Here’s a decent summary of today’s situation. Note that the turnout of the Red Shirts was very much smaller than the hundred-thousand pro-government people claimed would attend. Also note that red shirt rallies are often bulstered by people who are paid to attend.

Silent Srength, a group including a number of my friends, had a peaceful rally near a central shopping area this morning. They and other groups, mostly smallish, are working to build a middle way, truly non-violent approach that can hopefully attract support from the majority of Thais who no longer trust the govt and do not agree with the PAD. Such organizing will be a long and difficult haul, yet is crucial for a sustainable alternative to Thaksinism and to disruptive protests.

By the way, I should have a flight to Hong Kong tomorrow.