Pro-democracy protests in Thailand continued Wednesday, Oct. 14, with an estimated 8,000 people marching from Bangkok’s Democracy Monument to the Government House, the location of the offices of the Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Protestors, many of whom are students, are calling for reforms to Thailand’s constitutional monarchy, including new elections, a more democratic constitution and the resignation of Chan-ocha. They are also demanding a stop to the intimidation of activists, and are asking that the monarchy be held accountable. 

The monarchy is considered “sacrosanct and a pillar of Thai identity,” and criticisms of the monarchy are punished with three to 15 years in prison, according to the Associated Press (AP). The pro-democracy movement has repeatedly denied accusations that they wish to overthrow or end the monarchy, and say that they instead want the monarchy to adapt with the country. 

This is not the first time that attempts have been made to reform Thailand’s government to be democratic; however, past attempts have been reversed by military coups. These protests first began in February, 2020, when a Thai pro-democracy party was ordered to dissolve by a court, according to the BBC. 

Earlier protests in September saw as many as 20,000 people gathering in support of democracy. There were also pro-monarchy counter-protests, although there has been some speculation that these groups were organized by government authorities, according to AP.