Thai protesters defy ban to call for reforms, PM seeks talks

Thousands of protesters have once again taken to the streets of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, to continue their call for reforms in the monarchy and the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha despite a ban on large gatherings.

"Down with dictatorship" and "reform the monarchy" the marchers chanted as they rallied toward the Victory Monument, Asoke and Tha Phra MRT station in Bangkok, defying a ban on protests for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday.

Police said there were around 10,000 people at Victory Monument alone. An unnamed spokesman said there was no plan to intervene and suppress the protest there.

Demonstrations have persisted despite the arrest of dozens of protesters and their leaders, the use of water cannon and shutdowns on much of Bangkok's metro rail system in a bid to quell over three months of street action.

Violent scuffles erupt as Thai police fires water cannon on defiant protesters

Thai police fired stinging liquid from water cannon at thousands of Thai protesters on Friday.

The protesters called out “Free our friends” as they stood under umbrellas in a rain. Some held up pictures of detained protest leaders.

Police have arrested more than 50 people, including several protest leaders, over the past week.

Human rights groups have also denounced the dozens of arrests and the use of force against peaceful protesters.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the prime minister is concerned about the spreading protests, adding that he feared they could be used by troublemakers seeking to instigate violence.

"The government wants to talk to find a way out together," Burapachaisri said.

He did not specify with whom the government hoped to speak.

Also on Sunday, demonstrations were being organized in at least 19 other provinces across Thailand.

Protesters moved quickly from point to point, posting different sites for possible demonstrations on social media.

Thailand declares emergency to ban gatherings after Bangkok protests

Thailand issues an emergency decree banning large gatherings in an attempt to end months-long, anti-government protests in the capital, Bangkok.

Sunday’s rallies are the latest in three months of anti-government protests.

Protesters are calling for the resignation of the government of Prayuth, a rewriting of the constitution that helped the former coup leader hold on to power in last year’s election, and a halt to the harassment of dissidents. 

The demonstrations have also become more openly critical of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's monarchy, breaking a longstanding taboo, demanding curbs to its powers despite potential jail terms of up 15 years for anyone insulting the king.

The royal palace has made no comment on the protests, but King Maha Vajiralongkorn has said that Thailand needs people who love the country and the monarchy.

In a rare, direct challenge to the king, protesters chanted slogans and held up a disparaging three-finger salute at his passing convoy on Tuesday.

Prayuth previously said that his government would allow protests but would not accept demands for reform of the monarchical system in the country.

His government ordered a ban on all political gatherings of five or more people on Thursday.

The protests have raised concerns about potential trouble in a country that experienced a decade of street violence between the supporters and opponents of the establishment before the coup d’etat in 2014.

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