Thai TV channel suspended amid growing protests in the capital

The Thai TV channel, Voice TV, is closed after its coverage of anti-government and anti-monarchy rallies yesterday.

This comes as last week's emergency measures were imposed which prohibit gatherings of more than four.

Despite several people being arrested and detained, demonstrations have grown exponentially across the capital, Bangkok.

Protesters demand changes to the constitution as well as a reduction of the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, one of the wealthiest rulers in the world.

Under Thai law, specifically Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison to defame or insult the monarchy.

The suspension of Voice TV yesterday came by a court decision which ruled that the online broadcaster had breached the Computer Crime Act by emitting "false information".

The editor-in-chief of the channel insists that they "have been operating based on journalistic principles".

The closure of Voice TV has been seen as censorship and a human rights violation, especially as three other media groups are also being investigated over their coverage of the protests.

The crisis in Thailand will be addressed by the Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, in next week's emergency parliamentary meeting. However, he insists that he will not back down as the protesters wish.