Thailand clamps night curfew in 23 provinces; Indians safe

All Indian nationals in the country are reportedly safe. Bangkok is a favourite destination among Indian tourists and a small group from India continued to enjoy the city’s attractions though with caution,an Indian national who did not wish to be named said.

Rioters set fires at the Thai stock exchange,several banks,the headquarters of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority,the high-end Central World shopping mall and a cinema complex that collapsed.

The Thai government declared a curfew in Bangkok from 8 pm until 6 am. An announcement signed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and broadcast on TV banned anyone from leaving home during those times without permission from authorities. The unrest during the past few weeks has been around central Bangkok forcing some big hotels to shut down.

Bangkok has a vast expatriate Indian population.

Susha Stephen Varugis,a former corporate lawyer and daughter of late congress leader C M Stephen,who has been living in bangkok for several years said the situation in Bangkok was very unsettling.

Another expatriate Anna Khendry,who is active in the Bangkok community Theatre,said it was scary to see Bangkok in the present state as it was very uncertain.

Many school children have stayed back in school to enable them to take their ongoing exams. Most of the embassies have closed operations the past few days as the protesters turned violent battling with government soldiers from their encampment base.

Thai security forces began their operation to clear up the protesters early this morning with tanks and foot soldiers moving in smashing through bamboo barricades set up the the Red Shirt protesters who want the government to step down and arresting key protest leaders.

The government has blamed former premier and the hero of the protesters,Thaksin Shinawatra,who is currently on a self imposed exile,for the current situation.

Checkpoints have been set up across Bangkok.

Analysts say the government has a tough time ahead to pacify the ordinary Thais. Trade in the stock exchange is to be suspended for the rest of the week.