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BANGKOK: Thai protest organizers declared an end to Friday’s (October 16) rally that was held in defiance of a government ban, as riot police fired sharp liquid from a water cannon to disperse the crowd .
“End of protest,” read a message sent by one of the organizers.
Police fired water cannons and advanced with riot shields and batons on Friday night to disperse thousands of protesters who defied the ban on protests for a second day, despite a warning from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The protesters backed off, some with umbrellas. Some threw plastic bottles with all their riot gear at the police.
“Out, out,” chanted the protesters as police used their heaviest force yet to stop three months of protests that challenged King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s monarchy and demanded the removal of Prayut, a former military ruler.
READ: Thai Prime Minister rejects calls to resign, prepares for new protest
Police fire a water cannon at pro-democracy protesters during an anti-government rally in Bangkok on October 16, 2020 (Photo: AFP / Lillian SUWANRUMPHA)
A pro-democracy protester reacts when riot police use water cannons at the anti-government rally in Bangkok on October 16, 2020 (Photo: AFP / Lillian SUWANRUMPHA).
“The dictatorial government is using violence to disperse the popular movement,” said Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, one of the protest leaders.
On Thursday a ban on gatherings of more than five people was imposed.
“We have issued warnings against illegal acts,” police spokesman Yingyot Thepchamnong told reporters. “After this, there will be intensive measures to enforce the law.”
A protest poster read “Free our friends,” a reference to the arrest of more than 40 protesters, including several of their leaders, as the government’s crackdown has intensified this week.
“I have to fight for my future,” said Pin, 22, a college student who declined to give her full name.
Prayut first seized power as army chief in a 2014 coup. Critics say he engineered a general election last year to maintain power as civilian prime minister. He says the choice was fair.
The protesters also want a new constitution, to replace one drawn up under the military regime.
Police fire a water cannon at pro-democracy protesters during an anti-government rally in Bangkok on October 16, 2020 (Photo: AFP / Lillian SUWANRUMPHA)
READ: ‘I want freedom’: Thai protest despite government ban on meetings
DO NOT LEAVE
“I am not going to resign,” Prayut told reporters after an emergency cabinet meeting, adding that the emergency measures would be in effect for up to 30 days. He warned people not to violate them, saying, “Just wait and see … If you do wrong, we will use the law.”
Calls have also accumulated among protesters for reforms to the monarchy, which the protesters accuse of helping secure decades of military influence in politics.
The protests have been largely peaceful.
The only specific incident cited by the government for the imposition of emergency measures was one in which Queen Suthida’s caravan was booed by protesters, but she also said the protests were damaging the economy and national security.
Police said Friday that two men would be charged with attempted violence against the queen, carrying a possible death sentence if her life is believed to have been threatened. Even if not, the charge can mean life in prison.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was concerned about the situation in Thailand, said Ravina Shamdsani Said, a spokeswoman for Commissioner Michelle Bachelet.
“We are particularly concerned about the application of serious charges, including the crime of sedition, against people for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights,” he said at a briefing in Geneva.
The Thai parliamentary opposition parties condemned the emergency measures.
“The Pheu Thai Party calls on General Prayut Chan-o-cha and state officials to lift the emergency decree and stop intimidating people in all ways and release those arrested immediately,” said the party, which has the largest number of seats. in parliament.
