Thai politics has been reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic as well as the youth-led pro-democracy movement that has loosened the grip of old loyalties.
Thailand’s street protests return, taking aim at Prayuth’s handling of Covid-19 pandemic
Secrecy, supply delays and a reliance on China’s Sinovac jab have left Thailand scrambling for shots amid an explosion in coronavirus cases
Anti-government activists are back on Bangkok’s streets despite a virus lockdown – and observers warn the protests will only expand if the health crisis deepens
Thai protesters clash with police near Government House
Protesters show the three-finger salute as they burn mock body bags, representing casualties of coronavirus, dmore Reuters / 2021年 7月 18日 Sunday Protesters show the three-finger salute as they burn mock body bags, representing casualties of coronavirus, during an anti-government demonstration, in Bangkok, Thailand July 18, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun Close 1 / 24
Police sprays protesters with a water cannon during an anti-government demonstration, in Bangkok, Thailand Julmore Reuters / 2021年 7月 18日 Sunday Police sprays protesters with a water cannon duri
Story by Reuters
Updated 2:47 AM ET, Mon July 19, 2021
Police fire water cannon at protesters demanding the government be held accountable for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. (CNN)Police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse protesters trying to march on Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha s office on Sunday to demand he resign over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact.
Police said eight officers and at least one reporter were injured during the clashes, and 13 protesters were arrested.
Protest organizers called for the demonstration to end just after 6 p.m. but a stand-off between police and hundreds of protesters continued for several hours before officers dispersed the crowd just before the start of a 9 p.m. curfew in force in the Thai capital.
Pro-democracy protest fund-raiser Inthira Charoenpura speaks from a makeshift stage outside Bang Khen Metropolitan Police Station, Bangkok, on Dec. 21. (AP Photo)
BANGKOK A well-known actress who is one of the most high-profile supporters of Thailand’s pro-democracy protest movement answered a police summons Monday charging her with violating the country’s harsh law against defaming the monarchy, even though she is not known to have spoken publicly about the royal institution.
Inthira “Sai” Charoenpura, who is also a singer, has drawn both praise and criticism for giving material support and raising funds for the student-led movement. Along with seven protest leaders, she presented herself at a police station in Bangkok to hear charges that they had violated the country’s lese majeste law, which calls for a prison term of three to 15 years for defaming the king or members of his immediate family.