Thai police break protests
About 3,000 demonstrators in the city’s main shopping mall district demanded the release of arrested activists, and some hurled obscenities about Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha
BANGKOK, Thailand (AFP) — Thai police used water cannons against protesters Friday night in central Bangkok, as the pro-democracy activists defied an emergency decree banning gatherings for a second night running.
About 3,000 demonstrators in the city’s main shopping mall district demanded the release of arrested activists, and some hurled obscenities about Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha.
Several hundred riot police advanced towards them in formation, calling on the protesters to go home or face water cannons.
A few meters away, hundreds of activists blocked the road behind a makeshift barrier, calling for the riot police to “get out!” and singing the Thai national anthem.
Police fired blue-dyed water laced with a chemical agent from the cannons, pushing back the protesters who used umbrellas to protect themselves.
Police later dispersed the protesters, but many vowed to return.
Several hundred riot police advanced towards them in formation, calling on the protesters to go home or face water cannons.
“Of course, people will be back on the streets tomorrow. I will be there too,” said 21-year-old Nine, an engineering student. “The (use of force) will increase the numbers of protesters.”
Four officers and 11 protesters were injured, Police TV said.
“Protesters were repeatedly informed to stop the gathering, once the protesters failed to follow the orders there was a need to enforce the law,” deputy police spokesman Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen told reporters, adding that blue dye water was used to mark protesters for further legal action.
Piya Tawichai, Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy commissioner said there were at least seven arrests but didn’t clarify how many occurred at the protest.
After the police press conference wrapped up, there was live footage on Facebook of a key protest leader Tattep “Ford” Ruangprapaikijseree being taken into custody.