Thai protesters go back to the streets calling intended for royal reforms
14 February, 2021
Thai protesters scaled a massive Bangkok monument in Saturday (Feb 13), draping it in a crimson fabric and calling intended for the kingdom to abolish its draconian royal defamation regulations.
Protesters threw paint in police and several compact bangs were heard throughout a standoff near a good city shrine following the demonstration had moved from Democracy Monument and the key leaders had called for it to disperse.
Activists said the red fabric on the monument represented the blood of fighters for democracy.
Law enforcement deputy spokesman Kissana Pattanacharoen said a lot more than 20 cops were injured found in the clashes and seven or perhaps eight people were detained for questioning.
Momentum for the youth-led motion calling for an overhaul to Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha's government has slowed lately, due to a brand new wave of coronavirus attacks in Thailand.
However the recent detention of four prominent leaders has spurred protesters into action, getting hundreds back to the Democracy Monument intersection in Bangkok's historic one fourth - beneath the close watch of scores of riot police.
The leaders were charged under the lese majeste legislation, which carries penalties of up to 15 years per fee if found guilty of insulting the monarchy.
"I want to strain the objective of today's rally is to demand 112 to be abolished," said Panupong "Mike" Jadnok, discussing regulations by its penal code section.
After rearranging flower pots around the monument to say "112", activists draped an enormous reddish colored cloth over Democracy Monument within an act of defiance.
"If the police don't release our good friends within seven days, we will level a big protest at the monument," shouted rally leader Attapon Buapat.
As nights fell, they marched to the Royal Palace but were stopped by barricades and barbed cable surrounding the area.
Scores of police completely riot equipment faced off with the protesters, a few of whom were wielding white colored shields, gas masks and helmets.
The pro-democracy activity, which kicked off previous July, is calling for reforms to the unassailable monarchy, and the abolition of the royal defamation law is among its key demands.
Their grievances with the monarchy has electrified Thai society, where frank discussion about the royals is taboo.
Police try to end protesters from advancing on the march during an anti-federal government rally in Bangkok on Feb 13, 2021. (Image: AFP/Mladen Antonov)
At its peak, the rallies drew thousands, with demonstrators drawing inspiration from Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
In November, police deployed tear gas and water cannon against protesters, using liquid laced with an irritant, and clashes left more than 40 people injured.
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