become virtual prisoners in their Bangkok hotel after the explosion of violence which has claimed at least 21 lives.

They spoke as they prepared for a nighttime dash to the airport to fly to San Francisco -- and away from fear and uncertainty.

Speaking from his hotel room, 24-year-old Mr. Monkman told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "It will be just great to be on the plane.'' He added: "There's a feeling of uncertainty here. Nobody knows what to expect, and whether the violence will spread.

"It makes you tense, of course, but I'm bearing up all right. Lucy is feeling the strain a bit more.'' Mr. Monkman said an eerie silence had now clothed his part of the city following three days of bloody confrontation between soldiers and pro-democracy protesters.

Around 431 people have been reported wounded, and 3,000 people arrested by troops.

Shops were shutting up early amid fears of looters going on the rampage, said Mr. Monkman.

Foreigners too were packing up and leaving, or staying inside following advice from their consulates.

Mr. Monkman said most guests had fled Le Meridien President Bangkok Hotel in Gayson Road where he and his 24-year-old bride have been staying for three days.

"We are one of the few remaining here. We plan to leave in an hour or two,'' he said.

"We've booked for a hotel taxi to pick us up and take us to the airport. I'm just hoping it will arrive.'' Mr. Monkman said his hotel was about 10 kilometres from the main scene of fighting.

It was impossible to predict, however, whether the violence would spread.

Mr. Monkman said neither he nor Lucy had seen any of the fighting or gunfire.

"When we arrived we were totally unaware of the trouble. It was only by turning on the television we found out.'' He added, however: "Yesterday we both heard what we think was a tank rolling through the streets.

"It sounded like a tractor. It stood out because the streets were deserted and the shops shut.'' Mr. Monkman said the hotel management two nights ago had given them a letter suggesting they stay inside after 7 p.m.

"It was really just a suggestion in case anything did happen.'' He added: "We've been pretty much confined to our hotel because of the trouble, staying in our room.

"We haven't really gone out at all, although we did see the floating market.

A trip to the temples, however, was cancelled.

"The American consulate has suggested we leave, and we are taking their advice.'' The couple, who married at St. Theresa's Cathedral, Cedar Avenue, Hamilton, flew to Bangkok after holidaying briefly in Singapore.

They had originally planned a five-day stay in Bangkok -- one of the world's liveliest cities -- before flying to San Francisco.

The final leg of their whirlwind trip is Toronto where they will meet Lucy's parents. The couple should be back in Bermuda on Saturday.

Asked whether he was enjoying his honeymoon Mr. Monkman replied: "Yes, I am, despite everything. At least it will be memorable.'' Yesterday David's mother, Mrs. Marie Monkman, said she was worried, but delighted the couple were safe.

She said she had spoken on Monday night to the bride's mother in Canada after being unable to get through to Le Meridien.

"I was assured everything was all right, and there was nothing to worry about.''