POLICE fired tear gas in clashes with hundreds of protesters in Bangkok yesterday ahead of a rally seeking to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The protest – the largest yet against her administration – highlights tensions simmering since Yingluck's Puea Thai party swept to victory in July 2011.

Anti-riot police fired gas canisters at protesters who tried to climb over cement and barbed-wire barriers blocking entry to the rally site. Police said between 300 and 400 protesters clashed with officers.