Months of pro-democracy protests have rocked Thailand. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in an unprecedented student-led protest movement. They are calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, a rewrite of the Constitution and reforms to the Monarchy. Over 20 leaders have now been charged under a draconian royal defamation law that could see them imprisoned for up to 15 years if convicted. But not all Thais agree with the anti-royalist sentiment, thousands have also gathered to show their support for the ultra-wealthy monarch.

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Pro-democracy protests have rocked Thailand for months, with tens of thousands taking to the streets.

And although protests have remained mostly peaceful, growing tensions have led to occasional clashes with police.

After they served as shields against police water cannons, rubber ducks have become a symbol of the student-led movement.

"Ducks are symbolized as protectors of the pro-democracy protesters because they have helped ease the tension with the police in the past. To put it simply, they're the guards of the people. "

Three demands have been central to the movement: 1. Resignation of PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha / 2. A rewrite of the Constitution / 3. Reforms to the Monarchy

"What you see on the street is the consequence of what's been bottling up inside all of us. The street art here is in fact the result of what the government did last night."

The protests have been unprecedented. Never before have Thais made such open calls for reform of the monarchy, smashing what was taboo due to draconian royal defamation laws.

But now more than 20 protest leaders are facing charges for their role in the protests challenging the monarchy. If convicted, they could be facing up to 15 years in prison.

However, not all Thais agree with the anti-royalist sentiment. Thousands have also gathered in support of the king.

"I want to say to the king that all Thai people love him. We are proud to be born in Thailand under the king’s reign.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn has faced criticism for his long stints in Germany. But in recent months he has been in Thailand, making frequent appearances in front of supporters

The ultra-wealthy monarch is supported by the military and the country’s billionaires and has unparalleled influence across every aspect of Thai society. Previous pro-democracy movements were forcefully put down by the arch-royalist military.

Prime Minister Prayut who came to power in a 2014 coup has so far refused to step down. In early December 2020, he won a crucial legal battle to stay in office. A ruling that angered many who immediately took to the streets in protest.

"Today's ruling was really bad. They (the judges, ed) came up with nonsensical reasons to make sure their friend would survive."

Observers say that the tightening of repression on protesters will likely radicalise the movement.

"Thailand is not solely owned by anyone, therefore, by having this (royal defamation) law, and seeing it enforced on the leaders who have spoken out about reforming the monarchy, it truly shows there's a certain someone who wants to be the sole owner of the country and wants to keep oppressing other people."

And although PM Prayut has agreed to open talks it’s unclear if protesters' demands will be met.

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