Protesters gathered for a second consecutive day in Bangkok, Thailand, this afternoon (August 11).

Activists defied a ban on more than five people congregating due to the spread of Covid-19 cases and instead waved flags and set alight effigies at the Victory Monument in the centre of the Thai capital.

A number of demonstrators were arrested and seen being lead away in handcuffs. It came after police confirmed that 48 people were arrested during rallies on Tueday, including 15 youths. Nine policemen were wounded and one was shot in the left leg

Anger at the regime - which seized power with a military coup in 2014 - has grown in recent years sparking protests.

The movement lost momentum due to the coronavirus but has resumed in recent weeks.

Activists are demanding new elections, the prime minister to resign and a new constitution with 'more democracy'.

Ministers say the unrest is being fuelled by disaffected opposition and exiled politicians such as former Man City owner Thaksin Shinawatra to encourage anarchists and youth groups to cause violence.

Thailand has recorded 816,989 Covid-19 cases and 6,795 deaths as of August 10 – with cases rising dramatically since April. Ministers have banned gatherings of more than five people and rolled out a 9pm curfew in the worst-hit regions.