Thai protesters lay plaque in opposition to king

In ongoing demonstrations against the monarchy, student protesters in Bangkok have laid a plaque declaring that Thailand “belongs to the people not the king”.

In this latest challenge to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the plaque was laid in Sanam Luang, or Royal Field, close to the Grand Palace.

Demonstrators cheered and chanted, “Down with feudalism, long live the people.”

Such protests are particularly dangerous in Thailand as any criticism of the monarchy is punishable by long prison sentences.

Police did not intervene. A spokesman for the Thai government told Reuters news agency the police would not use violence against protesters.

The protesters are also demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who took power in a 2014 coup and won disputed elections last year.