BANGKOK (Reuters) – Hundreds of Thais protested on Saturday night, demanding the resignation of the government and the dissolution of parliament, challenging the coronavirus ban in large gatherings in one of the largest street demonstrations since a 2014 military coup.
A protester holds a poster during a protest demanding the resignation of the government, challenging the restrictions of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in large gatherings in one of the largest demonstrations since a 2014 coup in Bangkok, Thailand, the July 18, 2020. REUTERS / Chalinee Thirasupa
Those at the student-led rally near the Bangkok Democracy Monument cited a litany of complaints against the one-year-old government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former army chief who ousted an elected government six years ago.
Organizers issued three demands: the dissolution of parliament, an end to harassment by government critics, and amendments to the constitution written by the military that critics say practically guaranteed the victory of the Prayuth party in last year’s elections. .
“How can we agree to a lack of democracy like this?” Student activist Tattep Ruangprapaikit told the crowd.
Police were on hold but did not move to stop the protest. The monument was cordoned off with signs saying: “You cannot enter without permission. Maintenance in progress. ”
Public opposition to the Prayuth government has been growing in recent months.
Since last year’s elections, a court has dissolved the second-largest opposition party, giving Prayuth’s ruling coalition firmer control in parliament.
Prayuth also saw several cabinet members resign here Thursday over internal disputes.
The Prayuth Palang Pracharat Party campaigned on a vision of traditional Thai culture and loyalty to King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Thailand is officially a constitutional monarchy, but insulting the king is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and many conservatives view the monarchy as sacrosanct.
Some signs in Saturday’s protest made reference to the monarchy, including a banner saying “The Popular Party is not dead,” a reference to the political party whose revolution ended with absolute royal rule in 1932.
The Democracy Monument is the most prominent monument of that revolution, but others have been removed here or renamed since King Vajiralongkorn took over the throne after the death in 2016 of his father, who had reigned for 70 years.
Panu Wongcha-um Reports; Written by Kay Johnson; Editing by Hugh Lawson
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