Bangkok Madness--Security Update

Violence, riots erupting across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, late May 19 amid army crackdown to disperse red-shirt protesters. Shelter in place.

Updated Information (1600 GMT May 19)
As of late May 19, riots are occurring in many parts of Bangkok amid the army offensive against the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest camp. The army has seized control of large portions of the red-shirts' fortified encampment, prompting thousands of protesters to flee. Though many demonstrators have left the city, others have reorganized in small groups across Bangkok and are looting and torching prominent buildings, including the stock exchange, Central World shopping center, Siam Paragon shopping center, Metropolitan Electricity Authority headquarters, Central 3 TV station, and many banks. A small group of protesters has gathered outside Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) but are being held back by security forces. Airport operations are not being affected. Security forces have been authorized to shoot on sight anyone looting, committing arson, or inciting unrest.

A curfew is in effect in Bangkok from 2000-0600. Individuals departing from BKK during the curfew are permitted to travel to the airport but must carry travel documents. Checkpoints are being set up across the city. Nearly all businesses and banks will remain closed through at least May 21; the stock exchange will not reopen until May 24.

Officials report six dead in the May 19 battles. Fighting in the capital has left more than 40 dead and 300 wounded since May 7. At least four UDD leaders have surrendered to police and are urging supporters to return to their homes. The government is reportedly providing buses and security to allow protesters to depart Bangkok safely. This move could contribute to growing violence in the red-shirts' strongholds in northeastern Thailand. On May 19, some 2,000 protesters set fire to a city hall in Udon Thani Province and vandalized the city hall in Khon Kaen. Mobs have also attacked troops in Ubon Ratchathani. Unconfirmed reports indicate unrest and fires have broken out in the northern city of Chiang Mai. A curfew is in effect in 23 provinces.

Analysis
Many foreign governments have issued strongly worded warnings for Thailand, urging citizens to defer travel to Bangkok. Some foreign governments have authorized the withdrawal of nonessential diplomatic staff. The warnings reflect concerns about potential widespread violence in the capital associated with the military crackdown.

Meet my friend, Denial.

My remaining days in Bangkok are consisting of shopping, exploring the city and spending time with my favorite people. Also, continuing to “celebrate” as all the exchange students are going back home, one by one.

Although I love having these gatherings and celebration, it is truly an emotional experience. I still can’t wrap around the idea that I am leaving... This country has been my home for the last 5 months. I refuse to leave.

Homeless?

As my lease expires before the end of the month and my flight home is not until June 2^nd, I was beginning to search for a place to stay.

One day, over lunch with a Thai friend, I mentioned this. She told me that she was staying with a friend for a while because her place was not safe at the time and she has an extra room. She told me that she would bet her friend would not mind at all if I moved f

or my remaining stay in Thailand.

She called me the next day and told me her friend, who attends Chulalongkorn Med School, would be happy to have me stay at her place.

Man, was I relieved to hear this news! Just another this I wo

n’t have to stress about as I am leaving. I am extremely grateful to have such kind people around me.

In just a couple of days, I will be living in a high rise condo, literally blocks away from the Platinum Mall, known as Thailand’s largest fashion mall wholesale shopping. My FAVORITE mall in Bangkok! =]

Protests ending soon (hopefully)!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/08/2893854.htm?section=justin

Red Shirts set to end protest

Thailand's red shirt leaders say it is likely they will end their protest in central Bangkok on Monday as long as the government lifts the State of Emergency it has imposed in the city.

The state of emergency officially means that large groups of people can be forcibly dispersed by police.

The anti-government protestors say it is appropriate to end their protest on the May 10 as a sign of respect to those killed in protest related violence exactly one month earlier.

The protest leaders say they will finalise their plans and release a detailed response to the government's road map to reconciliation in the next 24 hours.