It now appears that several grenade blasts between pro and anti-government protesters in Bangkok have killed three people and left at least 70 more injured. The blast occurred in the Silom Road commercial district just after nightfall this week. Here pro-government demonstrators had gathered to show their opposition to the Red Shirt protesters.

Violence between the two political factions escalated after five explosions, which were said to be caused by M79 grenades. Both sides started to throw bottles and rocks at each other while some even lit firecrackers and threw them at their opponents. Apparently both sides went at each other for more than four hours.

Oddly enough, the 1,500 riot police that are stationed along Silom Road did nothing to stop the fighting. Instead they took shelter in building entrances and under highway overpasses. The Deputy Prime Minister, Suthep Thaugsuban, said that three people were killed and at least 75 others injured, including an Australian.

The government has said that the grenades were fired from the Red Shirt encampment and noted that the M79 grenade launchers had been used before by the Red Shirt demonstrators earlier in the month. However, the Red Shirt leaders have denied responsibility for the attacks, saying that their protest was peaceful.

No matter where the explosions came from, or if the protesters say they are violent or not, travel to the capital has been hampered. Due to this latest outbreak in violence, it would appear that governments from around the world will not be lifting their travel bans anytime soon. Even hotels in this area have been sending tourists away.