Thai protesters confront police at country's Grand Palace to demand reforms

Thai protesters confront police at country's Grand Palace to demand reforms

Protesters in Thailand marched to the country's Grand Palace where they confronted police before handing over a letter demanding reforms today (September 20).

The activists - many of whom had camped out overnight - faced a police barricade of metal fences and buses in front of the historic building in Bangkok, which is used by the monarchy.

Officers allowed through a small group of protesters who handed a letter to the Royal Guard police.

Officers said it would be sent to the police HQ to decide how to proceed.

Demands include the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a new constitution and elections, and reforms to curb the power of the monarchy.

The two-day demonstration began on Saturday morning at the Thammasat University and police estimates put the crowd at between 10,000 and 15,000 people by evening.

Anti-government demonstrations started earlier this year with calls for the milityary government which seized power with a coup in 2014 to be replaced.

The rallies have continued and now include issues targeting the country's monarchy, which is protected by stricy Lese Majeste laws.

Activists camped out overnight on the Sanam Luang, or Royal Field, in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok after breaking through police barricades on Saturday.

A symbolic plaque proclaiming the country ''belongs to the people'' was cemented into the ground of the sacred field - normally used for royal cremations and other ceremonies - before the protesters continued a march to the Grand Palace to hand over a letter demanding reforms. There were also demonstrations in New York, Tokyo and London on Saturday.