Thai police yield to protesters ahead of king's birthday


Anti-government protesters shaking hands with policemen near the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, 03 Dec 2013, after they stormed the compound. - EPA

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai police abandoned their defence of the besieged government headquarters on Tuesday, allowing unruly protesters to cross barricades in a dramatic move that eased tensions ahead of the revered king's birthday. 

Several days of street battles between demonstrators and security forces suddenly gave way to hugs and smiles after police said they would no longer use force against protesters trying to storm Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's offices as well as their own headquarters. 

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