Thread: Thousands join biggest protest in Bangkok since 2014 coup

Thai Future Forward Party's leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit addressing his supporters during an unauthorised flash mob rally in downtown Bangkok yesterday.
It revived memories of the street protests that have roiled Bangkok periodically over the past two decades of turbulent politics.
PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Thai anti-government rally held in response to ban on Future Forward opposition party

Thousands of people joined the biggest protest in Bangkok since a 2014 coup on Saturday, after Thai authorities moved to ban a party that has rallied opposition to the government of the former military ruler Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The demonstration, called a day earlier by the Future Forward party leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a 41-year-old billionaire, was reminiscent of the street protests that have roiled Bangkok over the past two decades of turbulent politics.

There was no sign of a major police presence or attempts to block the biggest demonstration since Prayuth seized power in 2014 in the name of ending street violence.


“This is just the beginning,” Thanathorn told the cheering crowds, which spilled across walkways and stairways close to the MBK Centre, in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping and business district.

“Today is a show of strength so that in the future others may join us. We’re just here today as a test run. Prayuth, don’t be afraid yet. The real thing is next month.”


https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...ince-2014-coup

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/th...kok-since-coup