Thai protesters use stones, ping pong bombs, firecrackers against police during motorbike rally

Hundreds rallied in Bangkok against the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, using fireworks, pig’s blood and bricks to express their anger

Thai riot police fired water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas at the crowd. They also took six people into custody and confiscated nearly 100 motorbikes

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A protester attempts to fling a traffic cone in Bangkok on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:54pm, 10 Aug 2021Updated: 1:40am, 11 Aug 2021

Thai riot police fired water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters in Bangkok on Tuesday as hundreds rallied for democratic reform and against the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Demonstrators defied a ban on public gatherings as Thailand tries to quash its worst virus outbreak so far, with new cases hovering around the 20,000 mark daily.

The slow start to the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Thailand and economic pain from restrictions and business closures has heaped pressure on Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s government.

A demonstrator clashes with police officers in Bangkok. Photo: Reuters

Hundreds of protesters wove their way through Bangkok streets on motorbikes and in cars. By early evening there were clashes.

Two police traffic booths were set ablaze and some demonstrators threw firecrackers and fireworks at officers, who had earlier unleashed water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas on the crowd.

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