MASS THAI PROTEST

20,000 PEOPLE Mass Thai protest: Today we announce the beginning of the victory of the people and democracy 'I hope the people in power will see the numbers of these people. We are fighting to put the monarchy in the right place, not to abolish it ' Writes: HinaPublished: September 19, 2020 4:21 pm Protest in Thailand Lillian Suwanrumpha About 20,000 people protested in the Thai capital on Saturday against the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-oche, calling for new elections and reforms in the country, which has a law prosecuting criticism and disrespect for the royal family. Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the locked doors of Thammasat College in Bangkok even though the college announced it would not allow them to gather. The doors of the faculty, meanwhile, were opened to them after the protest organizers arrived, the dpa agency writes. "Today we are announcing the beginning of the victory of the people and democracy," protest leader Panupong Jadnok told reporters. "I hope the people in power will see the numbers of these people." "We are fighting to put the monarchy in the right place, not to abolish it," Panupong was quoted as saying by Reuters. Protesters have announced they intend to spend the night outdoors and head to the government palace on Sunday morning. The Thai king is not in his homeland and has spent a lot of time in Europe since he succeeded his late father in 2016. The Royal Palace was not available for comment on the protests. "People can protest but they have to do it peacefully and according to the law," government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said . Anniversary of the coup Saturday, September 19, is the anniversary of a 2006 coup against then-populist Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra . Because of this, many protesters wore red shirts that were a sign of his supporters, and clashed with yellow-shirted, supporters of the establishment. "I am here for the future of my children and grandchildren. I hope that by the time I die, they will be free, "said Tasawan Suebthai, 68 .