The Thai government sparked chaos today (October 17th) when they closed down train stations in Bangkok to stop protests.

Anti-government demonstrations had been planned for 4 pm in the capital of Thailand, making it the fifth consecutive day of riots.

However, in a bid to quell the scenes of unrest, all of the city's MRT subway stations and 14 BTS monorail sky train stations were closed.

The bid to stop protesters gathering or staging rallies at stations plunged Saturday shoppers and commuters into chaos, with many stranded without public transport. Buses and taxis were overwhelmed with passengers leading to gridlock on busy roads.

The move came after police last night fired water cannon at the anti-government protesters gathered at the Pathum Wan area.

Onlookers hit by the water claimed it contained irritant chemicals. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered roads to be blocked around the area and warned a curfew could be imposed if protests escalate.

Public transport on metro and sky trains in the area has also been closed. Anti-government rallies stared on Tuesday and sparked clashes with police and security personnel the next day.

On Thursday morning, dozens of Thai protest leaders were arrested and refused bail. Prime Minister Chan-o-cha has issued a 'State Of Severe Emergency' following the unprecedented unrest. The law bans gatherings of more than five people.

Thai anti-government and pro-democracy rallies and protests have grown since the start of the year.

Activists have made sweeping demands including the resignation of the prime minister, constitutional changes and reform of the monarchy.

However, officials have claimed that a mixture of disaffected opposition, foreign influence and social media 'bots' are stirring up the unrest. The Thailand protest and protests have continued over the last week in Bangkok and other provinces.

The Thai government sparked chaos today (October 17) when they closed down train stations in Bangkok to stop protests.

Anti-government demonstrations had been planned for 4 pm in the capital of Thailand, making it the fifth consecutive day of riots.

However, in a bid to quell the scenes of unrest, all of the city's MRT subway stations and 14 BTS monorail sky train stations were closed.

The bid to stop protesters gathering or staging rallies at stations plunged Saturday shoppers and commuters into chaos, with many stranded without public transport. Buses and taxis were overwhelmed with passengers leading to gridlock on busy roads.

The move came after police last night fired water cannon at the anti-government protesters gathered at the Pathum Wan area.

Onlookers hit by the water claimed it contained irritant chemicals. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered roads to be blocked around the area and warned a curfew could be imposed if protests escalate.

Public transport on metro and sky trains in the area has also been closed. Anti-government rallies stared on Tuesday and sparked clashes with police and security personnel the next day.

On Thursday morning, dozens of Thai protest leaders were arrested and refused bail. Prime Minister Chan-o-cha has issued a 'State Of Severe Emergency' following the unprecedented unrest. The law bans gatherings of more than five people.

Thai anti-government and pro-democracy rallies and protests have grown since the start of the year.

Activists have made sweeping demands including the resignation of the prime minister, constitutional changes and reform of the monarchy.

However, officials have claimed that a mixture of disaffected opposition, foreign influence and social media 'bots' are stirring up the unrest. The Thailand protest and protests have continued over the last week in Bangkok and other provinces.