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Thai protests: thousands brave rain to call for political, royal reforms in Bangkok
- Pro-democracy supporters, unions and opposition figures such as Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit gathered near the royal palace in a peaceful rally
- Over 10,000 police officers were deployed to the area, where protesters planned to camp overnight before delivering a petition to Government House on Sunday
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Tens of thousands of Thai protesters on Saturday gathered in the rain in Bangkok, as a youth-led movement seeking political and royal reforms sharpens its aim at the entire pyramid of Thai power with calls for democracy and equality.
Many demonstrators, young and old, raised three-fingered salutes, waved banners, chanted anti-government slogans and hurled abuses at Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, as they congregated around Sanam Luang, a public square in front of the royal palace.
Thai students, many still in high school, have come out in droves since July 18 to stage pro-democracy rallies, which were partly inspired by Hong Kong’s protests and have mushroomed and threatened to plunge the country into yet another political crisis.
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In a twist from the previous rally on August 16, supporters from the red-shirt movement – loyal to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a 2006 coup – also turned out on Saturday, suggesting the youth-led movement was widening.
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“I thought the pro-democracy movement was over,” said Nid Khoomwichien, 60, referring to the 2006 and 2014 coups which sparked mass protests.
02:40
Weekend of anti-government protests in Thai capital Bangkok continue to challenge monarchy
Weekend of anti-government protests in Thai capital Bangkok continue to challenge monarchy
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