Anti-government demonstrators occupying a historic field in the Thai capital today installed a plaque symbolizing the country’s transition to democracy to replace the original one that was mysteriously ripped and stolen three years ago, as they vowed to press on with calls for new elections and reform of the monarchy.

The mass student-led rally that began Saturday was the largest in a series of protests this year, with thousands camping overnight at Sanam Luang field near the royal palace.

A group of activists drilled a hole in front of a makeshift stage and, after Buddhist rituals, laid down a round brass plaque in cement to commemorate a 1932 revolution that changed Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

“At the dawn of September 20, here is where the people proclaim that this country belongs to the people,” read part of the inscription on the plaque. In April 2017, the original plaque vanished from Bangkok’s Royal Plaza and was replaced by one praising the monarchy.

“The nation does not belong to only one person, but belongs to us all. Therefore, I would like to ask holy spirits to stay with us and bless the people’s victory,” student leader Parit “Penguin” Chirawak told the crowd.

Another activist, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, said their demands do not propose getting rid of the monarchy. “They are proposals with good intentions to make the institution of the monarchy remain graciously above the people under democratic rule.”

Still, such calls took the nation by surprise. Protesters’ demands seek to limit the king’s powers, establish tighter controls on palace finances and allow open discussion of the monarchy. Their boldness was unprecedented, as the monarchy is considered sacrosanct in Thailand with a harsh law that mandates a three- to 15-year prison term for defaming it.

The protesters later attempted to march toward the Grand Palace to hand over a petition seeking royal reforms to the head of the Privy Council, the king’s advisers, but were blocked by police barricade. One of them, Panusaya, was allowed to deliver the petition, addressed to the king. It was received by a police official, who promised to forward it to the council.

Just before the rally ended, activist Parit called for a general strike on Oct. 14, the anniversary of a popular student uprising in 1973 that ended the military dictatorship after dozens were killed by police. He also called for another protest Thursday outside parliament to follow up on their demands.

Organizers had predicted that as many as 50,000 people would take part in the weekend’s protest, but Associated Press reporters estimated that around 20,000 people were present by Saturday evening.

“By holding their protest on Sanam Luang — a long-time site of recreation and protest for the people, taken over in recent years by the monarchy — the protestors have won a significant victory,” said Tyrell Haberkorn, a Thai studies scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Their resounding message is that Sanam Luang, and the country, belong to the people.”-AP

Protesters raise a three-fingers, symbol of resistance salute during a rally at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday.

Pro-democracy student leaders raise a three-fingers salute, a symbol of resistance during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday.

Pro-democracy protesters raise a three-fingers, symbol of resistance salute as others observe Buddhist religious rituals during a rally at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday.

Country belongs to the people, Thai protesters proclaim