On September 2, 2021, Thai democracy protesters raised their three fingers in salute during a rally at the Asoke Crossing in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo by Lauren Desica/Getty Images)
Protesters appealed Prime Minister Prayut Chan Ocha resigned.
- The demonstrators accused Prayut of handling the pandemic, especially his failure to ensure timely and sufficient vaccine supplies.
- Since the start of the pandemic last year, Thailand has recorded more than 1.2 million infections and 12,103 deaths.
Thousands of protesters gathered in the Thai capital to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan Oucha and promised to continue to pressure him before he resigns.
Although police warned earlier in the day that protests were banned due to coronavirus restrictions, the demonstration on Thursday at the Asoke intersection in central Bangkok was one of the largest such gatherings this year.
Since late June, the anti-Prayut protests have gained momentum as the group that sought to remove him last year returned with broad support from people who were angry because of the worsening coronavirus situation.
Read also | Thousands of people held an anti-government rally, Thai police clashed with protesters
The demonstrators accused Prayut of handling the pandemic, especially his failure to ensure timely and sufficient vaccine supplies. Of the more than 66 million people in Thailand, only 13% have been vaccinated.
Since the start of the pandemic last year, the country has recorded more than 1.2 million infections and 12,103 deaths, most of which have occurred since April this year.
Corruption allegations
In addition, Prayuth is facing interrogation by the Thai Parliament during a condemnation debate that began earlier this week. The opposition accuses the prime minister and five other cabinet ministers of corruption, economic mismanagement and weak response to the coronavirus.
Prayut and his ministers rejected these allegations and defended their performance to Parliament.
Although the ruling coalition is expected to survive the no-confidence vote scheduled to be held on Saturday, because they have a majority in parliament, the protesters said they will continue to take to the streets.
“Members of Parliament must choose between the people and the failed Prayut, causing more than 10,000 losses and deaths,” said Nattawut Saikua, one of the main organizers of the protest.
He added:
If Prayut passes a vote of no confidence and continues to serve as prime minister, we will continue to oust him.
Although the demonstration in Asoke was peaceful, a small group of anti-government protesters set off firecrackers and burned car tires near the prime minister’s residence in another part of the city.
The former Army Chief of Staff Prayut first came to power in 2014, when he led a coup against a democratically elected civilian government. After an opinion poll was finally held two years ago, the military-appointed Senate allowed the military-appointed Senate to vote for the prime minister to help him continue in power. Many people believed that the election was seriously rigged and benefited him.
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