In the face of the state of emergency declared by the authorities, Thai youth defied the ban and continued demonstrating on Sunday. The demonstrators demanded that the government step down, reform the monarchy, and release convicted student leaders. The demonstration was convened by a group of Bangkok law and government students. Officials have said they are open to dialogue to find a solution.
According to our RFI correspondent Carol I, reporting from Bangkok on Sunday (October 18, 2020), the conveners announced the location of the rally to the demonstrators at the last minute, scattering them in multiple locations to spread the police presence. Thousands of young people saw the call on social networks and flocked to the rally site within a short period of time.
Demonstrations in Thailand Inspired by Hong Kong
Following the model of the Hong Kong demonstrations, Thailand adjusted their strategy by asking the demonstrators to march to avoid confrontation with the police and arrests. One female demonstrator said that the police used water cannons and tear gas against the demonstrators, and the demonstrators defended themselves without weapons, only umbrellas.
The pressure on the streets of Bangkok continues to rise. As night fell, helmets, hats and tear-gas goggles were handed out free of charge in preparation for any subsequent clashes between police and civilians. If there is no violence on Saturday, there will be a new mobilization on Sunday.
Thai authorities express their willingness to talk
According to the Chinese language media in Asia, Thai protesters rallied in the rain on Sunday to demand the release of arrested student leaders. The rally was called by, among others, a group of Thai law and politics students. Thai officials have said they are willing to engage in dialogue to find a solution.
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