More violience has hit the streets of Bangkok.  By chance I am staying close to the protest and you could hear gunfire and explosions throughout the night as protesters and the army clashed in the streets.  The security forces are trying to bring an end to the protests following the breakdown of talks with the government.  An erie silence has returned to the streets with the break of day.  It is being reporting that 16 people have died and 157 injured.  The sections of the skytrain and underground service have been closed and we're all being advised to stay well clear of the protest zone.  Provincial train and bus services continue to operate and the airport is still open.  According to local Thai TV, the army have managed to surround and close of the protest area.  As has been the case throughout the violence has been isolated to the protest area.

We take the safety of our passengers, staff and suppliers very serious and our operations team continue to closely monitor the situation on a constant basis.  Our passengers are being given very clear advice by all our staff not to go near the protest area.  Intrepid hotels where groups stay are well away from the protest area and remain unaffected.  Our itineraries in Bangkok remain unaffected as the leaders are able to take our passengers out for meals, on the klong tour, visit Wat Po and Grand Palace and transport to the train and bus stations for transport out of Bangkok as these are all located well away from the protest site.