Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/n2oxrejwp3mfrp7/VRP52501.mp4?dl=0
Thousands of anti-government protesters joined a ‘car mob’ rally in Bangkok, Thailand, today (August 10).
The unusual form of protest allows activists to dodge social distancing restrictions and a ban on gatherings of more than five people introduced due to rising Covid-19 cases.
Footage shows drivers and motorcycle riders gathering in the capital to vent their anger at the government, which has been criticised by opposition groups for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anger at the regime – which seized power with a military coup in 2014 – has grown in recent years sparking mass protests.
Activists are demanding new elections, the prime minister to resign and a new constitution with ‘more democracy’.
Ministers say the unrest is being fuelled by disaffected opposition and exiled politicians such as former Man City owner Thaksin Shinawatra to encourage anarchists and youth groups to cause violence.
Thailand has recorded 795,951 Covid-19 cases and 6,588 deaths as of August 10 – with cases rising dramatically since April. Ministers have banned gatherings of more than five people and rolled out a 9pm curfew in the worst-hit regions.
The ‘car mob’ rallies are the latest tactic being used by protest groups, who also carried yellow rubber ducks and water guns last year.