The deadly standoff between the Thai government and protesters reached a boiling point Wednesday as security forces surged into Lumpini Park, with at least five people dead in the largest offensive on protesters since demonstrations began.
Bangkok looked and sounded like a war zone as protesters disbursed and smaller riots erupted throughout the Thai capital. Witnesses reported a dozen buildings — including a bank, a police station, a shopping mall and a local television station — had been set ablaze.
Hours after the large military operation got underway, a government spokesman said soldiers had retaken control of the park area — and several Red Shirt leaders called off their protests.