Bangkok –
Protesters in Bangkok took to the streets to protest the government’s decision Thailand related lockdown. They also urged the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha to resign from office.
Near the Bangkok Democracy Monument intersection, demonstrators piled mock body bags with drops of red paint. In the protest that will continue to the Government House, they also oppose the rule that prohibits gatherings of more than five people.
The demonstration was led by a group of people on the front line, wearing gas masks and helmets. Together with the motorcyclists, the body bags were lifted above the vehicle.
“We will die of COVID if we stay at home, that’s why we have to go out,” shouted one protest organizer, which listed three demands for the Thai government.
“Prayut Chan-o-Cha must resign without any conditions; the second is budget cuts for the monarchy and army to use against COVID, and the third is to bring in mRNA vaccines.” he continued reading out the three demands.
A giant banner of the former army chief – the so-called mastermind of the 2014 coup – is unfurled on a street in Bangkok. The protesters then stepped on the banner right in the face.
In the action that took place on Sunday (18/7), the police also deployed water cannons at the demonstrators.
Case COVID Thailand soar
Thailand is currently facing the worst wave of COVID-19, recording a record number of daily cases every day. On Sunday (18/7) Thailand reported 11,397 new cases and 101 deaths, bringing the cumulative total to 403,386 cases and 3,341 deaths. Most of the spike in cases is due to the highly contagious Alpha and Delta variants.
Transmission of the new Delta variant was first detected at a club, which is usually attended by Thailand’s elite politicians, in Bangkok’s nightclub. The increase in cases of transmission is also exacerbated by the slow pace of vaccination programs and limited testing capabilities.
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