Thailand protests: Yellow-shirted royalists clash with anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok
Road to government offices in Bangkok blocked by police
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wearing yellow shirts, dozens of supporters of the monarchy in Thailand confronted pro-democracy protesters on Wednesday, as thousands continued to come out on the streets in defiance of the government’s emergency decree.
Social media platforms were flooded with videos of the yellow-shirted royalists and student-led anti-government demonstrators shouting at each other and throwing objects like water bottles in Bangkok.
Reuters reported that royal supporters had gathered at the Ramkhamhaeng University to show their backing for under-fire King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The anti-government protests have been escalating over the past several months, as the movement demands a new constitution, the resignation of military-backed prime minister and former general Prayut Chan-o-cha and a reduction in the powers of a monarchy still much-revered by older generations.
Protest numbers continued to swell on Wednesday despite loudspeaker warnings from the authorities.
The police have set up barricades and barbed wire on many roads leading to the seat of government, where protesters had gathered in huge numbers on 15 October just before the Prayut administration announced its emergency decree banning gatherings and protest coverage in the media.
Hundreds of police officers were also blocking the main gate of Government House, which also holds the office of the prime minister, amid reports that protesters planned to march towards it.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments