Antimonarchy protests in Thailand

Thousands of protesters in Bangkok have demanded reforms to the government and monarchy in demonstrations ongoing since September — a rare event, since criticism of any member of the royal family is a crime in that country.

Protesters began demanding that the prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, step down from his position. Prayuth was one of the leaders of a military coup that took control of the government in 2014, and he was named to his position after controversial elections in 2019. However, soon, protesters also turned on King Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne when his father died in 2016. Vajiralongkorn is not as popular as his father was and has made some controversial decrees since coming into power.

Police have arrested dozens of protesters and on Oct. 16 used water cannons and tear gas on crowds; otherwise, protests have been largely peaceful.