I'm currently in Bangkok for a couple of weeks doing some additional massage training. Before I left the UK I was aware of the problems in the city with the Red Shirt protesters, however I was determined not to miss out on this trip.

The problems are in a very concentrated "square mile" of Bangkok on the far side of the city - the main business district and the home to all the big fancy shopping malls - I read one news report that said the no go zone is like cutting off West London from everyone - It's a BIG city and it's not the most transport friendly place. Life outside the no go zone is just continuing as normal, however it is very clear that something is wrong.

The streets are quieter and the atmosphere seems somewhat subdued to what I have come to expect of Bangkok The tourists and backpackers are still arriving and still spending, but the economy has been seriously hit by the protests. The general feel from talking to my massage teacher, is that the locals are embarrassed about what's happening, very few people support what the Red Shirts are fighting for, and they talk very very bitterly towards Thaksin - the PM that was ousted in 2006 - those that don't speak very good English just scowl at his name and say things like "dirty, power, money, nasty man" - reading the news today that the leaders of the red shirts have surrendered is, I hope, a good sign for the city, but I still don't think it is the end to the political problems out here - it's only a matter of time before it happens again.

Last night saw the first curfew in Bangkok in 15 years, it was eerie to say the least, I've never witnessed the streets of Bangkok so quiet, for anyone that has been will know haw manic it can be over here.

I'm staying over in Banglamphu, near the Koahsan Road, so well away from the protest site, but managed to get the pictures I've uploaded from the roof of the hotel - you can clearly see the black plumes of smoke rising as Bangkok burns. The night shot I took from my balcony during the curfew on a slow shutter speed to try and capture the still burning skyline.

I hope last nights military intervention (albeit weeks too late) will see the end of the protests, however I fear the troubles will just continue...