Tens of thousands of Thais defy crackdown on protests in Bangkok

Pro-democracy protesters rally in Bangkok, Oct. 17, 2020. Pro-democracy protesters gathered again in Bangkok in defiance of a government decree banning demonstrations as protesters call for the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and a rewrite of the new constitution and monarchy reform. EPA

Tens of thousands of Thai pro-democracy protesters rallied across Bangkok Saturday, 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 protestors 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 on Saturday, one of several protest venues across the city.

Flooding a massive intersection, protestors raised a three-finger salute adopted from the dystopian "Hunger Games" films as passing vehicles honked in support and flashed a thumbs-up 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. Demonstrations also took place in more than a dozen cities across the country.

For the mostly-young protesters, Friday's Bangkok crackdown was a big learning curve, said Aim, whose friends were blasted with stinging liquid when police fired water cannon.

"We had no armour, just umbrellas," said the 25-year-old public servant, grasping a pair of goggles.

"I'm ready to fight," said 20-year-old Tortor, carrying a backpack stuffed with a gas mask.

But unlike the previous day, police did not intervene and the protestors dispersed by 8:00pm as instructed by organisers, who vowed to "reunite again" Sunday.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced Friday an emergency decree banning gatherings of more than four people would be imposed for at least a month.

The former army chief, who masterminded a coup in 2014 before being voted into power last year in an election protesters say was rigged in his favour, also rebuffed calls for his resignation.

Pro-democracy protesters gather during an anti-government protest in Bangkok, Oct. 17, 2020. EPA

- 'You're a tyrant' -

At least 65 protesters have been arrested since Tuesday, Thai lawyers for Human Rights told AFP Saturday, as authorities escalated a crackdown on months of slowly building unrest.

The latest came Saturday night of prominent activist Panupong "Mike" Jadnok, who was arrested by plainclothes police after he left a rally at a Bangkok university.

Two other activists were arrested Friday under a rarely used law banning "violence against the queen" after they joined a group Wednesday that surrounded a royal motorcade carrying Queen Suthida, flashing a pro-democracy salute as the car drove by.

Both men, one of whom was released on bail Saturday, could face life in prison if convicted.

At least three protesters sustained slight injuries and five officers were admitted to the police hospital in Friday's clashes, authorities said.

Activist Tattep "Ford" Ruangprapaikitseree, released Saturday after his detention the night before, took to Facebook to condemn the use of violence against unarmed protesters.

"The government is no longer legitimate. Prayut Chan-O-Cha, you're a tyrant," he said in a livestreamed video.

The government insisted the use of force had been lawful to stop those trying to "create divisions" in the country.

"There was no victory or defeat for either side. It's a defeat for all Thais," government spokesman Anucha Burapanchaisri said in a statement.

- Royal reminder -

The pro-democracy movement is making an unprecedented challenge to the kingdom's powerful monarchy.

Protesters are demanding the abolition of a strict royal defamation law, which carries jail sentences of up to 15 years per charge, and for the monarchy to stay out of politics.

The institution currently wields enormous influence and is flanked by an arch-royalist military and billionaire clans.

Since ascending the throne in 2016, King Maha Vajiralongkorn has taken personal control of the palace's vast fortune ― worth an estimated $60 billion ― and moved two army units under his direct command.

The king has yet to address the civil unrest directly, but during a ceremony broadcast on Friday, he told his subjects that Thailand "needs people who love the country, people who love the institution of the monarchy".

The government insists the reforms to the royal family are off-limits, but this position was becoming untenable, said International Crisis Group analyst Matthew Wheeler.

"The degree of repression necessary to effectively reinstate the prohibition, including online, would tarnish both the government and the monarchy."

The unrest in Thailand garnered worldwide interest, with "Mob October 17" ― referring to the Bangkok protests ― taking the number one hashtag globally on Saturday with almost three million tweets. (AFP)

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