BANGKOK, Thailand -- Tens of thousands of protesters are attempting to
"shutdown Bangkok," blockading streets and crippling banks,
businesses, and government ministries while authorities do little to
stop the campaign to topple the elected government and replace it with
appointed technocrats.
The American Embassy e-mailed a security alert to U.S. citizens in
Bangkok, advising them to stockpile a "week’s supply of cash … [and]
two-week supply of essential items such as food, water and medicine."
The embassy's alert, published in local media, fueled some panic buying.
At least eight people died in clashes during the past few weeks
leading up to Monday's (Jan. 13) start of the blockade, and one
protester was shot in the neck before dawn.
Throughout the day, festive protesters at seven key intersections and
on dozens of main streets blew loud whistles, danced to live bands,
photographed themselves in selfies, and listened to speeches by
leaders atop huge makeshift stages.
Tens of thousands of protesters laid blankets and woven mats on the
streets to sleep in the open during the warm dry weather or in small
tents.