Conflicts & War

Police, anti-government protesters clash for 3rd consecutive day in Bangkok

(Update 1: re-lead with fresh protests)

Bangkok, Aug 17 (EFE).- Thai police clashed with protesters on Tuesday in Bangkok for the third consecutive day, after a demonstrator was shot in the head during Monday’s rallies.

The protesters took to the streets for the seventh time in 11 days to demand the resignation of prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha amid mounting public discontent over the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thailand on Tuesday reported a record of 239 coronavirus-related deaths, the highest daily death toll since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Asian country also recorded over 20,000 fresh cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total infections to 948,442, while the death toll stands at 7,973.

Thai police tried to disperse the demonstrators who were protesting against police violence that allegedly left a young man in a coma on Monday, although security forces deny the use of live ammunition.

The 20-year-old casualty was admitted late Monday with a bullet lodged near his brain, Rajavithi hospital said in a statement on Tuesday.

Another 14-year-old boy was shot in the shoulder in the clashes between the police and a group of young protesters.

The Thai authorities said they only used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a protest near a police station in the central part of the capital on Monday.

An investigation has been launched into the incidents, according to the Thai authorities.

The protesters also demand democratic reforms that involve the monarchy, which has strong ties with the military. EFE

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