Thai government declares curfew in Bangkok as rioting violence spread in capital

Curfew declared in Bangkok

BANGKOK — The Thai government has declared a curfew in Bangkok from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. as rioting and violence spread across the capital.

An announcement signed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and broadcast on television said nobody in the capital is allowed out of their homes during those times unless they have permission from authorities.

The curfew was declared Wednesday after Bangkok became a raging battleground in the aftermath of an army crackdown on protesters.

The Red Shirt protest leaders surrendered to authorities but enraged protesters set fires and rioted around the capital.

At least two protesters and an Italian news photographer were killed. Two other foreign journalists and 15 Thais were wounded in the fighting.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BANGKOK (AP) — Staff at the Thai local TV station Channel 3 say their building has been attacked by Red Shirt protesters.

One staffer said cars parked outside the building were set on fire and protesters then entered the Channel 3 building.

A journalist said the Red Shirts also set fires at the Stock Exchange of Thailand building.

Journalists at Bangkok Post daily said they were evacuating their building following threats from the Red Shirts.

The protesters have accused local media of being biased toward the government. Their barricaded encampment was overrun by the army on Wednesday. Three people died in the assault, and the Red Shirt leaders surrendered to the government.