A demonstrator uses a racket against a tear gas canister during a protest for the government�s handling of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Bangkok, Thailand August 13, 2021. (Photo by Reuters)

Riot police fired tear gas at anti-government anarchists during clashes in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday evening.

The protesters defied a ban on gatherings of more than five people before hurling rocks at officers in the Din Daeng area of the capital.

Police responded with tear gas and water cannon before the demonstrators and the protest were dispersed shortly after nightfall.

Similar scenes erupted last year but had faded away due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, with ministers introducing laws and curfews that prevent people from gathering.

However, unrest has started again in recent weeks. Activists are demanding new elections, the prime minister to resign and a new constitution with �more democracy�.

Ministers say the unrest is being fuelled by disaffected opposition and exiled politicians to encourage anarchists and youth groups to cause violence.

(Source: AP)