Blood Spilled in Bangkok

The city has erupted, and now that blood has been spilled it seems far fetched that things will go back to the nonviolent protests that have occurred over the last three weeks. The UDD is aggressively moving forward in their demand for the PM to step down and dissolve the parliament. Yesterday they seized several government vehicles and the Pinklao Bridge, witnesses say they saw weapons being removed from the Army trucks.

With twenty dead and more than 800 wounded the atmosphere in Bangkok is tense. The government denies the use of live rounds, though eyewitnesses have seen evidence to the contrary. Amateur footage from students in the area show a flash fire of violence from both sides.

"I thought it was okay, the paper said the army was using rubber bullets. But when the people from the front pushed past us they were covered in blood." Said one student who was on KhoSan Rd when the violence broke out. KhoSan Road is one of the main tourist streets in Bangkok.

"I realize just how lucky I was. We were going to stay for Songkran but now I think we will leave the city." The same student said. The sentiment is echoed by many students at Thammasat University who are out for New Year's break. With the University resting in the middle of several hot protest zones classes have been cancelled. Student's are being urged to check in frequently with university officials as well as family and friends back home.