Bangkok, Thailand – Since the Thai military seized power last week, anti-coup demonstrations have been raging in Bangkok, the capital, with protesters denouncing the power grab.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha, leader of Thailand’s coup, said he received the endorsement of King Bhumibol Adulyadej formalising his status as head of government. The army chief gave his first address to the nation on Monday, saying that he will firmly enforce the law to improve the political situation in the country.

The military seized power last Thursday to end six months of sometimes violent protests against the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

It took over the government with a heavy hand: detaining scores of people, most allied with Yingluck’s government, throwing out the constitution, dissolving the Senate and censoring media.

More protests have been scheduled with organisers declaring that they are not afraid of the consequences.