5 key Red Shirt protest leaders surrender, led away by Thai police in central Bangkok

Thai protest leaders surrender, call end to sit-in

BANGKOK — Seven leaders of Thailand’s Red Shirt protesters have surrendered to authorities after a deadly army assault on their fortified encampment.

They have been led away by police in central Bangkok. Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd described them as “terrorist leaders” and said the “overall situation is under control now.”

However, grenades exploded nearby as the Red Shirts announced their decision. Two soldiers and a journalist were wounded. Angry protesters also tried to set fire to a high-end shopping mall, and black smoke billowed over Bangkok’s skyline.

The Red Shirt leaders said they are ending their sit-in to prevent more deaths. The army assault on their protest encampment killed two protesters and an Italian photographer.

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

BANGKOK (AP) — Five leaders of Thailand’s Red Shirt protesters have surrendered to authorities after a deadly army assault on their fortified encampment.

They have been led away by police in central Bangkok. An army spokesman has described them as “terrorist leaders.”

However, grenades exploded nearby as the Red Shirts announced their decision. Two soldiers and a journalist were injured.

The leaders told followers they are ending their sit-in to prevent more deaths.

An army assault on their heavily barricaded protest encampment in central Bangkok killed at two protesters and an Italian photographer.

Shortly after the surrender news, angry protesters tried to set fire to a shopping mall. They drove away journalists who tried to film them.