Four anti-government protest leaders surrender in Bangkok after government forces stormed their encampment.
Red-shirt protesters have brought an area of the Thai capital to a halt for six weeks, with their protest calling for the dissolution of government ,but their tire and bamboo barricades proved little match for military armored personal carriers and state troops shooting live rounds.
Clashes between protesters and government troops have become increasingly bloody. The latest government crackdown saw troops stormed the protesters' encampment forcing the protest leaders to surrender and resulting in the death of at least four people.
A freelance Italian photographer was also shot and killed in the violence.
The government announced on television that a night time curfew until 6 am will be imposed to help restore order. A government spokesman said the curfew will enable them to ensure security for Bangkok residents and foreigners.
"During the night we will be able to make sure that stability, security are provided for the residents of Bangkok, including foreign residents and travellers in Bangkok.
Sporadic violence has continued in the capital and thick black smoke billowing out across the city serves as reminder that the crisis isn't over yet.
Protesters set fire to at least 17 buildings including the Thai Stock Exchange, a department store complex and the local Channel-3 Television Station.
Although some protest leaders gave themselves up, other protesters have vowed to keep going.
"I won't stop fighting I won't give up as long as we haven't had justice, haven't had democracy. Thailand will still be like this. We have a lot of leaders in other provinces."
In the northeast, a red-shirt stronghold, protesters stormed a town hall complex setting the building ablaze and confronting government forces. The violence attributed to the protesters and subsequent government crackdown has claimed at least 68 lives and wounded more than 1,700 since demonstrations began in mid-March.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.
