Anti-Government Protests With 10 Thousand Participants Occur In Bangkok

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JAKARTA - Anti-government protests with an estimated 10,000 participants organized by Thailand's patriotic civil alliance, United Front to Defend Thai Sovereignty, began on Saturday at the Victory Monument Field, Bangkok, reported The Reporters news channel.

"This action is expected to attract up to 10,000 participants throughout the day," Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sayam Boosom told reporters.

The protest that had obtained the official permit began at 12.00 p.m. local time, but the main stage at the Victory Monument has been open since 10:00 a.m. as the crowd began arriving early, according to media reports.

The leaders of the action submitted three demands, namely the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is being temporarily dismissed from his post awaiting a decision by the Constitutional Court on alleged violations of constitutional ethics.

The second demand is the withdrawal of all parties in the current government coalition and the second demands regarding the commitment of the Thai government to firmly defend national sovereignty.

"So far the situation at the location of the action is still conducive and the protesters are working with the police to ensure access to two hospitals near the Victory Monument is not hindered," said Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sayam.

The police chief also added that out of 2,000 police personnel had been deployed in the area.

The demonstrators accused the government of being less assertive in defending Thailand's sovereignty from alleged territorial violations by neighboring Cambodia.

On July 28, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire after five days of armed clashes along the border.

This Saturday's protest was the second demonstration held by the United Front to Defend Thai Sovereignty against the Shinawatra government. The first action took place on June 29 at the same location and was attended by more than 6,000 people.