What we know so far
So, as you've probably heard, there was a coup in Thailand this morning. No word from Evelyn as of yet, but she's in a pretty remote place, and it's possible she hasn't even heard about this yet. I've emailed the Elephant farm, but have not heard back yet. I also have their phone number, and will call if I don't hear from them by tomorrow.
Not a single shot was fired in this operation, so it's been quite peaceful, and I'm certain that we have nothing to worry about. Nonetheless, not knowing anything is itself worrisome. From eveything I've read, despite being under martial law, the country is quite calm, especially in the tourist areas like Phuket and Chiang Mai (where she is.) I've heard interviews on the BBC with tourists in the country who are worried, but don't seem to be in any actual danger. Finding news hasn't been that easy. I did find this article in the Seattle Times, which is pretty informative. There is an American consulate in Chiang Mai, so if she gets in trouble, help won't be that far away. The question is how she'll find that out - there are plenty of foreigners in Chiang Mai, (though few americans), so I'm guessing that news will spread. The state department has not at the time I'm writing this put out a travel advisory for Thailand. Presumably, this would appear here, if it does. Tourism is one of Thailand's largest industries, and I can't imagine they're foolish enough to let this affect all that money coming in.
Anyway, anything new I find out, I'll post here.
posted by Kenneth @ 8:08 PM
7 Comments:
If you are in touch with her, please be sure she knows about the consulate in CMai as well as the recommendations referred to from the State Dept. Thanks for the info Kenneth. Cassie
Here's the response I got from the elephant farm she's working with. Not as informative as I would have liked, but also reassuring that nothing bad has happened, and communications aren't restricted:
Dear Trease,
There has been a military coup in Bangkok, Thailand. News is scarce and we
are continually monitoring the situation. In the past this has not affected
the rest of the country much. Historically tourist areas have been largely
unaffected.
Regards
Daeng Chaidee, Reservation Manager
If it's okay, I'll still worry a little bit.
p.
Heard this morning from someone who had just left the elephant park, and got back to Chiang Mai. The people staying at the park had asked her to send us email, telling us they're okay. She says that everyone is having a good time, nothing has changed in Chiang Mai except a small army road block on the road into town, and that everything seems to be back to normal.
Got this from Ev this morning:
****
hi everyone! i dont have much time right now b/c i am going to go meet the other elephant poop volunteers for a beer and i am late. there was no internet at the camp, so this is the first chance i have had to email. i will blog post tomorrow if possible. i will be leaving chiang mai and flying to phuket island for a few days of sun befoer heading back.
there was a coup here, i assume you guys heard about it, it was all over cnn here until it got blocked. i heard there were lots of tanks on tv. i saw none at camp. there were none in town here. ther were some in bangkok i guess, but not really a ton. (tanks) foriegners and thais alike were largely unaffected. weird though. never been in a coup before. anyway, all is fine here and i will email more tomorrrow, i havent had time to check my inbox.
you can fix the typos before you post next time kenneth.
I was so excited you were okay, sweetheart, that I had no time time to edit...
Actually, I was in a hurry to catch the bus. Cut me some slack.
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