Monday, May 27, 2013

Sunday Afternoon At Chuwit Park

After a late lunch at Hemingway's, Nuch and I had a foot massage, and then a short walk through Chuwit Park.





Chuwit Park holds some memories for me. 10 years ago it used to be an undeveloped plot of land along sukhumvit riad that was filled with dozens - maybe it was hundreds of makeshift bars, restaurants and various shops. I lived on the next street over and would hang out there at least a few times every week. Then, one day it was gone.

At 4 in the morning a small army had come through with bulldozers and razed everything to the ground. Everything was destroyed. Apparently, the owner of the land wanted the leasers out and didn't want the hassle of contract negotiations. Afterwards, there was the expected backlash against the owner (Chuwit, a well-known politician and supposed man if the people), so instead of a new condo or hotel, Chuwit, in an attempt to make amends, built Chuwit Park atop the rubble of the former bars and restaurants - along with making some small payments to the bar owners. At least, I think that's how the story goes.

No comments: