Seeing Red

We are flying to Thailand in a few hours. Our plan is to spend the weekend in Bangkok before taking the overnight train north to Chiang Mai. Hotel rooms are booked. Tickets have been purchased. Our itinerary is set.

Then, minutes ago, we get this email from the US Consulate General. Never a dull moment .

This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand that media reports indicate that the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or red-shirts) will hold a demonstration on Sunday, December 19, 2010 scheduled from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Bangkok's Rajaprasong area (around Central World) to mark the 7 month anniversary of the end of the spring protests in May 2010.

Based on similar past demonstrations, the streets in all directions around Rajaprasong are expected to be filled with approximately 10,000 persons. Many of them will be parking their vehicles on the sides of Rajadamri and Ploen Chit roads, snarling traffic throughout the area. Central World and Siam Paragon may also be affected and close down early. We strongly suggest that you avoid that area throughout the afternoon and evening of Sunday December 19th.