Dozens hurt in weekend Thai anti-govt protests

BANGKOK: At least 32 people were hurt when anti-government protesters clashed with police near the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Saturday night.

The anti-government protests in Bangkok turned violent as police fired water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd near Sanam Luang, also known as the Royal Field close to the Grand Palace.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Erawan Emergency Medical Service Centre said those who suffered injuries include 12 policemen.

Meanwhile, Deputy metropolitan police commander Pol Maj Gen Piya Tavichai said 20 people were detained for defying public gathering laws under the Emergency Decree.

He said the action taken was in accordance with international standards.

"Police have to protect public properties and defend the law," he said at a press conference today.

Local news organisations reported that a few media representatives were also injured during the protests last night.

The anti-government protesters had gathered at Sanam Luang on Saturday night requesting the police to release protest leaders who were charged under Section 112 of the country's Penal Code, also known as 'lese-majeste', for insulting the monarchy.

The protests also took place after the parliament's failure this week to pass a bill to rewrite the country's Constitution.

Since mid-July, last year, anti-government protesters have been rallying in Bangkok and other cities, reiterating their demands for political change, including for the prime minister to step down, the dissolution of Parliament, rewriting of the Constitution and monarchy reform.

-- BERNAMA