Thai protesters storm into TV compound

Anti-government protesters in Thailand today stormed into a telecommunications company compound where authorities had shut down their vital TV channel, as soldiers and riot police attempted to hold them back with tear gas and water cannons.

It was the first use of force by the government in month-long protests aimed at ousting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and forcing new elections.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court said it had issued arrest warrants for three top protest leaders.

The “Red Shirt” protesters had threatened to charge into the building if a senior military commander didn’t come out to negotiate with them to restore the channel.

Hurling rocks, the protesters breached the barbed-wire perimeter of the Thai Telecoms Public Company within minutes, and as they moved into the compound, security forces threw tear gas canisters and fired water cannons but quickly retreated as thousands of protesters swarmed in.

Some security forces were seen throwing down their shields and riot gear and shaking hands with the protesters.