Thai protesters storm army compound in bid to topple prime minister

An anti-government protester blows a whistle in front of Thai National flags during rally at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 29, 2013. Thailand's prime minister begged protesters Thursday to call off their sustained anti-government demonstrations and negotiate an end to the nation's latest crisis.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

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An anti-government protester blows a whistle during a rally at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 29, 2013. Thailand's prime minister begged protesters Thursday to call off their sustained anti-government demonstrations and negotiate an end to the nation's latest crisis.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

Anti-government protesters gather in front of the Democracy Monument during a rally in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 29, 2013. Thailand's prime minister begged protesters Thursday to call off their sustained anti-government demonstrations and negotiate an end to the nation's latest crisis.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

BANGKOK – Thailand's army spokesman says more than 1,000 anti-government protesters have stormed inside the army's headquarters, the latest high-profile target in a bid to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd says the protesters broke a padlock at the gate of the compound and then pushed their way inside Friday.

He said: "They are inside the courtyard and have not entered any buildings."

The demonstrations that started Sunday have raised fears of fresh political turmoil and instability in Thailand.

They pose the biggest threat to Yingluck's administration since she came to power in 2011.

Groups of protesters were scattered around Bangkok Friday. Some are still occupying the Finance Ministry, which they stormed Monday. Others are holed up at a sprawling government office compound.