Protesters released balloons after a day of violent clashes with police and supporters of the monarchy in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday (November 17).

The day of violence saw police firing water cannon laced with chemicals at demonstrators and dozens of royalists hurling rocks at the crowd.

Independent onlookers and reporters hit by the water confirmed that it contained irritant chemicals. Protest group "Free Youth" said the youngest person injured during the chaos is in elementary school.

Smoke bombs were also hurled during a tense stand-off outside a government building, where barbed wire barricades were set up.

Anti-government protests have swept the nation in recent months.

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.