My wee backpack and my press 'scarf'. The actual photographers kept asking who I was working for; I kept saying 'for me!'
Side view of the main stage, as the speaker was directing the reds toward their convoys for the mobile march to begin
Liquid energy, in preparation for the march.
Red guards, waiting for the signal to take off.
Ready to start the rally, under a watchful eye.
At first people were surprised to see me darting in and out of the cars to take pictures...
And the motorcycle drivers kept asking 'where do you go?'
Roses to be distributed to onlookers and the supportive crowds.
And they're off!
Soon I got some tentative thumbs up..
And then a monk went between the cars, blessing those who were taking off in the mobile rally.
Quickly, the mood changed to something more celebratory.
Smiles abounded.
And the trucks started to roll through the street.
I was initially going to jump into the media truck but started taking pictures on the street, as the march took off
Leading the charge, speakers blaring.
Monk on red rally motorbike
At the intersection near the water, the international press started filming in the street
As the reds watched from their trucks
And the police watched from the middle of the road.
So, instead of filming from the outside, when a redshirt with no passenger said 'hop on my moto!' - I did.
And off we went. From 930am through 5pm (when he dropped me off at the BTS), through the streets of Bangkok, I just filmed and photographed what went on.
For starters, the initial estimates of 1000 motos seemed WAY off - there were many, many more people than that.
And those not on motos or trucks were encouraged to join
Or, uh, carried onto the trucks.
Scattered throughout the convoy were bigger trucks with loudspeakers, either giving speeches or playing loud, fun music.
Most of the redshirts were taking pictures or video themselves as they went through the streets.
There were tuktuk processions too, usually with kids inside.
And at almost every skybridge or overpass, throngs of people waiting to cheer on the convoy
As well as those on the sidelines of the street itself
Overall, the mood was as jubilant as the initial days' rallies - and the support on the street really blew me away. Thousands and thousands of people, all through the city. I had no idea what to expect and was really take aback at the enthusiasm.
The sheer number of reds marching also made for some great photos, by virtue of the colours and contrasts and the energy of their procession.
Regardless of political affiliation, it is impossible to ignore the effort and organization that went into this march.
My moto driver quickly realized he had become a minor celebrity as the only one w a Farang on the back of his bike. He'd start riding up to people and jerking his thumb back at me as if to say 'I SNAGGED A FARANG!'. He often got these thumbs up in response.
Nearing the first major intersection of the day where a sharp turn needed to be made. Motorbikes leading the procession, trucks bringing up the middle and rear, the streets painted in red.
This policeman was cracking up into his walkie-talky
Around the corner, moving north.
And on the sidelines: some police.
This guy (in the front) was giving away free food to anyone who wanted it.
Once my driver figured out the whole Farang thing, he would rock up to groups like this and point at me too - then the high-5s would start. I would point to my camera and press badge, the reds would hug me. Interesting day.
I LOVE this picture: "Note: bad traffic EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE." No kidding, Bangkok.
Police lined up. Very little police presence as a whole, I thought.
Some tourists getting in on the filming fun.
Enthusiasm from the sidelines
Approaching Pantip Plaza.
The skybridge was PACKED. My moto driver kept saying it would fall down.
Construction workersl, cheering on the reds as they passed.
Platinum wall skybridge, crammed with people.
This guy was roaming between the cars, riling up the crowd.
Young and old, cheering on the reds.
This lady (to the left) was high fiving anyone who went near her.
People opened the windows of the Adriatic Hotel and stuffed red flags out of them to show their support too.
Police under the intersection, directing traffic.
I kept this one in despite its unfortunate blurriness because the officer was wearing roses in his lapel, and he was all smiles.
These tuktuks had a soundsystem set up and were encouraging a dance-off in the street.
Getting free food on the way, my driver on the right.
Resting during the hot afternoon.
Me and my driver.
Handing out free food to the masses.
Painting your dog red was a common theme. I saw close to 100 dogs yesterday, most either painted red or wearing red clothes.
Contextualizing the movement: near the Indian Embassy
Pickup truck dance party.
Showing support for the reds from the window of a tower on Ratchadepisek
Awesome little go-kart. There were 2 of them that I saw, and they got a ton of attention.
Mobile street-meat skewer station in a flat-bed truck. They were selling these to anyone driving by as they participated in the march.
Of course, redshirts have to pee too. Lineup outside the bathrooms at this petrol station were funny.
Giving out free water
Driving down toward Suk Soi 71.
My tired driver, as he dropped me off at the BTS.
