Thai protesters wave LGBT flag at anti-government rally during heavy rain

Thai protesters wave LGBT flag at anti-government rally during heavy rain

Anti-government protesters defied heavy rain and police warnings to attend a rally in Bangkok, Thailand, today (September 19).

The event had been billed as one of the largest shows of anger this year towards the country's military government.

However, the washed-out demonstration was a damp show following monsoon downpours that kept many supporters at home.

A large police presence and warnings from the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that the event could risk causing a spike in Covid-19 cases also deterred activists, many of them students.

Police chiefs warned that the gathering was illegal as it had not sought permission but said those attending would not be arrested.

Those that did arrive at the event at the city's Thammasat University had to break through a locked gate to enter the campus.

They wore raincoats and umbrellas to listen to leaders make anti-government messages from a stand.

Some of the demonstrators waves a large rainbow LGBT flag before the march continued across the campus.

Food and water were also handed out by organisers.

Opponents of the ruling military party, which seized power in a coup in 2014 and won elections in 2019, are critical of the army's strong-arm tactics to silence critics to maintain its grip on power.

Other complaints include a lack of transparency, economic equality and issues with the country's reputation for police and political country.