Thai student protesters chant anti-government slogans while waving mobile phone flashlights on the seventh consecutive day of rallies in Bangkok, Thailand, this evening (October 19).

Footage shows hundreds of demonstrators chanting ''1, 2, 3, 4, I-hia, Tu''. The word "Ihia" is a crude insult which protesters have adopted and directed towards the country's Prime Minister, whose nickname is Tu.

At the weekend, thousands of protesters occupied busy roads and intersections in the capital and across the country, despite the government declaring a state of emergency, which bans gatherings of more than five people.

Anti-government rallies started on Tuesday last week and sparked clashes with police and security personnel the next day. On Thursday morning, dozens of Thai protest leaders were arrested and refused bail.

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

Officials have claimed that a mixture of disaffected opposition, foreign influence and social media "bots" are stirring up the unrest.