Thai protesters challenge monarchy as huge rally escalates

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Thousands of protesters have marched in Bangkok to give police a letter of demands that openly challenges the monarchy and calls for reforms to curb the powers of the Thai king, Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Protest leaders declared the handing over of the demands a victory.

“Our greatest victory in the two days is showing that ordinary people like us can send a letter to royals,” Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, told the crowd on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, protesters cemented a plaque near the Grand Palace, in the area known as Sanam Luang, or Royal Field.

It reads: “At this place the people have expressed their will: that this country belongs to the people and is not the property of the monarch as they have deceived us.”

The city’s deputy police chief, Piya Tawichai, said that Bangkok authorities would need to determine whether the plaque is illegal and if it is, it will be removed.

The mass student-led rally, the biggest demonstration in Thailand in years, began on Saturday with calls for democratic reform and the removal of Prayuth Chan-ocha – the prime minister and a former junta leader – followed by a new constitution and elections.

Protest leaders also called for a general strike on 14 October to show support for change.

Thousands camped overnight at Sanam Luang.

The marchers were blocked by hundreds of unarmed police manning crowd control barriers and government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said authorities would not use violence.

He added that it was for police to determine and prosecute any illegal speech.

Protesters have grown bolder during two months of demonstrations against Thailand’s palace and military-dominated establishment, breaking a longstanding taboo on criticising the monarchy – an activity that is illegal under lese majeste laws.

The next protest is scheduled for Thursday.

Additional reporting by agencies