Well, we're not quite sure yet, and basically I beleive we have to take everything day by day to see if the tension in the airport settles down. I will be attempting to contact Singapore Airlines tomorrow (as I'm sure hundreds of people will be trying to do) to figure out what happens if the airports are not free by the 5th of December. It is a different question all together of whether or not it would be smart to land in Thailand shortly after such protests?
Based on what I've read today, no one is sure whether or not a military coup is likely to form. The Thai government claims they will be taking "measures to keep order", and "the next step would be more formal talks as they continue to try and solve this by "negotiation". Keep in mind that is what they say in the news, choose how much or little you want to beleive the media on this one. Very recently the cheif of police in Thailand was fired by the Prime Minister, and apparently the PM has also "lost confidence" in his army chief after the chief suggested that the PM call a "snap election" to quickly ease tensiioni - hmmm, little suspicious? Hence why opinions are 50/50 in regards to the formation of a coup...
So, what are we left with? Depending on what Singapore Airlines tells me tomorrow (if I get a hold of them) I think we have a couple options to get into Asia:
One would be to head up, from Singapore, through Malaysia and into Thailand. At the time being, I don't think there is much tension in the southern parts of Thailand. Hopefully that tension wouldn't rise by the time we get there ... ? ...I know, I'm not that content with that plan either.
I have some friends that have travelled from Thailand, into Cambodia, and now heading back to Thailand, and they have told me that besides the airport, everything is operating normal. So, I suppose plan B would be to hope the airports are cleared, we land, and possibly escape Bangkok as fast as possible to other areas of Thailand. We will however have to keep a close on the travel advisory website to learn what borders NOT to attempt to cross due to increased tension.
Without having talked to Singapore Airlines, and without the slightest idea how an airline would deal with a situation like this, I think those are our only two options at the moment. Perhaps we will be able to stay in Australia longer and head further south? Who knows. Anyways, I will make sure to keep everyone posted with anything further.
Here are the links to a couple of the good articles I came across today:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aPGumBW8mF1s&refer=home
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7754381.stm
A quick update besides all that good stuff ...
I have spent the last 10 days in my most favourite stop on the coast, Byron Bay. Everyone you speak to that has travelled through Byron Bay absolutely raves about it, and it was very easy to see why as soon as we got here. It is the most relaxed environment yet, has a beautiful beach on the sunny days, and the town is nice and small. Byron is full of music, hippies, and friendly people!! Despite the problems I'm having with the guitar I bought in Rockhampton (continually breaking the same E string :( Great music shop here in Byron have been very helpful but still can't get to the bottom of the problem ... oooh well ... maybe sell/trade it before I "fly" to Asia), I have been playing tons of guitar throughout the day and even for a small crowd of people at night. First time I've ever really played for a group of people ... I'm having fun with it and I'm not scaring too many people out of the room with my singing lol.
As for the travel mates: Carson left for Calgary 3 days ago now (hope he had a safe flight home). Jarrett and Holly left the same day as Carson to head inland to a place called Armedale to visit some of Jarrett's family friends. Jarrett and Holly are scheduled to fly to Thailand on the 3rd of December (5th of December for me), so most likely I will hook up with them again in Sydney.
Okay, if there is any other news posted tomorrow, I will keep you all up to date
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