Thai protesters set to defy ban with rallies outside Bangkok

BANGKOK - Anti-government protesters plan to defy a ban on gatherings in Thailand's capital for a third day and hold rallies across the nation, escalating a three-month old movement in support of monarchy reform and greater democracy.

The large crowd indicate the protests are unlikely to abate despite the arrest of key leaders and the government's move to ban gatherings of five or more people. The mounting demonstrations have weighed on the nation's currency and stocks, with foreign investors turning net sellers of US$10.6 billion so far this year.

The protests, led at first mostly by students, have broken taboos about publicly criticising the royal family, which sits at the apex of power in Thailand. Demonstrators have questioned taxpayer funds that go toward royal affairs as well as laws that stifle discussion of the monarchy. More on this topic On Friday, Parit asked his supporters to organise protests at"several locations around Bangkok and in every province" of the country. In a letter from his jail, he told activists"don't stay overnight so the group can be more flexible" to stage demonstrations everyday.

They are pushing to rewrite the constitution drafted by a military-appointed panel that helped him stay on following elections last year. The government has said it's open to changes in some areas, but a process to rewrite the constitution has been delayed in parliament.

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