In pictures: Thai anti-government demonstrations called off as police let protesters through the cordons

Thai anti-government protesters proclaimed victory after police took down barriers and allowed them to enter key government installations, removing a flashpoint for clashes and effectively bringing an end to days of violence in Bangkok in which five people have died.

One of the protest leaders at Government House in the western part of the capital, Taworn Senniem, declared victory and thanked police for ending their defence of the seat of the administration, as well as the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Thousands marched into the compounds, shaking hands with riot policemen and having photos taken of themselves and with their former adversaries.

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