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In Pictures: Thai anti-coup protests escalate

Thousands of protesters have converged on Bangkok to oppose the army’s sweeping takeover.

Troops were deployed to control anti-coup protests around Victory Monument in downtown Bangkok.
By Vincenzo Floramo
Published On 26 May 2014

Bangkok, Thailand – Since the Thai military seized power last week, anti-coup demonstrations have been raging in Bangkok, the capital, with protesters denouncing the power grab.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha, leader of Thailand’s coup, said he received the endorsement of King Bhumibol Adulyadej formalising his status as head of government. The army chief gave his first address to the nation on Monday, saying that he will firmly enforce the law to improve the political situation in the country.

The military seized power last Thursday to end six months of sometimes violent protests against the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

It took over the government with a heavy hand: detaining scores of people, most allied with Yingluck’s government, throwing out the constitution, dissolving the Senate and censoring media.

More protests have been scheduled with organisers declaring that they are not afraid of the consequences.

 

A soldier patrols an anti-coup protest at Ratchaprasong junction. In 2010, a Red Shirt supporter was killed at the junction during a political protest.
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Even though the protests have been outlawed, Red Shirt protesters stage daily demonstrations. 
In the three days since the army(***)s takeover, the junta has faced protests that have gotten bigger day by day.
On Sunday, around 2,000 anti-coup protesters defied an army-imposed edict that bans groups larger than five from gathering for political purposes.
The army has detained scores of people.
Tensions between the soldiers and protesters have been gathering momentum, with sporadic clashes taking place throughout Bangkok.
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An injured demonstrator is protected by a circle of soldiers who are waiting for an ambulance.
The military dissolved the Senate - the last functioning democratic institution in Thailand - and absorbed its legislative powers.
The junta has asked politicians, political activists and, for the first time, outspoken academics and some journalists to present themselves at army offices. 
The junta(***)s top generals warned anti-coup protesters that they will not tolerate any more rallies in the city.
The king of Thailand has endorsed the leader of the military coup that placed the army in control of the nation.
Hundreds of soldiers with riot shields line up to contain the crowd as protests continue. This demonstration was largely peaceful, but at least two people were detained.