BANGKOK (AP) – Dozens of people were injured and arrested in the Thai capital after police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets on Saturday night to stop a rally by pro-democracy protesters calling for the release of detained activists , constitutional changes and reform of the nation’s monarchy.
The rally in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok was a continuation of the student-led protests that started last year and shook Thailand’s traditional system, which is fiercely opposed to change, especially with regard to the monarchy.
The rally organizers said they planned to have protesters throw paper airplanes with messages on the walls of the palace.
The protesters, who numbered around 1,000, managed to break through a barrier made of containers outside the ceremonial palace stacked on two levels. The police behind the containers responded first with warnings and then firing water cannons and rubber bullets. The police pushed the crowd away, and while the skirmishes continued, the crowd seemed to have dissipated around 10 pm.
The emergency medical service in Erawan City reported that 33 people, including 13 police officers, were injured by rubber bullets, stones and tear gas. At least two reporters were hit by rubber bullets. Thai human rights lawyers, a vigilante, reported 32 detainees.
During the skirmishes, protesters threw giant smoke bombs and fireworks at the police, and also splashed paint on a real portrait, but failed to set it on fire, although they burned tires and trash in several places.
Deputy police spokesman Col. Kissana Phathanacharoen said the police had warned in advance that the demonstration was illegal. He said that in addition to throwing various objects, the protesters used slingshots to shoot nuts and bolts at the police and hit them with metal sticks. He said the police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets according to proper procedures.
The demonstration was called by REDEM, a faction of a broader protest movement last year that started with three main demands: the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government, so that the constitution could be amended to make it more democratic and the monarchy be reformed to make it more responsible.
REDEM, which means Restart Democracy, claims to have no leaders and holds an online vote to decide the dates and activities of the rallies.
The movement stepped up its campaign to focus on Thailand’s monarchy and lese majeste law, which makes criticism, insults or defamation of the king and some other royals punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The monarchy has long been treated as a sacred institution in Thailand and public criticism is not only illegal, but has long been considered socially unacceptable. Many people still revere the monarchy and the military, a great power in Thai society, considers the defense of the monarchy as a fundamental priority.
As protesters increased criticism of the monarchy last year, the government responded by accusing protesters declared under the law of lese majeste and, last month, eight of them were arrested pending trial.
The movement was able to attract crowds of up to 20,000-30,000 people in Bangkok in 2020 and had followers in major cities and universities. However, a new coronavirus outbreak at the end of last year caused him to temporarily suspend activities, and he lost his momentum.