High school students in Bangkok, Thailand, today (December 1) unfurled an LGBT gay rights flag during a protest against having to wear school uniforms.

Hundreds of youngsters aged between 16 and 18 and studying at high school converged on the Ministry of Education in the Thai capital. They attached the large rainbow flag to the walls around the government building.

Students are arguing that because they pay school fees, they should have the right to wear the clothes of their choice.

Supporters of the cause also claim that the uniforms and strict guidelines on hair length are a way of controlling their freedom of expression and conditioning young pupils from a young age to follow social rules.

The protest is part of the growing anti-establishment movement which has erupted across Thailand this year amid growing unrest at the government, monarchy and corporate institutions.

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.