Large crowds of protesters defied Thai police warnings and gathered for a third day as the government cracked down by arresting the movement's leaders today (October 15).

Footage from the Ratchaprasong Intersection near the Central World shopping mall shows the gathering - in defiance of a new 'state of emergency' - which started at 4 pm in Bangkok, Thailand.

The rally came as furious ministers launched a crackdown following clashes on Wednesday between protesters and establishment groups that lead to a car carrying the country's king and queen being blocked.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha issued a 'State Of Severe Emergency' at 4 am following the unprecedented unrest and riot police arrested dozens of protest leaders in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The law bans gatherings of more than five people. However, police on the ground were today unable to disperse the large crowd, believed to be around 4,000 people.

Thai anti-government and pro-democracy rallies and protests have grown since the start of the year. Activists are calling for the resignation of the prime minister, constitutional changes and reform of the monarchy.

Large crowds of protesters defied Thai police warnings and gathered for a third day as the government cracked down by arresting the movement's leaders today (October 15).

Footage from the Ratchaprasong Intersection near the Central World shopping mall shows the gathering - in defiance of a new 'state of emergency' - which started at 4 pm in Bangkok, Thailand.

The rally came as furious ministers launched a crackdown following clashes on Wednesday between protesters and establishment groups that lead to a car carrying the country's king and queen being blocked.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha issued a 'State Of Severe Emergency' at 4 am following the unprecedented unrest and riot police arrested dozens of protest leaders in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The law bans gatherings of more than five people. However, police on the ground were today unable to disperse the large crowd, believed to be around 4,000 people.

Thai anti-government and pro-democracy rallies and protests have grown since the start of the year. Activists are calling for the resignation of the prime minister, constitutional changes and reform of the monarchy.