Students back protesting in Bangkok, blame Prayut for pandemic
Police use water cannons and tear gas against young protesters defying the ban on gatherings. The country reported 12,000 coronavirus cases, a new record. “Spending on the monarchy and the military must be cut; effective vaccines must be bought,” not Sinovac, one protester said.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Exactly a year since student-led protests hit Thailand, central Bangkok’s iconic democracy monument was the scene of a large-scale rally yesterday.
The landmark, which is in the middle a major traffic circle, saw protesters challenge for hours the ban on gatherings of more than five people. Police used water cannons and tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
In addition to traditional demands, such as the end of military power and a redefinition of the role of the monarchy, protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-ha, the former general who has been in power since the military took over in a coup in May 2014.
Protesters accuse the government of incompetence, of wasting resources during the pandemic while the country’s economy is in downward spin, causing enormous damage to Thais.
Today a new record of cases – almost 12,000 – was reported, bringing the total number to 415,170 (3,422 deaths so far).
As the coronavirus spreads, new restrictions on retail trade and travel have been put in place. For Thais, the most exasperating aspect is the slow rollout of vaccines, while stringent restrictions have been imposed on businesses and a strict lockdown on the population.
Bangkok is currently in lockdown and under a curfew. One of Asia’s most vibrant cities is at an impasse with few prospects of reopening.
"Prayuth must resign unconditionally,” said one protest leader yesterday. “Spending on the monarchy and the military must be cut; effective vaccines must be bought and distributed,” he added.
The reference to vaccines concerns China’s Sinovac, Thailand’s main anti-coronavirus drug, which is still unavailable to most Thais.
Those who can afford vaccination are often offered unreliable but pricey products. Indeed, health authorities report that at least 800 healthcare workers vaccinated with Sinovac show no sign of immunisation.
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30/03/2021 16:40
