Thai riot police and soldiers built a terrifying fortress of shipping containers and barbed wire ahead of planned protesters on Wednesday afternoon (November 25).

Footage shows the barricade, which also included concrete blocks and metal railings, outside the country's National Bank where demonstrators had planned to gather.

Thousands of police officers were deployed at several locations amid fears of unrest. Protests last week escalated into violence with water cannons mixed with tear gas being fired at the assembled crowds.

Thousands of anti-establishment protests have taken place in recent months across Thailand.

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.

Thai government ministers claim the protests are being funded and encouraged by disaffected opposition and international groups to destabilise the country.