At least 15 people have been killed and 500 hurt in clashes in the Thai capital Bangkok, as troops tried to retake areas from anti-government protesters.
Soldiers and police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as they advanced after dusk on the red-shirt protesters, who responded by throwing petrol bombs.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva later said the army had halted its operation.
The protesters, who want the government to call new elections, have been camped out in parts of the city for a month.
Earlier, the security forces retook an anti-government TV station.
Protesters overcame police outside the offices of the People Channel on Friday and temporarily put it back on air. TV footage showed officers shaking hands and smiling with protesters as they retreated.
