Protests defy crackdown

Bangkok: Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in a wave of protests across Bangkok and other Thai cities on Saturday in defiance of a government crackdown, following three months of demonstrations aimed at the prime minister and monarchy.

Many protesters said they had been stirred into action by police use of water cannon on Friday to disperse thousands of youthled protesters, including many children.

Police attempts to thwart protesters by shutting down Bangkok’s public transport network backfired when it led to localised protests across the city. There were also demonstrations in at least six cities outside Bangkok. — Reuters