Corona Demonstration: Many demonstrated against Thailand’s handling of the Corona pandemic. The country has already been locked down several times, and is now in the worst outbreak since the start of the pandemic. Photo: Thanachote Thanawikran / AP
Thousands protested in cars and bikes in Bangkok’s shopping district on Sunday against the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some clashes took place at night between police and protesters after protesters set off fireworks and threw projectiles to defend themselves.
Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against the protesters.
The use of such weapons by Thai police has become more common in recent times after several demonstrations erupted in the wake of the country’s worst outbreak to date.
1 of 5Photo: Anuthep Cheysakron / AP
Overcrowded hospitals and slow vaccinations, along with financial problems from several weeks of lockdown, have infuriated Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s administration, and the main demand in the protests is Chan-o-cha’s resignation.
Fearing to get word out, protesters used caravans and poles and held rallies at major intersections to seal off Bangkok’s already crowded streets.
Fireworks as a weapon: Protesters fired fireworks at police in Thailand on Sunday to protest the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Anuthep Cheysakron / AP
On Sunday, at least three demonstrations were held in the Thai capital, the largest in the city’s famous shopping malls, which have been empty in recent weeks due to the lockdown.
Police said that so far three people have been arrested in connection with the riots.
There have also been demonstrations in other Thai cities, including the resort of Pattaya and Chiang Mai in the north of the country.
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