By Linda Khoo
BANGKOK, Aug 17 (NNN-BERNAMA) – Thousands of anti-government protestors gathered at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument Sunday, repeating their demands including dissolution of Parliament.
Today’s demonstration which drew a diverse crowd from university students, high schoolers and elderly pro-democracy supporters is one of the biggest since the 2014 military coup in Thailand.
Defying the Emergency Decree which bans large gatherings, many clad in black T-shirts and masks gathered there since 3 pm (local time).
The protestors are seeking the dissolution of Parliament, ending of harassment against government critics and rewriting of the constitution.
Since July 18, student-led protests were held almost daily. However, in a protest last week, some students called for reform of the monarchy, which is a sensitive subject in Thai society.
Meanwhile, a small group of royalists in yellow shirts holding up portraits of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and waving national flags also gathered opposite the protestors.
Hundreds of police officers were also present to keep order.
To date, police have arrested three student leaders over anti-government protest on July 18 for breaching the Internal Security Act and breaking the Emergency Decree. They have been released on bail.
Meanwhile, government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisornakhun said Prime Minister, General Prayuth Chan o-cha had expressed concerned over Sunday’s protest.
She said the prime minister urged security officers and protestors to prevent the demonstration from turning violent.
“The Thai people do not want this to happen again,” she said in a statement.