So I leave my hotel today to indulge in a little innocent shopping in Siam Square and find myself bang smack in the middle of a huge political protest. I know people have warned me of the political sitaution here but I didn't really realise quite how close to it I'd be. Last I knew, any demonstrations were being held outside government buildings but now they have filtered out onto the main roads.

On Silom Road, right next to where I'm staying, there are hundreds and thousands of people marching down the street, while everyone has come out of the homes or work to line the pavements. Everyone is clapping and shouting and chanting and the whole thing just gave me goosebumps. Since everything was conducted in Thai, I'm not exactly sure what they are protesting against exactly, but have been doing a little reserach and trying to find out.

According to the Thai press, the Police's relatives group has today lodged a letter to Chinese Ambassador calling for quality inspection of Chinese made teargas which was used to disperse protesters on October 7th. Judging by the pictures included in the leaflets being handed out today, this is what the demonstration is supporting. I believe the protest I have just witnessed stemmed from PAD supporters that have earlier gathered at Lumpini Park to distribute leaflets and VCDs on the October 7th incident; apparently 200 police have been deployed to ensure there is no violence.

Also on Wednesday, there was conflict at the Thailand Cambodia border which resulted in two Cambodian fatalities and five injured Thai soldiers. It's quite chilling since I crossed that exact border on Tuesday so it's unsettling to know how close I came to seeing it firsthand. From what I can gather, both countries are now in crisis talks to resolve the situation.

On the plus side, I am perfectly safe and everything I have seen has been conducted in a peaceful manner. Hopefully this demonstration won't escalate to the conditions they have earlier in the month, but I am staying put in the hostel for a while until it subsides. I may go down to the Grand Palace this afternoon if the situation has calmed down. Luckily, I am leaving Bangkok soon to explore Southern Thailand and its islands so will not be residing in this hubbub of political unrest for much longer.

It goes without saying that I promise to keep safe! xxxxx