Thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, today (Aug 16) for one of the largest rallies since 2014.
Student activists were joined by left-wing ‘red shirt’ followers at the capital’s Democracy Monument. There were also pro-establishment supporters who held a small counter-protest.
Many people used umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching midday sun. There were demands for ‘democracy’, with speakers continuing until 9pm when police arrived to peacefully disband the rally,
The demonstration is the latest show of anger towards the country’s military government which seized power following a coup in 2014. There have been a number of similar rallies in recent weeks, including a Harry Potter themed protest.
Those involved, mainly students from universities, are calling for greater levels of democracy and accountability in the country, which Credit Suisse said in a report has the fourth most unequal levels of wealth in world.
Thailand also ranks poorly in corruption ratings from international agencies.
Controversial elections in March 2019 returned career soldier General Prayut Chan-o-cha to power and saw the progressive Future Forward Party disbanded, amid claims that opposition parties were being silenced.
Protests have continued since the end of 2019 with mobs calling for the military government to be removed.
A number of protest leaders have been arrested in recent months adding to the anger of protesters.
