Mike McRoberts in Bangkok
There is mounting pressure on protesters and the government in Thailand to come up with a peaceful agreement as the stand-off continues in Bangkok.
The United Nations is urging both sides to negotiate as the city nears the end of its sixth day of turmoil.
The Red Shirts have accepted an offer by senators to hold mediation talks, but the government hasn’t yet confirmed whether it will take part.
International pressure is mounting to end the violence, with the UN warning the conflict could spiral out of control.
At least 37 people have been killed in the past week, including a top army general who sided with the Red Shirts. He is said to have been shot by a sniper.
The Red Shirts, most of whom hail from the impoverished north, are encamped in Bangkok’s main shopping district. Their aim is to unseat Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and force immediate elections.
But the army keeps tightening its blockade around the protest site, while other troops are patrolling the usually-bustling commercial and tourist districts nearby.
The Thai army has accused protesters of using children as human shields to prevent troops moving in.
They also claim terrorists have infiltrated the protesters and are using grenades and live rounds – a claim not backed up by any news footage.
With the potential for more clashes, travel agents in New Zealand say clients are trying to avoid Bangkok.
But there is a catch for those trying to change their itineraries – because the Government first warned against travel to the region on April 23.
“Unfortunately if you didn’t take out travel insurance before the time this event occurred, then you will not be covered,” says Flight Centre spokeswoman Marie Pilkington.
With sporadic outbreaks of violence reported again today, there is mounting pressure on everyone to find a resolution.
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