Protest in front of premier residence: Police in Bangkok use water cannons

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Protest outside premier residence
Police in Bangkok use water cannons

The Thai capital is witnessing new clashes between security forces and supporters of the democracy movement. When demonstrators try to get onto the site of a barracks where the head of government lives, the situation escalates.

For the first time in months, police officers in Bangkok used rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators of the Thai democracy movement. Around 2,000 people demonstrated in front of a military barracks where Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha lives. When hundreds of demonstrators tried to break a cordon around the barracks, there were clashes with the police.

The police used rubber bullets, among other things, and stones were thrown at the officers from the demonstrators.

(Photo: REUTERS)

"They open everything, shields, sticks, chemical water and rubber bullets," one protester told Thai media. An AFP reporter confirmed the use of rubber bullets. Some protesters threw bottles and stones at the officers.

At least 16 protesters were injured, according to health workers. At least two participants were arrested according to a live stream on Facebook. The police initially did not confirm the information.

Young people in particular have been taking to the streets for months. They are calling for the resignation of the former and current Prime Minister Prayut, who came to power in the 2014 military coup. The demonstrators are also calling for a new constitution and reform of the monarchy. Most recently, the protests have subsided, but have been picking up again since the arrest of four pro-democracy activists. The activists face long prison terms for "lese majesty".