Thailand: pro-democracy movement brings together more than 10,000 demonstrators in Bangkok

At least ten thousand demonstrators gathered on Sunday August 16, 2020 in Bangkok to protest against the government and demand a reform of the monarchy. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

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At least ten thousand people according to the police, maybe more ... Big demonstration this Sunday August 16 in Bangkok to protest against the government and to demand a reform of the monarchy. The movement has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. This Sunday, August 16, was the most important gathering since the military coup of 2014. 

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A human tide in the center of Bangkok ... Students for the most part, but not only. Singing "  down with dictatorship  ", waving paper doves, a symbol of peace.

Demonstrators have taken to the streets of the capital to demand democracy. Their main target: Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, former army chief who carried out a coup in 2014, and who is still in power. The demonstrators demand his resignation, as well as the dissolution of Parliament and a change of Constitution.

They also openly attack, and this is new, the monarchy, which they want to reform. Thai law punishes heavy prison sentences for anyone who dares speak ill of the royal family.

The gatherings have multiplied in recent weeks. Some activists have been arrested but that does not prevent the movement from continuing. In addition to political demands, the demonstrators also highlight the economic difficulties experienced by millions of Thais who have lost their jobs, because of the coronavirus crisis.   

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