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BANGKOK: Thai protesters scaled a huge Bangkok monument on Saturday (February 13), covering it in crimson cloth and calling on the kingdom to abolish its draconian royal defamation laws.
The protesters threw paint at the police and several small knocks were heard during a clash near a city shrine after the demonstration had moved from the Democracy Monument and top leaders called for it to disperse.
Activists said the red fabric on the monument represented the blood of democracy fighters.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Kissana Pattanacharoen said that more than 20 police officers were injured in the clashes and that seven or eight people were detained for questioning.
Momentum for the youth-led movement calling for a review by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government has slowed in recent months, due to a new wave of coronavirus infections in Thailand.
But the recent arrest of four prominent leaders has spurred protesters into action, driving hundreds back to the Democracy Monument intersection in Bangkok’s historic neighborhood, under close surveillance by dozens of riot police.
The leaders were charged under the lese majesté law, which carries penalties of up to 15 years per charge if found guilty of insulting the monarchy.
Protesters raise a three-finger salute as they wrap a portion of the Democracy Monument in a large red sheet with pro-democracy messages written during an anti-government rally in Bangkok on February 13, 2021 (Photo: AFP / Jack Taylor) . )
“I want to emphasize that the purpose of today’s demonstration is to call for the abolition of 112,” said Panupong “Mike” Jadnok, referring to the law in his section of the penal code.
After rearranging the flower pots around the monument to say “112”, the activists placed a huge red cloth over the Monument to Democracy in an act of defiance.
“If the police do not release our friends in seven days, we will hold a huge protest here at the monument,” shouted rally leader Attapon Buapat.
As night fell, they marched towards the Royal Palace, but were stopped by barricades and barbed wire surrounding the area.
Protesters remove flowers and pots next to the numbers “112”, signifying the Thai royal defamation law, written with coconut shells around the Democracy Monument during a demonstration in Bangkok on February 13, 2021 (Photo: AFP / Jack Taylor).
Dozens of police officers in full riot gear confronted the protesters, some of whom wore white shields, gas masks and helmets.
The pro-democracy movement, which began last July, calls for reforms to the impregnable monarchy, and the abolition of the royal defamation law is one of its key demands.
His grievances with the monarchy have electrified Thai society, where frank discussion of royalty is taboo.
Police try to prevent protesters from advancing during an anti-government rally in Bangkok on February 13, 2021 (Photo: AFP / Mladen Antonov).
At their peak, the demonstrations drew tens of thousands, and the protesters were inspired by the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement.
In November, police deployed tear gas and water cannons at protesters, using liquid mixed with an irritant, and the clashes injured more than 40 people.
