Protesters brought thousands of inflatable yellow ducks as they gathered tonight in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday night (November 25).

The toys have become an unlikely symbol of the protest after they were used by demonstrators to defend themselves against the onslaught of tear gas and liquid fired from water cannons.

The scene outside the Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) unfolded as thousands of police officers and riot teams were deployed at several locations amid fears of unrest.

Protests, in which activists are calling for social reforms, last week escalated into violence with water cannons mixed with tear gas being fired at the assembled crowds.

Growing numbers of anti-establishment protests have taken place in recent months across Thailand, including at schools and universities.
Activists are calling for sweeping reforms including a new constitution, the resignation of the prime minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and reforms of the monarchy.

Thai government ministers claim the protests are being funded and encouraged by disaffected opposition and international groups to destabilise the country.