It was the first use of force by the government in month-long protests aimed at ousting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and forcing new elections.

The “Red Shirt” protesters had threatened to charge into the building if a senior military commander didn’t come out to negotiate to restore their People Channel, or PTV.

Hurling rocks, the protesters breached the barbed-wire perimeter of the Thaicom Public Co Ltd within minutes, though they were not immediately able to enter the main building. Some security forces were seen throwing down their shields and riot gear and shaking hands with the protesters.

The escalating demonstrations are part of a long-running battle between the mostly poor and rural supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and the ruling elite they say orchestrated the 2006 military coup that removed him from power.

In recent weeks, police at demonstrations have frequently shown sympathy with the protesters and analysts say the security forces, especially the police, are split in their loyalties, making it difficult for the government to enforce its orders and decrees.

Leaders of the Red Shirt movement initially said they would march to undisclosed locations across Bangkok in their biggest rally yet, but switched plans, with protest leader Nattawut Saikua telling followers, “We’re all moving in one direction.” “We’re going to bring back our People Channel,” he said.

PTV was set up and financed by Red Shirt sympathisers. A number of small community radio stations also are allied with the protesters, who also use cell phones and social networking to communicate.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court today issued arrest warrants for three leaders for allegedly seizing the commercial district, Thai News Agency said.

To date, a total of 27 warrants have been issued but none of the leaders is known to have been taken into custody.

The government has declared a state of emergency but so far has exerted no significant force to stop the escalating demonstrations.

The PM went on national television late Thursday to explain the reasons behind the censorship and to announce that arrest warrants had been issued for protest leaders accused of briefly storming Parliament on Wednesday.

Most of Thailand’s television stations are owned by the government, but other media are privately owned and reflect a wide spectrum of political opinion.