Violence in Bangkok

We've been trying to stay up to date on the current political situation in Thailand, and have been surprised at how the whole situation continues to escalate. It seems that the red shirts have finally surrendered, but on their way out of the city managed to set fire to 27 buildings in Bangkok including Central World (South East Asia's biggest shopping center), TV Channel 3 station, a bank...etc. Even though they have "surrendered" the anger is still there with the red shirts and tension will remain in the months to come unless there is some sort of change in the current government leadership. I heard that now in Chiang Mai there is starting to be some rioting as well, and the government has issued curfews in 21 provinces of Thailand. Right now the US Embassy is asking for no American's to travel to Thailand, and if it is essential, to avoid going through Bangkok. The head nurse manager of the NICU Olive was at in Bangkok wrote me yesterday and asked me to avoid coming through Bangkok when we return if possible due to the current violence.

From what we have heard from our friends in Chiang Rai things are still very calm there. If you are interested on learning more about the situation, and seeing more photos you can click here.