Thailand's peaceful student protests press for bold reforms

Demo on Queen Mother's birthday called off, but monarchy under scrutiny

20200811 thailand protest RTX7OP3W

Student demonstrators flashing trademark three-finger salutes called for major political reforms during a peaceful demonstration at Thammasat University on Monday.  © Reuters

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Student protests have been growing in Bangkok with demonstrators openly calling for a change of government, a proper debate on the role of the monarchy and constitutional reforms. There have also recently been smaller protests in over 45 of the kingdom's 76 provinces.

Following a demonstration on Monday at Thammasat University, students had planned to stage an afternoon protest in Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok on Wednesday -- a public holiday marking Queen Mother Sirikit's birthday that is celebrated nationally as Mother's Day.

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