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March 20, 2021 Bangkok police used fire hydrants, tear gas and rubber bullets to disrupt a protest by pro-democracy protesters calling for the release of detained activists, reform of the national monarchy, and changes to the Constitution.



Police reported that at least six officers were injured and five protesters were arrested.

The demonstration held outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok was a continuation of the student-led protests that began last year that shook the traditional Thai establishment, fiercely opposed to change, especially regarding the monarchy.



The rally organizers said they planned to have demonstrators launch paper planes with messages on the palace walls.

The demonstrators, almost 1,000, managed to break through a barrier made of containers outside the building.

The police behind the containers responded first with warnings and then using fire hydrants and shooting rubber bullets.

The officers pushed back the crowd which then dispersed.

During the clashes, protesters fired smoke bombs and firecrackers at police, smeared a real portrait with paint, and burned tires and trash in several places.



Deputy Police Spokesman Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen said at least six officers were injured and five protesters were arrested.

Erawan City Emergency Services reported that 11 people in all were taken to hospital.

Kissana said the police had warned in advance that the demonstration was illegal, but the protesters proceeded anyway.

He said that in addition to throwing various objects, they used slingshots to shoot nuts and bolts at the police and hit them with metal rods.



The demonstration was called by Redem, a faction of a larger protest movement that began with three key demands: the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government, the amendment of the constitution in a more democratic sense, and the reform of the monarchy.

Redem, which stands for Restart Democracy, claims it has no leaders and holds online votes to decide on dates and activities.

The movement has stepped up its campaign to focus on Thailand's monarchy and lese majesty law, which makes criticism, insulting or defamation of the king and some other senior royals punishable by up to 15 years in prison.



The monarchy has long been considered a sacred institution in Thailand, and public criticism is not only illegal but has long been considered socially unacceptable.

Many people still worship the monarchy, and the military considers defending the monarchy a top priority.

While protesters escalated criticism of the monarchy last year, the government responded by accusing the protesters under the lese majesty law, and eight of them have been jailed and awaiting trial in the past month.

The movement was able to attract crowds of as many as 20,000 to 30,000 people in Bangkok in 2020 and has been followed up in major cities and universities.



Coronavirus also got in the way of the democratic process, with an outbreak at the end of last year causing the temporary suspension of activities, causing the movement to lose momentum.