Tensions are mounting in Bangkok.
The Thai police dispersed Friday, October 16 using water cannons several thousand demonstrators protesting against the government of Prayut Chan-O-Cha, former head of the military junta.
The protesters defied the ban on gatherings of more than five people decreed Thursday by the authorities in order to put an end to the protest movement which has shaken the country for three months now.
Tens of thousands of people marched through the streets of the capital on Wednesday to demand the resignation of the Prime Minister and challenge the military and monarchist elite in power.
"I am not resigning"
Protesters are also calling for a new constitution to replace the basic law drafted by the military junta that seized power in a coup in 2014. Prayut Chan-O-Cha has since become head of a "civilian" government. elections in 2019.
"I am not resigning," the Prime Minister said after a meeting of his cabinet, adding that the emergency measures decided by the authorities would be applied for a maximum period of thirty days.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn did not directly comment on the current events but affirmed on public television that Thailand “needs a people who love their country and the monarchy”.
Police have yet to use massive force against protesters, some 40 of whom have been arrested in recent days.
With AFP
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