Police officers tried to disperse an anti-government protest in Bangkok, Thailand, today (October 29).

Footage shows the officer using a megaphone to order the demonstrators to leave the colourful art-themed rally on the Silom Road area of the Thai capital

The gathering took place outside the Sri Maha Mariamman Buddhist temple, or Wat Khaek, as it is also known. Officers claimed the protest was illegal under Thai law and required permission to be held.

Two other protests were held in the city - one at the offices of the pro-establishment Nation Multimedia Group and another at the Pathum Wan Intersection where police fire water cannons in a previous demonstration.

The rally comes after thousands of protesters marched to the German Embassy in Bangkok on Monday (October 26) calling for an investigation into the Thai king's affairs. He has been accused of illegally ruling from foreign soil during his extended stays in Germany.

The Thailand anti-government protests started with small groups of student activists but have grown into a sweeping movement calling for democratic reforms, constitution changes, the resignation of the prime minister and reductions in powers of the royal family.

Protests have been ongoing since the start of the year but large demonstrations erupted earlier this month with rallies across the country.

In Bangkok, major subway and train stations, as well as the Victory Monument and Democracy Monument, have been the focus of crowds. Universities around the country have also seen large demonstrations.

Dozens of protest organisers and leaders have been arrested following the anti-government marches. Two of the most prominent - Parit 'Penguin' Chiwarak and Panusaya 'Rung' Sithijirawattanakul - face multiple charges and have been denied bail.

The Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha - who seized power with the military in 2014 - and other establishment figures claim the protests are being orchestrated and funded by disaffected opposition and foreign activists.

They also claim that social media 'bots' are being used to encourage the protest.