Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters clashed with riot police in Bangkok’s capital on Tuesday (August 10), amid rising anger over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s administration.
Riot police, out in their hundreds, were seen using tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters.
At least six police officers were injured during the clashes, with one officer shot in the leg and three others hit by shrapnel from a homemade bomb, police said.
The number of injured protesters was not known. At least six protesters were arrested, the police said after earlier warning that all public gatherings were illegal under COVID-19 emergency rules.
Two police booths were also set on fire as sporadic violence continued into the night.
Thailand’s youth-led protest movement appears to be regaining momentum after demonstrations last year attracted hundreds of thousands of people before a crackdown by authorities.
The protesters have also broken traditional taboos by demanding reform of the monarchy, risking prosecution under a lese majeste law that makes insulting or defaming the king, queen, heir, and regent punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
–Reuters
