Anti-Government Protesters Gather In Bangkok Despite Warning

By Linda Khoo BANGKOK, Nov 26 (Bernama) – Thousands of anti-government protesters on Wednesday gathered in Bangkok repeating their demands for political change as tensions rose when authorities warned them of strict lèse-majesté law over comments made at demonstrations. Clad in black shirts, the protesters gathered outside the headquarters of the Siam Commercial Bank (SCB Bank) on Ratchadaphisek Road in Chatuchak district of Bangkok. Instead of gathering at Democracy Monument and marching to the Crown Property Bureau, the protest venue was changed to avoid confrontation with the royalist group who also planned to go to the venue today to defend the monarchy. The protesters repeated their demands for political change, including for the prime minister to step down, the dissolution of Parliament, rewriting of the Constitution and monarchy reform. Local media reported that police have summoned several prominent student leaders to face charges of lèse-majesté following comments made on monarchy reform at recent rallies. Under Section 112 of the country’s Penal Code, also known as lèse-majesté, whoever defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, the heir-apparent or the regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to 15 years. This is the first time such charges have been used since early 2018. Student leader Parit Chiwarak confirmed on Twitter that police have summoned him for lèse-majesté and under the Computer Crime Act. Meanwhile, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said at least 12 protest leaders have received summons, including human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, Panupong Jaadnok and Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul. Last week, protests outside Parliament turned violent, leading to 55 people being hurt, including six with gunshot wounds. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said all forms of legislation will be used against protesters who violated the law as political tensions in the kingdom show “no sign of de-escalating”. -- BERNAMA