Thousands of Thais defy crackdown on protests in Bangkok

Police use of water cannon fires up more demonstrators on streets of capital and other cities

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Bangkok and other Thai cities on Saturday, defying a crackdown against a pro-democracy movement that has challenged both the king and the prime minister.

Youth-led rallies have spread across Thailand over recent months, with protesters making public demands for reform of the country's monarchy, which is protected by a harsh lese-majesty law and which, until recently, was considered untouchable. They have also called for changes to the constitution, and the resignation of the prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, who first came to power during the 2014 coup.