Demonstrators protest over the government's handling of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 15, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thai police clashed with protesters near the residence of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Sunday for a fifth time in the past week, with officers using water cannon and teargas against demonstrators hurling projectiles towards them.

 

A separate "car mob" convoy of thousands of cars and motorcycles urging Prayuth to resign amid anger over his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic had earlier passed through Bangkok peacefully.

 

But once again the anti-government protests of recent weeks resulted in violent clashes in front of Prayuth's residence. Authorities say public gatherings are illegal under the COVID-19 emergency.

 

One of the organisers of the so-called car mob, Nattawut Saikua, a veteran political activist, went to the site of the clashes to urge protesters to head home.

 

Thailand's youth-led anti-government protest movement appears have regained momentum and its support has broadened after demonstrations last year attracted hundreds of thousands of people before a crackdown by the authorities.

 

Other political groups, including some of Prayuth's former allies, are now joining the protests as the country struggles to cope with its worst wave of COVID-19, with many blaming the government's handling of the crisis.

 

Throughout the day thousands of protesters carried red flags, honked their horns and tied red ribbons on their vehicles as they moved peacefully in several large convoys through Bangkok.

 

The organisers made speeches and music performance to supporters through social media platforms to maintain a degree of social distancing throughout the protests.

 

Many Bangkok's residents came out to greet the convoys, many cheering them on and making gestures of support.

 

"Our goal is to drive Prayuth out of the position of prime minister and we will do this peacefully," Nattawut said earlier during the vehicle rally.

 

Police defended their use of force during the clashes, saying it was sometimes necessary to maintain public order. They added that they had complied with international standards in using teargas, rubber bullets and water cannon.

 

"We need to maintain the law and keep the peace," Thai police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk told reporters, without specifying whether the police intend to use force.

 

More than 130 people have been arrested in the latest round of anti-government protests since mid-July, Suwat said.

 

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Juarawee Kittisilpa; Editing by William Mallard and Alison Williams)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-08-16

 

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If they need to maintain the law then why break it so often?

And they say public gathering is illegal. There was no gathering. It's just a busy road. 

52 minutes ago, webfact said:

 

Police defended their use of force during the clashes, saying it was sometimes necessary to maintain public order.

The videos posted on my fb of the police violently pushing people off passing motorbikes and breaking car windshields with batons of people sat peacefully I would say is NOT maintaining public order in any way - just mindless violence by thugs dressed in uniforms.

Sleep easy general but the bed bugs are are still very hungry for you ????

The police will do everything to make he protestors become violent... The RTP is so incompetent

3 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

The videos posted on my fb of the police violently pushing people off passing motorbikes and breaking car windshields with batons of people sat peacefully I would say is NOT maintaining public order in any way - just mindless violence by thugs dressed in uniforms.

Many protests around the world start off peacefully. Its mostly the police who stir up the trouble with aggressive actions to illicit an aggressive response. As you say, 'mindless violence by thugs in uniform'.   

After successive, "incompetent" administrations, it doesn't seem to make a difference who is in charge. It a rinse and repeat cycle ending everytime with allegations of nepotism, corruption and lack of economic progress. The old guard is replaced by a new guard and the same old Thai politics adjusts and horse trading enters a new phase. The people deserve better but I wonder if that is ever going to be attainable. Having said that just look at some other administrations around the world ..... sound familiar?

From what I can see, the police are doing a great job at making people hate them even more.

4 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

The videos posted on my fb of the police violently pushing people off passing motorbikes and breaking car windshields with batons of people sat peacefully I would say is NOT maintaining public order in any way - just mindless violence by thugs dressed in uniforms.

And on TikTok the mindless brutality of the RTP is there for all to witness too. I am not a fan of the social media but these two apps certainly are demonstrating to the world the behavior of the RTP in promoting violence.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Other political groups, including some of Prayuth's former allies, are now joining the protests as the country struggles to cope with its worst wave of COVID-19, with many blaming the government's handling of the crisis.

Loyalties sometimes change when it hits the pocket.

4 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

The videos posted on my fb of the police violently pushing people off passing motorbikes and breaking car windshields with batons of people sat peacefully I would say is NOT maintaining public order in any way - just mindless violence by thugs dressed in uniforms.

Before long the rubber bullets become harder.

And another Myanmar starts.

Why not put the vaccine in the water cannons?

5 hours ago, webfact said:

A separate "car mob" convoy of thousands of cars and motorcycles urging Prayuth to resign amid anger over his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic had earlier passed through Bangkok peacefully.

Prayut could end this in one move.... resign.

It should help the increase in infections definably not social distancing 

It seems like they don’t really care about deadly virus anymore.

When the leaders can change the law to suit them at any time, in which they do, its no wonder the protesters are out on the streets. 

It's impossible not to break the law here as it keeps changing to protect those who can't face a bit of criticism 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

 

"We need to maintain the law and keep the peace," Thai police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk told reporters,

Ah so its not against the law to overthrow an elected government and Its OK for the Army to take over a country but not the people. 

I suspect that some of the 'violent' protesters are actually royalists stirring things up.

They have done it before, but they had their yellow shirts on then.

Now???

There is a very simple solution call another General Election but this time allow political observers from around the world to watch and report there findings ,no stitch ups or brown envelopes let the people decide who they want to govern one thing is for sure it won’t be the current administration 

1 hour ago, IamNoone88 said:

After successive, "incompetent" administrations, it doesn't seem to make a difference who is in charge. It a rinse and repeat cycle ending everytime with allegations of nepotism, corruption and lack of economic progress. The old guard is replaced by a new guard and the same old Thai politics adjusts and horse trading enters a new phase. The people deserve better but I wonder if that is ever going to be attainable. Having said that just look at some other administrations around the world ..... sound familiar?

Well said, and for Thailand just who is it that they have standing in the wings ready to step in? 

Today I learned there are International Standards for using tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons.

Keep up the pressure!

 

Thais are tired of this junta mafia destroying this beautiful country!

 

People Power.

This is gonna get ugly before it gets better. If Prayut really cared for the Thai people he would resign. But he is too busy caring about himself and himself only.

If you want to know what needs to be done to fix Thailand’s problems ask a Thai overseas, as they don’t need to look over their shoulder or lower their voices to give you an answer.

The "Ruling Class" (LOL) are either uneducated, and/or they are blinded by self importance.

Open up the coffers!

I was told that 2 peaceful protesters lost of their eyes each from rubber bullets shot by the police/military? forces - is that true?

7 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

The videos posted on my fb of the police violently pushing people off passing motorbikes and breaking car windshields with batons of people sat peacefully I would say is NOT maintaining public order in any way - just mindless violence by thugs dressed in uniforms.

link?

2 hours ago, crazykopite said:

There is a very simple solution call another General Election but this time allow political observers from around the world to watch and report there findings ,no stitch ups or brown envelopes let the people decide who they want to govern one thing is for sure it won’t be the current administration 

Good idea but dream on, 60% of the government have to be army so it won't make any difference.

The TAT can bill this as a new tourist attraction along with the prison tours and Covid-Jails... 

It’s obvious During these demonstrations Thai police will do everything in their power to Incite the protesters to break the law to enable them to use force. This will help Prayut to stay longer in office If these demonstrators can be shown to be blatantly committing offences. In days gone by around the world, army dictators have been ousted from government not being the preferred modern status quo to run any countries given that mostly they’re so corrupt it’s laughable. 

2 hours ago, kennw said:

Well said, and for Thailand just who is it that they have standing in the wings ready to step in? 

Yes about 8 posts above yours I was thinking much the same.  ..cha cha out but who is standing in the wings eh ? If the one still waiting is not ex army we stand a bit of a chance.  I say ' We ' not that I have any say .