ban on gatherings for third consecutive dayTens of thousands of people took to the streets in a wave of protests across Bangkok and other Thai cities on Saturday in defiance of a government crackdown following three months of demonstrations aimed at the Prime Minister and monarchy. Many protesters said they had been stirred into action by the police’s use of water cannon on Friday to disperse thousands of youth-led protesters who included many children. Police attempts to thwart protesters by shutting down Bangkok’s public transport network backfired when it led to localised protests across the city involving three main centres and several other smaller demonstrations. “Enforcing the law will be step by step, using methods that follow international standards.”PM’s removal soughtProtesters demand the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former military ruler. On Thursday, the government banned all political gatherings of five or more people.

Source: The Hindu October 17, 2020 23:37 UTC