The map above details the areas, marked in green, of central Bangkok where protests have raged for the past four days. It seems a group compiled of "urban citizens, royalists, and business people", the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), seeks to force the current prime minister to step down for they feel he is corrupt and connected to the previous prime minister that was ousted in a 2006 coup by the military.

So far the protesters have numbered about 25,000 (out of a city of over 9 million) and have been peaceful. However, some disruption of airports, outside of BKK, and train lines has occurred resulting in stranded tourists and passengers. The U.S. Embassy issued a Warden Message on 29.08.08 advising U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations as they could have the potential to become violent.

While we're not making any major changes to our plans as of yet, we have decided to avoid travel to the country if the U.S. Department of State issues travel warnings or advisories.

Backup plans would probably place us in Korea or Japan via AirAsia. Mt. Fuji anyone?

Here's hoping for a peaceful and democratic solution to the issues and difficulties facing the Kingdom of Thailand. And one that is preferably reached before 10.09.08.