Advertisement
Thai police fire water cannon at Bangkok protesters as PM Prayuth steps up crackdown
- The prime minister said he would not resign and that the government ‘will use the law’ against protesters who ignore an emergency decree
- Two men will be charged with attempted violence against Queen Suthida for jeering at her motorcade
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Thai police fired stinging liquid from water cannon at thousands of protesters in Bangkok on Friday in the most violent escalation of three months of demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader.
Advertisement
Protesters, defying a government ban on gatherings for a second day, pushed back against helmeted police who advanced with batons and riot shields.
Youth-led protests have grown into the biggest challenge in years to a political establishment dominated by military figures and the Royal Palace of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
“The dictatorial government is using violence to disperse the people’s movement,” said Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, one of the protest leaders.
The king has made no direct comment on the protests, but in remarks broadcast on state television, he said Thailand “needs people who love the country and love the monarchy”.
Advertisement
Advertisement