Red shirt protesters take over Bangkok

The red shirt protesters stormed into Bangkok today in a show of defiance as the government seems unable to stop them. The protesters targeted the main tourist area near Chitlom BTS and in doing so managed to shut down many of the major shopping malls. This bold move by the protesters was perhaps to counter the growing sentiment among Bangkok citizens that the protesters should compromise with the government and start looking for a quick and peaceful solution. A large group of academics, business leaders, and civic employees wearing pink shirts gathered at Lumpini Park to show support for the current government. The reds certainly proved that this still have a substantial support base with estimates that over 60,000 people attended todays rally. The government issued a warning that all protesters must leave by 9:00PM tonight, a warning that I’m sure will be ignored but I will post updates at the deadline draws closer.