Parts of Bangkok are paralysed by fear of violence after clashes between pro and antigovernment factions.

More than 500 schools in the capital have closed because of safety worries and people are alarmed about a national strike by stateenterprise workers.

All 435 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration schools could resume classes on Friday.

Other state schools in inner Bangkok will reopen after two days. Schools on the outskirts of the city closed yesterday only.

Parents are advised to keep up with the latest news.

Chulalongkorn University and its demonstration schools are closed for three days.

Rajavinit Mathayom director Jarimsri Petchkul tells television news the school is worried because exams are approaching. It might have to offer weekend classes for students.

Chulalongkorn security tight

Most gates at Chulalongkorn compounds will be closed from 7pm until 5am. Thammasat University's Tha Prachan campus closed yesterday.

Most students went home after schools announced the closing.

A mother of a Triam Udom Suksa schoolboy collected her son and headed straight for the PAD demonstration. "A few days without classes won't hurt him. I think attending the rally is a lifelearning opportunity," she says.

Not all parents are happy. Others believe only schools near the protest sites and problem areas should close. "Other schools should be open," says Decha Somprasong.

Tourist reaction mixed

Tourists are reportedly checking out. They fear the situation will get out of hand. Inbound tourists cancelled trips.

However, some took the opportunity to explore the capital.

A number of visitors around Tha Praarthit strolled along photographing the PAD and the tyre barriers it has erected to ward off attackers.

In the entertainment sector, most major shows go on and there're no reports of cancellations.

A BEC Tero Entertainment spokesperson says George Benson and Al Jarreau later this month at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, and Paul Anka at Impact Arena are still on.

"We believe the government can control the situation, so we'll not cancel any shows. But, the depressing atmosphere will certainly affect sales."

She says a news conference with Korea's Break Out Dance Company is confirmed. The troupe has a show in October.

The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra will continue its Nordic Masters concert on Saturday with Finnish conductor Okko Kamu Swedish pianist Patrik Jablonski at the Thailand Cultural Centre