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Demonstrators blamed Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha for the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic,
Thousands of protesters gathered in the Thai capital, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan Ouch, and promised to continue to pressure him until he resigns.
Although police warned earlier in the day that protests were banned due to coronavirus restrictions, the demonstration at the Asoke intersection in central Bangkok on Thursday was one of the largest such gatherings this year.
Since late June, protests against Prayut have gained momentum as the group that sought to remove him last year returned with broad support from people irritated by the worsening coronavirus situation.
The demonstrators accused Prayut of handling the pandemic, especially his failure to ensure timely and sufficient vaccine supplies. Of Thailand’s population of more than 66 million, only 13% of the population has been vaccinated.
Since the beginning of the pandemic last year, the country has recorded more than 1.2 million infections and 12,103 deaths, most of which have occurred since April this year.
An anti-government protest was held at the crossroads of Asoke at 6:43 pm on Thursday. #Thailand #WhatsHappeningInThailand #Coronavirus disease #Thugs September 2 #Discussion #Discuss government #Prayut #NS pic.twitter.com/2kcdmx3Ojv
— Pravit Rojanaphruk (@PravitR) September 2, 2021
Corruption allegations
In addition, Prayuth is facing interrogation by the Thai Parliament during a condemnation debate that began earlier this week. The opposition accused the prime minister and five other cabinet ministers of corruption, economic mismanagement, and poor response to the coronavirus.
Prayut and his ministers rejected these allegations and defended their performance to Parliament.
Although the ruling coalition is expected to survive the no-confidence vote scheduled to be held on Saturday, because they have a majority in parliament, the protesters said they will continue to take to the streets.
“Members of Parliament must choose between the people and the failed Prayut, causing more than 10,000 losses and deaths,” said Nattawut Saikua, one of the main organizers of the protest.
“If Prayut passes a vote of no confidence and continues to serve as prime minister, we will continue to expel him,” he added.
Although the demonstration in Asoke was peaceful, a small group of anti-government protesters set off firecrackers and burned car tires near the prime minister’s residence in another part of the city.
The former army commander-in-chief Prayut first came to power in 2014, when he led a coup against a democratically elected civilian government. The constitution drafted by the military allows the Senate appointed by the military to vote for the prime minister. This helps him continue to govern after the polls were finally held two years ago. Many people believe that the election was severely rigged to his benefit.
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