Tens of thousands defy ban to join pro-democracy protest in Thailand

Government declares severe' state of emergency in Bangkok with protest leaders arrested

Tens of thousands of people, including high-school students, gathered in Bangkok on Thursday, defying a ban announced as part of a crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

Thailand's prime minister declared a severe" state of emergency in the capital overnight, as police arrested more than 20 people, including prominent student leaders who have called for monarchy reform. By Thursday afternoon, crowds ignored the ban to assemble at one of the city's busiest intersections, Ratchaprasong, where they chanted release our friends" and called police slaves of dictatorship".