Thousands of protesters poured through leaky police cordons on Friday afternoon and began to close their own siege of Government House.
The demonstrators of the People's Alliance for Democracy outwitted almost all police blockades to force their way to Government House.
At Misakawan intersection, the last police blockade, police trucks in the middle of Phitsanulok Road were unable to block protesters.
Minor skirmishes were reported at some of the police cordons, and seven policemen were injured as protesters poured past them.
Within an hour of the beginning of the protest march, (PAD) core leaders Sondhi Limthongkul and Somkiat Pongpaiboon joined colleague Chamlong Srimuang at the Nang Lerng intersection near the Royal Turf Club on Phitsanuloke Road on their way to Government House.
Police won a Phyrric victory: PAD loudspeaker trucks were not able to pass police blockades with the protesters.
Police fought with the leading edge of a crowd of protesters, while other PAD supporters simply ran past the ineffective police lines and approached Government House. Spokesmen said seven policemen suffered injuries in the clashes.
Protesters sat down in the middle of the road within sight of the prime minister's office. They did not actually enter Government House, and did not appear to try.
All staff at Government House were sent home early on Friday afternoon. Schools in the area were ordered closed on Thursday in case of violence.
Police had water cannons and tear gas but did not use them. Police officers said they would not use violent means to disperse the demonstrators, who outwitted them easily.
A PAD leader said he expected 400,000 demonstrators by Friday afternoon. An estimated 10,000 showed up.
Source: Bangkok Post.
