Originally Posted by
seanthepilot
It should be noted that the above incidents happened in relative proximity to each other, and are in, or are next to the protest areas. The grenades were aimed at the police, and the shooting was a drive by "about 50 meters from the front line of the occupied encampment".
Stay away from the protest areas. This is not a sightseeing oportunity. Also note that these problems are happening at night.
What is disturbing about these incidents is why the perpetrators, and those behind them, aren't being arrested. There is growing anger by Bangkokians who fear that any resolvement of the issues that don't deal with the underlying terrorist violence will provide no lasting solution. The question isn't who is doing this. The question is what is happening behind the scenes. Who, or why certain people are excluded from police action.
I was in the area yesterday afternoon as I had an errand in the area. The encampment seems pretty deserted. I was asked by a police/army officer where I come from. He seemed satisfied with my answer. The skybridge above the intersection facing the park is draped with black mesh and there are soldiers inside. There is barbed wire on the sidewalks ready to be pulled across the road and the median is lined with barbed wire.
That said, all business, including Robinsons Dept. store were operating.
I was also out at the coronation fair last night. Tens of thousands of people out enjoying themselves. Lots of music acts and some kids showing off their Thai boxing skills. One poor 4-5 year old kid kept fainting as it was so hot in his Thai boxing outfit with protective gear.
Afterward rode the skytrain over Rajprasong and it looked quite crowded. The estimates of 10K people are probably accurate. Not nearly as crowded as the coronation fair.