The leaders of the anti-government protest in Bangkok have surrendered to police.

They gave themselves up after troops stormed the encampment which they have occupied for six weeks.

But violence has rocked other areas of the city, with the stock exchange being set alight.

Staff at a local TV station say their building has also been attacked by Red Shirt protesters.

Thailand’s army says the situation in Bangkok is under control and that it has halted its operation against the anti-government protesters’ camp.

Five people died as troops went in earlier today.

Demonstrators set light to walls of rubber tyres – sending thick black smoke over the city.

Irish Journalist Simon Roughneen is there.

“Right in front of me I see a group of soldiers – about 20 – piling into the back of a APC, armoured personnel carrier” he said.

“It looks like they are going to fan down the street towards the main protest area or wherever it is they are meeting the resistance right now”.

“But there has been gunfire and grenade launching taking place in the vicinity of where I am right now” he added.