Thailand's Largest Pro-Democracy Rally in Years Draws 10,000
What you need to know
Demonstrators are demanding Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who took power in a military coup in 2014, speed up reforms.
An anti-government protest in Thailand's capital Bangkok drew at least 10,000 people on Sunday, police said, making it the largest political demonstration the kingdom has seen in years.
The student-led protests began nearly a month ago and have been held on an almost daily basis ever since.
Demonstrators are demanding a revised constitution, an end to the harassment of government critics and reforms to the monarchy.
The last demand is particularly sensitive in Thailand — anyone criticizing the monarchy faces between one and half to 15 years in jail.
They also want Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who took power in a 2014 military coup, to resign.
'Down with the dictatorship'
Crowds of demonstrators shouting "down with the dictatorship" gathered around the capital's symbolic Democracy Monument. Others held dove-shaped cutouts representing peace.
Student activist Parit Chiwarak made an appearance at the rally, despite being granted bail on Saturday after being arrested for his pro-democracy work.
Flanked by supporters, he held a sign that read: "10-point Monarchy Reform" – referring to a list of demands setting out changes that student protesters want to see implemented.
Police were also present, as well as a much smaller group of royalists who support the monarchy.
Waves of protests
Thailand has experienced multiple coups ever since the army toppled the absolute monarchy in 1932, replacing it with a constitutional monarchy.
The government held elections last year but these were seen as rigged, sparking public anger.
The latest wave of protests began in February this year after a court ordered the pro-democracy Future Forward Party to disband. The onset of the coronavirus pandemic, however, put a pause on these protests until recently.
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This article was originally published on Deutsche Welle. Read the original article here.
TNL Editor: Nicholas Haggerty (@thenewslensintl)
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