I got a call at 6am that the armoured personnel carriers (APCs) had been seen moving on Rama IV road. Hurrying down there were soldiers in the compound of All Seasons Place and behind trees on Wireless Road. On Sukhumvit the army has reinforced its positions with many troops and sandbags. Red shirts gathering inside the Sala Daeng barricade were preparing for a fight. Now (8:15am) the barricades at Sala Daeng appear to have been set alight. There is an enormous cloud of black smoke rolling across Bangkok.
It appears the troops are moving to take and control the sprawling Lumpini Park. The operation to retake Ratchaprasong from the protesters appears to have begun but will likely move slowly. Reports say the army has made announcements urging red shirts to leave.
Soldiers securing Wireless road and Sukhumvit, close to the red barricades. -- ST PHOTO: NIRMAL GHOSH
Red shirts inside the Sala Daeng barricade scanning buildings for snipers. -- ST PHOTO: NIRMAL GHOSH
A pall of smoke rolling across Bangkok now as the Sala Daeng barricade is torched. -- ST PHOTO: NIRMAL GHOSH