Bangkok, 19 May 2010. The forecasted temperature for today was about 35ºC, with high humidity. The radio said it would feel more like 48ºC, one of the hottest days of the year. The government and army decided to crank up the heat a little more by launching an offensive against the so-called "red shirt" demonstrators who have occupied central Bangkok for several weeks now (see previous posts). The offensive started this morning in Silom, quite close to where we live. When I woke up, I saw a black cloud, thinking a thunderstorm was underway. Then I saw the messages on my phone and the news on internet (and then TV). The black smoke was coming from burning barricades and, later during the day, burning buildings. The government body CRES (Center for Resolution of the Emergency Situation) announced a curfew from 20h00 tonight until 6h00 tomorrow morning. Even before the curfew took effect, the otherwise busy and bustling streets of Bangkok became eerily quiet, except where they were burning that is. An empty main road during rush hour is a strange sight. Several buildings were put ablaze this afternoon, after the red shirt leaders surrendered. CentralWorld, Bangkok's landmark mall and one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia, has reportedly burned down. Other buildings on fire were the Stock Exchange and a number of banks. You can check the different international news sites for a much better coverage and pictures (last one taken from a website). Nirmala and Wolfgang are still in Belgium and will probably stay there a bit longer until things have calmed down. 
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