Protests began today as Thailand's military blocked the winner of country's recent quasi-democratic elections from becoming Prime Minister.

Footage shows crowds of supporters of the Move Forward Party as they gathered outside the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Government Complex.

They were furious that leader Pita Limjaroenrat - who won the most votes in the national poll on May 15 - was prevented from becoming PM by 250 junta-appointed 'senators' who cast their deciding votes against him.

The cabal of establishment figures was given the final say due to changes made to the constitution by the army, which seized power with a coup in 2014.

They feared that liberal progressive Pita Limjaroenrat has become a threat to national security over plans to legalise criticism of the monarchy - the richest royal family in the world - which is currently protected by archaic lese majeste laws.