Tens of thousands protest across Thailand in defiance of ban

Bangkok, October 17

Tens of hundreds of individuals took to the streets in a wave of protests throughout Bangkok and different Thai cities on Saturday in defiance of a authorities crackdown following three months of demonstrations aimed on the prime minister and monarchy.

Many protesters stated that they had been stirred into motion by the police’s use of water cannon on Friday to disperse hundreds of youth-led protesters who included many youngsters.

“It was way over the line. We want to show them our power and that we can’t accept this,” stated Tang, a 27-year-old workplace employee amongst hundreds of people that gathered on the Lat Phrao station within the capital Bangkok.

Police makes an attempt to thwart protesters by shutting down Bangkok’s public transport community backfired when it led to localised protests throughout town involving three essential centres and several other different smaller demonstrations. There had been demonstrations in no less than six cities outdoors Bangkok too.

Police didn’t intervene, and the protests dispersed after a number of hours.

“We will primarily negotiate,” police spokesman Yingyos Thepjamnong instructed a information convention. “Enforcing the law will be step by step, using methods that follow international standards.”

Protesters demand the elimination of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former navy ruler. They have additionally grow to be brazenly crucial of King Maha Vajiralongkorn regardless of lese majeste legal guidelines that may imply 15 years in jail for insulting the monarchy.

On Thursday, the federal government banned all political gatherings of 5 or extra folks. Police have arrested greater than 50 folks – together with a number of protest leaders – up to now week.

‘Damage to the country’

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri instructed Reuters: “There is no win or lose for any side. It’s all damage to the country.”

The Royal Palace has made no touch upon the protests however the king has stated Thailand wants individuals who love the nation and the monarchy.

Protesters say Prayuth engineered final yr’s election to maintain the facility he seized in a 2014 coup – an accusation he denies. They say the monarchy has helped perpetuate years of political affect by the military and search to curb its powers.

The protesters at Lat Phrao chanted “Prayuth get out” in addition to coarser refrains.

“I condemn those who cracked down on the protesters and those who ordered it. You all have blood on your hands,” protest chief Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree stated after being freed on bail following his arrest on Friday.

Bail was additionally granted to one among two activists charged with attempting to hurt the queen – hardly ever used fees that carry a possible life sentence – after protesters shouted at her motorcade on Wednesday.

The king and queen spend most of their time in Europe and are on their longest go to to Thailand this yr.

The king is usually resident in Germany and a German diplomat stated the federal government was intently monitoring political developments in Thailand.

“Further violent clashes should be avoided. Peaceful expression must be possible,” the diplomat stated.

Human rights teams have condemned the handfuls of arrests and using power in opposition to peaceable protests.

“Concerned governments and the United Nations should speak out publicly to demand an immediate end to political repression by the Prayuth administration,” stated Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. Reuters