There is a palpable tension on the streets of Bangkok. (And it’s not just because I have a second interview tomorrow). The Red Shirts, the largely poor opposition who support ousted prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, are taking to the streets this weekend. They want new elections.
I just read in the Bangkok Post that 50,000 troops have been deployed.
WBoy’s school is cancelled. WNanny has cooked enough to get us through. Shops and malls may be closed, she said. The thought of no food being sold on sidewalks/markets seems like a more serious sign than the troops massing.
The BBC reports that Thailand has invoked security laws, called the Internal Security Act.
The ISA puts the military in charge, with powers to impose curfews, restrict numbers at gatherings and man check points if they deem such measures necessary.
We’re not super worried but it’s unsettling. I hope very much that the protests come and go without violence.
