In Bangkok today, clashes between anti-government and security forces left at least eight hundred injured and eighteen people dead. A cameraman from Japan was among those who were killed. It was the capital’s worst violence in nearly twenty years. And after campaigning for a month for new elections, it was the largest gathering of protesters. Troops fired tear gas and rubber bullets trying to crack down the chaos and protests. The demonstrators fought with grenades, guns, and gas bombs. The people are demanding the prime minister step down, the parliament to dissolve, and new elections to be held. The protesters are members from the United Front for Democracy or red-shirts. They have occupied the main shopping places and crippled businesses in the malls due to people camping out for over a week. By the looks of things they could be there a long time. Thailand’s governor Watanagase is stating the rallies by the protesters are becoming more violent and persistent. This could make the government shakier. Fueling costs of overseas borrowing and losing investor’s confidence in Thailand could be disastrous. Until things get under control with the protests all Thailand can do for now is wait and see. Image Credit: