With police blocking their attempts to reach the Palace Office in Bangkok yesterday, anti-government protesters dropped petitions calling for reform of the Monarchy into 4 letter boxes instead. It’s understood the activists had brought the plastic red letter boxes with them, and, with police preventing them from marching to the Grand Palace, used them to receive the petitions instead. Nation Thailand reports that after the protest ended, police transported the boxes to the station at Chana Songkhram.
Activists from various pro-democracy groups came together yesterday as thousands marched in the capital. After gathering at the Democracy Monument, protesters marched to Sanam Luang, where some addressed the crowd in speeches that criticised the government. With a number of enterprising food vendors also showing up, many protesters volunteered to pick up rubbish in order to keep the area litter-free.
Just before 8.00pm, as the police approached, activists made the 3-fingered salute that has become symbolic of the anti-government movement. They accused the police of being, “servants of the dictator”, and asked for helmets and gloves, so they could protect themselves from any further violent action. They were referring to officers’ use of high-pressure water cannons earlier that evening.
Protest leaders said officials had apologised for what they called an “accidental” spraying of those assembled. Activists have said they accept the apology with a grain of salt, calling on police to explain their previous behaviour.
Anti-government protests have now been taking place for nearly 4 months, as protesters continue to call for the PM’s resignation, a re-write of the constitution, and reform of the Monarchy.
SOURCE: TheThaiger