Pathumwan Technical Institute right across the street from National Stadium, Tesco and near MBK. Was walking by at 5:30pm'ish and kept hearing unusually louds bangs, louder than fireworks. Stopped to look in for awhile when police showed up and told everyone to scatter and run. A few of explosions were massive. Some people said guns were also fired. Went on for over an hour (I went across the street and watched from afar). One passerby explained that students were angry at their teachers. Really? Wow. The only thing I could find on the net referred to recent school rivalries:

If anyone can please explain what happened. Wow, never thought I would have ruined my peaceful evening out to MBK, I thought this stuff was only reserved for the red/yellow shirt protests, didn't know it would be so normal. (Am a newbie to Thailand, been here 7 or 8 trips but this time been here for almost 2 months). Thanks.

Wow, that sounds strange for downtown BKK. Does anyone know what happened? Is there anything in Thai Rath? (I just checked their website, but there was no mention of it)

If I had to guess... would say it is a flare up between rival technical school boys - not a new occurance. Then again, they could be trying to ward of evil spirts for one reason or another.