Thousands of demonstrators intend to send messages to the King on how to reform the monarchy.
Thai law enforcement agencies used water cannons to disperse protesters who were on their way to the Great Royal Palace complex. According to a Facebook broadcast by the Khaosod publication, the protesters had previously rolled back one of the buses that blocked the road to the palace.
People then broke through the fence to Sanam Luang Square, where many policemen are stationed. At the same time, the organisers call on the protesters not to use force against law enforcement guards. The activists are trying to negotiate with the police. The latter have already said through a loudspeaker that the use of a water cannon was a “misunderstanding” and have apologised to the activists.
The Thai PBS television channel reported that the demonstrator had fainted and had received first aid. Some activists are now trying to remove the barbed wire that has been installed as a barbed wire fence.
Previously, thousands of demonstrators gathered near the Monument of Democracy on Sunday headed for the Great Royal Palace complex to deliver messages to the King on how to reform the monarchy.
The last time the police used water cannons was on 16 October, when protesters gathered in central Bangkok. At that time, 15 people were injured, including four law enforcement officers. Around 100 people were detained, according to human rights activists.
Peaceful demonstrations have been taking place in Thailand since 14 October, which marked the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising. The co-ordinators promised to continue until their demands are met – to dismiss the Prime Minister, change the constitution and reform the monarchy.
On 21 October, the protesters arrived at Government House and handed over a statement to the police demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation, which had to be signed within three days, but the official ignored it. On 26 October, tens of thousands of protesters came to the German Embassy in Bangkok and handed over a letter to diplomats asking them to investigate the occasional stay of the King of Thailand on German territory.