Violence, riots erupting across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, late May 19 amid army crackdown to disperse red-shirt protesters. Shelter in place.
Updated Information (1600 GMT May 19)
As of late May 19, riots are occurring in many parts of Bangkok amid the army offensive against the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest camp. The army has seized control of large portions of the red-shirts' fortified encampment, prompting thousands of protesters to flee. Though many demonstrators have left the city, others have reorganized in small groups across Bangkok and are looting and torching prominent buildings, including the stock exchange, Central World shopping center, Siam Paragon shopping center, Metropolitan Electricity Authority headquarters, Central 3 TV station, and many banks. A small group of protesters has gathered outside Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) but are being held back by security forces. Airport operations are not being affected. Security forces have been authorized to shoot on sight anyone looting, committing arson, or inciting unrest.
A curfew is in effect in Bangkok from 2000-0600. Individuals departing from BKK during the curfew are permitted to travel to the airport but must carry travel documents. Checkpoints are being set up across the city. Nearly all businesses and banks will remain closed through at least May 21; the stock exchange will not reopen until May 24.
Officials report six dead in the May 19 battles. Fighting in the capital has left more than 40 dead and 300 wounded since May 7. At least four UDD leaders have surrendered to police and are urging supporters to return to their homes. The government is reportedly providing buses and security to allow protesters to depart Bangkok safely. This move could contribute to growing violence in the red-shirts' strongholds in northeastern Thailand. On May 19, some 2,000 protesters set fire to a city hall in Udon Thani Province and vandalized the city hall in Khon Kaen. Mobs have also attacked troops in Ubon Ratchathani. Unconfirmed reports indicate unrest and fires have broken out in the northern city of Chiang Mai. A curfew is in effect in 23 provinces.
Analysis
Many foreign governments have issued strongly worded warnings for Thailand, urging citizens to defer travel to Bangkok. Some foreign governments have authorized the withdrawal of nonessential diplomatic staff. The warnings reflect concerns about potential widespread violence in the capital associated with the military crackdown.
