The People in Red Take Khon Kaen

I'm sure plenty of you have been watching the news carefully over the past few weeks, keeping your eyes on the red shirts of Thailand.  And yes, things became far more serious today.

The government gave the red shirts until 3pm on Monday to leave their encampment in Bangkok.  As of this morning, the military entered the encampment with armored vehicles.  And, as of this afternoon, the red shirts set fire to the city hall of Khon Kaen.  The city hall is located directly across the street from my school, and the smoke came billowing over the school as the students were quickly picked up by their parents.  I left the school after my students went home.  I came home to water the plants, and stay away from the action.  There are multiple fires throughout the city right now, but I am safe.

The red shirt leaders turned themselves into the police in Bangkok this afternoon.  Protesters are upset, but they no longer have any power.  Without the leaders and the funding, the protest is over.  There are still fires throughout Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and various other cities, but we have been told everything should be under control by tomorrow.  Bangkok and Khon Kaen have both issued curfews from 8 pm this evening until 6 am tomorrow morning.    

I am still safe.  I promise.  The teachers at school are even positive that we will have class tomorrow!  Personally, I'm hoping for a day off, but we shall see.  

If things become any more dangerous I will leave the country, but at the moment I am just fine.

I promise to keep you updated on the situation.

Love, Meaghan

PS- Only in Thailand will the vendors remain in the streets to sell snacks at a time like this!