Yesterday, the anti-government demonstrators here in Bangkok tried and failed to breach the defenses set up around Thamniap Rataban, Government House.

Repeated attempts to pull down barriers saw crowds pushed back by tear gas and water cannon.

Roads approaching Government House were fortified with concrete blocks and razor wire, behind which were rows of police in riot gear.

In the late afternoon, the demonstrators succeeded in toppling the first row of blocks and also cut through razor wire.

 Brute-force was used to shift the blocks.

There was a significant crowd but only a minority were involved in the frontline action.