I am probably not in the best mood to be blogging about anything sanuk. I have contracted some sort of wimpy cold. The kind of sickness that doesn’t completely debilitate you, but keeps your nose snotty enough to be generally unattractive to present company. Doesn’t help that today I ventured out into the smoky city to grab a few necessary items from my apartment, conveniently located right where some of the heaviest violence has been in the last few days. Firefighters had mostly put out the smoldering of a nearby empty building that had been set ablaze, but smoke was everywhere. So perhaps it’s the cold, the smoke, or the crooked spine I have from sleeping on a friend’s couch that is about two feet too short that makes it hard to smile right now.
However, there are usually quick fixes to minor physical discomfort. Pop some aspirin, a sinus tablet and get back on my feet, right? Not quite. The most discouraging thing about the political battle that has my neighborhood up in smoke, is witnessing the devolution of public discourse. Rational dialogue with all it’s beleaguering complexities has promptly been evicted and people on both sides have found, fed and fortified something more simple: hatred. A hatred wrought with ill will, fear-mongering, and deception so insidious, that regardless of the political outcome, it could only engender more of the same hurtful enmity in the future.
But before you airlift me a lifetime supply of prozac, let me share that like many here I still hold on to the hope that a peaceful solution can be arranged. And a runny nose coupled with a few people’s ugliness can’t really efface the search for sanuk friends described in the last post. On the contrary, trials have actually provided the contrast by which we can value what we take for granted. For example, this month we sponsored extra supplies for five refugee families. All of the five families were having trouble purchasing basic needs; two families of widowers, two with small children, and all very grateful for any help. With the recent escalation of violence here, you can be sure the goods (rice, sugar, cooking oil, etc…) were more than timely. Also there have been a lot of interruptions in volunteering because of the situation here, but similarly, it has made us all the more appreciative of moments we do get to spend in the community.
Thanks to everyone who expressed concern for Thailand. We’re staying safe and being patient. The next few weeks while things are being sorted out, I’ll be sharing some of what I learned working with Bangkok’s homeless.
-Dwight
Twitter Updates
18 May 2010 at 9:39 pm
Dwight, this is an INCREDIBLE, thoughtful piece of writing. You cut right through all the bs to the truth about the hatred that is brewing in Bangkok. But your ability to see the bright side makes me hopeful, and your eloquence here is unsurpassed by anything I’ve read so far.
18 May 2010 at 10:22 pm
Hi Dwight,
Glad to hear that you stay safe. I am in tear to see and hear about my home country to be in this situation. I hope and pray that the leaders from both sides will put aside their pride and need and work toward a peaceful resolution.
We will be there next week. Are you still doing any volunteer in Bangkok? Would love to see if there is anything we can help.
18 May 2010 at 11:47 pm
Hi Dwight, saw Cody’s post in FB about this post. You guys are doing great work. Your writing is compelling and precise. I came to the US since small but Thailand never left my heart. I long for the peace and tranquility that Thailand has and innocence of the pure Sanuk of everyday people. Hope you recover from your cold. Wish there was a simple solution for Thailand but the only thing that we have right now is time and future. Time will heal and future will be bright.
20 May 2010 at 1:48 pm
Thanks everyone. While things here will be trying for a while, I certainly appreciate everyone’s support from both near and far.
12 June 2010 at 7:03 pm
I love it!