Footage shows Thai protesters handing out helmets today (October 17th) as fears spread that riot police were moving into the area.

Large crowds had gathered at subway and train stations across Bangkok in the fifth day of anti-government rallies.

Demonstrations started at 4 pm in the capital of Thailand following clashes with police on Friday night.

Government chiefs closed all of the city's MRT subway stations and 14 BTS monorail sky train stations amid further unrest - plunging shoppers and travellers into chaos.

Protesters converged on different stations across the city to stage 'flash mob' style rallies - making Hunger Games three-finger pro-democracy salutes and chanting.

The latest Thailand protest came after police last night fired water cannons at the anti-government rioters gathered in the Pathum Wan area.

Footage shows Thai protesters handing out helmets among the crowd as fears spread that riot police were moving into the area.

Large crowds had gathered at subway and train stations across Bangkok, Thailand, today (October 17) in the fifth day of anti-government rallies.

Demonstrations started at 4 pm in the capital of Thailand following clashes with police on Friday night.

Government chiefs closed all of the city's MRT subway stations and 14 BTS monorail sky train stations amid further unrest - plunging shoppers and travellers into chaos.

Protesters converged on different stations across the city to stage 'flash mob' style rallies - making Hunger Games three-finger pro-democracy salutes and chanting.

The latest Thailand protest came after police last night fired water cannons at the anti-government rioters gathered in the Pathum Wan area.

Onlookers hit by the water claimed it contained irritant chemicals.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had ordered roads to be blocked around the area and warned a curfew could be imposed if protests escalate.

The leader made bizarre veiled threats warning protesters ''not to tempt the grim reaper'' before adding that ''everyone can die today or tomorrow''.

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.