PRO-DEMOCRACY demonstrators in Thailand staged another rally today, poking fun at their critics and warning of the possibility of a military coup.

The protest movement’s core demands are for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and his government to step down, the constitution to be amended to be more democratic, and the monarchy to be reformed to make it more accountable.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn holds more power than is appropriate under a constitutional monarchy, the protesters warn.

There is concern that if the government feels it cannot control the protests, it may impose martial law or be ousted by the army in a coup.

Resisting any coup attempt was the nominal theme of the rally, which began in a festival-like atmosphere that has marked many of the protest events.

Oversized inflatable yellow rubber ducks that became icons of the movement after they were used as shields against police water cannon were joined by balloons in the image of silvery space aliens.

The balloons are displayed to mock accusations that foreigners — “aliens” — fund and direct the protest movement.