National Post (National Edition)
POLICE TURN WATER CANNON ON DEFIANT PROTESTERS
Thai police fired stinging liquid from a water cannon at thousands of protesters on Friday in the most violent escalation of three months of demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader.
Protesters, defying a government ban on gatherings for a second day in Bangkok, pushed back against helmeted police who advanced with batons and riot shields. In scenes resembling Hong Kong protests, demonstrators held umbrellas against the water.
Youth-led protests have grown into the biggest challenge in years to a political establishment dominated by military figures and the Royal Palace of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
“The dictatorial government is using violence to disperse the people's movement,” said Tattep Ru ang pr apai kits eree,o ne of the protest leaders. He was arrested hours later, along with six other protesters, police said.
The king has made no direct comment on the protests, but in comments broadcast on state television, he said Thailand “needs people who love the country and love the monarchy.”
Until now, police had not used major force to suppress peaceful protests that have drawn tens of thousands of people, although around 50 demonstrators — including several leaders — have been arrested in the past week.
The government banned political gatherings of more than five people on Thursday and police spokesman Kissana Phathanacharoen defended the use of the water cannon as proportionate. The chemicals in the water were not dangerous, he said.