Thousands join convoy protests in Bangkok to demand resignation of Thai prime minister
- The Bangkok protest was one of several rallies across Thailand demanding Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha resign over his handling of the coronavirus crisis
- Protesters clashed with authorities, shooting fireworks and flinging projectiles to defend against riot police, who had deployed rubber bullets and tear gas
Thousands of protesters in cars and on bikes massed in Bangkok’s central shopping district on Sunday, one of several mobile rallies across Thailand demanding Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha resign over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
By nightfall, some protesters clashed with authorities, shooting fireworks and flinging projectiles to defend against riot police, who had deployed rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon.
The use of such weapons by police has become increasingly frequent during anti-government protests, which have intensified as the kingdom grapples with its worst outbreak so far.
Overburdened hospitals and a sluggish vaccine roll-out – coupled with financial woes from weeks-long restrictions on businesses – have fanned anger at Prayut’s administration.
Sparked by concerns about public gatherings spreading the virus, protesters have in recent weeks turned to organising massive car convoys at major intersections – thus clogging up Bangkok’s already traffic-choked streets.