Rioting and fires swept Bangkok on Wednesday after troops stormed a protest encampment, forcing anti-government protest leaders to give up but triggering clashes that killed at least six and sparked unrest in Thailand’s north.
The Thai government extended an overnight curfew in Bangkok to 21 provinces as unrest spread from the capital to seven provinces, with town halls burnt in three northern areas, strongholds of anti-government protesters.
“Red Shirt” protesters earlier torched at least 17 buildings in Bangkok, including the Thai stock exchange and Central World, Southeast Asia’s second-biggest department store complex.
The store was gutted by fire, said a witness.
—Reuters