It now seems that many countries are still asking their citizens to not travel to Bangkok. This update comes as enraged protesters in the country’s capital went on a rampage over the weekend. They started many fires and looted buildings. The fires engulfed many buildings, including the stock exchange.

Tons of black smoke filled the skyline in the aftermath of the military crackdown on the Red Shirt camp. This crackdown left at least six people dead, including an Italian journalist. Although most demonstrators have dissipated, some militant protesters set fires at 27 locations in Bangkok.

In response to this escalating violence, DFATs smart travelers website advised Australians to avoid travel to Bangkok. Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has been under a lot of pressure to bring an end to this standoff, said that he intended to get through the crisis and return peace to his country. He said that the end of the rally has dissatisfied some protesters, especially those who are armed. Thus, they have created trouble, particularly arson in many areas.

Major fires actually swept through Central World, which is one of Southeast Asia’s largest shopping centers. Other places that were burned down included the downtown cinema and many banks and a television station. There were at least 100 staff that had to be rescued at the television station.

This big standoff between the government and Red Shirt protesters has been costing Bangkok a lot of money. Right now just about all big countries have issued travel warnings to the area, meaning that Thailand is not making as much money off of their tourism industry as they normally would.