Authorities have confirmed that citizen photographer Bernd Mechsner, 50, passed away earlier in the week. Bernd, a Swiss scientist, businessman and resident in Thailand for over a decade, died as a result of sudden heart complications on Monday evening, at his home in Bangkok.

Bernd was well-known for his reports from inside the Ratchaprasong 'live fire' district during the violence of April-May 2010, whereby some 90 people were killed and thousands injured. His photography of the period was described as critical journalism in a difficult period. "Without Bernd Mechsner's photos of Ratchaprasong," one wrote, "democracy would have no evidence."

Ratchaprasong, April-May 2010 - The Reportage of Bernd Mechsner, Remembered

In April 2010, as thousands of 'red shirt' protesters gathered outside his central apartment complex, Bernd Mechsner would, each day, document developments at the protest site. Later, as violence escalated, he would report developments leading up to the cataclysmic burning of downtown department store CentralWorld.

"I live in an apartment right in the middle of the Ratchaprasong area," he wrote, in April. "So I am able to give a firsthand report about what I see. Several times a day.. I go on the streets around the Ratchaprasong intersection, out among the reds.. From our windows we can see and hear the action 24/7 – we can also feel the windows vibrating from the hundreds of banks of loudspeakers and the noise of the crowd…" (April 18 2010)

The 19th was hell on earth. Once the leaders gave up all hell broke loose… From our bedroom window we saw with horror and disbelief Centralworld first going up in heavy black smoke, then fire, and then we heard the terrible noise of part of the building collapsing. That was a shocking moment because it sent burning debris and sparks flying high up and towards our building. At times we were completely engulfed in the smoke." (May 19 2010)

Copyright (C) B. Mechsner 2010
 

Bernd's reports proved an insight into daily life in the 'live fire zone': a difficult and dangerous task.

"At the moment we have power most of the time. There have been only a few blackouts so far. Mobile phone signal is off mostly and the internet signal is very unstable. Lots of interruptions – sometimes for hours. Water is still running with few interruptions… Our neighborhood is completely sealed off with the army’s “Live Fire Zones”. The government reported that 32,000 troops are controlling the area and they have got the order “shoot to kill”. The government has confirmed today that the troops are authorized use live ammunition and to shoot anyone approaching them closer than 30m. We have absolutely no way of getting out without risking our lives." (April 21 2010)

He would then bravely document much of the aftermath, writing that:

"We met poor street vendors that sold us much of the food we had in the last weeks – many of them in tears trying to rescue at least something. Some reds were searching in what was left from their tents to see whether anything of their possessions might still be left… Just when we went back home the street we were on came under fire from very close. We were running for our lives." (May 2010)

'No matter which side'

In his writings, Bernd would often note that, in times of conflict, journalistic integrity proved paramount. "No matter which side it comes from, we keep a neutral attitude, ignoring the political lies and propaganda," he wrote. "To be honest, I see far too many deviations from the truth, and too much propaganda from all sides involved in the conflict… When we are approached by friendly people, we don’t care what color they wear…

"Sometimes I feel like I am close to crying. I like Thai people – no matter what color. When I retreat into my apartment, the positive experience of the human warmth and friendliness fills my heart and mind. If during such a moment I start thinking about the terrible but real threat of an army marching in violently, I fight hard to hold back tears. It’s an awful emotional roller-coaster…

As a foreigner I have no rights to be involved in politics in Thailand, but I still feel that I would like to help somehow. That’s why my wife and I gave pillows to needy toddlers and old people sleeping on the pavement. It’s not because we want to support the Red Shirts, it’s because we are human beings with hearts."

'A great human being'

Thailand-based photographer Nick Nostitz, a close friend, described Bernd as a "a great, great guy. Always happy, always smiling, calm and cooperative… Just a great human being… He didn't see (the protests) as a political issue - he looked at it, always, from his humanistic attitude."

"Before Ratchaprasong, Bernd wasn't very interested in politics," Nostitz noted. "When everything happened on his doorstep, these events became central to his life." Bernd proved diligent in his desire to document. "When I traveled to all these protests, Bernd was often the only other foreigner there… He was always very open-minded. He could talk, he could listen. He could stay neutral."

"Photography was his hobby, and he was good at it," said Nostitz. "He was also a very accomplished martial artist, but the least aggressive person I know… He was just a great man: a great human being. I'll miss our conversations."

Bernd is survived by his wife and two children. For those wishing to attend, a memorial service will be held on Saturday [17 Sept] at Wat Bang Phli Yai in Samut Prakan at 5pm.