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2 Dec 2013

Thailand: inside the protests as unrest becomes violent

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Police use rubber bullets, water cannon and tear gas on anti-government protesters in Thailand, as a previously peaceful protest turns ugly. Asia Correspondent John Sparks was there.

Protests against the Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her government became violent at the weekend, and at least four people were reported to have been killed.

On Monday protesters targeted Government House, where the prime minister’s office is based, as well as the Metropolitan police headquarters.

Channel 4 News Asia Correspondent John Sparks has been in the heart of demonstrations where tear gas was being used on demonstrators.

At the police headquarters he described on Twitter how protesters removed concrete barriers using rope and their bare hands.

Protesters also used a garbage truck to try and force through police lines. Police have responded with a “scorching mix” of water and pepper spray.

Hardcore elements of the protesters also broke through concrete barriers at Government House. Police have used rubber bullets to try and protect the government building.

There have been unconfirmed reports of people being submitted to hospital with gunshot wounds, and also reports of protesters throwing Molotov cocktails.

Prime Minister Yingluck, the sister of the ousted Thaksin Shinawatra, has been accused of being a proxy for her brother.

She told a news conference that police would not use force against protesters, though the head of Thailand’s National Security Council later revealed that rubber bullets had been used.

“We are alternating between the use of water cannons, teargas and rubber bullets. Rubber bullets are being used in one area only and that is the bridge near Government House,” Paradorn Pattanathabutr said.

The prime minister also met the leader of the protest movement, Suthep Thaugsuban, late on Sunday.

Mr Suthep wants a “people’s council” to replace the government and a parliament made up of nominated worthies.

Prime Minister Yingluck said: “The protesters’ demands are impossible to meet under the framework of the constitution.”

The meeting was organised by the military, which has been keen to not get involved in the protests. In the past, the military has taken sides against Thaksin-allied government.

Mr Suthep has has set a Tuesday deadline for Prime Minister Yingluck to step aside.

Click here to follow John Sparks on Twitter.