The mass student-led rally that began Saturday was the largest in a series of protests this year, with thousands camping overnight at Sanam Luang field near the royal palace. In April 2017, the original plaque vanished from Bangkok’s Royal Plaza and was replaced by one praising the monarchy. Protesters’ demands seek to limit the king’s powers, establish tighter controls on palace finances and allow open discussion of the monarchy. “Their resounding message is that Sanam Luang, and the country, belong to the people.”ADVERTISEMENTThe crowd were a disparate batch. “The people who came here today came here peacefully and are really calling for democracy,” said Panupong Jadnok, one of the protest leaders.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 20, 2020 05:36 UTC