Red Shirt camp in Bangkok under siege by Thai military

Using armoured vehicles, the Thai military broke through the barriers of the Red Shirt camp in central Bangkok this morning. At least four were killed in the onslaught and many were injured, including journalists, and even paramedics rushing to the aid of the injured. An Italian photo-journalist that got caught in the crossfire was shot dead.

The Thai troops stormed the makeshift bamboo and tyre barricades of the camp, firing indiscriminately at Red Shirt protestors. Some of the smartest areas of the business district of Bangkok were transformed into a warzone.

Red Shirt protestors responded to the attack by setting fire to armoured vehicles or shooting at soldiers with assault rifles. Meanwhile, some of the Red Shirt protestors retreated in fear. Buses were on standby to take protestors wishing to surrender away from the warzone. Thousands of Red Shirt protestors fled the vicinity and the main protest area is now clear.

Red Shirt leaders took the decision to surrender in order to prevent further bloodshed. They have now been arrested, and have been described as terrorists by an army spokesman.

Independent protestors are determined to continue fighting, which could create more sporadic outbreaks of violence throughout the city.

A major shopping complex was set on fire, sending plumes of black smoke billowing up into the sky, where helicopters circle over the mayhem.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who the Red Shirt protestors were hoping to overthrow, has now imposed a night time curfew in order to try to round up the remaining protestors.

Outside of Bangkok, protestors attacked the Udon and Khon Kaen city halls.

Over the last week, around 40 people have been killed and hundreds have been injured in the protests. In spite of the protestors fleeing in their numbers and the arrest of many Red Shirt leaders, the situation in Bangkok still remains volatile.

The Foreign Office has been advising against all but essential travel to Bangkok for weeks. If you still plan to travel to Bangkok, your travel insurance policy may become invalid if you travel against Foreign Office advice.

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