Thailand protests, what’s happening?

Article written and Website edited by Misaki Tomiyama

Image by Jeremy is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Last week, there were clashes between the police and protestors in the capital of Bangkok, Thailand where 41 injuries were reported. The clash occurred outside the Thai parliament, where the lawmakers are supposed to be discussing changes in the constitutions that the protestors have been demanding and protesting for. These constitutions included the reforming of the monarchy and removal of the current prime minister- Prayuth Chan-Ocha- who seized power in the 2014 military coup.

On Tuesday, the most violent clash was seen since the emerging of the protest going on for months. This protest was led by high school and university students who are demanding major democratic and monarchy reforms. On this day, demonstrators tried to go through the barricades of the Thai parliament. They threw smoke bombs and paint at the police. The police then launched a water cannon, aiming at the demonstrators. These water cannons were filled with tear gas- which is a chemical that makes people temporarily have irritation to the eyes, mouth, skin and body, and is often used as a riot controlling agent. Many of the demonstrators were washing the solution from their eyes, and a few were sent to the hospital. Although the police deny the usage of guns and bullets, claims were stating that some protestors suffered from gunshots. Many of the demonstrators carried large rubber ducks which they intended to float in the river behind the parliament. They used these rubber ducks, and umbrellas to protect themselves from the water cannons the police aimed at them.

The anti-government protestors and pro-supporters of the monarchy clashed. Both sides threw objects at each other, aiming to hit them.