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BANGKOK - Thousands of Thai protesters broke through a barricade and spilled into the main government compound on Tuesday in their campaign to force out the prime minister, police and witnesses said.
Thai television showed crowds waving flags and banners sitting on the lawns of the seat of government. The atmosphere appeared calm, and no demonstrators have tried to storm Government House itself.
Police said that between 15,000 to 17,000 protesters broke a chain on a gate and entered the grounds.
"We just came here to take refuge from the tropical sun and use the restrooms," said Chamlong Srimaung, one of the protest leaders.
A coalition of anti-government groups brought about 20,000 protesters onto the streets of Bangkok on Tuesday.
They stormed the headquarters of a state-run TV station, and have surrounded other key ministries and government buildings.
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has been demonstrating since May, demanding that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej step down.
They claim Samak is running Thailand on behalf of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and is barred from holding office.
- AFP/ir
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