Thailand's security forces maintained a heavy presence in Bangkok as mass anti-government protests approach the one-month mark with no end in sight to the turmoil.
Tens of thousands of police and soldiers have been mobilised to restore order in the capital, where "Red Shirt" demonstrators have occupied the main commercial district, causing traffic gridlock and prompting stores to close.
Tensions escalated on Friday when forces used tear gas and water cannon as thousands of protesters stormed a television broadcaster in the city's outskirts to try to put an anti-government channel back on air.
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Leaders face arrest
Top leaders of the movement face arrest for defying a state of emergency announced Wednesday by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who remained holed up at an army barracks.
The rallies, which began on March 12, are the latest chapter in years of political turmoil in Thailand pitting Bangkok's ruling elite against the mainly poor and rural Reds, who support ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
The country has been riven by political tensions since a bloodless coup ousted telecoms tycoon-turned-premier Thaksin in 2006.
On Friday about 12,000 demonstrators massed outside Thaicom, a day after the government pulled the plug on their People Television (PTV) under emergency rule aimed at quelling the turmoil.
A tense stand-off ensued with thousands of security personnel at the site on the outskirts of Bangkok. Some protesters managed to force their way into the compound of the broadcaster, which was protected by barbed wire.
Security personnel used tear gas and water cannon for first time since the mass demonstrations began in mid-March, but the stand-off later ended without any serious clashes between the two sides.
"It's crucial for the military and police to bring the situation under control," army spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told a news conference on Friday. "Police and soldiers will decisively enforce the law."
Reds' demands
The Reds want immediate elections, arguing the government is illegitimate because it came to power with army backing through a parliamentary vote in December 2008 after a court decision ousted Thaksin's allies from power.
The government has said it does not want to use force to break up the protests, but invoked emergency rule after protesters briefly forced their way into the parliament compound.
Lawmakers fled and several senior government figures were evacuated by military helicopter.
The government has banned public gatherings of more than five people and given broad powers to police and military under emergency rule in the capital and surrounding areas.
It is anxious to avoid a repeat of clashes last April that left two people dead.
