Bangkok MNers? 2 questions...

[HollyMadison]

Hi. I am arriving in Bangkok tomorrow for a long weekend with my DS (17months). I have 2 questions I'd be grateful for some help on (one sillier than the other, I think!!):

1. I see from BBC news that a court decision is awaited today the result of which could lead to some unrest. With this in mind, are there any places you'd stay away from this weekend? What about the tourist sites eg Grand Palace? Are there any good news websites which could keep us up to date if anything is planned? Or am I being neurotic?

1. I know it's considered rude to show the soles of your feet and point with feet. What about where the feet belong to a baby/toddler? Do I need to keep him in socks and shoes (although I guess I'd need to take these off him in temples?)? I'll have him in a sling to get around or stroller if somewhere appropriate so when he's barefoot his feet are all over the place. He can walk too. I know I'm being weird and he's just a baby but I don't want to look like an uncaring tourist trampling the host's culture so to speak....

Can't answer question one since I havne't lived there for four years.
Question two - nobody will mind about a toddler's feet unless he is deliberately being provocative. Don't underestimate the esteem that Bhudda is held in, nor the Royal family.
When we first moved there, I managed to fuck up twice in one manaoevere.
I dropped some money and put my foot on it to stop it rolling away.
Foot on the head of the King. I was soundly hissed at.

Thanks for the response. And thanks for the tip on the fallen money situation!!