Stuck in Thailand
- November 26, 2008 11:38 AM |
- By Your Voice
submitted by Michael Smith
It's almost 5PM here and about 6AM there. I am stranded at the airport in Bangkok that has been shut down by anti-government protesters. I'm here with my production team for Chef Abroad. We just filmed a great story in Northern Thailand and were flying through Bangkok on our way to Hawaii to film another story when we blundered into this mess.
We are at the airport, I've been walking around exploring with my buddy (my director) and here's what we see:
10,000 protesters with more arriving every minute, access roads blocked, barricades, platoons of riot police in full battle gear staying out of sight, cheering peaceful protesters.
It seems peaceful but there's also a sense that this thing can go bad in a hurry. There have been grenade attacks throughout the day, they have taken over the control towers and we doubt we'll be leaving through this airport.
Throughout the crowd there are piles of tires as if some folks brought one or two along to burn, the barricades are being manned by some tough looking guys in balaclavas, we have also seen lots of young tough guys bringing in sticks, batons and golf clubs. My team and I are holed up at the airport hotel, we think we'll be heading back to Chaing mai by road, seven hours, and flying out from there.
We'll likely have to scrap the Hawaii shoot but really were more worried about our own safety right now then that.
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Comments (16)
Hey Michael if you look at this I hope our safe and all is well hope the problems in Thailand get resolved properly too.
one of your biggest fan's I'm going to cooking school come January and credit some of that to you.
so here's to the best and have a safe journey home
Wow. It sounds like a traveller's worst nightmare. At least there are a few of you there together. Our thoughts are with you guys and your families during this.
Scary world we live in these days, at least Chef Abroad shows so many wonderful things we have in common in the world. Safe home Gentlemen (and ladies if there are any in the prduction crew).
Micheal and crew,
My husband and I met you this fall on PEI during the Fall Flavours Festival and enjoyed listening to you and were inspired by your clearly evident enjoyment of cooking and the surrounding culture. We watch Chef Abroad weekly and live vicariously through your adventures. Although, admittedly you are a lot braver than I am when it comes to experimenting with new food.
Wishing you and your crew safety in your unfortunate predicament.
Carolyne and Bill
Hey Micheal,
All your fans are hoping you stay safe and have a chance to continue your tour soon.
Personally I can't wait to see the great food you've tried and what you've been able to improvise too!
Cheers from Ottawa
Nick
Thank you for your on-the-ground report!
It is great to be able to combine a birds-eye-view report (The CBC article) with this one. It gives us a much better picture on the situation.
I hope that Chef Michael and his team make it safely and quickly out of Thailand. Thankfully you didnt find yourselves in the middle of a violent protest. As a fan of your show I am saddened that you wont make it to your next shoot in a timely fashion, but am hopeful that you will not see even more interesting sights on your travels. all the best.
Oh wow - Strange to imagine that an airport that some of us were in just weeks ago is now a battleground. Best wishes to Michael Smith and his crew, hopefully they get out soon.
Good luck Michael. I want to see the Chef at Home Safe.
Good luck Michael sift through the rumors, follow your gut, stay cool. Look for U.S. military stay close and whatch. keep cameras low and stay in touch,YOU WILL BE HOME SOON. Wishing you all the best. This show will be ome to rember Gerry
Let's face it boys and girls...the world IS in one hell of a mess and getting more so everyday.
As we all know,here in Canada we are dealing with a very nasty economic crash that is hurting many people.
I would strongly advise everyone that possibly can, to STAY HOME and spend your hard earned dollars here in CANADA!
That way,CANADIANS will benefit and we will all get through this with our pensions,bank accounts,investment accounts,university funds for our kids,mortgages,and homes,local economies,etc.etc.etc. as reasonably intact as a possible!
WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU WELL BEING. KEEP COOL HEAD UNDER THESE TRYING CONDITIONS. YOU WILL MAKE IT HOME SAFE.
I am another fan. My prayers are with you all.
Michael and crew;
I hope you have a safe trip home.
My daughter is one of the Canadians stranded in Bangkok. It is likely to become a very grave situation as the standoff continues.
She anxiously awaits any news from Canadian officials as to how to get out. She has been told to stay put but there is no 'plan' by our foreign embassy. I am embarassed and shocked to see Canadians last on the list of other countries' citizens being offered assistants to leave.
It is now expected to last up to 30 days since the army is not supportive and the police are not wanting to go in. They are also supportive of the protest and can only show half hearted attempts at ending this while allowing a back door supply route to keep it alive.
Please, we need to get our people out of there before the whole thing implodes.
Yet another fan. I agree with other writers. This world is really a bit upside down lately and one never knows what they might stumble upon. I hope that you and your crew make it out of that chaos quickly and safely.
Another fan, moi, wishes you and your crew a safe voyage home. I've loved all of your TV series episodes. You are also a good journalist. I like your enthusiasm for all aspects of food and have learned much from watching you cook.