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Turbulent Thailand

Thailand arrests minors as protesters break COVID-induced silence

Lese-majeste warrant prompts pro-democracy group to hold rally despite ban

A protester on Jan. 16 flashes the Hunger Games-inspired three-finger salute in front of a line of police in Bangkok.    © Reuters

BANGKOK -- Thai police are becoming more aggressive in their use of a semi-lockdown meant to snuff out a COVID resurgence as a means to squelch a pro-democracy movement, as they are now arresting minors on lese-majeste charges.

Over the weekend, a small group of protesters broke a short period during which anti-government protesters refrained from staging rallies. A group called Free Guards attracted dozens of people to Victory Monument in central Bangkok. During the demonstration on Saturday, they unfurled a 112-meter blank banner that was meant to protest the kingdom's strict lese-majeste law.

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