Five dead in protester crackdown as Bangkok burns

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- The deadly standoff in Bangkok reached boiling point on Wednesday as security forces launched their largest offensive since anti-government protests began and buildings were set ablaze in the Thai capital.

At least five people were reported killed and 64 injured as security forces seized control of the the protesters' Lumpini Park stronghold, prompting several Red Shirt leaders to call off their weeks-long occupation of the area.

The leaders could be seen on television telling a crowd at the park  that they wanted to avoid further bloodshed and wanted to turn themselves in. Still, gunfire rang out half an hour later and it was unclear whether the crowd would heed the call.

Meanwhile black smoke could be seen rising over the Bangkok skyline amid news agency reports that protesters had set fire to the Thai Stock Exchange, the Central World shopping complex and other buildings.

The four deaths Wednesday included an Italian, according to the Police Hospital in Bangkok. Another 40 -- two journalists among them -- were wounded.