In pictures: Bangkok mood shifts

An anti-government protester hugs a riot policeman during a rally near the Government House in Bangkok, 3 December 2013 — Image caption,
After three days of violent clashes in Bangkok, riot police have opened barricades at key buildings and allowed anti-government protesters in, saying they do not want any more confrontations.

Anti-government protesters wave Thai national flags after they toppled barricades near the Government House in Bangkok, 3 December 2013

The protests, which started on 24 November, were largely peaceful for the first week but turned violent on Saturday. On Monday police fired water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to push back protesters.

Anti-government protesters remove barbed wire outside the gates of the prime minister's office, known as Government House, in Bangkok, Thailand, 3 December 2013

Police have been holding back protesters from key government offices, like the prime minister's office, known as Government House, and the police headquarters.

Anti-government protesters use a bulldozer to remove concrete barriers outside the city police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, 3 December 2013

But on Tuesday, police said they would not stand in the way of the protesters. They even removed barricades and razor wire at the police headquarters and said protesters were welcome inside.

Anti-government protesters pose with riot police during a rally outside the Government House in Bangkok, 3 December 2013

The move transformed the mood on the streets, with clashes ending and what one report described as a carnival atmosphere developing.

An anti-government protester shakes hands with a riot police outside the Government House during a rally in Bangkok, 3 December 2013

The protesters want the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down, alleging that her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, is in control. They want to replace the government with an unelected "People's Council". Ms Yingluck, who won elections in 2011, said the move was not constitutional.