Tens of thousands of Thais protest

Tens of thousands of Thai pro-democracy protesters rallied across Bangkok yesterday, defying an emergency decree banning gatherings for a third consecutive day to demand the resignation of the prime minister and reform of the powerful monarchy.

Police had used water cannon against peaceful demonstrators on Friday but protesters said they were not cowed by the escalation in tactics.

“I’m concerned for my safety but if I don’t come out, I have no future,” said business student Min, 18, equipped with a helmet and gas mask as she arrived in Bangkok’s northern Lat Phrao district yesterday, one of several protest venues across the city.

Flooding a massive intersection, protesters raised a threefinger salute adopted from the dystopian Hunger Games films as passing vehicles honked in support and flashed a thumbsup at the mostly black-clad protesters.

Across the Chao Phraya river, thousands rallied in the western Wongwian Yai district chanting “Long live the people, down with dictatorship!”, while in southeastern Udomsuk protesters brought busy traffic to a standstill.

Carrying signs saying “Stop hurting people,” protesters in the three locales numbered in the tens of thousands at the peak, according to AFP reporters on the scene.

But police estimated a far lower turnout, putting the total crowd size at demonstrations across the capital at 16,000.