As the anti-government protesters continue with their protests in Bangkok, the Thai police have removed barricades which were placed at the police office and the government’s headquarters in order to reduce tensions among the protesters. The recent move was made as clashes – which started during the weekend – continued until Monday, December 2, 2013 with the usage of tear gas and rubber bullets.
After these measures were taken, the overall situation in Bangkok seemed significantly calmer. The officials said that the move was made in order to avoid further confrontation. Moreover, the protesters demanded the Thai Prime Minister’s resignation, however, their demand was turned down. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said that she was open to negotiations, but that would mean that the government must be replaced by an appointment council, which is illegal and unconstitutional.
The anti-government protesters started the protests on November 24, 2013, which were peaceful until Saturday, November 30, 2013, after which they became violent. During the weekend and on Monday, December 2, 2013, the protesters tried to break the police barricades and also storm into the Prime Minister’s office.
Suthep Thaugsuban, the protest leader said on December 2, 2013 that they would “take over the Metropolitan Police Bureau and make it the people’s”. The removal of barricades and razor wires by the police came as a surprise, as the protesters were welcome inside.
Photo Credits: BBC
