Anti-government activists lit a large bonfire on a road in central Bangkok on Friday 13 August.

The gathering, that began with peaceful music performances, defied a coronavirus ban on gatherings of more than five people.

Riot police later used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protest, while protesters threw rocks at the police and attacked road blocks.

The protest, in the Din Daeng area of the capital, was cleared shortly after nightfall.

Similar scenes were seen last year but had faded away due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, with ministers introducing laws and curfews that prevent people from gathering.

However, unrest has started again 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 to encourage anarchists and youth groups to cause violence.

Riot police fired tear gas at anti-government anarchists during clashes in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday evening.

The protesters started with a music show but defied a ban on gatherings of more than five people before hurling rocks at officers in the Din Daeng area of the capital. They also set alight items and attacked road blocks.

Police responded with tear gas and water cannon before the demonstrators at the protest were dispersed shortly after nightfall.

Similar scenes erupted last year but had faded away due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, with ministers introducing laws and curfews that prevent people from gathering.

However, unrest has started again 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 to encourage anarchists and youth groups to cause violence.Riot police fired tear gas at anti-government anarchists during clashes in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday evening.

The protesters defied a ban on gatherings of more than five people before hurling rocks at officers in the Din Daeng area of the capital. They also set alight items and attacked road blocks.

Police responded with tear gas and water cannon before the demonstrators at the protest were dispersed shortly after nightfall.

Similar scenes erupted last year but had faded away due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, with ministers introducing laws and curfews that prevent people from gathering.

However, unrest has started again 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 to encourage anarchists and youth groups to cause violence.