Un manifestante sorveglia da lontano il quartiere finanziario di Silom

An anti-government protester surveys the business center of Silom in Bangkok, Thailand, 19 April 2010. Tension has escalated in the Thai capital as the protesters, refusing to leave the high end shopping area of Ratchaprasong are also threatening to march on the business district, and have prepared forces and weapons ready to retaliate against a Thai army move to remove them. Most of the protesters are supporters of coup ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and are calling on the current government led by Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down and call new elections.

(EPA/JULIAN ABRAM WAINWRIGHT)