Thai protesters mass again despite violence
BANGKOK: Thousands of democracy activists gathered in downtown Bangkok on Wednesday for a second day of protest, ater six people were shot during violent clashes, as lawmakers voted on possible constitutional reforms.
Thailand has been rocked by months of protests demanding changes to the constitution, the removal of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha — and even changes to the untouchable monarchy.
But Tuesday saw the most violent confrontations since the movement began in July, as police used tear gas and irritant-laced water cannon on protesters trying to reach parliament, and democracy activists clashed with royalists.
More than 50 people were injured, six of them with gunshot wounds, according to medical officials, though it is not clear who was responsible for the shooting.
Protesters gathered on Wednesday at the Ratchaprasong junction in Bangkok’s shopping and commercial heart, ater their leaders vowed to step up the movement.
Police used dumper trucks, concrete blocks and razor wire to barricade their nearby national headquarters, while many pro testers came equipped with helmets, goggles and gas masks.
“We will protect our people. We don’t want any violence but there will be no compromise until they meet our demands,” protester Jay, 26, said.
National police spokesman ying yo st hep jam nong warned protesters not to encroach on the HQ, saying more than 2,000 officers had been deployed.
Prime Minister Prayut has urged protesters to refrain from violence, but ruled out introducing another emergency decree — like the one banning public gatherings of more than four people which spanned a week in October.
But there is litle sign the demonstrators are prepared to back down. Late Tuesday prominent student leader Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak said a “new era” in the movement had begun.
“We should not be afraid — this is just a transitional moment in our history,” Sirapop Poompuengpoot, another student leader, told the gathering crowd on Wednesday.
“People are working for us in parliament and the rest is up to us: keep fighting.” Tuesday’s drama saw protesters plough through police barricades towards parliament to put pressure on MPS debating constitutional reform, prompting the use of tear gas and water cannon.
More than 50 people were injured, mostly by tear gas, according to an ambulance and medical coordination service, which said six people were shot.