By Seth Mydans and Thomas Fuller In a day of street battles that left more than 300 people wounded, anti-government protesters surrounded Parliament on Tuesday, trapping hundreds of lawmakers inside throughout the afternoon.

By Andrew Buncombe Two protesters killed during clashes with riot police inside parliamentary compound in Bangkok Army chief reassures public that his troops are unarmed and there is no prospect of a military coup THE PRIME Minister of Thailand was forced to scale a fence and flee in a police helicopter yesterday as thousands of protesters barricaded parliament in the latest twist in the country's seething political turmoil.

By Associated Press BANGKOK, Thailand -- A one-time Bangkok mayor and key leader of a monthslong anti-government movement that spearheaded the ouster of a Thai prime minister was arrested today on charges of insurrection, police said.

World News IN BRIEF *BANGKOK A brother-in law of the deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra has been elected Prime Minister of Thailand in a parliamentary vote, setting up a showdown with protesters determined to tear down his political legacy.

Charges dropped against South African leader PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa -- A South African judge dismissed corruption charges against ruling party leader Jacob Zuma on Friday, likely clearing the path for the former freedom fighter to become the nation's president next year.