Enraged protesters went on a rampage of arson and looting yesterday in Bangkok, where fire engulfed major buildings including the stock exchange after a deadly army assault on an anti-government rally.
Plumes of black smoke billowed across the skyline in the aftermath of the military assault on the "Red Shirt" camp which left at least six people dead, including an Italian journalist, and forced their leaders to surrender.
While most demonstrators dispersed, some militant protesters set fires at 27 locations in Bangkok in an upsurge of violence that prompted authorities to declare a curfew across about a third of the country.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has been under enormous pressure to end the crippling standoff, said he intended to "get through" the crisis and return peace to the country.
Major blazes swept through Central World, one of Southeast Asia's largest shopping centres, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, a downtown cinema, many banks and a television station where about 100 staff had to be rescued.
The government imposed an 8 p.m. (1300 GMT) to 6 a.m. curfew in Bangkok and 23 other provinces, out of a total of 76, in a bid to quell the eruption of violence, admitting that parts of the capital were still outside their control.
The latest unrest began when armoured vehicles backed by armed troops firing live rounds smashed through towering barricades made of tyres and razor wire that the Red Shirts had erected around their sprawling base.
A tearful protest leader later announced on stage that the Reds would end their occupation of the upscale shopping and hotel district in the heart of the capital where they have been camped for six weeks.
At least four top Reds later went to the police headquarters nearby to give themselves up. The government said earlier some others had already fled.
An Italian photographer, Fabio Polenghi, was among those shot dead during the clashes at one end of the rally base, which had stretched for several kilometres (miles) encompassing facilities for sleeping, washing and food preparation.
An AFP photographer saw two protesters lying dead on the ground after being shot in the head when troops pushed into the encampment. At least 45 people have died since the army moved to lock down the area last Thursday.
Italian politicians paid tribute to Mr Polenghi, the photographer who died during yesterday's clashes.
Meanwhile, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said he was deeply concerned about the spiralling violence and the US urged Thai protest leaders to rein in their supporters condemning a wave of arson attacks and unrest in Bangkok.