‘organised by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), a political pressure group led by former Democrat Party parliamentary representative (MP) Suthep Thaugsuban.[10] The crisis eventually resulted in the removal of incumbent Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, a coup d’état, and the establishment of a military junta.

The primary aim of the protests was removing the influence of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of Yingluck, on Thai politics and the creation of an unelected “people’s council” to oversee reforms of the political system.[11] Protesters viewed Thaksin as corrupt and damaging to Thailand’s democracy.’

It reminds me of the current situation in Myanmar.

Bangkok the temple of the Emerald Buddha

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Our tuk-tuk driver took us to one of his favourite places – a quiet temple away from the throng with pleasant grounds to walk about in. It felt serene.

Around Bangkok on a water taxi and a Tuk-Tuk – Photos

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Descending from the Temple of Dawn we first took a water taxi, visited a market and then took a tuk-tuk for a drive around. You get to see a lot from a tuk-tuk.

Thailand – The Temple of Dawn – Photos

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We set about climbing the steep steps of the temple. It was adorned with beautifully coloured ceramics. There were many statues and reliefs. From the top there were views over the river and the city.

Well worth a visit.

The Temple Flower Tree – The wonderful Cannonball flowers

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In the grounds of many of the temples there are these exotic cannonball trees with their incredible flowers.

Bangkok – More Scenes – Funny signs – Photos

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We walked and travelled by tuk-tuk around the city. I was taken with the architecture, ornate statues and strange English signs.

Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok – Photos

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The reclining Buddha was not the only marvel at the Wat Pho temple. It was a cornucopia of marvels. spires, obelisks and incredible decoration. The ceramics were spectacular. Intricate design, lavish architecture and colour!

WOW!!

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok – Photos

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Our next stop was the incredible huge reclining Buddha at Wat Po Temple. I reckon they had bin reclining because if they had created him standing up they would have required a bigger temple! You only get a sense of the size by standing next to him.

Very impressive.

More Beauty from the Royal Palace in Bangkok – Photos

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It never stopped, every time you turned a corner there was a new breath-taking sight, an ornate statue, a painting or a ceremonial soldier. The detail was extraordinary, the colours so bright, the lustre and scale.

I can’t imagine anybody living there though – it’s all for show!

Thailand – Bangkok – the wonders of the Royal Palace – photos

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It seemed to me that there were endless things to photograph as I went around the palace – from the little kids delighting at the carp in the bowl to a huge bees’ nest hanging from a beam up high, dripping with honey. There were the huge buildings and the tiny details, the colours and design. All set out so eloquently.

I could have happily spent days wandering around.