But demonstrators are vowing to stay camped in the grounds of the premises until PM Samak Sundaravej steps down.

Mr Samak has demanded that they leave by the end of the day, but the police appear reluctant to use much force.

The protesters say Mr Samak is a proxy for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006.

Mr Thaksin is now living in self-imposed exile in London, after leaving Thailand earlier this month to avoid facing a series of corruption charges.

Analysts say that Thai society is deeply divided between those who will never trust an administration run by allies of Mr Thaksin, and those - particularly in the countryside - who are his ardent supporters.

The army, in particular, is uncomfortable about being caught in the middle of this conflict, and according to the BBC correspondent in Bangkok, Jonathan Head, there may well be similar divided loyalties in the ranks.

Relaxed atmosphere

Hundreds of riot police cut through makeshift barricades and moved into the compound around Government House during the early hours of Wednesday, clashing with crowds.

There were scuffles between the two sides, and a few minor injuries were reported.

BBC