LIFE UNDER THE STATE OF EMERGENCY

It's been almost seven hours since Prime Minister Samak placed Bangkok under a State of Emergency. For me there's been no noticeable difference to any other day, except that some of my staff were late because the morning traffic was heavier than usual.
The road outside my office is certainly quieter than normal for a lunchtime. That could be down to any number of reasons including the closures of nearby schools. But my morning has been very normal; it's business as usual at the moment.
What worries me is inaccurate reporting from overseas media. To read some reports you'd think it was widespread carnage on the streets. Singapore is advising its citizens against unnecessary travel to Bangkok. Is it really that bad? Is it dangerous to be on the streets right now?
My own experience is that you are safe as long as you don't go looking for trouble around Government House. The vast majority of the city is safe and secure.