Thailand protesters rally to demand release of leaders, defying ban on public gatherings

Thai pro-democracy protesters in Bangkok were out in force on Saturday despite an order late Friday prohibiting such marches

Police warned protesters that they risked being arrested and could face harsher measures if they became unruly

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Anti-government protesters in Bangkok hold a drawing of one of their core leaders, Arnon Nampa, during a protest on Saturday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 10:10pm, 6 Mar 2021Updated: 10:10pm, 6 Mar 2021

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the Thai capital on Saturday evening to demand that authorities release some protest leaders from jail, defying an order on late Friday banning public gatherings in the city.

A youth-led protest movement sprang up last year calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader, and reform of the powerful monarchy. Thai courts have denied recent requests for bail for some of the jailed protest leaders.

“Release our friends,” shouted the protesters in unison, as they gathered in front of a criminal court, which was surrounded by barbed wire. A water cannon truck could be seen behind the gates of the court.

Anti-government protesters march towards the Bangkok criminal court during a rally on Saturday. Photo: EPA-EFE

“Abolish 112,” they also said, referring to Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, or Article 112 in the Thai criminal code, which prohibits anyone from insulting or defaming the king.

A few protesters burned photographs of the king at the rally. Separate groups also led two other protests at other locations in Bangkok.