Thailand: Anti-Government Protesters Gather Outside Parliament

BANGKOK, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Thai riot police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse anti-government protesters who tried to get through the barbed wire and concrete barricades installed outside Parliament House here, with at least 22 people injured. Hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered outside Parliament where lawmakers had been discussing the proposal to amend the Constitution since 3 pm (local time) Tuesday. Police announced that protests were banned within 50m of Parliament House. Despite the warning, anti-government protesters gathered at two venues -- Kiak Kai and Samsen Road near Parliament, and began removing the barricades. Riot police fired water cannons followed by tear gas at the frontline protesters who wore helmets and masks and tried to cut the barbed-wire barricades. Later, several rounds of water cannon and tear gas were fired at angry protesters who threw coloured smoke bombs and water bottles at the police. Ambulances were also seen ferrying the injured to hospital. The Erawan Medical Centre said at least 12 people were injured from the tear gas, while another five suffered gunshot wound on their legs, wrist and stomach, with others suffering various other injuries. All of them received treatment at hospitals nearby. Meanwhile, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the police were forced to use tear gas after the protesters repeatedly ignored warnings and tried to break through the barricades to enter the vicinity of parliament. “If they (protestors) hold their ground, the police have no problem,” he told Bernama when contacted. Meanwhile, the pro-royalist group in yellow shirts who were also demonstrating outside Parliament against some of the possible amendments being discussed, clashed with the anti-government protesters at Kiak Kai Road. Eyewitnesses said both groups were throwing water bottles and stones at each other. Since mid-July, anti-government protesters have been rallying in Bangkok and other cities, reiterating their demands for political change, including for the prime minister to step down, the dissolution of Parliament, rewriting of the Constitution, and monarchy reform. Protest leader, Parit Chiwarak announced an end to today’s rally outside parliament house at around 9 pm (local time), saying there would be more to come after this. Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa who was one of the protest leaders recently released from jail called on protesters to gather in Bangkok’s business district of Ratchaprasong tomorrow at 4 pm (local time). -- BERNAMA