BANGKOK Thousands of Thais took to the streets Sunday to honor Thailand's 1932 transition from absolute monarchy to democracy and to protest a university relocation plan that would upend one of Bangkok's historic districts.

Activists holding banners marched along one of the Thai capital's historic byways, Ratchadamneoun Avenue, towards Thammasart University, where political rallies have been customarily held in the past.

Thammasart has become the subject of heated debate as city and university officials mull the school's relocation, which would make way for a city plan to turn the area into a park and force thousands to move from their homes.