Thailand’s prime minister declared a “serious” state of emergency in Bangkok as police and soldiers dispersed demonstrators on Thursday, marking the start of a crackdown on a student-led protest movement.
In an announcement published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, the government said it took the measure because of “an action that had an impact on a royal motorcade” carrying members of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s family, as well as national security and economic considerations.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha declared the state of emergency after about 10,000 anti-government protesters rallied at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument on Wednesday before marching to Government House. At the seat of the Thai government they broke through police barricades and surrounded the building, pressing their demand for the resignation of Mr Prayuth’s administration.