Arsonists rampaged in downtown Bangkok on Wednesday afternoon, setting fire to buildings and shopping centres, after the core leaders of the United front for democracy against Dictatorship surrendered and announced an end to the protest rally at Ratchaprasong intersection.

Fires were reported at Central World department store in Ratchaprasong, Siam Theatre at Siam Square, the Paragon shopping centre and branches of commercial banks nearby.

Fighting between troops and protesters, and explosions, were reported throughout the area.

At the Sala Daeng intersection on Rama IV Road, rampaging protesters destroyed telephone booths, advertising signs, traffic signs and other public property.

The Bangkok Post building in nearby Klong Toey was evacuated shortly before 3pm as a mob advanced from the Rama IV intersection to Five Ways and down the narrow Na Ranong road leading to the Post building about 200 metres away.

The Post building also houses the Bangkok Post’s sister newspaper, the Thai-language Post Today.

TV Channel 3, which is based nearby on Rama IV Road in the Maleenont Building was also off the air.

Bangkok Post