Protesters break into Thai parliament

Anti-government protesters stormed into Thailand’s parliament today as MPs scaled walls to flee and a helicopter evacuation of others still trapped inside was being prepared, Thai TV and officials said.

Demonstrators, led by one of their hardcore leaders, smashed through the parliament compound gate with a truck and rushed to the second floor. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban was still inside the building.

The protesters later withdrew at the request of opposition MPs.

Earlier, a session of parliament was aborted as several thousand demonstrators ringed the compound.

Thailand's government security agency said a Blackhawk helicopter landed in the parliament's grounds to evacuate trapped politicians.

A statement from the agency said the helicopter carrying “five soldiers armed with M16s landed on the parliament’s helipad and picked up ministers and lawmakers trapped inside”.

A television report said Deputy PM Mr Thaugsuban was among those evacuated.

Thousands of protesters have been camped in Bangkok since March 12 and say they will continue protests until parliament is dissolved.