[ad_1]
BANGKOK (REUTERS, AFP) – Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters took over key intersections in Bangkok on Sunday (October 18), defying the ban on protests for the fourth day with chants of “down with dictatorship” and “monarchy reform.” “
The demonstrations have persisted despite the arrest of dozens of protesters and their leaders, the use of water cannons, and closures across much of Bangkok’s metro rail system in an attempt to quell more than three months of street action.
The youth-led movement has suffered several blows this week, with dozens of arrests after protesters surrounded a royal caravan and delivered “hails to democracy” to Queen Suthida.
The government reacted with emergency measures, including a ban on gatherings of more than four people in Bangkok, and the arrest of protest leaders who called for the removal of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, a former military chief who came to the power in 2014. hit.
“Free our friends,” the protesters shouted as they stood in a rain, a mass of colorful ponchos and umbrellas. Some showed photographs of detained protest leaders.
Thai human rights lawyers said that at least 80 protesters had been arrested since October 13 and that 27 remain in detention.
Police have not given a full breakdown.
“I can’t let the students fight alone,” said 24-year-old Phat, who is participating for the first time in a rally at the Victory Monument in Bangkok.
National Police spokesman Yingyos Thepjumnong warned protesters on Sunday that demonstrations that “cause disturbances and disorder” would not be allowed.
“If challenged, the police will do whatever it takes to enforce the law,” he said.
But police maintained a low-key presence on Sunday, as local media said more than 20,000 people approached the monument since afternoon shouting “Free our friends” while carrying placards of those arrested.
“We are committed to maintaining peace and order. To achieve this, we are bound by laws, international standards and human rights,” said police spokesman Kissana Phathanacharoen at a news conference.
However, the protesters distributed helmets and goggles to protect them during any attempts to disperse them by force.
Protesters say Prime Minister Prayut engineered last year’s elections to maintain power he seized in a 2014 coup, a charge he denies.
The demonstrations have also become more openly critical of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s monarchy, breaking a long-standing taboo and demanding restrictions on his powers despite possible jail terms of up to 15 years for anyone who insults the king.
During demonstrations by tens of thousands of people at various points in Bangkok on Saturday, protesters painted a flag on the road with the word “Republic of Thailand” written on it. The writing was erased overnight.
The Royal Palace has not commented on the protests, but the King has said that Thailand needs people who love the country and the monarchy.
Once taboo in Thailand, demands for royal reform is one of the biggest challenges facing the Conservative government aligned with the kingdom’s armed forces.
“There are groups of people who claim the monarchy for their own benefit and to get rid of their political opponents,” said a 24-year-old graduate who asked not to be named.
“We will not achieve a true democracy if there is no monarchical reform,” he told AFP.
Across Thailand, demonstrations were being organized in at least 19 other provinces in solidarity on Sunday.
Solidarity protests were also being held or planned in Taiwan, Denmark, Sweden, France, the United States and Canada.
Victory Monument, one of Bangkok’s busiest thoroughfares, was blocked by protesters but they gave way to emergency vehicles and sent supplies by human chains formed along the streets leading to the roundabout.
Since the movement began in July, social media savvy protesters have taken advantage of unorthodox ways to spread their messages, sending alerts through newly formed groups on Telegram, a secure messaging app, and borrowing advice from protests from pro-democracy in Hong Kong.
Another protest site in Asok, a popular shopping and restaurant district, drew a smaller group of protesters.
Meetings were planned across the country, from Phuket in the south to Khon Khaen in the northeast, where students held up a portrait of Mr. Prayut with the words “Get out” scrawled on it.
Links have grown between protesters in Thailand and Hong Kong in the so-called Milk Tea Alliance, which refers to the popular drinks in both places.
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong tweeted in support of the Thai protesters.
“Their determination for Thai democracy cannot be deterred,” he said.
[ad_2]
