Thai protesters defy emergency decree for second night

Thai protesters defied an emergency decree for a second day on Friday, with several thousand gathering at a city centre location to press their agenda of political reform.

Police had erected razor wire and road blocks to stop them returning to the area they occupied on Thursday night, but organisers switched plans, calling protesters to a different road junction.

Despite heavy rain they took over the carriageway to listen to speeches and call for the resignation of the Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, new elections, a new constitution and reform of the monarchy.

Among the mainly young crowd were two women who were attending their first rally. They said they came because they were moved by the courage of those taking to the streets, despite an emergency decree issued on Thursday banning gatherings of five or more and warnings from the police of decisive action.

The call by the protesters for the reform of the monarchy has significantly raised the political temperature in Thailand, angering many older conservative Thais for whom any discussion of the monarchy is tantamount to treason.

Thailand’s royal family has long been considered sacrosanct and a pillar of Thai identity. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and other key member of the royal family are protected by a lese majeste law that has regularly been used to silence critics who risk up to 15 years in prison if deemed to have insulted the institution.

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