Protesters in Thailand surround a senator's as he leaves the parliament in Bangkok on Thursday night (September 24).

The anti-government activists were angry that lawmakers voted against plans to consider changing the country's constitutions. The bill was kicked into the long grass - effectively dashing hopes of democracy activists for political change.

Large crowds had staged protests outside the Parliament House throughout the day and night while criticizing the establishment. Activists placed golden democracy plaque stickers on the ground and on the gate of the building. They also listened to speakers, sang songs and waved their phone lights in the air.

Dozens of protests have been held in recent months amid anger from activists. Opponents of the ruling military party, which seized power in a coup in 2014 and won elections in 2019, are critical of the army's strong-arm tactics to silence critics and maintain its grip on power.

Wide-ranging complaints include a lack of transparency, low levels of democracy, economic equality, calls to reform the monarchy and issues with the country's reputation for police and political corruption.