Despite being wanted on treason charges, Mr Suthep, a former politician with strong military links, led protesters to government offices and parliament, demanding state agencies remove the government within three days. “But if you cannot do it within three days, we the people will do it our own way,” he said. Images of Mr Suthep, who also faces multiple murder charges over bloodshed in 2010, being feted at government offices and demanding to meet senior police who have failed to arrest him contrasted sharply with the treatment of Ms Yingluck, who was forced from office on a charge of transferring the country’s national security chief from his post after winning office in a landslide victory in 2011. Thailand’s anti-corruption commission has also begun impeachment proceedings against Ms Yingluck in the Senate on a charge of negligence over a loss-making subsidy scheme for rice farmers, a move that could see her barred from politics for five years. “If you find cabinet ministers, bring them to me. I will be waiting at government house,” Mr Suthep told protesters.

In a further blow to the government, the Senate late on Friday elected an anti-government senator, Surachai Liangboonlertchai, to the post of Speaker, a crucial role that endorses any new prime minister to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan told his supporters not to be intimidated by the siege of state-run media outlets or the removal of Ms Yingluck in what her supporters said was instigated by powerful figures in Bangkok. “Don’t break ranks and don’t do anything that might create a reason for them topple democracy,” he said. The Thai Journalists' Association and the Thai Broadcast Journalists' Association issued a joint statement calling on the protesters to end intimidation of the media, saying journalists should not be forced to take sides. Human Rights Watch said the protesters had shown “an ugly disregard for freedom of the press”.

Analysts see the role of the military, which has staged 18 coups or attempted coups since the 1930s, as central to the impasse, although it has so far remained on the sidelines. They say if widespread violence breaks out the military will be forced to step in. Natthawut Saikuar, another Red Shirt leader, said: “It depends on the military. If we don’t play into their hands it is not easy for them to provoke a coup.” Thailand’s Election Commission has warned that elections set for July 20 may have to be postponed, adding to fears Thailand faces a prolonged period of instability and possible escalating violence. “The political situation is being monitored closely,” said commission chairman Supathai Somcharoen, who has been criticised for mishandling a February election that was later annulled.

“If it is not possible to hold the election on July 20, then the date must be deferred,” he said. Twenty-five people have been killed and hundreds injured since anti-government protests began last November, dragging down Thailand’s economy and scaring away tourists. The crisis broadly pits two groups of Thai elite against each other, one backed by Bangkok’s middle class and royalists and the other backed by rural masses who support Ms Yingluck and her brother Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister and billionaire tycoon who lives in exile to avoid a jail sentence for corruption.