Photo by Chamnanwut Sukhumwanit
BANGKOK, August 3 (TNA) – Protesters burned effigies in front of the headquarters of the Pheu Thai party, after the party had announced to break away from an MOU signed by the eight-party allies.
Demonstrators carried three white cloth dolls symbolizing the 99 Red Shirt protesters who lost their lives during the mass gathering at the Pathum Wanaram Temple and those who disappeared after the military coup in 2014.
The protesters splashed gasoline and pig’s blood on the effigies and then set them on fire while shouting, “Have you forgotten the Red Shirt people who sacrificed their lives for democracy? Have you broken your promises to the people and the Red Shirt supporters?”
During this moment, some of the crowd attempted to enter the party’s premises, leading to a tense standoff with security personnel, almost resulting in a clash. They sprayed pig’s blood on the walls of the party’s compound, while the security forces had to extinguish the burning effigies placed near the staircase.
The protesters have decided to closely monitor the situation to see if the formation of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government will include the parties align with the old power linked to the military. If it occurs, the protesters have vowed to take to the streets once again. (TNA)