CALL FOR MONARCHY REFORM IN THAILAND

Anti-government protesters hold up their mobile phones as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok on Saturday. Tens of thousands of protesters massed close to Thailandu2019s Grand Palace calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy.nThe kingdom has seen near-daily gatherings of youth-led groups since mid-July calling for the resignation of Prayut, the former army chief behind the 2014 coup, and a complete overhaul of his administration. Some are also demanding reforms to Thailandu2019s ultra-wealthy and powerful monarchy -- a once-taboo topic in the country due to its tough royal defamation laws. (AFP)