OK, here's a little more on what's going on in Bangkok. I said earlier that Peace Corps is really good about keeping us updated. Well, they sent us this email (which is from "WORLD WATCH®: Online database puts the world at your fingertips"). I've just pasted the section about Thailand...

ASIA
Thailand (Country threat level - 3): The security situation in Bangkok escalated on 7 October 2008 as a crowd of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters assembled at the Parliament building. The protesters, who began their movements and intended occupation of the Parliament during the evening hours of 6 October, sealed off Sukhothai and Rachavithi roads and entrances to the building in order to prevent lawmakers from participating in a policy debate regarding amending the constitution. Approximately 1,000 police officers were deployed on 6 October to prevent a similar situation as was seen at the Government House in late August 2008; police officers attempted to disperse the crowd with tear gas. The protesters responded by cutting off power to the Parliament building, but it was quickly restored with emergency generators. The police action also prompted clashes between police officers and PAD members at the police headquarters, during which protesters threw firecrackers at the police. At least 162 demonstrators were injured. Police officials insisted that officers only used tear gas; however, doctors who treated the demonstrators stated that "powerful explosives" caused the injuries.

Despite efforts by the PAD and the increasing unrest in Bangkok, Parliament was able to convene on 7 October; however, in retaliation, PAD members blocked the exits to the building in order to prevent officials from leaving, causing police officers to again fire tear gas on the crowd. Lawmakers trapped inside the Parliament building were able to leave with the help of police officers. Three police officers were wounded in front of the Parliament building, evidently by gunshots fired from the crowd of protesters. Two of the wounded officers have been evacuated to Chulalongkorn Hospital. In another incident, a suspected bomb exploded in front of the Chart Thai Party headquarters on Sukhothai Road, killing one person. Most reports indicate that the bomb was placed in a vehicle, however, one source quotes medical reports as stating that the victim was carrying the device and that it went off accidentally. No further details are available. In addition to this, anti-government protesters reportedly drove a pickup truck over police officers near the U-Thong Nai intersection in the Dusit district. More than 10 police officers were injured in the attack. Another police officer was impaled with a metal pipe by an anti-government protester; he is now in stable condition. At 1900 local time reports indicated that dozens of emergency vehicles, including police cars and fire trucks, were seen heading into Bangkok via the Chon Buri Elevated Expressway. Later reports, as of 1945 local time (1245 UTC), indicate that fighting in front of the Metropolitan Police head quarters is still underway, with tear gas still being used by police officers. Other emerging reports indicate that small home-made bombs were thrown into the crowd, injuring two protesters.

Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh accepted blame for the way the police force handled the situation outside of the Parliament building and announced that he will resign from his post. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, on the other hand, has stated that he will remain in office and has no plans to declare a state of emergency in Bangkok. Meanwhile, the PAD has demanded that Somchai dissolve the House of Representatives by the end of the day on 7 October or face "decisive action," without specifying what it intends to do if this demand is not fulfilled. Meanwhile, a local media source claimed that thousands of PAD supporters have begun making their way to Bangkok from other parts of Thailand. The Thai military has stated that it will involve itself in the crisis by helping police officers maintain order. Officials stated that more than four trucks of soldiers have been deployed to the Sua Pa compound at approximately 1850 local time. Military officials have denied earlier rumors indicating that they were planning a coup.

ASI Comment: Tensions in Bangkok have increased to the point where some sources are drawing parallels with the eevnts of 1992, when the military cracked down on protests, killing hundreds. The violence associated with the recent protests, by both the protesters and police officers, is unlikely to diminish in the near future. Although military officials have been called in to help keep order, a coup is unlikely, according to top military commanders. However, during the previous outbreak in late August and September 2008, some military officials stated that should the political situation in Thailand not ease, measures would be taken to alleviate the pressures. In addition, Somchai has stated that he does not support the implementation of martial law, due to the negative impact on the Thai economy as a result of the previous two-week implementation of emergency measures.

Due to the instability and unpredictability of the situation in Thailand, travel to the country should be evaluated closely. Should necessity warrant traveling to Bangkok, areas around government buildings and prominent landmarks should be avoided. Additionally, large groups of people that appear to be demonstrating should also be avoided, and secure transportation with security trained drivers should be utilized to best prevent travelers from being affected by the ongoing political crisis.

ASI THREAT LEVEL DEFINITIONS
1 - A minimum threat of physical harm. Petty crime is the most common threat.
2 - A low threat of physical harm. Petty crime and infrequent demonstrations are the most common threats.
3 - A medium threat of physical harm. Petty crime and demonstrations are common and violent acts do occur.
4 - A high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, demonstrations or terrorism.
5 - A very high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, terrorism, demonstrations or war.