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Thai Anti-Government, Royalist Protesters Face Off on Bangkok Streets

Reuters

   BANGKOK - Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters and royalist
   supporters of King Maha Vajiralongkorn staged rival shows of force on
   Wednesday with political tension growing after three months of
   demonstrations.

   Anti-government demonstrators set off from the Democracy Monument for
   the government's official compound, known as Government House, to
   demand the departure of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former
   junta leader, and a new constitution. They have also called for reform
   of the monarchy.

   Just meters away, were a mixture of security forces, state employees
   and royalists who had all dressed in the royal yellow color before a
   royal motorcade was due to pass along the road.

   Despite some brief scuffles, the two sides largely kept apart, but the
   standoff revived fears of trouble in a country that suffered a decade
   of street violence between supporters and opponents of the
   establishment before a 2014 coup.

   "Have faith in democracy. We cannot fall back," protest
   leaderParit"Penguin"Chirawat, told protesters.

   While thousands of yellow-clad people lined the streets as the
   protesters passed, it was not clear how many were there from
   conviction. One gave the three-fingered salute of the anti-government
   protesters, who rushed to shake his hand.

   Royalist leader Buddha Issara said the protesters could demand
   democracy, but must not call for reforms of the monarchy, as some have
   done.

   "They must not touch on the institution," he told reporters.

   Protesters made a rare direct challenge to the king on Tuesday,
   chanting at his passing convoy after 21 activists were arrested during
   scuffles with police. Police said detainees would be charged with
   public order offenses on Wednesday.

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