Bangkok protesters want coup prime minister out

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha came to power in a coup six years ago. Today, the streets of Bangkok are teeming with people who want him out.

On Saturday, thousands of protesters forced their way to the campus of Thammasat University and later moved to Sanam Luang — translated as Royal Field — outside the Grand Palace.

“Down with feudalism, long live the people,” was one of the slogans people were chanting.

Police said at least 18,000 people participated in the protest, but the organizers put the number at 50,000.

People have said they plan to stay on the streets overnight and march to Government House on Sunday morning.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said people “can protest but they should do that peacefully and within the law.”

The protests, since mid-July, have been against the government, a new constitution and elections. Now, the main grievance has to do with the very foundation of the monarchy.

Protesters seek to reduce the king’s constitutional powers and his control over the palace fortune and units of the army.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn is not currently in the country. He has spent much of his time in Europe since taking the throne from his late father in 2016.

The demonstrations have so far been peaceful, but dozens of people have been arrested on various charges, including sedition.

Some are worried of an impending crackdown as the prime minister warned protesters on Thursday to not “violate the palace.”

The prime minister says his government would allow protests but will not accept demands for reform of the monarchy.

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