Bangkok aftermath: 'Not the Thailand we know anymore'

• Polish native: 'Face of Thailand is changing
  
• Other Bangkok residents upset, shocked
  
• At least 44 people have been killed in clashes in the last several weeks
  
• One resident: Not surprised if there is more violence
  

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- Some Bangkok residents ventured out on Thursday to shop and take stock of the damage done to their city one day after the government evicted thousands of anti-government protesters from a downtown district, triggering fires, riots and intense street battles.
Some shoppers at the Emporium mall -- which was not set on fire like the popular Central World mall -- drank lattes, got their hair styled or perused books. But one sign reminded them that the venue would close at 6 p.m. to leave enough time for patrons to get home ahead of a second night of a citywide curfew.
"I feel very upset. I can't believe this happened in Thailand. Killing is not acceptable in Buddhism," said Siripattra Sitisak, a 30-year-old hotelier. "I'm nervous about attacks from underground organizations that might bomb other buildings or set fire to them."
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Another mall patron, Bogna Szukalska, a 25-year-old from Poland, who has lived in Bangkok for four years, said Wednesday's events showed the "face of Thailand is changing."

"When I first came here as a tourist it was to have a relaxed and good time in a safe country. It was rare to see any aggression between Thais or against foreigners," she said. "Now, I'm just very shocked. I and two of my other friends are thinking of leaving the country. It's not the Thailand we know anymore."