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Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

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Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Gathering at the Democracy Monument, protesters then marched on Government House, where the prime minister’s offices are located.

Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Protesters stand at the base of the Democracy Monument after breaching barricades at demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Protesters attempt to hold a line while moving toward Government House at demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Red and yellow clad protesters clash at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand during anti- and pro-government demonstrations on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Pro-Monarchy and anti-government protesters clash at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand during anti- and pro-government demonstrations on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Police work to control crowds at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand during anti-and pro-government demonstrations on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Police work to control crowds at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand during anti- and pro-government demonstrations on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Protesters stand at the base of the Democracy Monument after breaching barricades at demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Protesters stand at the base of the Democracy Monument after breaching barricades at demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Protesters remove plants from the base of the Democracy Monument after breaching barricades at demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Authorities stand by during negotiations with protesters along the route to Government House on October 14, 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Protesters breach through a police barricades at demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

A protester with the anti-government demonstrators pictured after protesters breach through a police barricades at demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Thousands of protesters make their way through Bangkok, Thailand toward Government House during demonstrations on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Authorities used police buses in an attempt to stop protesters along the route to Government House on October 14, 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Demonstrators and members of the press are reflected on a police bus marked by demonstrators after it was used in an attempt to block protesters from reaching Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 14. 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

A protester with the anti-government demonstrators pictured before protesters breach through a police barricades at demonstrations in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Authorities attempt to stop protesters from advancing through the streets of Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Protesters make their way through Bangkok, Thailand toward Government House holding anti-government signs during demonstrations on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Thousands of protesters make their way through Bangkok, Thailand toward Government House during demonstrations on October 14, 2020.

Credit: Cory Wright
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok

Authorities attempt to stop protesters along the route to Government House on October 14, 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Credit: Cory Wright

BANGKOK — Thailand’s capital saw its fourth large-scale protest in as many months. And like each one preceding it, Wednesday’s anti-government demonstrations brought larger numbers, covered a greater area, and brought with it a more determined opposition. Beginning at 8 a.m. local time the protest disrupted the city as it returned to work following the day marking the death anniversary of the late King Bhumibol on October 13. Tens of thousands began demonstrating early Wednesday morning, gathering at the Democracy Monument before marching toward Government House, the offices of the country’s prime minister. 

Numbers may have been impacted due to arrests made the previous day when protest leaders began arriving with tents and equipment, signaling plans for a drawn out demonstration. Some leaders were arrested as authorities moved in to remove protesters and equipment ahead of a royal motorcade passing by the site. Remaining protesters responded by marching to the Royal Thai Police headquarters to demand the release of those detained. 

Protests planned for Wednesday began early in an effort to avoid clashes with pro-monarchy demonstrators gathered close by. Despite efforts, violent clashes did occur as tensions rose. Anti-government protesters swarmed the grounds immediately surrounding the Democracy Monument, removing plants that had been placed to keep protesters out. Later in the afternoon the demonstration shifted to a march toward Government House whilst breaching numerous police roadblocks along the way. The longest delay came when the royal motorcade was again due to pass by and authorities used police buses to hide the tens of thousands of protesters from the route’s line of sight.

At the time of writing thousands of protesters were still occupying the roads and paths surrounding Government House in the nation’s capital, despite a newly issued state of emergency declaration by the government banning gatherings of more than four people.

Cory Wright is a photographer/videographer currently based in southeast Asia. His work includes stories relating to conflict, migration, and the wider effects of incarceration and imprisonment. His website is www.coryjwright.com and his Instagram is @coryjwright