Anti-government protesters clash with police again in Bangkok

Bangkok, Aug 16 (EFE).- Hundreds of demonstrators in Bangkok clashed with police on Monday during a protest demanding the resignation of the prime minister.

The rally, which saw police fire tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters who had marched to Government House, the official residence of the prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, was the fifth time in the past week that demonstrators have clashed with security forces.

The demonstrators have been rallying with increasing frequency and intensity in recent weeks amid mounting public anger over the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had a severely damaging impact on Thailand’s tourism-reliant economy.

The protests are organized by student groups that took to the streets last year to demand reforms of the monarchy and the constitution.

Covid-19 infections and deaths have surged to record breaking levels since an outbreak in April, the worst the country has seen since the start of the pandemic.

The surge in cases has prompted the government to impose restrictions in Bangkok and 28 other provinces, including a night curfew, limiting gatherings to five people and the closure of restaurants and malls among others. EFE

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